Chapter 1: Icky Thump
"Wait a minute. Are you telling me that since your popsicle bud has been unfrozen you haven't gotten him LAID yet?" Tony Stark's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No, he's not that kind of guy." Steve sighed. "He has different priorities now."
"Was he a ladies man back in the 40's?"
"Actually, he was. But he's not like that anymore."
"Have you ever thought of setting him up in an atmosphere that would bring the old him back?"
"He's already old," Thor pointed out.
"Guys, he's not looking for anyone right now and I respect that."
"You are the worst wingman ever, Capsicule."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm going to have to agree with Stark on this one. My friends and I would always be sure to celebrate our victories properly after each battle."
"Now you're speaking my language, big guy. I can't tell you how much I indulged myself after our first battle in New York. It's a great stress reliever and a great way to expend your energy after countless near death experiences-"
"Okay, I get it." Steve sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I think it might be too soon for Bucky to…" the soldier's face reddened as he scratched the back of his neck. "… well, you know."
"Um, no I don't know unless you tell us. Do you mean plow his-"
"Tony!"
"Fine, fornicate? Fondue? Have passionate sex? Is that PG enough for you, old man?"
"Maybe we should start small," Thor mused. "Like put him in an atmosphere where he can admire the wondrous form of a woman-"
"I've got it!" Tony snapped his fingers as a lightbulb went off in his head. "Strip club! Damn, you and I need to hang out more often, big guy."
"No, no no!" Steve stood up. "Absolutely not!"
"Why not?"
"It's indecent and disrespectful."
"Um, old man, I'm pretty sure throwing dollars at hot girls, who's a
aim is to make money is anything but disrespectful. It's called doing them a service."
"I don't even know what a strip club is but I sure like the sound of that." Thor traced his chin with his thumb and forefinger, a wistful grin spreading across his face.
"Thank god, no pun intended. It's nice to finally be around someone else who appreciates ass and titties."
"Tony!"
"What?" Stark shrugged. "I really think it would be good for him."
"Why are you suddenly obsessed with Bucky's intimate life anyway?"
"Um, first off A: I am not obsessed, that's just gross. B: He's too grumpy and mopey all the time. It's infectiously depressing. C: Sex was great for my mental health way before I became Iron Man."
"Well, yeah. But you've calmed down since."
"What makes you say that I have?"
"Alright, don't need to hear anymore."
"I concur with metal man!" Thor boomed brightly. "I think this is a grand idea! I haven't seen a naked woman myself in quite a while since Jane and I went our separate ways."
"It's decided." Tony beamed. "We are having a dudes night out. Tonight we're hitting up Leave it to Beavers ."
"Beavers?" The demigod furrowed his brows. "I do not understand. What does a rodent have to do with the wondrous form of a naked woman?"
Steve smiled to himself, proud that he understood the reference.
Breaking the news
The room was bright from the window that served as a wall. Bucky sat at a desk working on his memory journal, trying to unscramble the mess of his thoughts and recollections.
Steve popped into the room. "Hey Buck. How's the journaling coming along?"
The former winter soldier let out a sigh as he put down the pen and stretched in his chair. "It's going."
"So, Bucky. Tony, Thor and I have been talking… and we think that-"
The conversation went something like this:
"So the guys and I have been talking and we're a little concerned."
Along with:
"You seem down all the time and spend too much time alone."
And don't forget:
"You haven't really been listening to your therapist's advice and getting out there and interacting with the world."
"I'm not completely antisocial. I go to the grocery store every week."
"I'm pretty sure that doesn't count as social interaction, Buck. That's why Tony, Thor, and I have decided we're all gonna go out for a few beers tonight."
"I think I'll pass-"
The door barged open, letting in a flashy dressed Tony Stark and the hunk muscle of thunder.
"So, did you tell him the news?" The billionaire made his way into the kitchen area and began mixing himself a drink.
Bucky shifted in his seat and looked between him and Steve. "What news?"
"Tonight we shall be going out!" Thor boomed, grabbing a beer from the fridge and drinking it in one gulp.
"Going out where?" Bucky inquired.
"To an establishment known to Midgardians as a 'strip club.'"
"Dammit Thor!" Tony groaned. "The plan was to tell him it was just a regular bar and he would find out about the stripping once we got there."
"My apologies. I figured it would be best to just tell him."
Bucky let out a deep breath. "I am definitely not going in that case."
"No, you are going." Tony downed his drink before starting to make another. "And that is final."
"You really have no choice in this. Sorry bud." Steve shot his friend an apologetic look. "Believe me, I am very much against this decision myself. But maybe it's time we try something new."
"But Steve," Bucky protested, "you and I are both too old fashioned for this."
"Well now it's time to welcome you guys to the new fashion." Tony raised his glass. "Isn't your buddy Sam around?"
"No. He's out of town visiting his sister and nephews." Bucky sighed.
"It does not matter!" Thor boomed and walked over to Bucky clapping an arm around his stiff shoulders. "Tonight we shall finally celebrate our victories like men and feast our eyes!'
Leave it to Beavers
Steve groaned as the four of them walked across the parking lot to the club's entrance. "I really shouldn't be here. I'm supposed to be the star spangled man."
"Stop being an old lady, Rogers. Just keep the glasses on and you'll be good." Tony took a chug from his flask as they made their way to the entrance.
"I am quite excited about this!" Thor grinned. "I have always wondered what these Migardian establishments are like. I should have brought my hammer for the maidens to admire."
"Steve, you will be Stanley. Grumplestilskin, you'll just be Bucky. And you, Point Break, will be… we'll figure it out later."
"Aren't they gonna ask for ID's?" Steve swallowed and adjusted the thick framed glasses on his face as they approached the entrance.
"Don't worry I have it all taken care of," the billionaire winked as he snuck another sip of one of the many flasks of liquor he had hidden in his jacket.
Tony got insulted when the bouncer asked for ID and of course made a fuss until the owner from the club came over."Holy shit, Stark is that you?!"
"Charlie! My man!" Tony greeted the owner with a big hug.
"Where the hell have you been?! I haven't seen you in ages!"
"Just saving the world, doing Pilates, the usual stuff." He turned to the three other men accompanying him. "Just giving a much overdo dude's night out for these guys. They've never been to a gentlemen's club before and figured I'd show them the best."
"Absolutely. Come on in!"
Much to Steve and Bucky's surprise, the atmosphere was actually neat and fancy. The place was big and decorated with chandeliers, sitting booths and lots of mirrors. Music boomed through the speakers and there were flashing lights all around. There were multiple stages throughout the club, each with a pole on them. There was a center main stage that had the bar wrapped around it. And on each stage were beautiful women of every shape, every size and every color wearing close to nothing in their flattering 'outfits'.
The owner, Charlie, gave them one of the better tables that overlooked the main stage while still allowing glimpses of all the others.
Thor sat down with the biggest smile on his face while Bucky and Steve were visibly uncomfortable and averted their gazes from the practically naked women around them.
"So, old timers, what do you think?"
Two pairs of wide eyes looked around the club, stiffly surveying the foriegn environment they found themselves in. There was a group of men who looked like they worked construction sitting at the table by them. One of them was in the process of having his face smashed by a huge set of obviously enhanced boobs belonging to a giggling redhead.
"Isn't this something that should be done in a more private and intimate setting?" Steve shifted in his seat, blushing furiously.
"You have no idea how much voyeurism is trending, uncle Sam I am."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually wish Sam was here," Bucky admitted. As much as Sam irritated the hell out of him, he still managed to somehow make Bucky feel less tense at times.
"Stop being so glum. Didn't they have strip clubs back then? Or peep shows, whatever you called them? I'm sure we'd be able to get poodle skirts involved if necessary."
"This almost reminds me of Asgard," Thor mused as he blissfully stared at the beautiful dark skinned dancer on one of the stages wearing a thong and sparkly nipple pasties. "Except it is far too dark, the music is a bit obnoxious, and these fair maidens are too overdressed."
"Overdressed?" Steve raised his brows. "You mean compared to this ?"
"Damn…" Tony mused wistfully. "Can we actually arrange a trip for me to visit Ass Guard?"
" Asguard ."
"Whatever. Anyway, you need to take me there someday."
"Gladly, my friend." Thor beamed and wrapped an arm around Steve and smiled at Bucky kindly. "You would all be welcome to my kingdom. But I must admit I am not so sure as to what purpose the spears are for."
"Spears?" Steve looked around. "I'm pretty sure there are no weapons allowed here."
"The ones on each platform that these maidens seem so fond of."
"That my friend is called a stripper pole," the billionaire informed the demigod, "and apart from the wheel it's one of the greatest things ever invented."
"I really don't think we should be here," Bucky muttered and looked at Steve who nodded in agreement.
"Seriously. We should leave."
"Nonsense!" Thor boomed. "We only just got here."
Right on cue their round of drinks was brought to their table.
"Alright guys!" Tony held up his drink. "To our first official dudes night out—let us be drunk and see some ass and titties!"
"You know Bucky and I can't get drunk right?" Steve mentioned after they clunk all their glasses. "It's physically impossible for us because of the super soldier serum."
"Unfortunately," Bucky grumbled. If there was any time he'd rather be mentally incapacited, now would be it.
"I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised." Thor shot Tony a look which he returned with a smirk.
"Whatever you say." Steve shrugged as he chugged half his beer.
"Okay, let's talk business." Tony put the flask back in his pocket. "So the game plan is to get Mr. Dismal as many private lapdances as possible."
Bucky objected and eventually they compromised on just getting one dance, which Stark begrudgingly agreed with.
"Oh my god!" A high pitched voice yelled. "Tony is that you?"
"Yvette, darling!" Tony beamed as a tall dancer with curly blonde hair wearing a red lacy garment came over to him. They embraced and she sat on his lap facing away from the other men.
"Are you up for your usual?"
"All in good time my dear. First we gotta get my brooding buddy taken care of."
"Oh yeah?" Yvette turned around on Tony's lap, her breasts completely on display.
The drink Bucky was holding in his bionic hand shattered in his fist.
A few shrieks and gasps erupted from nearby dancers and other patrons who heard the glass break.
"It's okay, it's okay everyone!" Tony waved his hand over for a server who promptly came over and swept it up. "Don't mind him. He's a veteran. Just got back from his tour in Iraq so he gets a little nervous from flashy lights.
"Oh of course." Yvette smiled at the former soldier kindly. "Thank you for your service."
Bucky nodded and muttered a 'you're welcome' while still averting his gaze from the practically nude woman and chugged the rest of his beer.
"Aww he's shy isn't he?"
"Just not used to seeing so many beautiful women, ma'am." Steve smiled kindly, taking another sip of his beer. "We've never been to this sort of establishment before."
"Oh my god! Tony, you didn't tell me you were bringing us newbies!" She turned to Thor. "What about you big guy?"
"I have!" Thor boomed with pride. "Not from this realm at least, but similar."
"Well I'll make sure the girls all give you a proper welcome. Hey ladies! Look who it is!"
There was a series of wails of excitement as a swarm of dancers came over to their table immediately crowding Tony.
Bucky and Steve choked on their drinks at all the exposed bottoms and boobs of every size, every shape and every color in risque outfits that were now surrounding their table.
"Tony! I've missed you!"
"You look so good Tony!"
"Why did you never call me back?"
"You still owe me a ride in your Lamborghini."
"We've missed you soo much!"
"Oh my god Tony! Where have you been?"
"Saving the world, you know the usual." The billionaire shrugged as he wrapped his arms around Yvette and another dancer that joined a set on his lap. "But now I'm taking the night off with a few buddies of mine."
"They've never been here before!" Yvette smiled brightly.
The group of dancers immediately swarmed over the four men. One of the dancers tried sitting on Bucky's lap to which Steve quickly interjected upon seeing the look of absolute panic on his friend's face.
Thor gladly received the majority of the girls' attention due to his mansome muscles and large stature and his charming deep accent.
"And who are you?" the petite blonde who introduced herself as 'Candy' asked as she joined another dancer in sitting on the Asgardian's lap.
"I am glad you asked," Thor said with a large and proud grin on his face,"for I am the great and mighty-"
"Theodore," Stark quickly interrupted, ignoring the demigod's shocked look of disdain. "His name is Theodore."
Both Steve and Bucky choked on their drinks, spilling some as they fought and failed to suppress their laughter.
"Theodore, huh?" Candy giggled as she ran her hand up his muscular chest. "That's such an adorable name for someone so big and muscly."
While Thor and Tony, even Steve a little, chatted with the group of scantly clothed dancers, Bucky sat rigid in his seat. It wasn't that he didn't like what he saw. In this situation the James Buchanan Barnes back in his youth would be grinning ear to ear, easily conversing and charming these beautiful women, aching with desire. But 90 years later he sat there, frozen as a frostbite, contending with these feelings and emotions that had become a long distant memory.
All of this. It just reminded him of who he no longer was. He missed being that person so much. But now everything was too overwhelming.
" Ladies! " To Bucky's relief, a heavy set older man with grey hair stormed over and gave the girls a lecture about neglecting the other patrons at the bar.
Thor grumbled and shot Stark a glare as the group of women walked away from their table. "Why did you do that?"
"Do what , 'Mr. Big and Muscly'?"
"Appoint me such a puny Midgardian name."
"We agreed to lay low and not reveal ourselves as the Avengers tonight."
"But why 'Theodore'? 'Tis an unsuitable name for a man of my stature."
"You know what?" Steve said after taking another drink and blinking a few times. "I'm actually starting to feel something."
"A boner?" Tony smirked. "Join the club cap, everyone is bound to get one when they come here."
"No! Not that… I mean, I'm starting to feel a little… floaty… and happy… more relaxed."
"I think that means you're getting drunk dude." Bucky raised a brow, finally able to take a breath and relax now that it was just the four of them at the table again.
"No! I mean… I can't get drunk cuz of the whole cell regeneration."
"I don't know, some things might be possible." Tony shot Thor a look and they both exchanged a smile.
"No no nooo it's literally impossible for me to get drunk! Trust me I tried to when I thought you were a goner." Steve pouted and turned to the man who'd practically become his brother. "I was soooo sad that day."
"Relax, buddy." Bucky patted his friend on the back with an amused look on his face. "That was in the past, let's not dwell on it."
"Damn Thor, I'm really impressed it's actually working."
"Of course it works, metal man! No mortals are immune to the power of Asguardian beer."
"Wait." Steve removed his arm from Bucky and sat straight up in his seat. "You drugged me?!"
Bucky burst out in a fit of laughter at the whole revelation of the situation.
"It's not like we roofied you or anything, cap." Tony shrugged.
"Oh my god!" Steve giggled. "I haven't been drunk since that time Bucky and I-"
Steve rambled about a bunch of various stories, reminiscing on all the good times they had back in the day and all the crazy things they used to do. And for the first time since walking into this club, Bucky began to enjoy himself a little. It was nice to see this new side of Steve and it made him cherish their friendship even more.
"Oh my god! Buck you need to have some of this-"
"No, no, no." Tony quickly blocked the drink Steve was about to hand to Bucky. " Absolutely not."
"Are you serious?" Thor raised a brow. "Both men deserve to indulge in the glory of my Asguardian beer."
"Yeah but I don't trust Jarhead here to consume any type of outer world inebriating substances."
"Why not, Mr. Stark?" Steve groaned. "The whole point of tonight was for him to let loose and have a good time. You're being a party pooper."
"True, but I don't trust Time Bomb here drunk." The billionaire turned to the former winter soldier. "I mean, you did kill my parents afterall—which all is forgiven." Tony quickly put his hand up to prevent Bucky from protesting. "Kinda. Not really."
"Tony." Steve rolled his eyes and put down his drink. "We've been through this a million times; you know it wasn't his fault-"
"Yes yes yes. 'HYDRA made him do it,' 'yada yada,' I get it. But I certainly don't want to risk any of the brainwashing coming back to light and end up with a killing spree."
"I actually agree with Stark on this one." Bucky nodded, letting out a sigh. "I'm already a danger enough as it is-"
"Goddammit Barnes!" Tony groaned and clapped an arm over Bucky's shoulders. "What did we agree on? No gloomy business outta you. Cheer up and look at the tits on Destiny over there. Actually, I think they might be new."
"Guys. Come on." Bucky shook his arm off him. "Isn't this a little excessive?"
"I'm actually starting to enjoy myself," Steve slurred as he ogled the dancer on one of the side stages. "Everyone's so nice. And pretty."
"There we go now he's getting it!" Tony grinned and turned to Bucky. "So, Sergeant Barnes. Tell me which of these fine specimens captures your eye?"
Bucky lowered his eyes to his beer and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Uhhhh…"
"Times up." Tony rolled his eyes and turned to Steve. "What was his type, cap?"
"Bucky didn't really have a type. He'd go for any dame with visible ankles."
"Was I really that bad?"
"The last time we saw each other before I finally got enlisted, you took two girls dancing."
"You took two ladies dancing?" Thor perked up. "By yourself?"
"Oh yeah he did! And I'm sure you did more than dance?" Steve wiggled his brows and nudged his friend who smirked.
"For the record we were all supposed to go dancing, but you bailed out last minute." Bucky chuckled, feeling that pleasant memory wash over him.
"Well that certainly narrows it down." Tony rolled his eyes before ordering another round of shots to a passing bouncer. "Let's start with the easiest, yet most objectiving factor: body type. Now tell me; before becoming Mr. Celibate were you an ass or tits kinda guy?"
"That's so degrading-"
"Boobs!" Steve yelled out. "Bucky loved loved loved loved boobs!"
"Okay, perfect! Real or enhanced?"
"Real," both Bucky and Steve said at the same time.
"I for one have always been fond of a woman's bosom myself." Thor mused looking at the beautiful darked skinned dancer on stage. "However there is nothing like seeing a woman with a nicely curved backside."
"Boom: major shot points for Point Break over here!" Tony exclaimed. "I have always been an ass man myself. Always need a cushion for the pushin'.'"
"A cushion for the pushing?" Thor furrowed his brows. "I do not understand."
"Sure you do, Point Break! It's when you have her bent over and you're slamming her from-"
"Tony!" Steve dramatically covered his ears.
"What? I'm just trying to educate this big guy right here on some of Earth's vernacular."
"Oh! I see what you mean, metal man. So the cushion is the woman's bottom when you thrust forward-"
"Alright that's enough!" Steve interjected. "He gets the point, no need to explain any further."
"Jesus, Rogers, you're such a prude. I think you're the one who's gonna need a dance."
"I'm up for it!" Bucky perked up, thrilled that the attention wasn't on him for once. "I think that's a great idea, Steve."
"Neee-ope!" The all American man giggled and wrapped an arm around Bucky's shoulders. "This night isn't about me it's about you."
"I agree with the scruffy man, I think it would be a noble gesture."
"What could possibly be noble about it, Thor?"
"Think of it as a noble gesture and testing the waters for us before jumping in with the sharks."
"Yes Steve, what Thor said." Bucky grinned. "Think of it as a special mission."
"Hmm…" Steve traced his chin with his fingers. "Well since you put it that way…"
"Alright! One lapdance coming up for Uncle Sam!" Tony turned and called over a dancer in a green thong.
About ten minutes later, the Star Spangled Man walked back to the table, blushing and smiling. His face a pure shade of scarlett.
"What is the verdict?" Thor eagerly asked.
"It was…" Steve sat down and took a drink. "It was very… interesting."
"Interesting in what way?" Bucky scooted closer to Steve, wanting to hear the details.
"Did she get completely naked?" Thor prodded.
"No. I mean, well, not completely. She took off everything except for her… uh, thong." Steve gave the men a brief overview and summary of the dance, commenting on how sweet the dancer was the whole time and easy to talk to. "She also did this thing where she was on my lap but had her hands on the ground while her legs were spread on either side of my head-"
"I want one!" Thor boomed.
"As do I," Tony muttered as he pulled out some cash and slid it over to the men. "Give me about thirty minutes to catch up on dances I owe these ladies and we will reconvene. Feel free to treat yourselves to some until then."
Forty-five minutes later…
"Alright!" Tony sat back down, wiping some lipstick off his cheek. "So, who got dances while I was gone? And I already know Grumplestilskin didn't get any."
"I got three!" Thor smiled. "Well, four if you include the second maiden that was also present for one of the songs. Rogers over here got another."
A flash of neon caught Bucky's eye drawing his attention away from the conversation. He looked over and observed a dancer who was wearing a neon yellow gown, with a long slit that came up to her thigh. Her hair was dark along with her eyes and she wore red lipstick which complimented her features.
Every part of her seemed to glow.
He couldn't get a good look at her without craning his head over the crowded bar, so he paid no mind.
"Okay, let's get back on track for you, Barnes: so far we are looking for someone who is not too petite and skinny. Someone who has meat on her bones and an incredible rack." Tony counted each quality on his fingers. "That narrows it down a little because according to my calculations, there seems to be more smaller women as opposed to curvy ones. What kind of personality are we going for?"
"Uhhhh…."
"Stacey over there will literally laugh at everything you say. I'm not even kidding—she laughed when I told her about my heart condition"
"That doesn't sound appealing at all," Steve commented.
"He needs someone who is not dim witted, someone smart and relatively easy to converse with," Thor chimed in. "A lady who is strong, fierce, kind, and not easily offended. Also someone with a good sense of humor."
"Great thinking, god of thunder!" Tony raised his glass to the Asguardian.
"What makes you think I would offend them?" Bucky furrowed his brows. "I've barely spoken three words since we got here."
"Um hello? Have you seen yourself? Your stoic mopey demeanor would offend an attendant at a gas station."
"This is true, Buck," Steve concurred. "Definitely someone who is nice but more thick skinned."
"And now let's welcome on stage the lovely Aurora!" The DJ's voice echoed through the speakers in the room, making Bucky look over at the main stage.
There she was, the girl in neon making her way on the stage with a bright smile on her face, head held high as she placed one hand on the pole. She wasn't skinny like most of the other dancers but she wasn't large. Just somewhere in between with curves.
"Am I seeing things or did someone finally catch Scruffy McScruffscruff's eye?" Tony commented before all the men turned to the center stage.
"That quite a bright outfit!" Thor commented as he observed the luminescent yellow halter gown glowing in the dim room.
"She's cute," Steve affirmed with a smile while glancing at his lifelong friend.
Aurora, Bucky thought. Like the northern lights.
The opening drum beats of what sounded like a rock song boomed through the club as well as a shredding guitar.
"Oh my god YES!" Tony put away his flask. "That's what I'm talking about! FINALLY someone with good taste in music."
"You know this song?" Steve asked. "What is it?"
"Jesus Christ," Tony rolled his eyes, "you are all so uncultured. It's called 'Icky Thump' by The White Stripes. Absolute classic."
"Seems like an unsuitable choice for this setting." Thor took another drink. "I do not see how one can dance to this while taking off clothes."
"I'm sure she's got something in mind," Steve perked up with interest.
The neon dancer on stage gripped the pole in both hands as she moved her hips to the melody, bending forward as a male singer echoed the ridiculous lyrics from the speakers:
Yah-hee, icky thump
Who'd-a thunk?
Sittin' drunk
On a wagon to Mexico
She curved her back forward and flicked back her dark hair while arching her spine at the drum beat as she stood straight up and began her sensual walk around the pole. Bright tall pink heels glowing around the stage as she did a few fan kicks and pirouettes throughout the first three verses, doing a spin around the pole.
So I gave a drink of water
I'm gonna sing around the collar
Well, I don't need a microphone
The dancer stood still as the guitar rift to the chorus started and began jamming out as soon as the drums kicked in. She did a long step around the pole, spinning around before hooking one of her legs behind the pole and lifting herself up before landing on her knees. With slinky movements she bent forward and rested her chest on stage before curling her flexible spine and doing a few side to side speedbums with her rear in the air before doing a spin back up to her feet.
She quickly gripped the trail of her gown and swung it over her waist revealing a doubled neon thong which emphasized her sizable rear before giving it a smack before climbing up the pole. As soon as the chorus came on again, she wrapped her legs around the pole before laying back, with her feet over head, holding herself up with her thighs. She then slowly pulled the gown down over her head before tossing it to the side. The crowd cheered as she revealed the matching neon top, formed like a sexy bikini and sensually ran her hands down her sides, and over her breasts, squeezing them as she closed her eyes before running her fingers through her hair.
Balls of crumpled ones began getting tossed on stage. She lifted herself up with her strong torso and gripped the pole in one hand while the other gripped the pole beneath her bum as she sat back and unashamedly spread her legs while she held herself up giving the crowd the perfect sight of her legs spread. Which of course, caused more dollars to be thrown on stage.
She did a few more tricks on the pole including individual leg hands as the chorus continued before finally lowering herself on the ground.
Bucky watched as she moved around on stage with such grace and enthusiasm before doing another hook around the pole and landing on her knees, did a graceful roll over her shoulder before landing on her hands and knees again. The crowd roared as she did individual buttcheek twerks to the base of the drum.
Once the first song was over, she stood up and gave an adorable shy smile, thanking everyone and getting into the next position before the opening beats of the next song boomed on the speakers.
An excited cheer roared from a bunch of dancers who were walking around and sitting at all the various tables throughout the club.
"OH MY GOD!" Tony exclaimed. "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I haven't heard this song since the early 2000's!"
"Is this an old song?" Steve asked.
Now this one the dancer truly let herself go and had a blast with it, jamming to the music. Smiling and laughing and cheering on the crowd, interacted with the enthused audience. While playfully mouthing the lyrics:
I may run and hide
When you're screamin' my name, alright
She opened her eyes, grinned and stepped around the pole swaying her hips at the beats after that line before continuing her playful walk-arounds the pole.
But let me tell you now
There are prices to fame, alright
All of our time spent in flashes of light
She did another long step around, doing a back hook on the pole as money rained on the stage.
She pirouetted around the pole, resting her back on it and looking around the audience. She happened to catch Bucky's eye and winked as she lowered the cups of her bikini top, exposing her full and large breasts, pushed up from the underwires of her top, making his throat dry at the sight of them.
"Yup, they're real." Tony confirmed as he took a swig from his flask. "Definitely real."
"They most certainly are," Steve awed.
She then went a step further, running her hands down her sides, over her thighs, before sliding them up and cupping her breasts, squeezing them as she closed her eyes and toyed with her nipples, inflaming the cheers of the crowd.
This made Bucky twitch in his seat and a tingling feeling shot through his belly. There was something so erotic in her touching herself.
She opened her eyes, grinned and stepped around the pole swaying her hips at the beats before continuing her playful walk-arounds and eventually taking off her top completely.
After doing a fan-kick and a twist around the pole, she got on her hands and knees again, twerking her hips, bouncing that glowing rear of hers up and down, unashamed as the skin on her cheeks rippled when she pressed her chest flat to the ground, shaking it with the beats.
As the song continued, she kept dancing with such vigor and playful enthusiasm. Smiling at the crowd and cheering them on as the whole bar began jamming to the beat. It was obvious she was having an absolute blast on stage as her cheeks scrunched from her big smile that stayed on her face even when she wasn't facing the audience. And how she would make eye contact with everyone in the audience playfully gesturing her hands to cheer them on, almost acting like a goofball. The whole room was practically dancing to that throwback.
"I think we have a winner here." Thor smirked and reached over giving Bucky a playful nudge.
His favorite part, aside from when she danced on her hands and knees and did her body rolls, was when she removed her top and kept dancing around the stage, even without the pole, dancing around in nothing but her thong with no care in the world and just having a blast with it.
By no means was she "cover on a magazine model" status but she truly was stunning. Her frame was exceptional and her face adorable and something about her thick thighs drew him in. The energy she brought on stage was contagious.
There was something different and genuine about her. Authentic and unique. A non-copy.
Bucky even cracked a smile during her routine without realizing it.
"FINALLY! An expression other than dismal from 'Sir. Pouts-Alot." Tony grinned and clapped him on his.
"How do we get her attention?" Bucky asked as he turned to the billionaire after she finished her performance and left the main stage.
"She will make her way around the bar like the other dancers, collecting tips for her set and when she comes to our table we will ask her for a private 45 minute dance with you." Tony took another swig of his flask.
Over the next half hour the gang occupied themselves with watching more scandalous performances by the other dancers and chatting with others as they passed by their table.
Bucky scanned the crowd looking for a flash of neon. His brows furrowed when he spotted her standing at the bar with a group of blatantly intoxicated men. Aurora had what appeared to be a distressed look on her face while interacting with an older man in a suit and tie. It looked like they were in some sort of disagreement and she was trying to cut the conversation short but kept being prevented by the group of men the guy was with who seemed to surround her.
"Uh oh," Steve slurred, "I know that look. What's going on now?"
"It looks like she's in trouble."
"What are you talking about?" Tony turned around before waving a hand in dismissal. "It looks like just some old horny guys trying to bargain for services that include more than private dancing."
Bucky's fists clenched at the thought of drunk grimy men trying to solicit the adorable dancer. "We should help."
"Relax, Grumplestilskin. It happens all the time with her line of work. I'm sure she's fine."
The dancer then threw up her arms in exasperation while her mouth kept moving. She turned around to leave but one of the men grabbed a hold of her arm and yanked her back.
Bucky instantly stood from his seat. Tony jumped up and placed his hands on his shoulders. "No no no, you stay out of this-"
"But he's harassing her!"
"I think the scruffy man is right," Thor also stood up and Steve followed suit. "The lady looks like she is in need of aid."
"Oh come on guys! The last thing we need right now is a showdown in a strip club ."
"Let go of me!" They heard her shout from across the room.
"The damsel is in distress!" Thor boomed and the demi god jumped forward doing a barrel roll over the table next to them sending glasses crashing on the floor and patrons and dancers shrieking before landing on his feet and racing towards the commotion with Steve on his heels.
Bucky made to join but Tony blocked him, keeping his hands on his shoulders shoving him back. "Dammit Barnes! Let them handle this-"
There was a sudden crash and they looked just in time to see the dancer's fist collide in the man's face with an audible crack as his head turned from the impact. This elicited a series of gasps and " oohs" from bystanders.
"Damn!" Bucky and Tony gaped at the same time.
"Fuck you motherfucker!" Aurora shrieked.
"Unhand that maiden!" There was another crash as Thor pounced on the man easily tackling him to the ground with a loud thud.
"You fucking bitch!" One of the other men in the group made to attack her, a raised bottle in hand. Steve blocked him and grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him over the bar causing the man to land on a stage and hit the back of his head on a pole.
"I'll fucking kill you you piece of shit." The infuriated dancer ran to the guy Thor had detained in a headlock.
Steve grabbed her from behind to prevent her from attacking the guy. "Hey hey hey! It's okay." He tried calming her as she struggled against him. Bright pink heels flailed in the air as she kicked her legs.
"Well, she definitely fits the criteria for strong," Tony commented across the room as they watched a bouncer approach the scene, exchange a few words, before kicking out the group of rowdy men from the club. "Then again she already checked that box when she was on the pole."
Bucky was relieved that the dancer seemed okay but felt a twinge of jealousy that he wasn't the one who had come to her defense. Seeing her chatting and laughing with his lifelong friend and a literal god of muscle made his blood boil.
Panic shot through him when Steve pointed at him across the room and Bucky ducked his head and sat down when she turned and looked in his direction before her gaze caught his.
"What did you say to her?" Bucky asked in a tight voice when the two 'heroes' eventually returned to the table.
"Only good things buddy." Steve let out a wicked grin as he sat down.
"The lady will be joining us shortly!" Thor chugged the rest of his midgardian beer after he sat down and motioned for the server. "Another!"
"Excellent!" Tony reached into his jacket and pulled out a large wad of $20's.
Another 30 minutes later.
"Hey there!"
The men looked over to see the dancer in the neon gown walk over to them.
Tony instantly stood up clapping his hands. "Bravo my dear bravo! Both for the dance set and the knock out!" He reached into his jacket after she sat down and handed her a large wad of $50's. "This is from all of us, no need to take your top off again, unless you want to. What drink will you be having, darling?"
"Would a Long Island be too much?" She smiled and sat down on the chair Steve pulled out for her so she was sitting between Tony and Bucky.
"Not at all! I'm sure you need it after that encounter." Tony called over a server and put in another round of drinks. "Do you drink tequila, dear?"
"Absolutely."
One of the strippers who got a dance with Thor named Tempest came over, massive tits bouncing, giving Aurora high five. "Nice one girl! Much better aim since the last one."
"Wait? You've done that before?" Steve gaped.
"You should've seen the bloody nose she gave a few months ago."
"Tempest please," Aurora blushed, "don't give them the impression that I'm a violent person. I just have strict boundaries."
"Well, let's take a round of shots to that," Tony cheered as the table's round of drinks and shots were served to them.
Tony put down his glass after taking another shot, "Sweetheart, you have reawoken my appreciation for 90's boybands."
"Right?! Isnt it such a great song!?" Her bright smile beamed with excitement.
While the rest of the table drank and chatted, Bucky remained taciturn in nature as he took in her appearance now that she was up close and next to him through stealthy side glances at her profile. Her features were soft and delicately structured and he noticed there was a subtle bump on the bridge of her otherwise small nose. The silver hoops of her cartilage piercings along the shell of her ear glinted in the light. There was no sculpted space between her chin and her neck yet the side of her jaw was well defined.
"Your friend is quiet." Aurora gestured towards Bucky who tried keeping his gaze hidden under the bill of his hat.
"Well, believe it or not you're the only one who seemed to capture his interest." Steve gave Bucky a nudge.
"Oh really? Should I be honored or something?" She smirked and looked at him.
Bucky looked up and for the first time since she joined their table they made eye contact. Now he could see that her eyes were dark and big.
"Grumplestilskin, stop staring and go over to the bouncer in front of the back rooms and hand him this." Tony reached over handing Bucky cash. "Tell him you would like a champagne court with Miss Aurora and he will give you a ticket."
Bucky rolled his eyes at Tony before he took the cash, relieved to be leaving the table before getting up and doing what the billionaire instructed.
"Now listen here, darling." Tony scooted closer to the dancer and snuck her an extra wad of cash. "Scruffy McScruff Scruff over there hasn't interacted with a woman in a while and it's certainly been ages since he's seen a naked pair of boobs, and exquisite ones at that."
Aurora blushed, shifted in her seat and muttered a thanks for his compliment.
"He's very prude and old fashioned so I would like you to show him a good time."
"Excuse me?" The dancer raised a brow. "I'm not sucking his dick if that's where you're getting at-"
"No no no no no no nooooo!" Steve slurred. "We were not implying that at all."
"It better not be. If you're looking to proposition anyone to blow your friend I'd get a dance with Candy-"
"I understand, sweetheart. From what I've gathered you are a no nonsense autonomous woman and I 100% respect that. I apologized for giving you the wrong impression."
"Apology accepted, Mr. Stark. Go on."
"I just don't want any sitting down or chatting business. I want him to cooperate and get a dance. Chances are he's gonna offer you his jacket but please don't be offended."
Red seemed to be the theme color of the room the bouncer led them to after sliding open a red curtain. There was a large comfy looking plushy couch as well as a loveseat in the corner. The room had a light glow to it from a fake fireplace on the wall with artificial dancing flames of fire.
"Alrighty then." Aurora walked past him, entering the main space in the private room, making Bucky's pulse race.