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syntheticavenger · 10 months

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Annihilate - One

I wanted to write something for me in the vein of an unsettling scenario and this is what I came up with. I know my work isn't always the usual but I'm learning that it's okay to write what I want so here it is.

Tech Bro! Thor x Female Reader / Julian (OMC) x Female Reader

Word Count: 3.7K

Warnings: 18+, world building (you know me...), hints of unsavory behavior, mentions of past religion. Anything else I put in here will be a spoiler for this first part. I think you can guess where this will go...

Summary | Your husband's new job puts the world at his fingertips, a chance to move up the corporate ladder. Despite your misgivings about it being too good to be true, the true test of your dedication to your marriage is attending the upcoming Sunday service hosted by none other than his boss, who extends a personal invite to you both.

It doesn’t feel real.

The entire thing – the office suite, the plush black leather desk chair that he sits in while he waits for the secretary to return with his coffee order – a personal secretary at that - none of it feels like it should be happening to him.

A whole secretary just for him. One that is solely there to answer every request, every whim.

Not shared, like Suzanne from his former job, overworked trying to balance five calendars and never quite nailing the whole multitasking aspect of her job. Gone are the triple booked meetings and never a break between. He has Caroline for that now – a lively woman with a blonde bob and piercing blue eyes and a professional smile who blocks out two hours on his calendar for him to take lunch because ‘he deserves it’.. The cafeteria isn’t the usual food service that is brought in from the outside, prepacked and served in warmers. It’s a whole experience, various chefs at different stations, poised to take his order.

Still, it doesn’t feel real.

Regardless of the new office suite, guilt hangs over his head at the thought of what you had to give up. A high six figure income means that the life you both used to dream of is finally here. With it came sacrifice, namely leaving your family and friends from the East Coast to travel to the other side of the country. Your parents were frustrated that you’d gone along with his big pipe dream, to accept the job that offered promises of keys to unlock a future that he had believed would once never happen.

There isn’t much to dislike from the people who are on the same floor, almost as if it was kismet to be with his peers who share the same outside preferences – music, movies, you name it. It has to be a coincidence, but Tesseract is known for its attention to detail.

He's tried to tell you about all the perks of moving to a new city, a new state. The possibilities are endless, he’s hinted, even when you’ve been focused on trying to find a new job. Not that you need one - the salary he brings in is nearly triple what you both used to bring in - but your independence has always been a big piece of your personality and there is no talking you out of doing something, especially when it means how you spend your time.

He's so focused on how he’ll make this up to you, how he’ll leave early and maybe take you out to dinner that he doesn’t hear the knock at the door, only the sensation of someone in his office before he blocks out the feeling until there is a slight clearing of a throat that makes him nearly jump out of his chair.

Straightening up at the sight of Thor Odinson, he can only estimate the price of the black bespoke suit jacket and pants with the crisp white shirt and shoes. Thor looks like he’s made of money, the kind where there are no logos adorning his clothes but the air of confidence of a man who has never had to struggle for anything in his life. When Thor strolls in, it’s with an underlying sense of a man who has nothing but time.

“Enjoying the new office?” Thor inquires, flashing him a bright smile. In another life, he could have been in a toothpaste commercial with a smile like that.

“I don’t even have words,” he replies with a nod. “Doesn’t feel real.”

“Oh, it’s real, Julian. You belong here.”

He says his name so smoothly, as if they’ve been close friends for years, Thor looking out the giant window to the ocean view ahead of them.

“How has everything been since the big move? Your wife settling in fine?”

“We’re adjusting,” Julian answers with a hard swallow. His thoughts go to you, the way you were deeply engrossed in formatting your resume that you barely lifted your head to notice he was leaving for the day. “Wife is still getting used to West Coast time and missing family and friends.”

“I can only imagine. I’m sure she’ll find that this move was beneficial for you both.”

It feels reassuring to agree with his boss, even after only knowing him for such a short time, but there’s something about Thor that puts him at ease. Despite being on the job less than a month, there’s such confidence that Julian can do anything that is placed in front of him because Thor believes in him. He’s always managed to do well in his other jobs, flying under the radar so that he was passed over for promotions and the like, his past bosses telling him he needed to market himself better to be seen. So many wasted moments, getting his hopes up before having them dashed in an instant, to sink lower into a despair he’d tried - and failed - to keep from you.

In Thor, he feels seen and heard, his comments on the new software they’ve been developing making it into a larger conversation when Thor is around, giving him credit where credit is due. It’s a surreal feeling, knowing that his work isn’t being taken for granted. There is a sense of hope again that he can do well, move upward in this company that seemingly tops all the ‘Companies to Work For’ in the business magazines that line Thor’s desk when he’s lucky enough to catch a glimpse inside the massive office.

It’s more than the shiny name plate on Julian’s desk.

It’s that the boss has come to check on him when others could barely remember his name in the past.

“How’s the job search going?” Your mother asks the question without a hint of curiosity, as if she’s asking about the weather.

She believes this is just a phase, a slice of living that needs to happen before Julian - and you - come to the realization that this foray into a new state, a new city and a new job was a mistake. These are the phone calls you dread to take from her, knowing that you will be at her mercy when she decides she needs a listening ear to discuss all her problems because you aren’t physically there to see her sadness in real time.

“Got a few interviews lined up,” comes your reply, the low hum of surprise on the other end making you close your eyes in anticipation.

“Interviews? Does Julian know?”

“Not yet.”

Your mother says your name as a warning, quiet but enough for the twinge of irritation to dance on your nerves.

“I thought you both agreed that you’d give this a whole housewife thing a try. You don’t need to work, you know.”

“I know. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get restless. What am I supposed to do? There’s only so many rooms to clean.”

“This was supposed to be a fresh start for you both. I know you had your moments of doubt but he’s trying to be a better husband. I think you should meet him halfway at least. Cook him dinner or -”

“Not this again. He’s a grown man, Mom,” you remind her through a hard shake of your head, even though you know she can’t see it. “And I do make him dinner. There’s more to marriage than being a glorified dinner cook, you know.”

“I didn’t say that. Don’t put words in my mouth,” your mother says quietly, her voice cold. “I just want you to understand that you have to meet him halfway. Like you discussed before you left, remember?”

Another warning not to push your luck. Though she’s miles away, there’s still enough guilt she can heap on to make you apologize before the phone call is through.

“I know this is hard on you, sweetheart. You left your family, your friends and your job. It’s an adjustment, no question. You have to trust him. Trust this process.”

“Did you need something?” you interrupt her, exhaling out a breath that you know she can hear.

“I just wanted to check on you. It’s been three days and not a word from my daughter. A mother gets worried, you know. It’s like I’m gone and forgotten.”

It’s better to say nothing than to try to reassure her. You’ll only end up frustrating yourself.

A long silence passes before the conversation finally has reached the end.

“I don’t know,” your mother says after a moment. “Have a good night and tell Julian I said hello.”

“Night.”

It’s how it always ends, the awkward goodbye where it feels like you’ve checked off a box in order to still stay in her good graces. The sense of relief you feel when it’s over only serves to drive home the point that this move was good for you after all, even if it doesn’t feel like it was.

Looking around the house, there’s nothing left to clean, not even a glass. Movers unpacked every box for you, the list of services paid up for the year on the fridge with a Tesseract magnet, a reminder that this job is the reason why you’re in a place five times bigger than the shoebox you used to call an apartment. It’s all happened so fast that you have to remind yourself that this is what he wanted once upon a time, when you were both younger and broke, checking your bank accounts to make sure you had enough money to go to dinner so that your cards wouldn’t decline.

He’s enamored with this job. It’s everything he’s wanted and more, the way he comes home and waxes poetic about his peers, how in sync they are and the subtle hints that an eventual meet and greet will come your way.

More importantly, he’s in complete awe of his boss, one Thor Odinson, the CEO of Tesseract. What once was a startup tech company now casts a shadow over the well established rivals.

If one could even call them that.

In all things you’ve read, Thor is a tech bro through and through - endearing interviews about his company and the work culture that his employees vouch for wholeheartedly through their company t-shirts and bright smiles on their social media. He’s wholesomely humble, even when he’s talking about his fleet of luxury cars that sit in a pristine garage, giving a heartwarming story of how he’s come from humble beginnings, even when you’re aware that his father had a hand in ‘helping’ him with a loan.

Textbook by most accounts, this CEO who wants to be seen as an equal, not as a higher up who doesn’t understand the people below him. Whatever he’s selling, you’re aware that Julian is buying, the way he has something new to report each time he comes home.

Thor Odinson can do no wrong.

Keenly aware of how Julian used to be pushed to the side to make room for the brown nosers, the kiss ups who stole his ideas while he stood idly by and did nothing, hoping that someone else would see the injustices that were being done - you can see that Thor doesn’t treat him like his former boss. You can’t deny that this is for the better, praising his boss instead of hoping that the last one could see the favoritism that permeated the culture of his last job.

You’ll take the hero worship. Julian stands a bit straighter, more confident when he talks about the trajectory of his career.

A someone instead of a somebody.

Thor leans back in his chair, amused at the fast talking manager at the other end of the line.

“Of course, Mr. Odinson. We’ll be ready for your guests tonight. I will personally make sure that they have the best table. I assure you that they will be well taken care of.”

“I have no doubt, Isaac,” Thor replies, looking over at the clock. “I appreciate you and your team taking this reservation last minute.”

“Anything for you, Mr. Odinson. We are looking forward to it. Will it just be the two of them?”

Thor’s lips curl into a smile at the question.

“I’ll have my usual table tonight, Issac. So the second best table for my guests,” Thor hints with a laugh, one that the manager responds with a nervous laugh of his own.

“Of course. We will see you soon.”

Thor ends the call, firing off a message to Julian to confirm the reservation. He’d practically fallen out of his chair at the mention of Thor securing a reservation for him to take his wife out for the night. Julian had been particularly loose-lipped when it came to talking about his personal life, especially in regard to his wife.

Far from the Mary Sue type he’s heard husbands refer to their wives as, there’s a hint of defiance that he can hear in Julian’s reflection on the move. You’re still adjusting, even to the point of making it a point to decline any get-togethers from his peers, something that Julian feels is a missed opportunity. Assimilating into a society like this means getting buy-in from his spouse, especially when it means being presented as a united front to a new crop of future friends.

“She just needs a little… persuasion,” Julian had told him with a hopeful glance. “She’s still trying to get over not having job prospects since we moved. I keep telling her it’ll come, maybe she needs to make some friends in the meantime, you know? Network and stuff.”

The trailing off is where Thor picked up the pieces. An easy win, by his standard, coming in clutch with a reservation at a popular hot spot that requires reservations at least six months in advance. Easy enough to win points with an unhappy wife.

As he’s seen in the past.

Thor finally stands, stealing a glance at his watch before he calls it a day. There’s work to be done when he gets home - research, shower and a change of clothes.

After all, he can’t be late to surprise his newest employee.

“Your boss really got us reservations at Vanir? Are you sure?” you prod, nervously scrolling through the menu. There are no prices listed, which makes you realize that this place is going to be expensive.

“Positive. He said it was for a job well done and he wanted us to celebrate.”

“What a saint,” you mutter, Julian shooting you a look, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel.

“Can’t you just be happy?” Julian rushes out, as if he was holding in a breath. “It’s a six month waiting list and he pulled some strings. We haven’t had a date in months, not even before we moved. Thought it would be nice.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t nice.”

“Sounds like it,” Julian answers tersely.

Saying nothing, your hands fall into your lap, your phone going dark. Confrontations can be exhausting, especially when it’s the usual suspects. First your mother and now Julian.

The car ride is silent, Julian changing lanes, the only sound coming from the lane indicator. You want this to work, to be the couple you know you both can be. The voice in the back of your head, the one that pops up when the silence gets too loud, reminds you that arguing won’t fix anything.

“Speaking of, he also invited us to a Sunday service.”

“Sunday service?” you repeat, Julian nodding in response. “Like church?”

“Something like that. He’s big into spirituality. Thought maybe we could go and check it out.”

“Organized religion? You’re a lapsed Catholic and I’m a former Sunday Christian.”

“It’s more like those megachurches. You go for the experience. The people, you know? The music.”

“Do we need that experience?” you question, Julian falling silent at your inquiry.

“Figured it might be good for our marriage. Not saying that we’re in dire straits but might help get us more in touch with what we need?”

“Didn’t realize we needed things.”

“Everyone needs things,” Julian answers you in a hushed tone, like he’s telling you a secret, even though it’s only the two of you inside the car. “We haven’t been the same since last year. It would be nice to get back to where we could understand each other.”

Exhaustion is all you have left to offer.

Acceptance will be a compromise, to keep the peace for a moment - maybe for the rest of the week if you’re lucky. You don’t want to argue

“I guess,” you finally answer, slumping slightly into your seat.

“So I’ll take that as a yes to Sunday?”

You allow a slight nod, Julian reaching out to squeeze your hand tightly in his own. You had it on the tip of your tongue to tell him that you have some interviews lined up but it’s since dissipated, keeping you silent.

“Good. We’ll make it a whole date on Sunday.”

Thor sips on his scotch, taking in the scenery. He’s taken a few pictures, seeing his name trend in real time while he waits.

After all, he has nothing but time.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spies a familiar form. Julian certainly knows how to clean up well, even if he can spy the department store suit from a mile away. He has to hand it to his newest employee - he hasn’t made any waves, no mentions of wanting to climb the ladder that so many others have hinted at when they make it into the compound. Still, watching Julian reach for a hand behind him, Thor leans forward, eyes focused on the person behind him.

There you are.

The described wife who is struggling to settle in, eyes widening in wonder at the minimalist aesthetic of the restaurant, footsteps slowing to take it all in. New money, Thor muses, taking another sip. You’ll get used to having the best of everything.

It starts off small. A nice dinner here, a brand new bracelet from one of the jewelers that Thor has had a hand in helping Julian craft. Nothing too flashy, just enough for you to want to wear it often. Julian’s commitment to his job is absolute - Thor isn’t worried about that.

Your attendance on Sunday hinges on how well Julian has done in crafting the same persona he’s had professionally to personal.

A chance to indulge in your spiritual side, connect with like minded people from the congregation.

Or group, as Thor recalls telling Julian.

Packaged for better consumption.

Julian keeps a hold on you, eagerly pointing out the various pieces of artwork adorning the walls. Neither of you notice him for the moment but that’s how he likes it. He’ll watch how you both order your food, if you have the manners to use the proper utensils in the correct order. No biggie if you don’t - he’ll be happy to have you both take an etiquette class.

It’s all about optics. Can’t have his newest employee not be able to hobnob with the elites that already know what to look for in order to find a weakness in his repertoire of top performers.

When his food arrives, Isaac stands nervously, his fingers tapping against each other while Thor takes a bite. It’s a religious experience, devouring something so decadent that he stops for a moment, closing his eyes in appreciation.

The sigh of relief from Issac is heard loud and clear.

“You’ve outdone yourself again, my friend,” Thor compliments him. “Tell your chefs, I am once again pleased. I’ll have to let my brother know he’s missing out.”

“We shall take good care of him, I assure you,” Isaac agrees.

All it takes is one quick text to Loki to let him know he’ll need to review Vanir.

A single visit from Loki, world renowned restaurant reviewer and famed writer and Vanir will have a Michelin star before the week is over. It will be anonymous, of course - no one truly knows what Loki does outside of his own family - but a little boost in Vanir’s ratings and Thor’s stock in the restaurant will continue to go through the roof.

Champagne comes first, over a bed of ice in a silver bucket, expertly poured by your own private server. There’s happiness in Julian’s gaze, a look of relaxation that Thor picks up on immediately.

Which is why Julian doesn’t seem him when he comes from behind, locking eyes with you before he finishes Julian’s sentence.

“Nothing but the best for you, Julian,” Thor interrupts, Julian’s head snapping up to attention at the sight of his boss.

“Thor, hello, hi,” Julian stumbles, motioning to you. “This is my wife.”

“An honor,” Thor purrs, gripping your hand for a moment.

Not quite a shake, not quite a hello. It lingers long enough that he can see the uncomfortableness in your eyes before he lets go.

“Julian has told me so much about you. How do you like the West Coast?”

“It’s an adjustment,” you answer him, giving Julian a nervous smile before you nod at Thor. “Just a lot to take in.”

“I’m sure,” Thor agrees. “Take it day by day. There’s so much to explore. I have no doubt you’ll settle in just fine.”

“We’ll be at the service on Sunday,” Julian speaks up, Thor simply giving a smile to the news. Deep down, he’s aware of what he’s asked of his newest employee, what it means to wade outside of the office politics and into interpersonal activities.

Julian, as it turns out, hasn’t let him down yet.

“You’re in for an experience. I always leave feeling refreshed, more centered. We all need that these days, don’t we? In such a world where so much goes wrong, it’s nice to be around a group of people who are there for the same common goal. Spirituality is a journey but it is a path to enlightenment that I do not take lightly. But it is worth it, I assure you.”

After his speech, he can see the ease in your features, the way you glance at Julian for reassurance.

Sunday Christian indeed, Thor thinks, excusing himself from the table after a quick goodbye.

He’ll make you a believer.

#thor fic #thor #thor odinson #thor x reader #thor x female reader #thor x you #loki #omc x reader #tech bro fic #this idea spun out of control

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