The first time they went into the strip club was an accident.

No, really, it was. They had been out walking around after going to dinner when they realized they were being followed by press and they ducked into the first building they came across.

It wasn't anything new, being hounded by press and paparazzi, ever since they came out as couple. The world had been fascinated with Tony's life ever since he came out from the shadows and took over his father's company. Gay (bisexual really, but they didn't seem to care to get that right) CEO's were much talked about apparently.

Then he met Bruce. They had managed to keep their relationship out of the papers for a few months before some tourist got a lucky picture of them strolling around central park hand-in-hand. It wasn't even the first time they had done that. Tony found it calming after being in some of those board meetings and Bruce was happy to indulge him.

And, well, since then? They were fodder for the papers and they hated it. Tony has even said so. A lot. As a result, he wasn't really allowed to talk to the press anymore (not that that stopped him).

So, yes, ending up in that strip club? Complete accident.

Looking back, they don't regret it.

After they walked in, they quickly found a darkened corner and decided to wait a while. They were hoping they weren't seen when they came in or the pictures in tomorrow's paper would be interesting.

Not that they would care all that much.

The strung out dancer on stage was just finishing her set and it took only seconds for the next dancer to take her place.

Tony paused mid-sentence and stared. It wasn't even that this woman was gorgeous (because she was), she just looked so sad and lost. It tore at his heart, which was weird because the only other person he'd had such an instant, heartfelt, reaction to was Bruce.

Who was also staring.

Huh.

They watched her dance and while they were struck by the fluidity of her movements, it was clear she'd rather be anywhere else. She wouldn't make eye contact with the men around the stage, but she did her job and got right down there to collect the bills being waved at her. She tried to keep her body as far away from the grabbing hands as possible, but she wasn't always successful. Tony saw Bruce clench a fist when an overly excited "fan" started pinching, but relaxed minutely when she quickly moved away.

They left as she was collecting her top from the stage, both confused by what they felt.

When they went back the next three times, it definitely wasn't an accident.

All they would do was sit there, watching. Never getting close enough to touch because they refused to do that to her. She was not a happy woman and they didn't like that. Wouldn't add to it.

It was clear that she was just about the only sober one who worked in the whole damn place. Her eyes were always clear, always sad. Her body didn't have the look of one ravaged by drugs, but they could tell it had been a while since she'd had a good meal. A body like hers was supposed to have curves you could get lost exploring.

They could hear the comments made about her ("frigid bitch" and "dumb whore") when she resolutely refused to accommodate some of the customers. She either didn't hear them or didn't care what they said. But Bruce and Tony did.

The next time they went in they did buy some of her time, if only to keep her away from the salivating dogs waiting for her to be free.

She led them to a little room in the back and closed the curtain. As soon as she say they were seated, she started dancing.

They stopped her. The look of confusion on her face quickly turned to anger and she said, in no uncertain terms, that she didn't care what they were in to she was not going to fuck them.

Bruce assured her that wasn't it, that they just wanted to talk.

The confusion was back. She didn't know what to do, so they talked for her. It wasn't the best conversation in the world, but the longer they talked the more relaxed she got. Until her manager pounded on the wall near the curtain and told her to get her ass back on stage.

Her shoulders slumped for a brief moment before her mask came back on.

They paid her and went to leave.

She must have counted the money because she tried to give some back. Said it was too much, that she didn't deserve it. Tony only gave her a small smile and a wink.

That was how their visits progressed. She'd dance on stage and then they would have their chats. As time went, she got more and more comfortable with them. And they were always careful, trying not to judge, and refusing to make her feel bad. There was obviously a reason she was doing this.

Eventually, though, they did learn why and it only made her stronger in their eyes.

Her mom was sick. Really sick. And Darcy (she even told them her real name) was doing everything in her power to make sure she'd get better. It wasn't the best diagnosis, but if there was even a chance she could get better? Well, here she was.

God, they wanted to help her, but they weren't sure how.

In return, for now, they told her about themselves. How Tony was now in charge of one of the biggest companies in the world. That Bruce spend most of his life cooped up in a lab until certain breakthroughs made him a household name (in houses where science was a thing). Tony shouldered the burden of living up to his father's image. Bruce gave lectures and speeches at schools all over the country, even though he hated public speaking.

Darcy would curl up on one of the chairs and listen attentively until she had to go back out.

They were late thanks to a meeting with his security staff that ran over, and Tony was pissed.

If she had gone home before they got there, someone would be fired.

Bruce tried to calm him down, but he knew exactly how he felt. Somewhere along the way both men had developed feelings for this woman. For Darcy. Darcy who would do something she hated to help save someone she loved. Who would sacrifice herself, selflessly, without question.

She was an amazing woman and they both wanted her. Wanted to keep her safe, take care of her, so she'd never have to take off her clothes for money again.

Jesus, they were lovesick fools and they knew it.

They could hear the sounds of the fight as they got closer to the entrance. The louder it got the more nervous they felt. Darcy was in there, they were sure.

Tony looked at Bruce and they each took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the hell was going on inside. There was no hesitation because they had to make sure she was okay.

And holy shit. What the fuck was happening in here?

Bottles and bodies were flying. Punches were being thrown. And, yes, someone did just break a stool over the back of the manager.

Jesus fucking Christ.

"There!" Bruce shouted, pointing.

Tony had to squint his eyes but he saw it. Her. Crouched down on the floor, on hand touching the wall and the other over her head, was Darcy. Clearly she was trying to get out of there but wasn't having much luck. They could see from where they were that her hair was wet and they really hoped it was just water. Or beer.

It took less than ten seconds for them to be by her side and another five for Tony to determine that maybe he shouldn't have just pulled her up like that. The look of terror on her face was heartbreaking. Thank god for the relief that followed.

Wait, was that blood on her face?

Her plea for help got them moving and they were able to exit the club without any more injuries.

Tony led them away from the melee and towards his car (which he always parked a few blocks away), he didn't even think of going anywhere else.

When Bruce mentioned going home and she started to pull away, Tony made his decision. He wasn't much for thinking things through, but Bruce didn't stop him and she said yes anyway.

They took her home.


What do you think? I really hope I got Tony and Bruce right.

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