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meli-swift · 1 month ago

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Tortured Lovers

Loki Laufeyson x Civil!reader.

Summary: Loki didn't know Midgard had such interesting and beautiful things until he met you in a store thanks to Bruce.

word count: 4,2k

Warnings: curse words. strangers to lovers. Mentions of Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer (reader is lowkey a fan). Use of doll, gorgeous, darling to refer to reader. suggestive content but nothing too explicit

This is my first fanfic, I've been working on it for 5 days and now I understand why my favorite authors take so long to update. I'm working in a second part which includes smut (English is not my first language)

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Steve kept insisting that Thor take Loki to see “interesting” New York, arguing that “if he sees how beautiful Earth is, he won’t try to conquer it if he ever comes back.” It was a stupid idea—Loki made sure Captain America heard him say so. But Thor thought it was a great idea—any excuse to go get food was a good one.

They went to several places Thor liked: loud, crowded, full of “inferior people.” Loki hated it. They were walking down a sidewalk, and for once Thor had his mouth shut—not because he didn’t want to bother his brother, but because he had bought food from a street vendor.

In that brief moment of silence, Loki spoke.

“Isn’t there a single good place in this filthy city?”

“Brother, what do you mean? This city is the best,” Thor said.

“Only if you eat like a pig. You got mayonnaise on your shirt,” Loki said, proving his point with a smug smile.

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Days later, Loki was reading a book in Asgardian in one of the living room chairs of Stark Tower. Bruce approached him, unsure.

“Uh… Loki?”

Loki looked up from his book to meet the scientist’s eyes. He sat a bit straighter, cleared his throat, and spoke.

“Doctor Banner,” he said, trying to sound as serene as possible. The memories of Hulk smashing him still haunted him.

“I was wondering if you’d like to, uh—” Bruce’s eyes flicked toward Tony and Thor, who were giving him thumbs up as encouragement, “if you’d like me to take you to see New York. Thor told me about your failed outing. I promise I know places where you’d feel more comfortable.”

Loki raised an eyebrow and Bruce swallowed nervously.

“Only if you’d like,” Bruce added, unsure.

“Certainly. You’re more serene and intelligent than my brother. I’ll accept your offer, Doctor Banner,” Loki said calmly, turning his eyes back to his book after he finished speaking.

“Perfect, I suppose I’ll see you later,” Bruce said and walked away, raising his thumbs to Tony and Thor again, who fist-bumped in celebration.

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A week later, Loki was in Bruce’s car, on their way to what Bruce described as “a quiet place to read and enjoy a good cup of tea.”

“You brought me to a library to read your stupid Midgardian books?”

“It’s not a library, it’s called Tortured Lovers. You can buy books and it’s also a café. You’d be amazed how clearly you can hear yourself think there. And knowing you, that’s your favorite thing to do.”

Loki frowned and rolled his eyes as he followed Bruce inside.

The light aroma of coffee, new books, and something he couldn’t quite identify but smelled amazing flooded Loki’s senses. They were welcomed by a staff member with a warm smile, inviting them to pick a book and enjoy a snack. Bruce went straight to the “Science and Radioactive Energy” section, finding a new book he hadn’t read.

Loki eyed the synopses of books like they owed him something—which, in truth, they did: a good story. Bruce handed him a book with a smile he was trying to suppress.

“Here, maybe you’ll discover something about yourself reading this ‘masterpiece.’”

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer read on the cover.

Loki opened his mouth, looking offended, ready to curse the entire Banner bloodline—until a woman’s voice interrupted him from the side.

“Oh, Twilight, a classic in my heart. You might find it a bit sappy and cheesy. You’ll probably enjoy this book more,” you said with a sincere half-smile, handing him a noticeably thicker book.

“Midnight Sun. It’s Edward’s perspective—the vampire. His story, thoughts, and reasons for acting the way he does are so captivating. I recommend reading Bella’s perspective first, then Edward’s so you’re not lost. Maybe even New Moon. Would you like me to show you the full saga?”

Loki was speechless. Bruce was too. You spoke with a tone of sincerity, like you genuinely loved those books. Your patient expression, waiting for Loki’s answer, made him want to search for white wedding dresses.

Your uniform—formal black pants and a dark green shirt with the store’s logo in gold—looked great on you. And your scent—the one Loki couldn’t place when he entered the store—was you. You smelled so good.

“Yes, darling, sure,” was all Loki could say under your charm.

You blushed a little at the nickname but smiled.

“Perfect. Follow me to the register. Good to see you, Bruce.”

Bruce greeted you with a smile while both men followed you.

“So, one science book and the five books of the Twilight saga, including Midnight Sun. Will you stay to read and have something, or are you heading out?”

“We’ll stay,” Loki said—almost too quickly.

Bruce paid with a card Tony had given him to cover anything Loki wanted. They went to sit on armchairs in a corner by a window. You placed two menus on the coffee table in front of them.

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You returned a few minutes later, smiling, with a small notebook and a pen.

“Have you decided what you’d like to order?”

“Ah yes, Y/N. I’ll have a black coffee with vanilla cake,” Bruce said, looking at you.

Loki was having an internal war—between ordering something normal or pinning you against the bookshelf behind you.

“I’ll have a black coffee, darling,” he said.

The smile he gave you could very well have been the first sincere smile he’d made since arriving on Midgard.

“Of course, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” you said, disappearing behind the kitchen area.

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“She, Y/N, is she your friend?” Loki tried to sound casual, flipping through his book.

“Eh, you could say that. I come here often enough, she knows me pretty well. Gave me her number to let me know when new science books come in. Or just to chat.”

“So... is she one of your girls?” Loki teased, knowing full well Bruce was more interested in test tubes than people—but he had to make sure.

“No, she’s not my type. She’s very beautiful, but I like them more… dangerous,” Bruce explained, blushing slightly.

“Ah yes, I figured,” Loki said, knowing Bruce had a thing for Natasha, but with Hulk in the picture, things were complicated.

“Here are your coffees, guys,” you said, handing them their drinks. As you turned to leave, Loki took your hand.

“Can I help you with something else?”

He didn’t know why he took your hand—it was a sudden impulse. But your hand was so soft, and you had a small burn scar near your thumb. Loki cherished that moment like a sacred memory. He barely heard your words as they brought him back to reality.

“No, I just wanted to thank you for your service…”

“How thoughtful. Thank you too,” you said and walked away—to attend another customer, clean, or recommend a book—but far enough so you wouldn’t see your own blush.

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Bruce looked at Loki in surprise but was too shy to joke about it. He ignored it as if it never happened, eating his cake and reading. Loki did the same once you were out of sight, focusing on deciphering you through your favorite books.

Leaving the store felt like a punishment. Loki wanted to stay—where your scent and the quiet made him feel at peace. They left a generous $50 tip. Loki didn’t have cash, but he persuaded Bruce to leave you something to make you feel appreciated.

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Back at the tower, Thor intercepted them.

“Brother, Bruce—did you have fun? Did you do something my brother enjoyed?”

“Yes, Brother,” Loki replied—oddly without sarcasm or an eye-roll. His mind was somewhere else… or on someone.

“Where did you two go, weirdos?” Tony asked, entering with Natasha beside him.

“A bookstore and a café,” Bruce said calmly.

“So, a date?” Natasha teased with a smile, making Bruce laugh and shake his head.

“What books did you buy? Hard to imagine Loki reading anything without magical runes,” Thor asked, eyeing the bags.

“Oh, I bought a science book—so original of me,” Bruce said, showing his book. Tony nodded approvingly.

“And you, weirdo? How many books did you buy—ten?” Tony said, eyeing Loki’s large bags.

“None of your business, Stark,” Loki said irritably, walking out of the room.

“Oh come on, what did you buy? Erotic poetry? ‘10 Ways to Kill Your Brother’? Adult magazines? It’s my duty to know what comes in and out of this tower!” Tony shouted after him.

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Loki recognized it—you had caught his attention. Your smile, your natural presence, your kindness. Maybe it was just your customer service persona. He wanted to know the real you. Were you always that calm when you spoke? Did you have hobbies? A partner? That was the most important question.

He sat down to read in his luxurious bedroom. He was a fast reader, and in his opinion, Twilight wasn’t a book that required much intelligence. He was already halfway through the first one in just 30 minutes, frowning every time Bella did something clumsy. It was definitely not a book he would reread. But he wanted to figure you out.

There was a soft knock at the door—Thor calling him to dinner. Chinese food was tonight’s meal. He didn’t understand—Stark was a billionaire, and yet he insisted on buying fast food instead of hiring a decent chef.

Dinner was calm, exactly, was, until Tony decided it was time to talk.

“You guys know what book series Loki bought?”

Everyone looked at Tony. Loki wanted to kill Bruce. He was the only one who knew what he had purchased. The doctor looked at Loki and shook his head—he hadn’t said a word.

“Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer,” Tony said with a smirk, holding back laughter. Natasha burst out laughing. Clint shook his head, murmuring something about how immature Tony was.

“Proof?” Steve raised an eyebrow at Tony, noticing how uncomfortable and annoyed Loki looked.

“Oh, dear Captain, they used one of my cards. I just had to check the summary,” Tony said while stirring his food, with a smugness that irritated Loki deeply.

Loki stood up and walked out toward his room. Stark was unbearable.

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He threw himself onto his large bed, trying to calm down and resist the urge to throw Iron Man out the window. But his mind wandered back to you.

Were you afraid of him after the New York incident?

Had you recognized him when he walked into the store?

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A week had passed very slowly. Loki read the entire saga quickly, even watched the movies—secretly, of course. He didn’t need more teasing.

That afternoon, he was preparing to go back to the store. He put on more cologne than usual, fixed his hair to frame his face perfectly, and even eat a mint.

He entered Tony’s lab. What he was about to do would be the biggest stab to his pride.

“Stark, I need cash,” he said, uncomfortable, barely opening his mouth.

“I’m sorry, did I hear that right? Why do you need cash? Where are you going all dressed up? A strip club?” Tony teased, laughing.

“No, you idiot. I’m going to a café,” Loki snapped, clearly annoyed.

“Oh, is that how they call it now? Actually, I don’t care. Here,” Tony handed him a wallet, first removing his ID and a photo of Pepper. “There’s protection in there if you need it,” he added with a mocking grin.

Loki said nothing and took the wallet.

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After a 25-minute walk, he arrived at Tortured Lovers. Before walking in, he checked his reflection in the window to make sure everything looked perfect. He stepped inside and scanned the room, searching for you.

He saw you shelving merchandise at the far end of the store. He walked slowly and confidently toward you. When he stood in front of you, his breath caught. He didn’t know what to say—you left him speechless. But then you spoke:

“Hi, Loki. Back for more romantic and mythological drama?” you said with a half-smile, looking into his eyes.

Maybe your words were a hint. Maybe not. But something caught his attention—you called him by name. He didn’t remember ever telling it to you.

“So you know who I am…” he raised an eyebrow.

“Loki of Asgard. With a glorious purpose—to rule Earth. You said that, didn’t you?” you replied casually while organizing books.

“Yes, something like that. But that’s not important. Aren’t you afraid of me, doll?” he asked, genuinely interested in your answer—he hadn’t realized how much your opinion mattered to him.

“Maybe a little. But I don’t think you’re dangerous. You came in with Bruce the other day.”

Loki raised both eyebrows.

“Yeah, I know about the green guy. I figured he wouldn’t bring a ‘villain’ to one of his comfort places unless you were redeemed… or changing,” you said, biting your lip nervously. What if you were wrong and made him mad?

“On probation, really. But that was a clever deduction, gorgeous.” His voice dropped into a ridiculously seductive tone. He leaned slightly toward you, a smirk on his lips.

“Are you looking for a specific book?” you asked, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear.

“No. I just want something delicious to eat,” he said suggestively—like an invitation or the open ending of a novel.

“What would you recommend, darling?”

“Hmm… I can offer you Red Velvet, brownie, or tiramisu. That one’s my favorite…”

You were nervous—Loki was insanely intimidating.

“I’ll have a coffee with tiramisu, please…”

“Sure, take a seat, I’ll bring it right away.”

Loki sat in the same corner as last time, thankful for how private and quiet it was.

Fifteen minutes later, you appeared with his order.

“Sir…” you smiled a bit flirtatiously, placing his tray on the table.

“Thanks, darling,” he replied, grateful.

“It’s nothing,” you said modestly.

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These visits became routine. For two months, every week, Loki showed up at the store. He always ordered the same thing, had little chats with you—flirty, suggestive, or teasing—which made you smile, blush, or sigh more than once.

Sometimes he bought a book, sometimes he came just to read—but his attention always drifted to you whenever you walked by.

You didn’t see him as a villain—of course not. You saw him as “the guy I flirt with”—like someone normal. But everyone know that Loki is not normal… and flirting or dating him would never be.

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Loki returned from his daily visit to the store, humming a pop love song you had mentioned liking. He walked into the living room to find everyone staring worriedly at a slideshow.

“Where the hell were you?!” Clint asked angrily.

“Hey, relax, archer. What’s going on? What are you all watching?” Loki asked, confused, placing his new books on the table.

“Hydra is planning an attack on the lower parts of the city. We don’t know why—maybe one of their informants betrayed them,” Steve explained, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

“Oh. I thought it was something important. I assume you’ll handle it,” Loki said, disinterested. They were heroes—they always won. And traitors like him were destined to lose.

“Loki, help us, brother. There are many civilians who could get hurt,” Thor tried to persuade him.

“Not my problem.”

Suddenly, an alert appeared on the TV—one street had already been hit.

“Loki, Y/N lives on that street…” Bruce looked from the screen to Loki.

Loki’s eyes darkened and his hands trembled for a second with concern.

In a swift motion of magic, he was already dressed in his Asgardian attire.

“What are you all waiting for?! There are civilians who need protection!”

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When they arrived, the street was a complete disaster—clouds of smoke, fires, injured people, and several collapsed buildings.

“I’m going to find the one who triggered the bomb. Help the civilians,” said Iron Man as he activated his boosters and flew upward.

The others entered a burning building—your building—to evacuate the civilians.

“Banner! What’s her apartment number?” Loki asked through the communicator.

“Apartment 13! Hurry, it’s burning fast!” Bruce replied urgently.

Loki didn’t need to hear it twice. In seconds, he was at your door. It was jammed—he blew it open with magic and rushed inside.

“Y/N?! Darling, it’s me! Loki!”

“Loki!” you cried out. Your foot was trapped under debris.

“It’s okay, darling. I’m here.” Loki used a spell to lift the debris and quickly swept you into his arms, carrying you out of the building and finding the Avengers outside.

“Are you all right, my beloved?” Loki asked, his eyes slightly glossy, his voice soft and vulnerable.

“Yes…” you tried to get down from his arms, but the moment your feet touched the ground, you winced in pain.

“I think I twisted my ankle.”

“It’s okay. Don’t push yourself, darling. I’ve got you.” Loki wrapped your arm around his neck and supported you with one arm around your waist.

Tony landed beside them, carrying an unconscious man in his arms.

“Found the guy who set off the bomb,” he announced.

Everyone nodded, barely paying attention.

“What did I miss? ‘Darling’? Who is she, brother?” Thor asked, confused by your sudden appearance.

“I’ll introduce her later—at the tower. She’s not in any condition to answer questions right now,” Loki said protectively, clearly annoyed at the staring.

“Loki… I don’t feel so good…” you coughed harshly, then fainted.

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You woke up in a bed—not a hospital bed, but close enough. Bruce was at your side reviewing scans. You were hooked up to an IV, and your head ached.

“Bruce, where am I? What happened?”

“Good, you’re awake. You’re at Stark Tower, in the medical wing. You inhaled a lot of smoke, and the pain from your twisted ankle made you pass out. You’ve been unconscious for a few hours,” he said, handing you a pill and a glass of water.

“For the pain,” he added with a smile.

“Uh… okay, thanks.” You took the pill and started to get up.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“I want to find Loki. Is he here?”

“Yes, but—”

“Great, take me to him.”

“…Okay.” Bruce offered his arm to help you walk, and you took it. He guided you to the conference room, where everyone was gathered, going over the mission report.

Loki looked spaced out, uninterested in the 'heroes’ debrief.

You walked slowly through the door.

“Sorry to interrupt… Loki?”

He lifted his head the moment he heard your voice and immediately stood to meet you.

“Darling… no one tell me you were awake. How do you feel?”

“Better than before…” you said softly.

Loki hugged you—gentle, tender. After a few seconds, he pulled back.

“Y/N, right?” asked Tony from his seat. You stiffened, glancing at Loki, then back at Tony.

“Yes, Mr. Stark. I’m Y/N…”

“You’re invited to tonight’s dinner. We’d all like to get to know you better.”

You nodded nervously. Loki shook his head immediately.

“Absolutely not.”

“I never said you were invited, Loki,” Tony replied, earning laughter from everyone.

“I hope this time you hire someone to cook and don’t just order fast food,” he said playfully.

Loki picked you up bridal style and walked out of the room, finding Bruce outside.

“Can she be released from medical care?” Loki asked.

Bruce nodded. That was all Loki needed—he carried you to his room, using magic to open and close the doors. He set you down on the edge of the bed and sat beside you.

“Darling, I was so worried,” he said, taking your hand gently.

“It wasn’t that serious. Just smoke and a little pain.”

“What would become of me without you, my beloved? You’re the reason I haven’t burned this city to the ground. The reason I stay on this planet.”

He took both your hands and kissed your knuckles repeatedly. You leaned closer, resting your hand on Loki’s thigh.

“Give me what I’ve been longing for, darling…” you said sweetly.

Loki didn’t waste a second—he finally kissed you after months of teasing. The kiss was passionate but intimate, overflowing with anticipation. He moved down to kiss your neck, stopping just below your collarbone.

You tensed.

“I won’t do anything you don’t want, darling…” he whispered, kissing your cheek.

“I need a bath. I probably taste like smoke.”

Loki chuckled against your skin.

“Yeah… a little. I’ll prepare a bath for you.”

He gave you one last kiss before disappearing into the bathroom.

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He prepared a hot bath—perfect for relaxing.

When you came out wrapped in a robe, you found him sitting on the bed reading a classic.

“Do you have clothes for me?”

“Yes, darling.” He got up and walked to the closet, pulling out sweatpants and a red shirt.

“Thanks, but… shouldn’t I wear something more formal? These are the Avengers, after all.”

Loki raised both eyebrows and shook his head.

“I don’t think so, gorgeous. You’d be surprised how they eat—it’s like a food war every day.”

You laughed, easing your nerves. You kissed his cheek and returned to the bathroom to change.

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A flash blinded you the moment you entered the dining room with Loki. You closed your eyes from the surprise.

Tony held a Polaroid camera.

“Oh look, she’s holding his arm,” he teased, showing the photo to Natasha. She shook her head with a grin.

Loki frowned, ready to tell Stark to stop harassing you—but your voice interrupted him.

“Can I see it?”

Tony handed you the photo. It was candid, natural—intimate.

“It’s beautiful. Can I keep it?”

“I’ll make you a copy.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know—I’m the best. Everyone, take your seats.”

Stark had hired the best chefs he could find in under an hour. Loki pulled out your chair and gently touched your arm as you sat. He sat beside you.

Thor watched you curiously, analyzing your every move, trying to convince himself you were real.

“You all have a staring problem,” Loki muttered.

“Sorry, it’s just… this feels like a joke, brother. How did I not know about her?” Thor asked, half-offended.

“Yeah, how did you two meet?” Clint, of course, had to join the conversation.

“Did you enchant her to love you?” Natasha teased.

“You’re all missing the real betrayal and shock here,” Tony pointed at Bruce. “Our dear doctor knew about Y/N and never spilled the tea.”

Bruce shifted uncomfortably in his seat, embarrassed to be called out.

“Silence, idiots. It’s not that hard to believe. Don’t overreact,” Loki gritted his teeth, his hand resting on your thigh, tightening with every comment.

“Jokes aside, how did you meet? And why did Bruce know, but not Thor?” Steve asked calmly, genuinely curious.

You looked at Loki, nodding so he could tell his pov of the story.

“The first time Doctor Banner and I went out to explore New York, we went into the store where Y/N works. Bruce had already been there several times, so he knew her. I liked her the moment I saw her. And well… after a few months of visiting every week, this happened. I’m not giving you more details.”

“So you’re the one who sold him Twilight?” Tony asked. You nodded. “Smart girl—you sold him six books just by knowing he was drooling over you.”

Tony raised his glass in a mock toast. You laughed, resting your hand over Loki’s on your thigh, trying to calm him down.

The rest of the dinner was less tense. Yes, they asked questions—sometimes a bit personal—but Loki answered them carefully, revealing just enough.

He really wanted to protect you and your relationship—have something private and exclusive. Everyone called him selfish, but he only admitted it with you. He wanted you for himself—forever.

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After dinner, the two of you slipped out discreetly and returned to Loki’s room.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, doll. Anything.”

“My apartment… how is it?”

Loki clenched his jaw and looked down before replying.

“Well… it didn’t hold up too well. But we managed to save a few important things, like your laptop.”

“Damn…”

“Don’t worry, gorgeous. Stark said he’d cover everything, including replacing your stuff. There’s no need for you to go back to work right away. You’re invited to live here—with me.”

His words were so soft, they felt like a kiss.

“Loki… thank you. You didn’t have to.”

“Stark likes you and wants to get to know you. And I know everyone wants you here. Especially me.”

You kissed him—a sweet, grateful kiss. He leaned closer, craving more contact.

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Sleeping together felt so natural that anyone watching would think you’d done it a hundred times. Loki found you comfortable pajamas. You lay on the left side of the bed, staring at the ceiling, processing everything that had happened.

Loki turned toward you, admiring you.

“I didn’t think the first time I’d have you in my bed would be like this…” he said out of nowhere, smiling.

You laughed, blushing slightly.

“And how did you expect the first time in your bed to go?”

“Don’t play the innocent role, Y/N.”

“I assure you, it’ll happen soon, Loki…”

You both laughed, curling up together—your hand and head on his chest.

“Good night, darling.”

“Good night, Loki.”

He was smiling—not smug, but truly happy.

With peace.

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