You flipped the CLOSED sign to OPEN and unlocked the door before circling around the counter and perching on the worn, cushioned stool Etta had bought to make sure you were comfortable. It was your dream come true, working at a small bookstore full to the brim of stories new and old, tales taller than the Empire Building and the rustic scent of dog eared pages and leather bound books.
If it wasn't shutting down due to the lack of sales, you'd consider owning it one day. Etta, the owner, was a wispy old woman with graying streaks in her otherwise brown hair and crinkles around her pale blue eyes whenever she smiled. She might have been in her early 60's, but she still had a little fire in her with her witty remarks and contagious laughter. You had no idea why she trusted you with her little bookstore, but she did and she'd be out most of the day, leaving you to explore the millions of worlds written in ink.
It was like that everyday.
A new book, a few customers here and there, the daily visit to the Starbucks next door for an iced tea and back on the stool.
Routine.
Until the day a tall, lean man with raven black hair that fell a little ways past his shoulders wearing a suit as dark as his locks walked in, looking around the shop thoughtfully. You didn't think you'd seen anyone look so graceful with such a dangerous aura.
Dangerous, but entrancing. His eyes were a sharp green and as he trained them on you, you felt a twinge of nervousness in your stomach. You'd never felt intimidated by a customer before.
"This is...a place to purchase various volumes." He said. It wasn't a question nor was it a statement, but you nodded anyways. A crooked smile graced his coral pink lips and he moved closer to the counter, putting a finger atop the book you held.
"And what, may I ask, are you reading?"
His voice was like silk and you shook your head, clearing your throat awkwardly.
"Emma by Jane Austen." You said, pointing to the title.
"Intriguing. Who is this Emma?" He asked.
You almost laughed out loud, but you could see how serious he was.
"Jane Austen? You've never heard of her? Pride and Prejudice? Sense and Sensibility?"
He shook his head, leaning forward so his elbows rested on the counter. The movement brought him a lot closer than he was before and you could feel the rush of blood flowing into your cheeks.
"Mansfield Park?" You tried again, but to no avail.
For the next hour or two or three(neither of you were keeping time), you explained the plot of both Emma and Pride and Prejudice, answering the many questions he had as best as you could. Talking to him was almost irresistible and you loved the way he formed his words with such formality and precision.
Looking at him was even more irresistible. His jaw looked like it was cut out of the finest marble and the way he gazed at you with those green eyes of his, it was hard to form comprehensive thoughts in your head. It seemed you weren't the only one having a hard time keeping your eyes to yourself.
"Y/N?"
"Y/N? Very beautiful name."
You didn't have time to blush at his words as you looked up to see Etta walk in, laden with shopping bags.
"Oh, Etta! Let me help you with those!"
You went to rush around the counter, but she held her hand up and began to move towards the staircase in the back of the shop leading to her apartment.
"I'm not that old, girl. Besides, you've got company and I wouldn't want to interrupt." She said slyly, winking at you behind the man's back.
"Uh, Etta this is-"
"Loki."
"Right. Loki. Loki, this is Etta. She owns the shop."
"I couldn't possibly let you carry those by yourself. Although I'm sure you're perfectly capable."
"That I am."
"Care to oblige me?"
She gave him a curious look before handing him a few bags and directing him up the stairs, shooting you a knowing smirk before disappearing. You chuckled and, noticing the time, went to flip the sign. Time had passed so quickly and you were a bit disappointed that it was already dark. You turned around to find Loki almost right up against you, making you jump in fright.
"Oh! You scared me." You laughed nervously and he stepped back a little with a charming smirk.
"I apologize. That wasn't my intention."
"No, of course not. A-are you leaving?"
"I'm afraid I have to. I've spent a little more time than I'm accustomed to away from my new home."
His expression changed into an apologetic look and a flash of disappointment must've crossed your face because he quickly stepped forward to take ahold of your hand, startling you.
"Would you like to come with me? Perhaps, find a better place to spend our time together?" He asked softly. You opened your mouth to reply, but nothing came out and your cheeks flushed at the thought of how ridiculous you must look.
"I'll take that as a yes, darling." Loki chuckled.
"Right, yeah. Sure. Let me just lock up here."
He nodded and you followed him out after shouting a goodbye to Etta and turning off the lights, locking the store behind you before facing the city streets teeming with people.
"You said this is your new home?" You asked as he took your hand in his again, making your heart thump at the light pressure of his touch.
"Yes, I did."
"Well, I'll be glad to show you around." You offered as the both of you began to walk down the sidewalk, Loki pulling you closer to his side. You looked at him to see the crooked smile he had given you when he had first walked in and you decided, in that moment, that his smile was something you'd like to see everyday.
"I'd very much enjoy exploring in your company,
Y/N. Much better than that of my brother and his acquaintances."
"You have a brother?"
"It's complicated."
You nodded.
"Come on. I know a good pretzel place that'll uncomplicate things."
"Pretzel?"
"How disgraceful of you."
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13K! Thank you so much, loves!
<3
I've gotten a couple of requests, so I'll be working on those for a few days. Any are gladly accepted!