i'm dragging a heart that weighs a ton / holding out for not just anyone

[monoceroscaeli]

[Fontaine: The technological hub of Teyvat.

For as long as anyone can remember, the country of Fontaine has always been the innovative center for the continent. High speed rail was originated here, and now spans across the entirety of Teyvat and beyond. High rises and skyscrapers pepper the skyline, modern Victorian buildings supporting a gear-like aesthetic from an era gone by. A thousand years ago, it was a much different place, but now it thrives with the bright lights and bustle of its people. One can hear the occasional street performer playing for cash, as businessmen and tourists alike walk down narrow cobblestone streets. People are buried in their phones, some take pictures as they gawk at the sights of the city, but one young man in particular walks languidly down the street, enjoying the life around him. He's in no hurry to get where he's going, as he has plenty of time to get there, noting a deli across the street from where he is now that he'll have to try.

Unfortunately, he is on business, so that'll have to wait.

Never being one to be dressed completely formal, he wears a comfortable pair of slacks and dress shoes, with a collared shirt that isn't buttoned up all the way under a grey vest. Various pieces of metal are woven into the vest, notably a crest on his right shoulder with a chain attached to it that hangs under his arm to the back. On his belt lies a Vision, glowing blue with hydro. The young man always seems friendly and easy going, but what lies underneath is something that not many are allowed to know- the heir to the family business of a company who develops tech for various products is also the right hand man of the mafia that runs the city.

And, their true business behind the scenes; creating Delusions to sell on the black market.

Today is a day where some investigating has to be done, and he's headed to see an old friend of his, from university. One that he's sure can help him with this problem he has. Entering the building, he swings in quietly to give a polite wave and a smile to the only person there.

Someone who looked exactly like their brother, whom he can only assume is the twin sister he'd yet to meet that he'd heard about.]

Hello, I was wondering if Aether was in today? I had a...business proposal for him, and I'm sure that he'd love to hear it. Unless of course, you might be of assistance instead.

Comments

[traversal]

[ aether's always left the business side of things to her, even if she's always insisted that he's always been better with people, better with pr, better with everything that involves interpersonal interaction. something about studying in liyue, still the main trading and commercial region of teyvat despite all of these years, and being meticulous about things. a part of her still thinks this is payback for choosing to go to liyue instead of traveling to snezhnaya for university with him; she'd like to argue that he didn't exactly protest that decision.

and really, lumine wouldn't have minded, would've allowed herself to sink into the responsibility of running her brother's information tech company from behind the scenes. but this would work out if aether at least played the role of its face, its brand representative, its ceo; what does she know about the intricacies of information technology, anyway, other than its general concept and the services they offer? which, to be fair, he did by gathering investors and clients, attending tech conferences, and setting up events to build their network.

if only he isn't often always disappearing like the wind, like today when she has another meeting to go to in an hour and a half and she can't handle all of his engagements. note to self: get him a personal assistant, one that will stay this time around. ]

Call me if he walks in through that door, Sophie, [ lumine tells the receptionist with much exasperation as she glances at her watch, shifting her weight from one heeled foot to another. she can probably still grab a bite to eat before this meeting.

or maybe not, when she hears the glass doors behind her slide open, whipping around to give her twin brother a piece of her mind and a reminder of his schedule. except it's not blond and golden-eyed that hails her, but ginger and blue-eyed—and way taller than aether. she arches a brow at his greeting, trying to recall if they have any personal appointments for today. ]

Aether isn't in at the moment. He has something else to attend to. [ she offers him a polite smile. ] Though he didn't mention anyone would be dropping by today, Mr...?

[monoceroscaeli]

Volkov, [he responds, studying her face. Golden eyes and hair, yes, just like her brother. The spitting image.]

Ajax Volkov. And you must be Lumine. Your brother and I go way back, actually. We've known each other since uni, perhaps he's mentioned me before?

[He offers his hand for a handshake, blue eyes bright as he smiles at her.

But somehow, she seems so familiar. He brushes that feeling off, thinking it could only be because she looks exactly like Aether. Twins, that has to be the reason why he feels this way.]

[traversal]

[ volkov. where has she heard that name before?

almost immediately, her mind starts filing through names and faces, trying to recall where she's met him if she has. only to realise from his introduction that he hasn't, and that her familiarity with the name comes from her twin brother himself who's mentioned him a few times during their correspondence years ago. she's seen his face a few times as well from the pictures aether's posted online. ]

Oh, Aether's rich friend from university.

[ ... to be fair, he seemed like a rich kid based on the few pictures she recalls of him.

in any case, she takes his proffered hand for a handshake, her smile widening just a fraction—only to pull her hand away right away, feeling a sudden current running across her skin like electricity and the headache that lances through her head. that was weird, to say the least. still, lumine quickly composes herself, managing another smile. ]

Sorry, static electricity. I've been walking across too many carpeted floors today. [ well, what else could it be? there sure isn't a thunderstorm outside. ] But yes, unfortunately, my brother is out at the moment, and we have no idea when he'll be coming back.

[monoceroscaeli]

[As she takes his hand, he too, feels that same electricity surge through him, a pounding in his head that suddenly attacks him like he'd just been hit in the head by a well landed punch that throbbed for only a moment. It stops the minute she yanks her hand away, and he's left stunned for a second, his eyes wide with shock until he reigns himself back in quickly.

What was that? That hurt way too much for static electricity. He wonders if she did something to him, but he doesn't see anything attached to her that would hide a weapon or anything like that.

Maybe it was just a shock.]

Well, if Aether isn't back yet, perhaps I could speak to you? If you can give up a moment of your time.

[Strange happenings aside, he still has a job to do, and he doesn't necessarily need Aether to move forward with it.]

It's just a request we'll pay generously for if we can move it forward quickly. I promise it won't take too much time.

[traversal]

[ see, these are the moments when it would be useful to have aether around, when she has another meeting soon and she hasn't taken any meal yet. and there's a part of lumine that wants to ask him to set an appointment on another day, preferably a day when her brother is actually around, and to contact her twin to make sure he's going to be around. like, you know, next week.

but it's also in bad taste to turn him away, especially when this seems like something important. and she's more than familiar with his last name, associated with the tech giant living just a few blocks down the road.

lumine glances at her watch again, hesitating. her gaze flickers at sophie, the redhead giving her a do-what-you-want-boss shrug, before she turns back to ajax. ]

Do you mind accompanying me for lunch, then? [ she can multitask, at least. lunch, hear him out, and then run over to this meeting. ] I'm afraid there's only so much time I can spare at the moment with Aether out.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It looked like she might not have the time, which doesn't bode well for him. The matter was urgent after all, and he too, had appointments and things to handle later in the day. His eyes brighten at her suggestion, and he has just the place in mind, if she didn't already have a destination.]

Perfect! And, because you've made the time, allow me to treat you to lunch, as a thank you. I saw a deli on my way here, perhaps you'd like to go there, unless you have a spot in mind, of course.

[His eyes brighten, turning on that business charm he always uses to get in the good graces of business partners. It's fake, he knows it, and he doesn't particularly enjoy doing it, but it's effective. The job comes first, his principles second.]

[traversal]

[ there's that temptation to decline his offer to pay for her lunch. she supposes it's only fair since he's going to take up her time. but that smile he sends her way is enough for her to build her defences right away and distance herself from what's to come during this conversation. she's seen smiles like that before, and judging from sophie's reaction, it's very effective.

except on her, that is. ]

No, a deli is fine. I'm not too picky when I have very little time. [ she reaches back into the reception desk to grab her phone, giving the other girl a stern look to call her when aether shows up.

lumine then gestures at her guest, the polite smile back on her lips. ]

Shall we?

[monoceroscaeli]

Let's go.

[He leads her outside, back down the street to a local mom and pop shop he'd seen on the way, crossing the street with her and going inside.

It's nothing special, the booths inside looking like they were slowly falling apart. The tile is breaking apart in places, and the walls are in serious need of a new fresh coat of paint. All in all, it would stand to get remodeled, but it doesn't keep it from being busy. Thankfully, this place is used to the business, and they get their food fairly quickly and manage to find a small, open table. The cacophony is loud enough that Ajax doesn't worry about speaking here about the matter at hand- no one would hear them.]

Thanks again, for making the time. [He sits, unwrapping his sandwich.] I can't tell you how much you've made my life a little easier today. Oh, I also hope you like this place; I admit, I've never been here before, but I rather enjoy trying out new places when I discover them.

[traversal]

[ lumine doesn't really mind the place he's decided to have lunch with her, not giving the interior of the deli a second look. as long as they make good food, then that's all that matters, ordering a blt and a cup of coffee. she'll simply have to eat something more filling for dinner tonight.

she takes a seat across him, also unwrapping and taking a bite of her sandwich while looking at him expectantly. ]

I've never been here before until today, but they seem to make good sandwiches. [ preferring to go to the cafes right outside the office. walking in high heels is a bit of an inconvenience, after all, and she's not a masochist to walk across the road for a sandwich.

still, she prompts him with another smile. ]

So, what is it that you'd like to speak with my brother?

[monoceroscaeli]

[He takes a bite of his own, appreciating the good flavor of the meat. The last place he'd gone to, the meat didn't taste like anything at all...what a waste of time. He'll note to use this place more often for business deals, given its atmosphere and relative privacy in regards to eavesdroppers.]

Haha, right to it then.

[He sets the sandwich down, to explain the situation.]

I know that one of the things that Aether had studied in college would help him open a business that also delves into third-party tracking and data. I'm looking for a specific data set, and we're hoping that you could sell it to us. It's for...advertising purposes, regarding some products we're trying to push. The thing is, we'll need it relatively soon. Do you think that's something that can be done, in say, a week?

[traversal]

[ her hand briefly lowers the sandwich, her brows furrowing. such requests from clients aren't exactly unusual; that's the point of their entire business model, after all. and for the most part, they normally simply request certain systems from them to do the tracking and extracting of data. but that usually takes time to gather. ]

It can be done, I would say, but much of our resources and manpower would have to be directed to gathering such information if you'll be needing it in such a short period of time.

[ a.k.a. it's going to be an expensive endeavour, sir. lumine peers at him, a little concerned by this request. perhaps aether should be the one handling this, after all. ]

... My brother did tell you that we only sell datasets related to certain categories, yes?

[monoceroscaeli]

...He did.

[Yeah, that business charm isn't going to work here. He'll drop it, and just do things the way he likes to, while still maintaining a good relationship.

After all, this is Aether's sister, he should've known better. It's very obvious to him now that they're related.]

I was hoping for this to be a more...personal favor. I do realize what I'm already asking for is a bit beyond what's on the website for available services. But this is urgent, and I believe that this is the best option given the circumstances.

[The charming smile is gone, now replaced with big, blue eyes that almost seem like he's pleading. Ajax has learned to weaponize this look very well, as he used it on Aether several times in college.]

You guys will be able to help me out, right? I won't let this go without due remuneration, if not more for the inconveniences this will inevitably cause. It will be worth your while, I promise.

[traversal]

[ lumine has half a mind to call out the expression that settles on his face, feeling a little ruffled and insulted that he's even pleading with her wordlessly to take up his offer. that's not at all professional. and yet, there's a part of her that can't seem to resist it, one that quickens her pulse and causes her mouth to dry. she inwardly takes a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly.

and it's ridiculous, because she's certain that this is the first time she's met him. and while she admits that he's good-looking, good looks aren't exactly enough to sway her into doing someone's bidding. ]

I understand it's urgent, Mr. Volkov, and we're very honoured that you've decided to choose our company for this. [ but she'll have to decline. they have other clients and projects, whose money is just as good as whatever he's offering, and they're very busy at the moment—

you're not going to reject me, are you? oh, don't be so cruel— ]

... But I'll have to speak to Aether about this first. [ she finds herself speaking before thinking, the words spilling over her lips. ] Would you mind coming back tomorrow, instead?

[ what. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Bingo. He had a feeling that would work. Works like a charm on Aether, after all. Guess his sister is no different. He'll have to make sure she's well taken care of, because after all, she didn't tell him no. And she's his friend's sister.]

Heh, now we're talking.

[He sits back in his chair, looking satisfied. But a sudden pang of deja vu hits him, shaking him a little deeper than he'd care to admit to. He shouldn't feel so comfortable with a person he's just met not but twenty minutes ago, tops, but...]

Tomorrow works just fine, if it's really that big of a project. I think I can only wait one more day, and that's going to be cutting it pretty close. I'm very grateful that you've considered even giving me this opportunity.

[His words are sincere, because it is true- he's only got a limited amount of time to accomplish what he's set out to do, and he really can't do without their help.]

What time tomorrow works? I'm available as early as your schedule allows.

[He'll clear his whole day if he has to.]

[traversal]

[ there's a bit of a delay in her response, mostly due to her brain shutting down at that reply. she's certain she's never met him; she'd remember and recognise him if she did. but the way he says it reminds her of something very, very familiar, her heart skipping at its naturalness. almost like deja-vu.

still, lumine catches herself and takes another bite of her sandwich, chewing on it for a while and swallowing it down with those feelings. ]

It's not yet confirmed that we're taking this on, Mr Volkov. I'd recommend coming up with a backup plan just in case it falls through.

[ just because she's speaking with aether doesn't mean it's already a done deal. her brother could easily say no, and then, that's that, friend or no friend. ]

My schedule should be free in the afternoon. [ she pulls out her phone, going through her calendar marked with colourful notes and scribbles. ] Is 5pm a little too late for you?

[monoceroscaeli]

...I'll make it work.

[He has to. There isn't a backup plan that he likes, not that might hurt innocent people. Never fond of getting those involved who don't need to be, he hopes this will work out.]

Five it is. And, by the way, you don't need to call me Mr. Volkov. Ajax works just fine.

[It seems a little strange to be so non-personal with her. He can't quite put his finger on it, but he'll chalk it up to her being Aether's sister once again.]

[traversal]

[ how stubborn. but lumine doesn't really correct or refute him, using this chance to finish her sandwich, crumpling the paper wrapper afterward. honestly, though, she has no clue what her twin brother would say about this; after all, aether's never really one to show preferential treatment towards friends and family when it comes to their business.

that's just how they agreed to run the company, refusing to mix business with pleasure. partiality does make things messy. ]

... I think I'll stick to Mr Volkov.

[ even if it doesn't really sit well with her, the name unfamiliar on her tongue for some reason. not just because they're close in age, but something else. hm. ]

I'll let Sophie know of your appointment tomorrow afternoon so she can let you in, then. [ lumine folds her hands on her lap. ] Anything else?

[monoceroscaeli]

No, no, that'll be all for today. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me on these delicate matters. And, I'm pleased that this little shop didn't disappoint!

[He stands up, knowing that her schedule wouldn't allow too much more time for her to rest.]

Business aside, it was a pleasure to finally get to meet you after all this time. I remember Aether speaking of his twin sister very now and again, though I never thought I'd get the chance to meet you. Perhaps once all this is said and done, we could do this again? It would be lovely if Aether could join us as well, of course.

[traversal]

[ lumine too gets up from her seat. she doesn't really accept or decline his invitation, unwilling to make a promise or give her word that she might not be able to keep. after all, she likes drawing a line between herself and their clients, keeping a distance from them. ]

You're welcome. It's nice to meet a friend of my brother's as well.

[ there's that part of her that wishes to say more, but she bites her tongue and just sends him another smile. ]

I'll see you tomorrow.

[ with that, she walks out of the shop, heels clicking against the linoleum floor, pausing only to dispose of the wrapper and coffee cup into the bin. a message is sent quickly to aether afterward as she's walking back to their building, letting him know of a request one of his friends is asking for. the moment she drops ajax volkov's name, her phone rings.

really, hilarious how that name suddenly summons her errant twin. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He begins cleaning up after himself, watching her go. He felt like he really might of pressed a little too much, asking to see her again like that. But he couldn't help it. He's not sure what this feeling is, a sense of familiarity that his gut tells him goes beyond her being Aether's sister. And he'd let his whims take over again, as he always does, asking her to another lunch.

I'm being ridiculous, he tells himself. He has things to do and people to take care of. Does he really have time to be worrying about this? Especially when it makes no sense.

And yet.

He exits the shop, looking down the road to see if he can catch a glimpse of her before she disappears, but it seems like she's already gone. No matter, he'd see her the next day anyhow. Turning in the opposite direction, he heads back to their offices, his mind distracted by Lumine the entire way back.

The next day, he shows up fifteen minutes early back at Aether and Lumine's office. Not much has changed about his appearance, still sporting slacks and nice comfortable dress shoes, a different colored button up shirt tucked in with the sleeves rolled up. No vest today, he figured this should be a bit more casual, considering he was expecting to meet with Aether today as well. He walks up to the receptionist desk, greeting the woman from the day before.]

Hi, Sophie, right? I'm here for my appointment at five.

[traversal]

[ unfortunately for ajax, he's not meeting with her twin brother that afternoon. at least, not in person. a last minute engagement with another client had held aether up that, by the time lumine gives sophie the green light to let him come up to their office, she's still on the phone with him, sighing and feeling exasperated.

if she had known there would be a hitch to today's schedule, she would've gone in place of aether. that way, he would've met with ajax instead and discussed his request together.

she fiddles with the blue ribbon on her chest, leaning back in her seat behind the oak desk, staring blankly at the painting albedo gifted her years ago. her brother remains on her ear, grumbling at how this is taking so long and he just wants to return to the office. ]

This is why I told you not to keep pushing it until past lunchtime.

[ she winces when aether whines in response, another sigh leaving her lips in its wake. ]

Well, just stay on the line, okay? Sophie said he's on his way, and— [ lumine pauses and looks up at the door when she hears a knock, her secretary peering in to announce her guest. she waves a hand to let him in, sitting up straight when she hears the door open again. ] You have to be the one to tell him, so stay, Aether.

[monoceroscaeli]

[From behind Sophie, Ajax appears, poking his head in first, before moving inside and closing the door behind him. He blinks a few times, surprised that Aether wasn't in the room with them, finding himself sitting across from Lumine once again. He has a small briefcase with him, which is set on the floor next to his chair. He glances up at the painting on the wall, looking around the office just to take in the room.]

Is this a bad time? [He says, glancing at the phone up to her ear.] Do I need to come back later?

[traversal]

[ lumine shakes her head at his question, gesturing at the sofa instead with the one free hand she has while the other continues to hold her phone against her ear. he doesn't need to sit right across her desk; he's not one of her employees, after all. ]

No, stay. Give me a sec.

[ she turns back to the phone, her expression turning annoyed. ]

He's already here. I am not doing this for you again, Ae. You said—

[ there's a long pause on her end, the look on her face shifting from irritation to disbelief to helplessness. a moment later, she's sighing heavily once more. really, if she were given a single mora for every sigh she's exhaled over her brother, she'd be richer than the biggest business moguls in fontaine or liyue.

there's a quiet mutter of fine before she gets up from her seat and walks over to the sofa, her short black skirt swishing from the movement, offering her phone to ajax. ]

Aether apologises for not being around again today, but he'd like to speak to you anyway regarding your request. He's decided to accept it, but as a personal project rather than a formal contract with the company. So, if you're okay with waiting for him to come back ...

[monoceroscaeli]

[He stands up to cross over to the couch as directed, settling back into it while she speaks to what is clearly Aether. All he can do is wait patiently until the phone is offered to him, which he takes, nodding to her and holding up a finger to answer her question after he speaks with him as he holds it up and begins to talk to his old friend.]

Heeeey, Aether, it's been a while. .... Yes, about that... ... right. Lumine's already said you'd take it as a personal project. ... Okay. ... Of course, half of it is here already.

.....

Come now, you know I wouldn't... .... I promise. .... Aether, when have I ever broken a promise? .... okay, okay. Listen, I'll take care of it personally. You have my word. ... Yes. ... Haha, it's good to hear from you too. .... I've already asked if ... haha, yeah. Maybe I'll get an answer to that soon. I think it would be a lot of fun. ... Alright. Thanks again. I'll wait for you here so I can give you the information you need. ... See you soon then.

[He hangs up, handing the phone back to Lumine.]

Well, it seems that everything is set up, save for one last thing. I guess I will be staying after all. You don't mind, do you?

[traversal]

[ is she curious about what they're talking about? yes. for one thing, aether has accepted this as a personal project. and while she understands it might be because it's a last-minute request from a friend, he didn't have to do such a thing. for another, he also told her not to draft any quotations or contracts, insisting that he'll handle it all himself.

if that's not suspicious, then lumine doesn't know what else is. but she knows better than to insist, aether clamming up more if she tries to push him for more details. she only hopes this doesn't end up dangerous for her twin.

when the call ends, she simply takes the phone and walks back to her desk. her brother could've at least spoken with her one more time, but nope. ]

You can stay here if you'd like. [ and have someone bring in coffee or sandwiches or whatever. ] Or if you'd prefer to wait elsewhere instead, I'll have someone contact you when Aether arrives.