"You are the only person I know who can look depressed going to a nightclub," Bolin said, nudging his brother, "Come on, perk up. Isn't this exciting?"

"I'm perky,"

"You are the least perky person this is this car right now,"

"I'm just wondering how I keep ending up as your fifth wheel,"

"Every car has a spare," Opal said.

Asami laughed at the statement, "She has a point,"

"The reason you're our fifth wheel is because you won't put yourself out there in the dating scene,"

"I'm too busy for the dating scene,"

"How are you too busy for dating?"

"When do I have the time to go out to a bar or something?"

"Umm," Bolin waved his hands in the air, gesturing around them, "Bro, what do you think we're doing now?"

"Yeah, but this is different,"

"How?"

"I'm not going to pick up anyone,"

"You could be. The night doesn't just have to be about seeing this place,"

"I'm not going to find any girls interested in me at this place. It's a gay bar,"

"There are probably going to be bi girls there too," Opal said.

Bolin nodded, pointing over his shoulder at her.

"Even if there were, I can't just go up to any of them,"

"Why not? You did with Korra and Asami," Bolin said, making Opal snort.

Mako rolled his eyes, "Technically, they both asked me out first,"

Asami and Korra exchanged a glance in the front seats. Asami shrugged and Korra laughed, "He's not wrong,"

"Well, I can't wait for another girl to crash her scooter into you,"

"Why do you have such a personal investment in my dating life anyway?"

"Because I'm your brother and I want you to be happy. And I hate having to explain to grams why she won't be getting any great-grandchildren from you,"

"You know you don't have to tell her anything,"

"I'm not a strong enough human to do that,"

Mako groaned, dropping his head into his hands.

"How about we just focus on having fun tonight?" Opal said, "We can worry about disappointing grandmothers another night,"

Asami pulled into a park along the side of the road and their group got out. They were in an older part of the city. As a city that had seen several tragedies over the years and had to be rebuilt to varying degrees after each one, the boundaries of districts got muddled up over time. This area, years ago, had been a growing finical district. But changes in demands had pushed them closer to the coast, so the buildings had been flooded with small businesses. But then the first emergence of the spirit vines had pushed the red light district into this one. Many of the business had left, but some had thrived in with the new clients.

The buildings, mostly, retained the constricted designs of their first lives, compact and efficient. But as their new occupants took over the showed in the flavour they added to the exteriors. Neon signs washed the bricks with bright hues. Spectacular graffiti lines walls and fences.

Anyun was waiting for them with Mee and another person they hadn't met. "Good evening everyone," Anyun said, bubbly as ever, "I hope you're ready for the experience of a lifetime,"

"Anyun, don't be a radio announcer for one night," Mee said.

"I can't turn it off. I don't know how you can,"

Mee rolled his eyes but was laughing.

Anyun gestured to the third person in his little group, "Everyone, this is Tor, the friend I mention who's running a set tonight. Tor, I believe you already know who everyone is,"

"Of course I do," They said, shaking everyone's hand.

"Nice to meet you dude," Bolin said.

Tor's expression soured for a beat but they didn't say anything. Anyun started to say something, "Ah, actually,"

"It's fine Yunny," Tor said, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Are you…"

"Yeah. Come on, we can't let them go any longer without experiencing the Iris," They said, taking the lead as they made their way down the street. Their group didn't walk far before Tor and Anyun turned down a short alley that led to a staircase heading down. The door at the bottom opened into a small foyer area with a coat check and pair of bouncers were standing on either side of the doors on the other side of the room. Now they could hear the rapid beat of swing and jazz coming through the doors. There were some vocals, but they were too muffled to make out yet.

"Tor, we starting to wonder when you'd get here," The lady behind the coat check said, leaning out to gives them a fist bump, "And Anyun, go home. You're here too often. When do you sleep with that job of yours?"

"People good looking as me don't need any beauty sleep," he said.

"Yeah, because there's no helping you," Mee said. Anyun glared at him.

"Yumi's here already with her gang. But it seems like you're running with a new one,"

"Just introducing some important people to the majesty of the Dragon's Iris,"

"You know the rules, new people got to go on the list,"

"Kaylee, I don't think they need to go on the list. I don't see them causing trouble," Anyun said, he and Mee moving aside to let her see the other. Her jaw dropped.

"What did you do?"

"They said they've never been to the Iris,"

"Wow… I still need to take them for the list. At least the friends,"

"Um, what's this list?" Mako asked.

"Just a protocol we do with newcomers here at the Iris for safety reasons," She explained, "You probably understand when we say our club isn't too everyone's taste. We've had issues in the past were the wrong kind of people learn about the club and things didn't turn out well. We keep track of anyone new or anyone who hasn't frequent the club, just in case we need to make a report,"

"I can respect that," Mako said, stepping up the counter, "Where ever you need,"

"Name, contract and a picture," She said, taking out a Polaroid camera from under the counter along with a log book.

"Sure," He said, filling out his name. Bolin stepped up, doing the same under his brother's name.

"Why can't everyone be this cool about the process?" Kaylee said as she took each of their photos. After they'd all filled out their information she asked them to group up for one more photo. "We can't the most famous couple in the city come to our club and not get evidence of it," She explained.

"Stop, you'll make Opal and I blush," Bolin said, making everyone laugh. There was even a chuckle from the bouncers who'd been stoic this whole time.

Kaylee grinned at the photo as it developed, "Tor, give this to Demi for the wall will, ya,"

"'Course," They nodded.

"You're a doll. Kill it tonight,"

"They always do," Anyun said, throwing an arm over their shoulder, "Now, it is with the greatest of pleasure I say, Welcome to the Dragon's Iris,"

The bouncers apparently used to him, opened the doors on his cue, revealing a huge two floored club. They walked out onto the top level that was a long balcony that wrapped around the room. There were tables and chairs, but most of the tables didn't have chairs and came up to about chest height so it was easy to place one's drink. Stairs on either side lead to down to a dance floor, but there were booths wrapping around edges of the bottom floor.

The lighting washed the whole place in reds and purples. The music had a rapid beat and everyone dancing was moving with the bops. The most noticeable thing about the room was the large reptilian-like yellow-orange eye on the far wall behind the stage that was accented with neon lights. The second most noticeable thing about the room was the number of same-sex couples around, on the dance floor, off to the sides, holding hands.

"It's good to be home," Anyun shouted into the room, but only those closest to him could hear over the music. He offered an arm to Korra, "Allow me to show you around,"

Chuckling Korra looked at Asami. Asami gestured at Anyun as though saying 'go ahead'. Korra looped an arm through his.

"Miss Sato, I would never want you to feel left out," He said holding out his other arm. Asami smirked, taking the offered hand.

"I thought I told you to call me Asami,"

"Sorry, slipped my mind. I'll try not to let it happen again," He said as they headed down the stairs together. Near the bottom, someone came out of the crowd towards them.

"Anyun! There you are!" The person looked like he was going in for a hug but pulled up short a couple of feet from them. He looked from Asami to Korra and then to Anyun, "What is happening?"

"Art! Jealous?"

"I never thought I would say this, but I am," He held out his hand to shake both their hands. "Pinch me because I must be dreaming. Hi, I'm Arturo. I love you both. I mean, I'm a fan,"

"Mee! There you are," Yumi was suddenly there with them, arms around Mee who'd come up behind them, "Yunny, stop trying to seem important and introduce them to everyone," She said ruffling his hair from behind.

"How much are you had to drink Yumi?" Mee asked.

"Only three," She snorted, "Come dance with me," She said, pulling him out to the dance floor.

"I'm off to get set up," Tor said walking towards the stage.

"Are we getting drinks?" Anyun asked.

"Why wouldn't we?" Bolin asked.

"You're my kind of man Bolin," He grinned. He grabbed a waitress as she was going by, "A round of the Dragon tears and…" He looked at their group, "Anyone not drinking alcohol?"

Opal and Mako held up their hands. Asami was about to lift her hand but Mako stopped her, "I'll be designated driver for tonight,"

"Really?"

"This is your night. You should get to let loose. It's not fair you're always designated driver,"

"Okay, but we came in my car. If you take us home and then go to your place how am I getting my car back?"

"You have eight cars Asami. I think you'll survive one day without this roadster,"

"I only have three personal cars. The others in the garage are ones I'm working on for the company," She defends making Korra and Mako laugh.

"He's right, you're always the driver for the night,"

"Fine. But if I find a scratch on my car when I'm sober I'll send you the bill," She teased.

"I'd expect nothing less," Mako said chuckling.

"Asami, yay or nay on alcohol?" Anyun asked.

"Yay,"

"Alright," He nodded, "Two are virgin drinks for the night," He said to the waitress. She took their drink orders before vanishing into the crowd.

Anyun led the way to get them a booth. He found large enough to fit them all comfortable and still had room for more.

"I'm curious now," Mako said as she slid in next to Asami. He gestured to Korra on her other side, "Do you make her pay when she scratches your cars?"

"Hey!" Korra protested, but she was laughing.

Asami smirked mischievously and arched a brow at the question, "Of course. But the kind of favours she pays me in I don't expect from you,"

Korra and Mako blushed deep red, both looking away. Korra coughed while Mako muttered, "I don't know what I was expecting,"

"Are you always this much of a spitfire?" Anyun asked, smirking.

"You could say that,"

"You've seen nothing," Bolin said, leaning across the table.

The waitress returned with two trays, one with everyone's drinks and another with enough shot glasses for everyone at the table. Anyun passed around the shots. They were a bright red colour and were all flambéed, except for two the waitress gave to Mako and Opal, "Yours are just juice with something extra to give it a kick,"

"There are Dragon Tears, they're a rite of passage. You can't say you've experienced the Iris until you've had one of these," He lifted his glass, "To first times,"

They all took their shots, everyone trying it for the first time flinched.

"The heck is that," Bolin gasped.

"There's a reason it's called Dragon Tears,"

"Is the kick pepper?" Opal asked as she gulped down the leech juice she'd ordered.

"Yeah, it is," The waitress gave them a sympathetic smile, "At least everyone ordered sweet drinks,"

"That was something," Korra shaking her head. The alcohol and pepper were both burning down her throat.

"You'll get used to it," Anyun said.

"Did you have Dragon tears without me Anyun?"

"Demi!" Anyun jumped to his feet, clasping hands with a tall, thin, dark-skinned guy. His dark hair, done in dreads had sections dyed in purples and whites.

"I almost didn't believe in when Tor gave me a photo with the Avatar and Asami Sato for my wall of famous people. Anyun, if you keep bringing your famous friends here the Iris won't be an underground club for much longer,"

"I wouldn't know if they'd call me a friend yet," He said, winking at them, "And you say that like it's a bad thing,"

"It might be,"

"Hey, I was just doing my civic duty. I learnt they'd hadn't been here and I knew had to rectify that,"

"Regardless, it's a pleasure you have you here ladies," He said, extending his hand to shake. "And you as well," He added, addressing Mako, Bolin and Opal, "I hope you enjoy your experience with the Dragon's Iris," He turned back to Anyun, "And you still owe me a dance,"

"Do I? I don't recall that. I must have had a few too many tears last time," He said, faux innocence coating his voice.

Demi arched a brow and chuckled. He leaned down to whisper something that had Anyun hitting him as he walked away.

"If you all need anything, just let me know," Demi said before heading off.

Their group had their first round of drinks and by the time they getting their second drinks Tor hopped up onto the stage along with Demi. They headed to the DJ tables while Demi introduced them to a round of cheers.

The first song kicked off with a high energy swing beat earning even louder shouts from the crowds. He added deeper beat, mixing the tempos together.

"He's really good," Bolin shouted across the table at Anyun.

"They, not he,"

"What?"

"Tor's non-binary," Anyun explained, "They use they/them pronouns,"

"Oh! Wait, is that why he, damn I mean they looked weird when I called them dude before,"

"It's fine, they're used to that kind of stuff,"

"I still feel like I should apologize,"

"It wouldn't hurt,"

After the next song, Asami leaned into Korra, "Would you like to dance?"

"With you?" Korra grinned, "I'd love too,"

Asami pulled her out to the middle of the dance floor, looping her arms loosely around her neck as she pulled her in close. Korra's hands rested at her waist.

"Hey," Korra grinned.

"Hi yourself," Asami leaned their foreheads together.

The crowds moved to each beat around them. Out of the corner of her eye, Asami saw a girl recognize them. She'd just started to mentally prepare herself for the interaction when someone else pulled the girl back and seemed to scold her. Asami was sure she heard "They came for a night out like us. Would you want to be interrupted on date night?"

She chuckled whispering to Korra, "We've drawn some attention,"

"It's your fault," Korra teased.

"Oh really?"

"Because you're so beautiful,"

"Mhmm?" Asami smirked.

Korra nodded once before kissing her. Asami hummed, surprise melting into warmth. PDA was usually something they avoid, given the media storm that resulted if they did. But here it didn't feel as exposed, never mind they were in the middle of the dance floor.

"Wow," Asami breathed when Korra pulled back a moment later, "That was…"

"Too much?" A hint of concern pooled in Korra's eyes.

"No," She shook her head, "No it wasn't,"

They danced until Bolin, who was obviously not as sober as when they'd last seen him, showed up, grabbing onto their shoulders.

"I just tried the best drink in the world!" He shouted over the music.

"Okay," Korra was wearing a bemused smile, "Are you feeling over Bo?"

"Me! I'm great. Are you great? You're great! You must be!"

"Alright, maybe you're next drink should be water," Asami said, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Drinks! Opal went for drinks! I'll go find her,"

And he was gone before either could stop him. They laughed, glancing at each other. Asami nodded towards their table and Korra nodded. Mako was the only on there when they made their way over.

"No dancing," Korra asked as she slid in next to him.

"Someone has to keep our booth,"

"Is your brother okay?" Asami asked.

"There drinks here are more… extravagant than he's used too. But he's sticking close to Opal and she's sober so I'm not too worried,"

A waitress came just then with a fresh drink for Mako. Korra and Asami both asked the same drinks they had earlier and Asami asked for water. "For your brother, next time you see him," She said, handing the glass of water to Mako when the waitress returned.

"Good idea, thanks,"

Asami leaned back, eyes drifting shut for a moment. Korra's hand curled into her hair at the base of her neck scratching in small circles. Asami made an appreciative hum, leaning into Korra's side.

"I know that kind of tension when I see it. Work?" Mako asked.

Asami nodded, "Isn't it always?" She joked.

"No," Mako shook his head, a grin appearing on his lips, "Sometimes you have tension because of Korra,"

"Hey!"

Asami laughed.

"Asami!" Korra pouted.

"He's teasing you, love," Asami chuckled, pushing Korra's hair behind her ear.

"But I'm not wrong," Mako pointed out.

"Well," Asami gave a non-commital shake of the head.

"Asami!"

"Only because I worry about you," She gave her a soft kiss. When Korra was still pouting Asami gave another quick kiss and another, then another until she was smiling.

"Do you two have to be the cutest couple?" Mako asked, rolling his eyes.

"You love us," Asami shot back.

"Unfortunately that's true,"

"Would you care to dance?"

Everyone left at their table looked up to see a tall handsome guy standing in front of the table, his hand offered towards Mako. Asami choked on her drink. Korra snorted, turning her head away to hide her laughter.

Mako paled, "I'm not- I mean, I can't. It wouldn't be… this um, I'm just here for them," He points at Korra and Asami who were both losing a battle at keeping their laughter in.

The guy holds in his hand up in understanding, "I get it. But, does being straight mean you can't dance?"

Mako opened and closed his mouth a few times but didn't say anything more. The guy kind of smiled, "Alright. Don't worry," He turns to Korra and Asami, "And by the way, you two are awesome,"

Once he was gone Asami and Korra broke into laughter.

"You okay Mako," Korra placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You know that weird satisfaction you get when someone flirts with you, but you're already in a relationship. It's it strange I'm kind of feeling like that?"

Korra snorted, "Mako's attractive to guys. Go figure,"

"He does have the rugged bad boy look going for him," Asami mused, "I guess guys find that kind of think hot too,"

"Alright, and it just went from good weird to weird weird. No more talk about a guy flirting with me,"

"A guy flirted with Mako?" Mee returned just then with Anyun.

"Oh no," Mako groaned.

"I've been there," Mee laughed.

"Was the guy good looking?"

"I don't know," Mako said.

Anyun gave him a 'seriously' look.

Mako scrunched up his face, "He was alright looking. I guess. I'm not a good judge,"

His pained expression caused Korra and Asami to burst into another round of laughter. Luckily for Mako, Yumi and Tor returned then, with a small group in tow, all of them eager to meet Korra and Asami. They shook a lot of hands and heard almost as many stories that night. But everyone mostly kept it short. Even with the knowledge of where they were, the number of couples who came forward to give thanks or support was still surprising. Even more than that was the number of young women.

They met Anyun, Yumi and Mee's friends who were as colourful and diverse as the radio hosts. At one point of the night, a girl came up their table, clearing her throat a little before she spoke.

"So, uh, my friend told me how he crashed and burned when he tried to ask you to dance. He thinks I'll have better luck. You don't have too, but if you'd like to dance,"

"He would love too," Bolin said the instant he realized she was talking to his brother. He even gave Mako a good kick to get him to his feet.

"Oh," She looked surprised.

Mako was blushing. He turned to his brother, hissing, "What are you doing?"

"One dance isn't going to kill you," He gave him another kick.

He sighed in Bolin's direction before turning to her, "Looks like I would love to dance with you,"

"Alright Mako," Opal called while Bolin cheered.

"If a straight dude actually picks up someone at the queerest place in the city then I'd really have seen it all," Tor said laughing.

"Team Avatar, the initiators of miracles of all kinds," Bolin said proudly, dramatically spreading his hands in the air. His antics caused their table to erupt into laughter.

A couple of hours later Mako was pulling to a stop at the end of Asami and Korra's driveway. They'd already dropped Opal off the docks, where she flew to Air Temple Island with her glider. Bolin was sleeping in the front seat.

Asami leaned down next to Mako, "Thank you for driving tonight. It was nice to let loose for the night,"

"Eh, I figured you deserved it. First time in a gay bar after all,"

Laughing, she gave him a one-handed hug through the window, "Call us when you get home,"

He nodded, "I'll bring the car back after my shift tomorrow. Think you can manage with only a dozen cars until then,"

Asami hit him lightly, "That's even more than you said earlier,"

"Korra how many cars does she have in that garage right now?"

"Including all the parts? At least fourteen and a half,"

Asami gave an august gasp, turning to look at her.

"It is not that many,"

"Alright, fourteen and two-sixths," Korra amended, making Mako laugh. Asami rolled her eyes.

"I know you didn't want to say anything before Bolin wouldn't have given you hell regardless of what happened, but not it's just us, you can tell us if you got that girl's number," Korra said, leaning down next to Asami.

It was Mako's turn to roll his eyes, "Goodnight ladies," He said, starting the car. They both smirked but stepped away to let him pull away. They watched until he pulled out the gates.

Asami wrapped her arms around Korra from behind, dipping her head to kiss her neck. "What did you think of the night?"

"It was fun," Korra hummed, "Almost as fun as what you're doing right now,"

Chuckling Asami nipped at her ear, "How do we feel about return visits?"

"I'm in. You?"

"I wouldn't be opposed, if you're my date,"

"I'll have to see if I'm free,"

"Oh really?" Asami arched an eyebrow, taking a step back.

"I'm super busy,"

"Busy eating all my food maybe," Asami teased as headed to the door, fishing out her keys.

"What was that?" Korra tackled her, sweeping her off her feet, sending them spinning around the entrance landing, amidst their peals of laughter.

Nardragon~ until the next page.