Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia (
monoceroscaeli) wrote in
insurmountable2022-05-07 07:34 pm
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Entry tags:
i'm dragging a heart that weighs a ton / holding out for not just anyone
[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.
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.
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Perhaps they should practice a little more respect and not find your home address using their connections at work.
[It's a failed attempt to hide his jealousy, his words clearly laced with it as he looks at the gift. Who even does that. Ajax takes a deep breath, trying to push those feelings away as he tries to focus. What if it wasn't some gift from a coworker, but something else?]
Anyway, it may not be from a secret admirer from your job. I wondered at first if it could be a bomb, but when I consider it further, that's not our foe's MO. They want us alive, or they wouldn't of gone to the trouble of trying to put evil spirits inside of us to control us.
[They would have just killed them, right then and there.]
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lumine pauses from her drink, turning to look at ajax with a raised eyebrow. a moment later, she's returning the bottle back to the fridge, walking over to the living with an amused grin on her lips. not the first time he's shown that kind of front before, but it was never this openly. ]
You're not jealous, are you? [ look who's throwing that line back at him, plopping down on the couch next to him. ] You should know that this is a pretty common occurrence back at the office. Like I said, I'm not too bad at putting on my charms, especially with clients.
[ aether gets pretty annoyed by that, so she's left all the charming to him, something that her brother is happy to oblige. ]
It could be another lingerie.
[ she's kidding! ]
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But, lingerie. She has to be joking.]
You're just trying to get my goat.
[He folds his arms over his chest, sitting back into the couch, opening his eyes once more and looking over to her like he's onto her.]
Maybe I'll have to send you something myself, and make sure they all see it. Perhaps a large bouquet of your favorite flowers with your name on it, right at the receptionist's desk.
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she pokes his cheek, half-expecting it to be puffed up. ]
I've never worn it before, don't worry. So you'll be the first person to see me in it.
[ again, she's just kidding. though it's very fun to try and poke his buttons every now and then, especially when he reacts like a baby to her teasing.
in any case, lumine takes the box and puts it on her lap. ]
What will you do if it is lingerie?
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His eyes move from her to the box, wondering what's really inside. He snorts when she asks what he'll do, and that's an easy answer.]
First, I'll take it and put it on my head.
[Because he can think of no better way to add insult to injury. He's sure that's the last thing any guy at her office would want.]
Second, I'll kiss you with it still on my head, and then later tonight, you can put it on just so I can take it right back off of you.
[His cheeks are still puffed up a little, but he is calmed a little by the idea that this is how he can really stick it to the guy who'd had the gall to send her lingerie.]
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So basically, you'll be the one to get something out of it instead of the person who sent it.
[ she starts tugging at the ribbon, carefully unraveling it. she honestly doesn't know what's inside it, and what's even more curious is the lack of a name attached to it. if it did come from a suitor, they wouldn't hesitate to slap their identity on it—just so she'd know who it came from.
lifting the lid, lumine lifts an eyebrow at the contents, red roses filling up the entire box with carefully wrapped chocolates nestled in between. she does wrinkle her nose, however, when the smell of the flowers assaults her senses. ]
Oh, my ... this is pretty, [ she hums, picking up one of the chocolates. ] And very sweet.
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His only condolence is that he's absolutely going to eat a few of these chocolates too, and he hopes that the person who sent it to her finds out so they can feel the dismay of having all their efforts wasted.]
I get to have one too, don't I?
[He whines at her, picking one up but not unwrapping it just yet.]
I'll be the judge if they're any good or not.
[He holds it up in front of his face, inspecting it. He can't deny that this is a pretty good idea to send someone as a gift. But why is there no name on it?]
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she unwraps the chocolate she picked up, pressing it against his mouth. ]
Fine, since you're being a jealous baby, you can taste it first.
[ to be fair, she usually gives the chocolates she receives to her own employees, letting them enjoy the gift more than her. it doesn't really matter that much to her. ]
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He opens his mouth, taking it into his teeth before he pops it in and eats it. Caramel, not bad, and it's not too sweet either. He happily licks his lips, humming thoughtfully.]
Actually, it's rather good. I'll have to give them credit. Want to taste it yourself?
[He says, putting the chocolate he had in his hand down and turning his head towards her with a sly grin and trying to get her to turn her head towards him so he can kiss her. His hand comes up to the other side of her face, index finger pressing on it.]
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Wow, so you're complimenting the guy who gave this to me, [ she replies airily, tilting her head just a little as coaxed, her gaze flickering to his mouth. ] If I ever find out who sent this over, I'll be sure to let them know.
[ chances are her assistant knows who gave it. after all, who else would've sent this over to her private apartment? it can't be ajax when he's being a pissy little kid. ]
That the guy living with me and sleeping on my couch likes the chocolate they sent over.
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[At his expense, no less. The idea of making that guy, whoever he is, drowning in sorrow because he swooped in first puts a little spring in his step. Ajax realizes he has an unfair advantage here- but he hardly cares.
His head moves in more, letting himself lean forward and into her, just so he can get the right angle to press his forehead to hers as his eyes close. He can smell the coffee still on her breath, his smirk widening.]
It would be rude not to let him know.
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lumine leans in even closer, almost closing in the gap but not quite. instead, she angles her head a bit, the cant putting even less of a distance between their lips. ]
Very rude, I agree.
[ it's a good thing that he's closed his eyes, her hands fiddling with another piece of chocolate and unwrapping it. with a soft giggle, she presses it once more against his mouth, filling in the void between them and effectively keeping him from kissing her just yet. ]
It's also very rude not to finish it all, so have more.
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It's your turn now.
[It's a game he doesn't mind losing, closing that last bit of distance between, soft caresses sweeping across her lips. His hand slides into her hair, thumb brushing the strands to the side as Ajax opens his mouth a bit more to take her in. His tongue finds her own as he lets his affections take control now, drinking every part of her in shamelessly as he kisses her.
It satiates his jealousy, to know that he was the one who could be intimate with her, that whoever had sent the candy would never have a chance at her. A white hot heat burns through him, his kiss more possessive than he's ever kissed her before. Though he doesn't care if this is the case, and he'll continue to kiss her until his breath runs out, after his mind has clouded in thoughts of her and her only- looking content of course, with his actions.
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lumine closes her eyes, her hands curling on the front of his shirt, a soft, muffled sound leaving her throat as he practically drinks her in like a man thirsting for water. a part of her reminds her what they're here for, what they're supposed to do. and yet, she herself pushes it aside for a moment, returning his feverish kiss with the same fervour as he has.
she only breaks the kiss when her lungs start to burn, seeking air, and she pulls away breathless and flushed. her eyes flick to his face, meeting his darkened gaze, before she leans in again for another kiss.
in the process, however, lumine manages to knock the box off of her lap and onto the floor. not that that bothers her; she can pick it up again later. ]
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Ajax's mind swirls in thoughts of her, the touch of her lips against his seeming to mesmerize him. And he's all too happy to let it take him over, as time seems to disappear from his senses. His hand runs up her side, up under her shirt, to grip and knead his fingers into her breast. The feel of the soft, supple skin beneath his fingers and palm seems intoxicate him further, a want that begins to grow from his core and spreads across his entire body like a wildfire.
When his breath gives, he lifts his body up to gaze down at her, a fire in his eyes that's never shown itself quite like this before. But the corner of his eye catches something.
Something gold, on the floor, thrown from the box when it had fallen from Lumine's lap.
Ajax's eyes go wide in shock and horror, every part of his lust dissipating at the sight. He can't find the words, but his face says it all as he fully turns it downwards to the floor.
No. It can't be.]
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even her own body can't help but respond to him, shuddering and arching into his calloused touch as his fingers grip and sink into soft flesh. his touch leaves trails of heat on her skin, setting it ablaze with every squeeze and brush, every exploration and mapping of her body underneath her shirt. all touch before sight.
but it all seems to stop when he pulls away, his face paling when his gaze flickers elsewhere but her. her hand brushes down his face, trying to get ajax to look at her. ]
What are you looking at, Ajax?
[ but the question has barely left her lips when her own eyes follow his line of gaze, catching a glimpse of a familiar gold colour beneath the scattered red of the roses and widening. she feels her blood freeze in her veins, her mind going blank as it recognises it immediately. lumine doesn't even need to touch it, to reach out for it to know what it is.
a scream tear through her throat as she scrambles out of ajax's arms to try and gather the contents of the box. ]
No, no, no! It can't be—
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Aether. Aether's braid.
It was unmistakeable, they'd cut it off of him and stuffed it in the bottom of that box. Adding the chocolate and roses to just to add insult to injury. The mafia lord feels his stomach lurch, wondering if they'd done anything to the chocolate...but only time would tell now. He doesn't feel strange, other than the raging fire that starts to build in his chest.
Anger comes after. That fire comes to a head quicker than a spark igniting a field of dry grass in a water-starved landscape, his face flushing red as his temper breaks. The audacity, the insult to send her a package like this. To taunt them, to let them know that they weren't safe no matter where they were. And a reminder that Aether was still theirs, that they still hadn't found him yet.
It's all he can do to keep from bursting through the front door and hunting them down personally.
A note fell from the box as well, and he reaches down to pick it up from the floor. It's hard to put himself together to read it, and he sees something about if they want to see Aether again go to a designated spot. So he takes a moment to try to calm himself before he can read it in full, but at least he knows Aether is alive. Lumine is hysterical, with good reason, so he sets the note down on the coffee table to reach out to her, finding himself needing her touch to help him calm himself.]
Comere.
[He slips down from the couch, moving anything else aside that gets in his way, to hold her, wrapping his arms around her.]
It's okay. Shhhh, it's okay. He's alive.
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a multitude of thoughts plague her mind, questions about her brother's safety at the forefront. is he alive? is he okay? are they still going to find him? will she still see her brother safe and sound after this?
her breath catches in her throat, a sob punctuating her thoughts, when ajax pulls her to a hug. almost immediately, her sight blurs as tears well in her eyes, falling into fat drops down her cheeks. she buries her face into his chest as she finally starts to cry and wail. ]
I want him back, Ajax. Alive and safe and well. [ is it asking too much? she doesn't think so. after all, what kind of a sister would she be if she didn't? ] That's all I want.
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The family that's been stolen away from her. The friend that's been stolen away from him. The taunt that they'd sent in the mail is beyond infuriating, and Ajax swears right there that he'd make them pay for this. Dearly.]
We'll get him back, Lumine. I swear to you we will.
[It's the only reassurance he can offer, as his head dips downward over her shoulder to encompass her further into his arms like a protective blanket keeping the bitter cold from biting her. He doesn't move, lets her sob as long as she needs.]
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Are you ... okay? The box ... Those chocolates ...
[ if it contained her twin's hair to disturb them, what if those chocolates also contained poison to affect them physically? get them paralysed or asleep and then break in to take them?
lumine reaches out to touch his forehead and see if he's suddenly started to turn hot or cold. so far, his face isn't pale yet. ]
... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry like that.
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I'm fine. Even if they were poisoned, it'll take a lot more than that for them to affect me.
[Especially since he felt fine. By now, he would have expected to be on the floor if they had been laced with anything.]
Anyway, you don't need to apologize. You've been under a lot of stress these past few days. Sometimes, you just need to get it out. [His smile brightens, running a hand through her hair- he understands.] Anyone would feel the same way, but not anyone has our capabilities to do something about it.
[He reaches over to take the note from the coffee table, but doesn't read it or do anything with it yet.]
So cheer up. They just gave us their location anyhow, so now we're going to go take him back.
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her eyes flicker from aether's braid to ajax when he reaches over to the table. she didn't even notice that there was something else in the box other than the flowers and the chocolate, and now her brother's hair. ]
How ... did they know that I'm staying here, though? No one else knows except you, my assistant, and the housekeeper ...
[ and his sister, but tatiana is someone ajax trusts with his life. it's alarming to find out they might've been followed even here. ]
Does it say anything?
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Ajax looks down at the note to read it properly now, his eyebrows furrowing. As he continues to read, the look on his face becomes more distressed, and that same fire rekindles in his eyes. A burning anger that sears down to his stomach. He looks back up to her, looking ready to fight anyone who so much as looked at him the wrong way, his teeth clenching.]
Indeed it does. Seems they've taken him to the one spot we'd never think to check. So not only did they stalk you back to your apartment, probably when you left the police station; they also had the audacity to capture one of our facilities as well to hold your brother prisoner in.
[He'd recognized the address immediately. Ajax's mind races as to how they were able to keep it a secret...how long had they had control of it? Pieces that fall into place again in this big puzzle between the Dufont family and his own, but then more questions only crop up.]
He's being held in a warehouse we have downtown. It's a sort of smaller hub when the demand for Delusions is higher than expected. But we haven't had to use it to its fullest extent in quite some time, seeing as there's no major conflicts going on in the world at the moment- and it turns out they've taken advantage of this and secured it for themselves. But I have no idea how I've not heard of this prior to now. It's not abandoned.
[They still have people report in all the time, and it's been two days since Aether disappeared. He should of known about it.]
But, it seems that's where we have to go if we want to get Aether back. Are you going to be okay to go?
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and she can tell that he's feeling the same, though with more than just a hint of anger. if their enemies are using something that belongs to the volkov family, then it means that someone has infiltrated them. possibly even getting information about them. that's beyond worrying. no wonder they can easily track them down. ]
I'll be fine.
[ lumine gives him a slight nod, her eyes momentarily lowering to her brother's braid. she's pretty sure aether is somewhere uncomfortable right now, possibly hurt or unwell. she has to get to him quickly.
a moment later, she looks back up at ajax. ]
Should we tell your dad? If it's your facilities, then he must know that it's being used.
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I'll let him know after we get Aether out of there. There's a good chance, since they've taken one of our Delusion facilities, that they've got another one of those Celestia remnants there with them. It wouldn't surprise me if the gods themselves were curious as to how we were replicating their own gifts.
[Which he doesn't care if they don't like it or not. They've got a business to run, and it's up to him to make sure everything goes smoothly.]
So I'm not interested in getting any more of my guys involved in this. You've seen what happens when ordinary people like them go up against the strength of the gods.
[It's a hard reality to remind her of, given what happened in Inazuma. Something he hasn't asked her about yet when she'd lost control of her body, afraid that she'd have to tell him that the spirit had murdered his own people with her powers. For him, that's not something that would shake him, but for someone like her who's kept their hands clean her whole life...it changes a person, he knows.]
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