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

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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.

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[ whatever.

abuse, his ass. aether almost rolls his eyes, only barely catching himself in the presence of ajax's father. he probably should've called zhongli and asked him if he could stay over the teapot while he's out for the next few days or so, just to make sure his sister and ajax don't get too comfortable.

but that's too late now. maybe later, he'll try to contact the ex-archon if he's not too busy rambling to some random guy in a teahouse or whatever.

thanks. i just need a change of clothes, but ajax can go grab it for me at the apartment.

his laptop, too. which he didn't really think of bringing since he thought that this is just a simple consultation. he should've known, really. but at the very least, getting this fixed would mean that the volkov family would be in his debt. ]

I'll make sure to bring your things right over.

[Ajax replies earnestly, glad that they may have another lead to this secret war between themselves and the gods. He desperately would love to put them on the defensive. Hopefully this will help them do that.]

Aether, when you're done here, we need to discuss leaving the country. Seems that staying here isn't something we can do like I initially thought. A few days can be well afforded, but I would be wary past that. We'll talk more when you return. I'll be back in an hour with your things.

[Driving back and returning to the teapot, Ajax with the help of Lumine puts together all of Aether's things for a short time away. An hour later after he leaves again, he comes back in through the double sliding doors, takeout in hand, settling heavily on the couch as he puts it on the coffee table.]

[ the teapot was empty save for the cryo slime and tubby when lumine finally woke up, realising that her brother and ajax must've gone over to the volkovs. she honestly didn't like it, knowing what they'd make aether do related to their affairs again, but it isn't as if they can fight back or she could do something about it. instead, she decides to make herself a late breakfast as she waits for the two to return.

as it stands, however, it seems like aether's going to be out for a few days, fixing the issue that's caused their location to be consistently revealed. lumine only finds out about this when ajax comes back to pack a few things for aether, her own self sorting out his clothes in a duffel bag. she debates on asking him if she could tag along, perhaps even stay in the premises, but she decides against it. as much as she likes ajax's mom, she doesn't think staying there for too long is going to be a pleasant experience.

still, it surprises her more when ajax comes back around again. and here she thought she'd have the entire teapot to herself for a few days, the other male opting the stay with her brother at their home. she pads out of the kitchen, walking over to the sofa and going through the takeout bag. ]

I thought you'd be staying over at your parents' place, too.

[Ajax waits for her to take out whatever she'd like from the bag, having gotten a few things and is prepared to keep the leftovers in the fridge for later. He's just tired, after showing his father the Foul Legacy Transformation, answering too many questions, and having to explain to an old man how the gods are very real and very much trying to kill them for something they had nothing to do with.

Well, kind of.

That exhaustion shows on his face as he watches her pick up food, wanting nothing more than to go to bed again.]

Honestly, I'd just be in the way. I also don't need my siblings asking me a million questions as to why Aether is there. Mom and dad can handle that...

[Ajax's head lazily flops backwards onto the back of the couch, eyes closing for a moment, trying to let his mind clear. There was so much to think about, so much to consider.]

I'll be able to work better here. I love my siblings, but they will try to dominate my time if I stay with my parents.

[ his exhaustion doesn't escape her notice, especially when she sits next to him on the couch, taking a paper box of dumplings from the bag and setting it down on her knees. ]

If you're tired, you can go to bed. Aether's not around, so the bedroom upstairs is all yours.

[ it'll be his for the next few days or so, until her brother returns.

lumine does wonder if aether's already eaten. knowing him, if he's pretty busy with work, whatever kind of work it is, he'll probably forget about eating. that's a tendency the both of them has when work preoccupies their entire attention and nothing else. she takes a dumpling between chopsticks, taking a nibble of it at its corners.

should she call him later? remind him about dinner? ]

... I hope you asked someone at your home to nag at Aether about eating. He's going to forget if he's too busy.

Lumine.

[He turns his head from the back of the couch, looking at her with amusement. It's almost like...she hasn't met his mom.]

My mother is going to shower him with food and anything else he wants or needs. By the end of this, he's practically going to be just another child in the family that she wants to take care of. I don't need to tell anyone to nag him to eat, haha.

[His head flops back again, breathing out a heavy sigh as he relaxes.]

I'm going to lay down after I eat, but it certainly isn't going to be upstairs.

[Too tired to go upstairs. Too tired to change the sheets. He's just too tired in general. That, and he finds he sleeps much better when she's in bed with him- something he's not willing to give up right now.]

[ oh, right. his mom. she's going to have a wild time dragging her brother to meals. a part of lumine almost wants to see that, see aether find himself helplessly drowning in the woman's motherly attention and affection. she's pretty sure he'll come back to the teapot exhausted not just from work but from fending ajax's mother away.

in any case, lumine turns to him, picking up a dumpling and pressing it insistently against his mouth. she doesn't know why he's so tired, but he obviously needs to move his ass if he wants to get some rest quicker. ]

Did your dad scold you again?

[ c'mon, eat, ajax. this is food that you've bought. ] Is there anyone in his family that he doesn't scold? Your mom, maybe?

[Lifting his head up as the dumpling is pressed to his lips, he opens his mouth to take it from her fingers, chewing thoughtfully and being thankful for the food. Did his dad ever, that was a rough experience for both of them, really. Sighing through his nose, the food gives him motivation now to sit up properly, eyeing the bag of takeout for himself.]

My mom can get away with anything, haha. But he did more than that. Not only did I have to explain the wrath of ancient gods to him, but he demanded he see my transformation. Believe it or not, the transformation wasn't the most tiring ordeal of the day. But he seemed less inclined to scold us after I showed him the Foul Legacy Transformation.

[Maybe he'll get his own food out in a minute. The knowledge they'd gained that day about their enemies, it weighs on his mind heavily as if it were a branch ready to snap under the weight. Someone within their family, someone close, ratting them out. A traitor.]

It's been a long day. The data my father wanted Aether to look at was incredibly revealing. Someone's working against us within our family. I know that might not seem like a surprise given that they were able to take that warehouse downtown...but whoever it is is closer to myself and my father than what any of us are comfortable with.

[ oh good, he's finally sitting up properly. lumine turns away from him, leaning back against the couch as well, continuing to consume the dumplings. ]

You really showed it to him? Huh.

[ she supposes he didn't have a choice in the matter, not when it's his dad who's wanting to see it. he seems like the kind of guy who gets everything he wants, no matter what the issue or cost is. very demanding, very authoritative. just like a mob boss, his actual occupation.

it's no surprise too that he's pretty tired. from what she understood from lumine's memories, it seems to have an effect on his body, almost like an injury of sorts that he needs to take care of.

but what surprises her more is his revelation. lumine turns her gaze towards him, disbelief written all over her face. ]

So, the person who's been responsible for finding out where we are is someone you know all along? All this time? Are you serious?

[Thinking about that kills his appetite for the moment, looking at her with concern. It's not a reality he wants to believe is true, but he's pretty sure Aether isn't wrong.]

I couldn't be more serious. Either someone who has access to our system is working with the enemy, or it's someone very close to us. Given the warehouse incident and learning that they were using it to make delusions from ancient times...

[A memory he also would like to forget, but he'll never be able to get it out of his head that they'd planned on using her own energy to do that. It sounds exactly like what legends said about the "evil eye" that was made so long ago.]

...I can really only think that our mole is someone important and close to us. And when we find them, I'm going to take care of it personally.

[He spits the last part of his sentence out with venom, a deadly and borderline unhinged statement.]

[ someone important and close to him.

to us, she repeats the words in the head in an attempt to stamp down the rising sense of dread within her. but who could it be, and why? betrayal of an acquaintance is one thing, but of someone closer? a friend, perhaps, or even a family member cuts deeper than any knife. especially in a family like ajax's.

lumine lowers her food back to its container, finding her stomach turning at the thought. ]

What if they're a friend of yours? Someone you've worked closely in the business? [ she looks up at him, meeting his eyes. ] A family member?

Think of what's happened because of them.

[He doesn't feel like he needs to vocalize it. People dead, their lives threatened time and time again, facing off with gods. He'd even died, quite literally, only having recovered because of Lumine and her battle prowess. The pain they've made them suffer, to have to hide away in a magic teapot. He could keep going.]

I've thought of the possibility that perhaps there's something at stake if they don't work with the enemy. But one thing you must understand- in Snezhnaya, we do not easily forgive ones who would abandon us or turn on us. I'll kill them myself for this transgression, no matter how close they are to me. Think of it as me doing them a personal favor.

[His eyes flash dangerously, his determination unwavering. The grief they've all suffered might have been avoided, or maybe even countered against. But this person isn't working with them, and instead working behind the scenes against them. He can't forgive them for this.]

Edited 2022-08-01 01:28 (UTC)

[ it's so easy for him to say because he's currently not faced with the situation of having to murder someone he cared for, and she's quite sure that the person talking at the moment is that of childe's. but she wonders how much effect it will have on him once it's all over, once he's pulled the trigger. after all, from what she's seen so far, ajax seems very close with everyone around him, who treasures and values his family.

but his sentiment is understandable at the same time. they've suffered so much in the past few months, physically and mentally. they've been cornered and outmanoeuvred, almost beaten to the brink of their life. dying almost feels like a reprieve at this point.

lumine says nothing for a long while, her gaze lowering to her food. it's a heavy topic to have, especially when he's so tired. a moment later, she's picking up dumplings again using her chopsticks and offering it to ajax. ]

Eat, and then, we can retire for the evening after.

[ she's not necessarily tired yet, and she still has work to do. but this is the only way to convince him to take his mind off of things and get some rest for now. ]

[Ajax takes a moment to calm himself, having worked himself up thinking about what he'd do once he found who sold them all out. Why they were doing it, who it was, where they were now...it'll be something that will bother him until the mystery is solved. His eyes seem to take on a glassy quality as he lets his thoughts wander, but the dumpling being offered to him brings him back to reality.

He understands what she's doing, his eyes widening at first as the dumpling is held out to him, then softening as he allows himself to smile and appreciate what she's trying to do for him. He doesn't reach out for it, instead craning his neck forward to eat it right off her chopsticks, happily eating it before he reaches into the bag to pull out something for himself finally.]

Thanks.

[It's nice, having her here with him to break him out of being trapped with his own thoughts, knowing that he'd stew on this. He opens his own food, picking up a pair of chopsticks, squinting at them. He tries to put them in his hand correctly, mouth turning up when he finds it difficult and confusing. A dumpling gets picked up, unsuccessfully, dropping back into the container with a plop.

Archons, why are these so hard to use.]

[ lumine watches him in amusement as he struggles with the chopsticks, reminded of that one dinner they sorta shared in liyue. even back then, he had trouble with the wooden utensils, barely able to eat his fare until he's decided to use his own hands. she snorts when he drops the dumpling, reaching out for his hand. ]

You do know that there's an easier way to do it, right?

[ she guides his fingers to curl around the chopsticks like he's holding the handle of a knife—and then makes him stab the dumpling with its pointed end. like a fork, but not really. she moves his hand with her own, so she can take a bite out of his dumpling.

see? easy-peasy, though a harder poke would've probably tear through the container and stab his knee. ]

I can't believe you're so bad at using this. What would you do if your enemies used this weakness against you?

[Ajax looks on as she manipulates his hand and fingers, letting her guide him because he really doesn't understand how to use them correctly. Though he knows something's up when she has him hold it like a knife, smirking as she stabs a dumpling with his hand to eat it right off of it.]

I didn't know there was a new way of using chopsticks. If my memory serves me, I utilized this same technique back at Wangshu Inn.

[He waits until she's done chewing and swallowing that bit of dumpling, before he holds the rest of it up to her mouth to finish it off. He owes her one more, to make things even.]

Besides, I don't think how adept I am with chopsticks is really going to matter when it comes to our war against the gods. But if you're so concerned, you could show me how to do it properly.

[ she blinks when he offers the dumpling again to her, leaning in to take it in her mouth. she chews thoughtfully, wrinkling her nose. ]

What if the gods suddenly take you to a Liyue restaurant and challenge you to an eating contest? How will you survive?

[ he could probably just ask for a spoon and fork, but what if the restaurant doesn't have any? what if the gods made sure that no other utensil is available? it's a stupid notion, but he needs to make sure he can cover all bases.

but the exchange is at least successful in keeping his mind off of their worries. sure, it's something they have to think about eventually, and it's even more concerning that it's a person they might know. but what can they do about it now? they don't know who it is or what they're planning to do next. aether isn't even around to finalise any plans they have about possibly leaving fontaine. ]

I have to charge a fee if I teach you how to use them.

[Snorting, he makes his own attempt again at holding the chopsticks correctly, though he still isn't really doing it right. Another failed attempt is made at picking up a dumpling, thinking that if he really was challenged in such a manner, he'd be in pretty hot water. What a ridiculous concept, it makes him laugh, the very thought of that happening.]

Oh? A fee? How much exactly, does chopsticks lessons cost?

[He takes one stick into his other hand, twirling it between his fingers expertly and yet...

He still can't get them to work in tandem with each other in one hand.]

[ what a depressing state.

it's so absurd how he can twirl one of the sticks between his fingers, and yet he's struggling like a toddler holding a pen properly with picking food up with two sticks. lumine wonders if it's some kind of handicap for him, like the part of his brain that governs with chopsticks usage is no longer working. maybe he got dropped on the head when he was young ...

in any case, lumine picks up the dumpling he dropped with her own chopsticks, offering it to him again. at this rate, he's going to starve to death. ]

How much will you offer for my services?

Edited 2022-08-01 03:43 (UTC)

Hmmmm...

[He leans forward to eat the dumpling off her chopsticks, thinking. He could offer mora, he has a virtually endless cash flow to offer, but...that isn't fun either. He knows that what he could offer that she'd accept might be a bad idea, but in the spirit of being lighthearted about this, well, why not.]

If you teach me how to use chopsticks, then I'll offer you a favor in return. My only stipulation is that said favor won't be something that will upset me. Do you find that favorable?

[ what is she going to do with more money? it isn't as if she's lacking of it at all.

lumine watches as he takes the piece of food into his mouth once more, chewing as he considers her offer. it was admittedly a joke, the fee and all, but she didn't think he'd take it far enough that he'd try to offer something in return. she wonders if there's another catch to this, another loophole to the deal that they're making. zhongli would've been handy right now. ]

What if it's something that would upset you but it needed to be done, anyway? Am I not going to get my favour?

It seems you understand it correctly. No, you won't.

[He knows better than to play that game. Best to say no for now, and wait until the time arrives if she ever actually asks him for a favor that would make him upset. He'll reconsider it then, but he won't tell her that. No way.]

That's just inviting all sorts of trouble for me. [He says, while somehow getting the chopsticks to sit correctly in his hand as he points them at her. The minute he lowers them though, his fingers contort strangely, like he's thinking too hard about holding them.] I won't allow myself to be put in a position that will cause me emotional distress over chopsticks.

[Whatever that may entail. He tries to pick up another dumpling, sighing as it slips out from between his sticks. Really, why is this so hard? Honestly...]

[ ... he's an idiot, that's what.

lumine's gaze flickers at his hand when he manages to hold the chopsticks properly for a split second—only to drop things all over himself again after second later. it only means that he's capable of learning; he's just being an idiot about it all along, making himself struggle unnecessarily by overthinking. ]

You're clearly in some sort of emotional distress right now over it, though.

[ his expression tells her as much. not being able to eat, dropping his food all over the place ... how is that not distressing? ]

Hey, that's not true. I'm just struggling with it, that's all.

[Cue another dropped dumpling. He kind of got it halfway up to his mouth that time, before the failure of it dropping back into the container greeted him once again. Ajax frowns, sighing at his complete lack of ability to do this.]

So...

[He says, clacking his chopsticks together for a second, as if he might of figured it out before one slips out of his hand. He catches it before it hits the floor, before putting it back in his hand. A little embarrassing...]

...will you accept my offer, or not?

[ sure, no emotional distress at all, even if his expression says so.

as she watches him drop his food for the nth time that evening, lumine wonders if he's ever going to be able to eat properly. probably not, seeing how inept he is, even with just moving the sticks around. it doesn't even involve picking things up, just clacking or moving them together. ]

Mm, well, if you're the one deciding the favour based on your own feelings, what if none of the favours I asked is something you'd grant?

[ because he gets "upset" over it, so he rejects it. ]

That's no different from me offering free services, isn't it?

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