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]

[ sure, there is. the teapot is enchanted, after all. and if she stayed inside indefinitely, then he wouldn't even be able to show up at the front step, unable to access the domain. that would've been an amusing sight, his father showing up to an empty apartment.

in any case, lumine assumes that this is a business call, changing into one of her power suits and heels. she doesn't see the point in having to dress prettily if she's being forced to see someone she doesn't want to see. besides, this isn't any different from seeing clients or investors, representing the company instead of her brother.

... ngl, she's tempted to push this until the very last minute of the hour his dad had exacted as an ultimatum. ]

He realises that my brother and I are not his subordinates, right?

[ she throws ajax a flat look as she steps out of the bedroom, fixing the cuff of her jacket. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

That's...not how he views this.

[Ajax won't go into details about how meetings with people outside of their organization works, because he knows she won't appreciate it nor does he want to give her any visuals. He just gives her a nervous smile, more concentrated on what he's going to have to explain to his father than what he'll ask of Lumine.]

Come, let's just go. I know this isn't exactly the most ideal conditions to do this, but after tonight you'll be free of this obligation. I tried to put this off as long as I could, I'm not surprised we've reached the breaking point.

[Because he knows there's no way they were going to get out of talking to him. Ajax walks with her out to his car that's been hidden away in the underground parking for the penthouse complex. He drives her out of the city, to a gated mansion, the outside just as luxurious looking as the inside. He's surprised his siblings haven't come to greet him, but they probably don't know he's coming, given the short notice.]

Hey, I'll try to get us out of here as fast as I can.

[traversal]

[ lumine doesn't say anything further, just wanting to get this over and be done with it as quickly and painlessly as possible. she pulls out her phone inside the car, sorting a few of the items she couldn't sort out in time. it's a bit inconvenient and she really should've brought her laptop instead, but there's no point in griping about it now. at the very least, her phone is capable enough to finish a handful of tasks.

and while most people would feel pressured about the meeting the moment they drive through the huge gates of the property, lumine just feels a sense of vexation rising within her. she still can't believe she agreed to being dragged out here, all because of ajax's ridiculous father. ]

As long as it doesn't get us killed.

[ she steps out of the car, ignoring the looks from his family's men she's once more getting and focusing on steadying herself as her heels sink into the gravel of the driveway. she's somehow getting used to it already, having experienced it a few times from their secret hideout.

lumine sends a quick message to aether, hoping her brother is able to catch up to his hours soon. ]

How long does this normally take?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Another question he doesn't want to breach, really- there's no answer to it, and it's all situational anyway. He leads her through the house to what looks like a conference room in the back, somewhere where his dad deals with business between himself and his kids, and perhaps a few trusted others. That's about it.

Lumine is going to be a part of that now, and Ajax wonders if this was inevitable now from the day they met.]

...It depends, really, [is how he decides to answer that question. At least no one will die today, he's pretty sure.]

This isn't like scheduling a meeting for work. It's over when he says it's over.

[Ajax knocks on the door, before opening it to let them both in. It's not a particularly large room, though still nice. An ornate mahogany table sits in the middle of the room, the older man sitting at the head of it wore ginger hair similar to Ajax's own, save for the grey streaks and the fading of the color with time. He taps the end of a pen against the table, gesturing for the two of them to sit down next to him, blue eyes flashing as he looks upon his son and the blonde woman who's accompanied him today.

I take it Aether couldn't make it, then? He asks, tone even and curious.]

No, sorry. He hasn't slept in over twenty-four hours, because he's been dealing with the aftermath of the attack at their office. He was asleep when you texted me. He was in no condition to come, father.

[The older Volkov nods, seeming to understand.

I appreciate the two of you being here. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Viator.]

[traversal]

[ this is starting to sound more and more unpleasant, and lumine wants nothing but to leave here as quickly as she can. she regrets the day aether agreed to do business with this family.

she wordlessly follows after ajax through the house, her heels clicking against the marble floors. a house this big, she wonders if all of his siblings live in this place. or did they escape too, like anatoli did in snezhnaya? ... she would too, if she were made to live here. but that's not really something to dwell on, not when ajax leads her to a room at the back and lets her inside.

lumine keeps her expression eager as the volkov patriarch greets her, giving him an equally curt nod before taking a seat on ajax's other side. surely, he doesn't mind her using him as a shield in this situation, right? ]

I'm very sorry my brother couldn't come. If we had a bit more time, I'm sure he would've been glad to join us.

[ and maybe, keep her out of this, too. that's always been what aether's goal is, even when he took up ajax's request: to keep her out of his dirty dealings. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[If there were time to spare, I would have given it to you.

That's a surprise to Ajax's ears, thinking this was just his father being very demanding, given the circumstances. He leans forward, interested in what his father had to say, knowing now that whatever it is probably isn't good for any of them. But his father continues on, his speech slow and deliberate.

Ajax, I still want to see him. Tomorrow. I have things for him here that I need him to look at. I'll have Lorenz come tomorrow as well, so this works out. He's been dying to meet the guy we outsource to when he can't take care of the job.]

I'll bring him, [Ajax responds, still wondering what his father meant by not having time.] But you've eluded to something that's new to me. Why was it that this meeting couldn't wait?

[His father lets his gaze pass across both of them, breathing in a heavy sigh before giving them what thankfully isn't bad news, but isn't good either.

That little apartment you decided to hide out in downtown, the one that even I didn't know the whereabouts to? Turns out your friends found it, and had a whole operation planned. We took 'em out about three days ago, but I refrained from saying something to you because I didn't know who was listening. Same reason why I need you here right now to talk about things. Then, they hit your office building, probably in retaliation. They work too quickly, way more quickly than we've ever known them to. But whatever happened downtown seems to of halted any plans they've got going, but you guys need to relocate, and soon.

I'm sorry, Ms. Viator. We had no idea they were gunning for your office.

Ajax's father looks at both of them, as if he is waiting for any questions in regards to that before he moves on.]

[traversal]

[ lumine says nothing to that, keeping her gaze at the wall behind the man and feeling annoyed that they're roping her brother into whatever plans this family has. this isn't what she wanted to hear when she agreed to come to this place. and there's a part of her that wishes to say something, but she can tell that anything that will come out of her mouth is something that's going to be unpleasant.

it doesn't help either when his father mentions the leak in their apartment and the attack on their office as some form of retaliation, her lips thinning at the idea and information. ]

The current place we're staying in is quite safe, don't worry. [ again, her voice sounds clipped. ] But there are a few things that I don't understand, and I hope you can enlighten me about them.

[ she folds her hands on the desk as she normally would during client and investor meetings. ]

When I was taken back in Inazuma, no one knew my whereabouts save for my twin brother and your men. When my brother was kidnapped, he was brought to a warehouse that belongs to the Volkovs. And then, now, the apartment that only Ajax knows about has been leaked.

[ lumine hopes that they're getting what she's pointing out. especially when it's rather suspicious that every movement they make, everything they've done that the volkovs are in the know, has been revealed to those who are chasing them. ]

Are we truly safe with your family, my twin brother and I?

[monoceroscaeli]

[The mafia lord groans as he leans back in his chair. She's a sharp one, he sees why his son likes her so much. The older Volkov threads his fingers with each other, closing his eyes for a moment. The young lady asks a good question, and it's something that's gone through his mind as well.

I'm afraid I don't know if all three of you are safe. I've been proud to say that we keep those who work with us as safe as possible, but it seems when it comes to you and your brother, something always manages to come up.

He leans forward again, expression deadly serious. Ajax's eyes widen- his dad doesn't get like this often.

My advice is that you speak to no one after this. Not me, not any of the kids, no one. Ditch your cellphones, get some burners. I want Aether to look at some data we pulled as to how they found your apartment, so I know what we're dealing with here. After that, I don't want to see your faces again until this is taken care of, for your own safety. That's including you, Ajax.]

Hey, don't forget about what I told you about Dufont's men-

[Listen, I know that. You still haven't told me why they're so tough now, but we're not going to let them step all over us. There's something going on here that you've been keeping from me, and I know it, Ajax. I want some answers from you two about it. Let's start with this.

He slides a picture over, a damning side view of a dark purple monstrosity with a red mask that looks like it got knocked through several cubicles in an office. Ajax does his best to keep a straight face, looking down at the picture on the table.

That picture's been making the rounds on social media. Do either of you two wanna tell me why that monster has the same hair as my beloved son? Since you both were there that day.

Ajax stays silent, frozen, not knowing what to say. He had no idea that someone thought to take a picture before they all ran out screaming.]

[traversal]

[ that's not at all comforting to her. especially when someone as powerful as him is clearly at a loss on how they're being found every step of the way. perhaps it's really time to stop relying on ajax's family. she and aether can disappear, maybe even figure out a way to put her dreams to reality and leave teyvat. it's definitely something that she'll have to speak with her twin brother sooner than later if this continues.

for now, lumine's gaze flickers at the photo pushed towards them, her expression unchanging. at the very least, working as aether's equivalent on the backend has made her poker face quite effective. ]

I don't know, [ she says with certainty, looking up at ajax's father. ] I fell unconscious from the poison I was fed with while my brother was carrying me out of the warehouse.

[ to be fair, she's telling the truth. she didn't see the form during the warehouse fight, though she's seen it elsewhere. lumine glances at ajax. ]

Maybe your son knows what it is.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It would be an understatement to say that Ajax damned her to the deepest levels of hell for saying that. His father's gaze turns to him, and he knows he can't lie his way out of this one. He's never been a good liar, and his dad can see right through any bullshit he might offer. That's why Ajax has made it a point not to lie, but only speak in half-truths. But given this situation, he's not sure if he can get away with it.

The Foul Legacy Transformation is something out of a movie. He knows it, they know it, and yet there it is, a picture of it right from inside of the office that he'd been thrown through the wall of. If he hadn't had such distinct hair, maybe he could play it off as shopped, or something else...

Ajax looks up at his dad, still silent, as his father waits for an answer. An answer he has to give.]

It's...my transformation.

[The older Volkov looks at his son, eyebrows raised.

Your transformation? So what, are you a superhero now? How'd you get superpowers? Were you fighting some kind of super-powered villain in there? Is that how my warehouse got destroyed? Explain this to me, Ajax.]

That's...basically it. A group of those villains are on the Dufont's side now, and they're strong enough that they'll kill anyone in their way without much of a fight.

[Are you shitting me? I could of believed if it was a group of Vision-bearers, but actual straight out of the comic books villains?

Ajax doesn't say anything, looking down at the table. He can't tell if his dad is pissed or just incredulous, but he has no idea how to explain how they're being chased by an ancient group of gods without his dad disowning him right there and then. The elder seems to sense this, and he narrows his eyes at his son.

Holy shit, you're serious. Alright. If this picture didn't exist I'd throw you in the funny farm for telling me something like that with such a straight face. I wish you just woulda told me sooner, Ajax. Things have gotten way out of hand. Are these the same people who killed our guys in Inazuma? They got stabbed a few times, and it was no knife. Like they had a sword or something. You two know about that?]

[traversal]

[ it's a rather amusing exchange, she's not going to lie. and if the conversation wasn't so serious, lumine would've snorted and laughed out loud. but as it stands, laughing will put a target on her, so she remains quiet, staring at the wall across her.

but her amusement dissipates when the conversation turns towards the incident in inazuma and lumine finds her lips thinning once more, her expression growing impassive. it's something she hasn't told anyone, and even aether has only heard bits and pieces from her, not the entire story. and for good reason, knowing the consequences if someone were to learn of what had happened. which is why, once again, she remains silent despite the question for a long moment.

a part of her urges herself not to carry the blame. but at the end of the day, she's the one who couldn't break free, who sat at the back and watched while innocent people get slaughtered by her own hands. ]

... Yes, [ lumine replies quietly. ] They were caught off-guard while protecting me.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's not really a secret to Ajax about how Lumine feels about what happened in Inazuma. He's never pressed her, never asked about that had happened prior to being possessed, but he's got a feeling he knows what happened. They've seen the spite and power of the gods that hunt them down, and he assumes they'd take great pleasure in making Lumine kill people just to add insult to injury. Her quiet answer almost tells him that his intuition is correct.]

Hey, dad, let's lay off of that for now. Lumine's been through a lot lately, and it's not like she sees this kind of stuff all the time. Our guys got killed because whoever their..."superpowered" benefactors are give them more insight and power than what they had before.

[His father looks at him, a dangerous look that Ajax knows all too well, that his dad wasn't going to let up at all on it. He silently gulps, not wanting to continue this conversation.

I need to know what we're up against here. Ms. Viator, if you'd be so kind, how did they die? What kind of power-

And like an angel coming through to swoop up her children from the rantings of an old man, a woman enters through the doors, as if sensing that things were going to far. She strides in confidently, almost as if no repercussions existed for her for any action she takes, sliding a plate of finger food in front of the three of them while she joins the elder Volkov at his side.

Now, it's a little tense in here, isn't it? It's enough for today, dear. Don't make Ajax and his girlfriend feel unwelcome in our own house.

Ajax puts his head right in his hand. His mother, on cue, being embarrassing as always.]

Mom...

[traversal]

[ his mom's arrival is practically godsend, lumine uncertain how she'd answer his dad's question without reliving the events that day. because while ajax had tried to save her, it wasn't at all effective in dissuading his father to keep on pressing her for information.

truth be told, the memories are still fresh in her mind even with the blood washed clean from her hands, and if she were pressed, she would've been able to tell them detail by detail. still, just the thought of it is making her want to lose whatever little salad she's eaten earlier, her guilt overwhelming. why else would she continuously try to compensate them? why else would she never speak about it, even to her own brother?

ajax's mother's arrival, however, seems to open a can of worms she didn't think would be opened. and lumine's pretty grateful that aether pulled an all-nighter and had to stay back in the teapot. once more, her gaze flickers sideways at ajax. ]

... I'm actually not his girlfriend.

[ that needed to be corrected ok, just in case it breeds even more misconceptions. she now wonders if that's how ajax introduced her to his family. ]

I'm Aether's sister, Lumine. It's nice to meet you.

[monoceroscaeli]

[If his mother felt any surprise or true guilt for accidentally calling her his girlfriend, she doesn't show it. Instead, she gives Lumine an apologetic look, nodding her head while her husband fumes quietly next to her.

It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm Ajax's mother. I'm sorry dear, it's just by the way he talks about you I just assumed the two of you were together.]

Mother, you know not to assume things that I haven't confirmed. If she were my girlfriend, I would have said as much.

[Not an ounce of his mother looks sorry for the grief she's caused her own son, eight kids deep into this life she leads and loving embarrassing every single one of them. She squeezes her husband's arm, making him sigh and give up the discussion for the time being. He won't get far now with her here and there's no reason to fight it.

Well, I'm glad you're both here now. I can barely remember the last time Jaxxie brought a girl home, he was probably only eight or nine back then...]

Mother.

[Using that name. That name! In front of Lumine!!!!!]

[traversal]

[ by how he talks about her, huh.

lumine is almost tempted to ask the older woman how and what does ajax talk about when it comes to her, so much so that she'd mistake her for his girlfriend. his mom doesn't seem like her objective is to embarrass her, per se, though she can't say the same about ajax. he sure doesn't seem to thrilled about the story his mom is sharing. ]

Really? That's ... a bit of a surprise, considering what my brother's told me about him.

[ she lifts an eyebrow at him amusedly, as if saying wow, he's really never brought a girl home since he's eight? despite all the girls he's supposedly dated and slept with before. ]

Right, Jaxxie?

[monoceroscaeli]

Oh no, don't you start. You're not allowed to call me that.

[Ajax points a finger right at Lumine, his face a light shade of pink now that she knows about that nickname. Only his mom calls him that, and his older sisters when they want to make fun of him. He hates it, it makes him sound like a little kid, and it's the one thing that he wishes would have just died and gone away like a pest that needs to be exterminated.

His mother, however, is delighted that Lumine has already partook in the tradition of calling the third son of the Volkov family by his pet name. The two are clearly closer than she thought after being corrected, so she will continue to play Ajax's embarrassing wingman.

Lumine, why don't you come with me to the den? There's a few things in there I think you'd like to see.]

Hey, hey! I know what you're doing, mother! We didn't come here for a stroll down memory lane, you know!

[Oh, settle down Ajax. You two have had a rough time, maybe it's time to relax for a bit.]

[traversal]

[ lumine rolls her eyes at that, swatting away the finger pointed at her face. as if he doesn't call her by her nickname that she's never permitted him to use. ]

Come off it, Jaxxie.

[ she tries her best not to snort and let out a laugh, maintaining a no-nonsense expression as she gets up from her seat. she's still in front of his dad, who seems just as exasperated as his son, so she might as well keep the airs for now until she's left the room. his mother gestures at her, holding an arm out to pull her to her side as if she's welcoming an old friend—or a potential in-law.

lumine gives the woman a slight nod at the offer and a smile. ]

That sounds like a very good idea. I'll see you there, Ajax?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax looks to his father, who doesn't have a single helpful muscle flexed in his face at all. He knows this song and dance, and once his mother starts going there's nothing anyone can do to change it. Perhaps where Ajax got it from, though his mom definitely takes the cake in this area.

His dad sees the look on his son's face, and replies:

We'll continue this talk tomorrow. Go on.

Much to Ajax's dismay.]

Alright, see you then I guess...

[Ajax stands, to follow the two women towards the den, where a large fireplace is the highlight of the back wall, pictures lined up on the shelf above it of his entire family. There's individual shots of the kids, the parents, extended family. All taken in Snezhnaya, all of their faces bright with smiles. He sulks into the den behind them, taking a seat in one of the large armchairs, unimpressed and ready to be fully embarrassed.]

If you're going to embarrass me mother, at least make sure she sees some of Anatoli's pictures too. She had the pleasure of meeting him as well.

[Don't worry Jaxxie, I was planning on it.]

Of course you were.

[traversal]

[ ajax's dismay is her amusement, and lumine is very happy to egg his mother to continue this little agenda against her own son. again, payback for everything he's had done for the past few weeks, leading up to the events earlier that day. she doesn't even bat an eyelash when he plops onto one of the armchairs with a clear pout on his face.

at the mention of anatoli, his mom turns to her and expresses surprise that she's met one of her older sons. ]

Yes, he was very gracious towards me and my brother when we went to Snezhnaya.

[ his mother leads her to the line of photos along the fireplace shelf, pointing out who's who. it's amusing how most of them are pretty much a carbon copy of their father with bright ginger hair and blue eyes.

this is ajax, and his sisters. i heard you met one of them already, tatia. and this is anatoli and sergei. i think these pictures were taken a few years before we moved to fontaine. ]

Anatoli's a handsome kid even back when he was young, wasn't he?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax's frown deepens, sighing at both of them as they continue their tour across the fireplace shelf. Excuse both of them, he was a cute kid too when he was younger, staying silent as they continue through more pictures of his family. Maybe this is the reason why Ajax doesn't bring girls home- because this is what happens when he does.

Yes, he certainly was...I wish he'd would have come to Fontaine with us, but he enjoys his work on the wharf so much. Here, let me dig out all my scrapbooks.]

Mom, Lumine doesn't have time to go through all those-

[His mother turns to shush her son, turning to walk towards a bookshelf with binders that are clearly the scrapbooks in question, taking four of them out and coming over to settle on the couch that faces the fireplace. She taps the couch for Lumine to sit in the middle, and will hand her one of the books to start.

Come here Jaxxie, come look at them with us.]

[traversal]

[ oh man ...

lumine blinks when she finds herself with one of the albums of the volkov family, ajax's mother excitedly leaning over to show her baby pictures. there are a number of very recent ones, which she assumes are ajax's little siblings. but she can tell that there are also a number of pictures taken years ago, the photos faded at the edges.

this is ajax when he was just a little over one, she points at a picture with a ginger-haired baby sitting in a small tub, butt-naked. he's always liked the water even when he was younger. ]

... Mm, he likes being shocked too.

[ she's not even going to attempt to glance at ajax for the risk of possibly laughing out loud in his face.

and this is one of his pictures with the girl he brought home. his teachers used to say that he had a very big crush on her when they were at school, always blushing and stuttering in front of her. ]

He doesn't seem like he's changed in that regard.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Groaning, Ajax picks himself up out of the chair to sit down on Lumine's other side. As much as he hates this, he loves his mother dearly and will still do as she asks, even if it's embarrassing and completely at his expense. He flops down, still looking bored and impatient to leave, looking down at the pictures of a scrapbook he's seen more than enough times. He's sure this one isn't terribly embarrassing, even his little naked butt in the tub. Lumine's seen it already, even if it is the adult version.

His eyes widen however, at Lumine's comments. Saying that right in front of his mother like that, he cannot believe it. He reaches to give her side a light pinch, shooting Lumine a look to not say! That stuff! In front of his mom!]

Anyway, [he exclaims, turning the page for the two women before they can go on about his childhood crush,] that's a picture when I was three, and supposedly I tried to take on a hornet's nest after accidentally stepping on it and paid the price. We were on vacation in Natlan, if my memory serves me.

[The picture is of him with all sorts of bee stings, looking upset with tears in his eyes and yet proud all at the same time. The picture seems to of been taken after his parents had already taken care of him, covered in hydrocortisone cream, his hair a complete mess. Ajax only sighs in mild exasperation, having given up in this endeavor.

You see, his mom says to Lumine, sometimes Jaxxie needs someone to look after him. I do hope you'll take care of my baby boy, I worry about him all the time...

Ajax, on the other hand, feels like he's going to die. Right here. Of embarrassment. His face turns a bright red and he has to look away, cursing that his mom had to be home the day Lumine came over.]

[traversal]

[ wow, what is he, her mom????

she leans away from ajax when he tries to pinch her, giving him a flat look. look, she understands if he's embarrassed, and he's free to leave the den if he doesn't want to listen to this further. she, for one, is enjoying herself. she was expecting to be scolded and harangued for the events in inazuma and downtown, but clearly, she's being spoiled right here.

even more so when his mom calls him a baby boy, and lumine coughs behind a hand to stifle the giggle that almost bubbled out of her throat. ]

Your baby boy, [ she says with an even voice, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she glances sideways at ajax. ] Is more than capable of taking care of himself and others, don't worry. But I'll make sure to remind Aether to keep him in check.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He'll just ignore that sideways glance Lumine shoots him, debating on grabbing Lumine and going if this continues. His mother puts a hand over her heart, looking at Lumine wistfully as she tells her that. Her little Jaxxie, all grown up, looking after Lumine and Aether...she couldn't be prouder.

I knew he was looking after you two with all the frightening things happening lately, so I hope he's been taking good care of you. He's always had a big heart and all-]

Mom...

[He can't take it anymore, he needs to get her out of here, even if it's only for a moment's respite. Ajax decides to use his secret weapon against his mom, even if he knows he's going to catch it from Lumine later. He's a mamma's boy, he knows.

His eyebrows raise and looks at his mother with large doe-eyes and the tiniest pout, raising the timbre of his voice just so to get his mom to do what he wants.]

Did we leave all the food you brought for us in the conference room? Could you go get it for us if we're going to stay here for a little bit? Please? And maybe something to drink too?

[And it works like a charm, her little boy needs something and she'll get it for him. She stands up, before turning to the two of them to ask a quick question.

Of course, honey. I'll be right back. Lumine, would you like tea? Water? I like to keep a well stocked kitchen, so if you want it, we probably have it.]

[traversal]

[ his shift in temperament is something that doesn't escape lumine's notice, which amuses him even more. he's clearly more manipulative than she's given him credit for, being able to easily sway his mother into doing things that he wants. though that just means he's too spoiled by the women in his family, which is just even more of a headache for whoever will want to date him.

she gives the woman a smile, declining any offer of a special drink— she's fine with water, thanks—and watches as the woman steps out of the den, closing the door behind her. it's only after ajax's mother is gone that she lets out a snort and a laugh, shaking her head. ]

I get it now why you're so good at trying to convince Aether to do your bidding.

[ her brother is easily swayed by those puppy looks ajax has mastered. after all, he's had years of practice with his own mother. lumine gets up from her seat, walking back to the fireplace. ]

Your mom babies you too much.