An Avenger’s Secret
Chapter 1: Meeting
Pairing: Loki x Female Reader
Summary: Being the epitome of professional, you have one rule that must be followed to the T; Never mix business and personal. But how will your integrity fair against meeting the Avengers, or better yet, a certain Avenger’s brother?
A/N: This is my first Avengers fan-fiction, I do hope you all enjoy it. (Takes place after everything has settled from the war with Thanos.)
Word Count: 3372
Warnings: None (yet)
“(Y/n), can you make me one of your famous cakes for later tonight, please?”
Giving him an amused smirk, the light clanging of the dishes shuffling together in the water of the sink, a breathy giggle rang through your lips at your boss’s pleading stance. Giving you his best puppy dog eyes, a little pout on his lips, hands clasped together similarly like a prayer, he waited for your reply.
Focusing on the task at hand, eyes closed in content of your surroundings, you answered him in a lighthearted manner.
“Of course, Mr. Stark, any requests or should I surprise you?”
“Whatever you feel like making!” he beamed happily, throwing his fists in the air in triumph. Ever since you introduced your love for the culinary arts, Tony Stark had fallen in love with your creations. Even going so far as to boast happily to guests about your talent and how lucky he was to have found you.
“Thanks, (Y/n), I can’t wait for Rogers to eat his words, literally.” Sauntering out of the kitchen, pride radiating off him like the sun, it made you laugh at his attitude.
You had been employed with Stark Industries for a little over a year now, being hired to be the new maid for the entire building. It gave you great relief that Tony was the only occupant in Stark Tower, with the occasional high-powered guest to meet in hopes of gaining funding from the main man himself in exchange for future partnerships. Almost everything was computer automated, doors, windows, lights, you name it, it was controlled by a remote or by F.R.I.D.A.Y. Everything, that is, except the cleaning service. That’s where you came in, you were needed to keep everything clean and organized.
There was some debate on whether or not you could be trusted enough to work for the famous Iron Man himself, for obvious reasons, but after expressing your complete lack of interest in the Avengers, you came to work for him. Not that you didn’t like the Avengers, no, it’s just that there was no real reason for you to care about them. Just like any other celebrity on the media, you couldn’t get on board with the hype train that was the heroes of New York. It just wasn’t worth your energy to pine completely over people that didn’t know anything about you.
You were happy with this job, most days it was just you, the whole building was usually vacant until the evenings. With your day to consist of making sure everything was perfect, even when people were about, no mess was left to sit longer than 15 minutes. Tony had joked about you having a radar in your brain honed to anything out of place. In all honesty, you just didn’t like your work being ruined. You made it a point to never be seen by guests unless called by Mr. Stark himself, it was more comfortable to be able to go about your routine without anyone getting in your way.
Friends would joke about you being a perfectionist and a neat-freak, it wasn’t a total lie, but it made you uneasy when something was out of place or disorganized in any shape or form. On the late nights of cleaning up unplanned gatherings of any kind, a room was given for you to stay in and use at your leisure by Mr. Stark’s request. The top ten floors of the building were private usage for anyone associated with the Avengers and no one had access to them, minus you, which you were currently at washing dishes that Mr. Stark had tried to hide from you.
“Honestly, I don’t understand why you don’t just use the dishwasher.” He commented, walking back in with a book in hand.
“Because it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I do them by hand, besides, the soap you bought for it leaves streaks and I don’t like it.”
“Then tell me which one to get so you don’t have to keep getting your hands dirty.” Planting himself on one of the stools at the kitchen island, he looked to you with a grin plastered on his face.
“Why are you complaining? The dishes will get done either way, just let me do my thing.” You laughed, draining the water you grabbed a dish cloth to dry the finished dishes and your hands.
“I like things to be easy, what kind of boss would I be if I didn’t put your needs into consideration?”
“An imposter,” you laughed softheartedly, “when will your guests be arriving? I’d like to know how much time I’m working with.”
“In about two hours.” His smile and energy were contagious, he really was a great guy, but his confidence could easily be mistaken for cockiness. Gliding over to the pantry, you dug out the ingredients for a pineapple upside down cake. Flour, eggs, white and brown sugar, butter, milk, and of course the pineapples.
“Perfect.”
“You should join us.” He said, watching you measure everything perfectly, the oven was already preheating and you were humming silently to yourself. When you didn’t give more of a reply than a sarcastic glance, he continued. “You’ve been with me for a year already, Pepper trusts you and so do I. Being under my employment means you get the perks of being familiar with my stuff.”
“I’m quite familiar with your perks, Mr. Stark. You already gave me access to your library and pool, the open bar is an added plus, and I have my own room down the hall, what more could I possibly want?”
“To meet the Avengers.” He beamed.
“You just want to show off.” Not bothering with the high-tech mixer, you opted to using a whisk to create the batter.
“That too,” he admitted, “but I really think you should let loose every now and again, join us, meet the gang. I’m sure they’ll like you.”
“I don’t need them to like me.” You commented bluntly. “I have no interest in meeting celebrities for a brief moment. I’m quite comfortable with our arrangement as it stands, there’s no need to change anything.” With a comfortable smile on your lips, he pursed his in a disapproving pout. With the cake pan buttered and lined with the brown sugar glaze and slices, gingerly placing the cherries neatly within the pineapple rings, you expertly poured in the batter before sliding the pan into the oven.
“You’re the only one I need to keep in good graces, Mr. Stark.” Giving him a sweet smile, you began cleaning up.
He was already used to your blunt honesty, it was one of the things that he liked about you. There wasn’t anything you hid in terms of opinions and mannerism. You were quite polite and very professional around him and anyone that ran into you. Few had mistaken you for his secretary by the way you held yourself. Though at the same time, around anyone other than himself or Pepper, you never smiled and you kept your stoic demeanor, if they didn’t know any better, one might mistake your presence for someone of higher position.
That’s what Pepper liked about you, never wearing anything less than a simple black button up with a different colored scarf tied around your neck for each day, today it was blue, and a matching fitted black pencil skirt. Only ever wearing a white apron around your waist when in the kitchen, you held great pride in your appearance, something that was carved into you at a very young age. With your hair gown out from your first day, it was always pulled neatly in a bun or in a beautiful braided style that you would find online.
“Well, the offer stands. Since I know you won’t be leaving here tonight without cleaning up after me, you’re welcome to take a break until then.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stark.”
“And would you please stop calling me that?” giving you a frown, “It makes me feel old.”
“My apologies, Sir, but I will address you as nothing more than that.”
With a grimace, he didn’t continue the subject, you were more stubborn than he and it drove him insane when you didn’t comply easily.
“Then I’ll see you around, (Y/n).” getting up he started making is way out, stopping to give you one last look. “At least think about it?” with pleading eyes, you gave a soft sigh.
“I’ll consider the invitation, but don’t hold your breath.”
Smiling widely, he left. With him away you pulled out your phone, revealing the wireless headphones that were tucked under your collar, you put your music on. You had to kill 40 minutes for the cake to be finished baking, having already completed all other tasks for the day, that just meant that you would be spending the time in the open lounge just next to the living room of the floor.
Smiling to yourself, you loved that room, it was your second favorite place, first being the library, it had a beautiful view with a grand piano positioned off to the side. Closing the door behind you, you sprinted to the middle of the large room. Kicking off your black flats, gliding over the smooth marble floor in your black stockings, it was always fun to dance in that room alone.
It became a habit of yours that no one knew about, in all honesty you loved that no one knew. That just meant you could relish in the blissful moment that much more. Moving to the beat of the song currently playing in your ears, you memorized the layout of the room long ago, eyes closed, you danced with such a carefree way that always felt like you were flying.
There was no reason for you be aware of your surroundings, even after voices began to resonate on the halls just on the other side of the walls that separated you from the new company. With the speakers canceling any would be intruding sounds, you continued in your content.
“Don’t be so irritated, Brother!” boomed a happy voice, with an infectious laugh ringing through the floor, the tall muscular blond gave said brother a heavy pat on the back. With a scowl, the slightly shorter, slender, ebony haired man shook off his brother’s hand. “Everyone will be eager to learn of your new desire to join the team!”
“I’m not joining anything.” Taking a seat at the island in the kitchen you were just at moments ago, he gave a rather unamused glance to the man sat beside him. “Need I remind you, they’d rather see me in a dungeon than to wander freely here on Midgard. The moment they see me, all hell will break loose.”
“Nonsense. Tony is very understanding, he will welcome you with open arms.” Beaming like an idiot, there was no trying to convince the man otherwise.
“Ah Thor, I thought I heard you.” Coming into view, Tony rounded the corner, his eyes landing on the figure sat beside the God of Thunder. “Reindeer Games, glad you could join the party.” There was a tone in his voice that flew over Thor’s head but didn’t go unnoticed by its target.
“Tony!” the Asgardian stood with wide arms, pulling the brunet into a nearly bone crushing embrace. “It is good to see you again.” Releasing the smaller man, Tony was able to catch his breath as he gripped the black marble counter for support.
“Same to you, big guy.”
“Tell me, my friend, what is it that I am smelling?”
The snarky expression reverted to one of pride, “That, Point Break, is one of the greatest things you will ever experience. In about…” glancing at the little white timer on the stove, “15 minutes, you will be gifted with something truly magnificent.”
With a scoff escaping his lips, Tony shot a glare at the one who made such a sound.
“The only thing magnificent about this world of yours is how truly mundane everything is.”
Before a retort could be given, Tony’s eye caught movement to the far end of the living room that connected to the kitchen. The door to the piano lounge opened to reveal you, having caught your eye, your smile was replaced instantly with your professional demeanor. A stoic and blank curtain expressed itself on your features, walking up to the three men, you gave no heed to the two new individuals.
Passing them effortlessly, Tony’s smile widened when you began to prep for the cake.
“Hello!” Thor beamed happily, drawing your attention away from the open cupboards.
Turning to face him fully, you gave a simple nod of acknowledgement. “Good afternoon, Sir.”
“I am Thor Odinson, God of Thunder.” Stepping up to you, arms wide, he attempted a hug that you quickly ducked away from.
“A pleasure, Mr. Odinson.” You greeted bluntly, earning a chuckle from Tony and a very amused grin from the other man. “I am Ms. (L/n).”
His smile never faded as he turned to you once more. “Lady (L/n), this is my brother, Loki.” Gesturing to the man seated, you turned and gave him a subtle nod as well.
“Loki Laufeyson.” He introduced with a grin.
“A pleasure, Mr. Laufeyson.”
“Tell us, Tony, who is this wonderful girl?”
“This,” walking up beside you, throwing an arm around your shoulder, “is (Y/n), a gift on this earth. She will be joining us tonight and meeting the rest of the guys.”
Not showing your disdain for the unwelcomed announcement, expression as is, you very discreetly pinched your boss’s side. Flinching away from your attack, you began once more to pull a cutting board out along with small plates and cups.
“Wonderful!” Thor boomed, his voice sending small vibrations through the glass. “Truly this will be a great evening!”
Setting a kettle on the burner, you ignored Tony’s questioning gaze at what you were doing.
-DING!-
He very nearly resembled a child on Christmas when he heard the sound of the timer. Turning off the oven, you proceeded to retrieve the cake.
“Mr. Stark, unless you wish to add another burn to your record, I suggest you step aside.” A wave of heat hit both your faces as Tony took a few steps away. “Sit.” You gestured, he and Thor grabbing a stool to watch you place the hot metal on nylon coasters you had set on the counter.
With a knife in hand you quickly encouraged the dessert to separate from the pan, in a swift motion, you flipped the cake over onto the cutting board. Hearing the water on the stove reach to a boil, you let the pan rest on the counter as you went to fetch three porcelain cups and your special blend of tea. Adding honey and using a cinnamon stick to stir, you placed the hot beverage in front of each man. Returning to the cake yet to be revealed, you effortlessly lifted the still hot pan to show the perfectly golden creation.
Tony’s mouth was watering, Thor was quite eager now as well. Loki, however, didn’t seem phased in the least. Serving a piece to each, you waited patiently for their reaction.
“Marry me.” Tony quipped when the warm fluffiness practically melted in his mouth. Fighting your urge to smile, you turned to the God of Thunder, seeing that he had already finished his slice.
“That…was spectacular!” leaping from his seat, small sparks of blue electricity hugged his figure with delight. “Another, please!”
With a complying nod, you took his plate and gifted him with a larger slice than before. Now it was Loki’s turn to react. He hadn’t touched his slice yet, simply staring at it in question.
“If Shakespeare over there doesn’t want his, can I have it?” Tony called from the opposite end of the island, raising his hand like a child.
“Mr. Stark, should he choose to discard the offer that is on him, but let me make this clear.” Cleaning off the pan. “Although it was made by your request, the creation is still mine.” Giving him a glance, a grin playing on your lips for him to see. “I will decide who I offer my effort to.” Putting it away, you turned back to the three.
Your sure tone had caught the two God’s attention, raising a brow to you, he took his first bite. It was perfectly moist, not overly sweet with a light airy and fluffy texture. Widening his eyes is surprise, he took a sip from the tea placed before him. The aroma was welcoming and flavor paired perfectly with the cake.
“Then can I get another piece, please?” with the same eyes as the first time, you didn’t break composure.
“You will wait until your guests arrive, Mr. Stark. I will not have you finish it off like before.”
“That’s not fair.” He pouted. “Thor got seconds.”
“Mr. Odinson helped me clean up the shape of the cake.” You pointed out, which was true, you liked when the cake kept its rectangular shape. If you gave another piece, it wouldn’t be symmetrical anymore. “And I don’t want to hear another word of it. I promise you, Mr. Stark, if you eat this cake before your guests can get their share, I will not make another for this evening.”
Sulking in his seat, Tony gave up the fight and opted to be content with his tea.
“I recall my last statement.” Loki spoke, getting everyone’s attention. “This was quite splendid.” He had finished both the cake and tea, looking rather satisfied.
Taking the plates from them, you washed them quickly before returning them to the storage space.
“I’m happy to hear it was to your satisfactory, Mr. Laufeyson.”
“Loki, would be fine dear.”
Earning a skeptical glance from Tony, he got no other reaction from you than a polite nod.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. If he gets to be called by his first name, I should too. I’m your employer, I hold higher priority here.”
“Mr. Stark, I have already expressed my terms of how I wish to address you quite clearly. I did not agree to calling Mr. Laufeyson by his first name, I simply acknowledged his request.”
Once everything was cleaned and cleared, you turned your attention to your boss.
“Will that be all, Sir?”
“Yeah, I’ll let you know if I need anything else.” Still in a vexed state, you nodded once before taking your leave down the hall.
“Oh, I like her.” Loki smirked, seeing the reaction that crossed Tony’s face.
“Don’t even think about it, Boots.” Stark warned. “Keep your distance and no one gets hurt.”
“And what if she doesn’t want that?” he pushed, earning a glare from your boss.
“Oh, believe me, she wouldn’t want anything to do with you.”
“Come, now.” Thor cut in. “But can I ask, Tony. Does she not know who we are?”
“She knows of you, well at least of who the Avengers are, but she doesn’t follow any of the media surrounding us.”
“She doesn’t care about you?” there was a mocking tone in Loki’s voice that had Tony clenching his jaw.
“She doesn’t find anything interesting about super heroes.”
“You jest, my friend. Surely she is just shy.”
“Nope,” waving a hand in defeat, “she really doesn’t. I know, weird, but she’d rather lock herself up in her room than to go into anything related to the Avengers. I’ve even heard her friends comment on how odd it is that she holds no interest. Guess that’s why she never told any of them that she works for me.”
“Interesting.”
“Keep your brother on a tight leash,” getting up from his seat, “if he does anything, I won’t hesitate to get rid of him.” Walking out, he left the two brothers to their lonesome.
“Brother,” Thor started, “I cannot persuade him further if you get in trouble. Whatever it is that you are thinking, don’t act.”
“I suppose I could play nice.” The smirk never leaving his face gave his brother a skeptically worried look. “Don’t worry, brother, I won’t do anything that would cause harm to anyone in this building.”
“Thank you.”
