insurmountable | how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

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how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

[It's not often Ajax finds himself getting his head slammed down onto the hood of a car, least of all a cop car. Usually it's him doing the slamming.

But today the young man finds himself denting the hood, the sound of metal caving in under his head ringing in his ears. Not exactly the ideal situation he was hoping for, but he figured sooner or later he'd have a run in with the cops due to the sensitive nature of his profession, but that doesn't mean he has to like how inconsiderate they are with him as they cuff him and throw him in the back of the paddy wagon. Not that he was considerate to them when he was discovered, as evidenced by the blood all over his clothing and knuckles from the fight he'd gotten into with them. How he managed to avoid getting shot is beyond him- plenty of shots were fired, but that hadn't stopped him from knocking a few of them out.

It's just too bad he'd been instructed that he couldn't kill anyone, or else he'd of gotten out of there without being caught.

The lights of the police station are bright, almost too bright from the contrast of how dark it was outside. Ajax squints as he's dragged inside, held tightly by two cops who hurry him through the station, but not fast enough that he doesn't catch a glimpse of the secretary behind the desk as they come in. Pretty, blonde, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. Gorgeous eyes, ones that catch his attention almost immediately as he's being shoved towards the back, shining with a radiance that captures him instantly. His eyes lock with hers, feeling something silent yet powerful surge through him from this tiny, insignificant interaction. He doesn't even have a moment to think further on it, before he's so rudely interrupted.

Get moving.

The curt voice of the bigger cop on his right cuts through the moment, anger welling up in Ajax's chest and something dark stirs in his core. If he wasn't cuffed and being restrained, he'd turn that guy's face into a new work of art, something so abstract some insane art collector would gladly pay millions for it.

No sooner had Ajax been ushered in, he disappears from sight as he's taken back into an interrogation room, the mysterious blonde no longer in his sights, now getting shoved into a corner of a room.]

What's with this? Don't you even have the courtesy of giving me a chair to sit in, at least?

[From outside of the room, muffled noises of a scuffle as the cops lay into Ajax can be heard, the loudest of which is a thud of a body slamming into a wall, accompanied by a groan from the ginger kid. Though little do any of them know, their real problems haven't arrived just yet, waking from their slumber right outside of the city...]

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[Though it seems like a simple formality, it's a relief to Ajax that she's alright. Knowing that, he takes a sip from his coffee, nodding his head in satisfaction. Her well being was a surprising weight on his shoulders, and yet he wasn't sure if he dared to contact her any earlier than he had, given the distrust between them.]

On the contrary, I at least owed you one drink. But, if you'd like, I'll let you buy next time.

[Ajax gives her a small wink, it really wasn't a big deal. He's not sweating five bucks.]

[ This guy doesn't just have an air of confidence around him, he's got a whole galaxy's worth of confidence. Very bold and admittedly, totally her type. It's a shame he's got such an unsavory job. But that cheeky wink does earn him a giggle as she brings the coffee cup to her lips. ]

Next time, huh? Hmm... yeah, I can buy the drinks if we meet up again.

[ Her teasing aside, she has no doubt there will be a next time with this strange connection that seems to bind them. Now with that out of the way, she finally asks the questions that's been on her mind for weeks. ]

How has your recovery been? The last time I saw you at the hospital, your injuries were so severe. And now, you look like a brand new person.

[If we meet up again.

It sounds like a joke, and he's hoping it is. The fact that sitting there, secretly wishing that they would see each other again after this hits him right in the face, even if his expression doesn't show it. Inwardly, he shakes his own constitution. He shouldn't let himself care that much, she could easily just high tail it and stay away from him. Like it could be just an act for now until she doesn't have to deal with him anymore.

It's a stupid thought, even after she herself has admitted right to him in the hospital room that she couldn't stop worrying about him. She even was nice to him when she left. But his logic tells him that the reason for that was only because he was in the hospital. Not anymore.]

Thanks. I feel like a brand new person, haha. I'm a little sore in spots still, but it's only a matter of time until that fades. The doctors told me that I recovered much faster than I should have.

[That last sentence is said with a little gravity to it, in a way that he knows only she would understand.]

But, I won't look down my nose at a good thing. You've been safe these few weeks, yes?

[No monsters? No one coming after her?]

[ Immediately, she picks up the weight of gravity in his voice. There's no doubt in her mind, his fast recovery more than likely attributed to their mysterious powers. She can already picture the puzzled expressions of the doctors who were looking after him, in awe that a person with battered ribs barely able to stand goes from zero to practically back to normal in a few weeks.

This leaves her with more questions than answers about their current state. It's quite terrifying to think about sudden changes to their bodies with their newfound powers, especially since...

Subconsciously, she places a hand over the right side of her chest, her fingers clutch at the cardigan that just slightly covers a curious mark. Don't get too hasty, she thinks to herself, there's still so much that needs to be discussed. ]

That's wonderful you were able to make such a swift recovery. I was actually a bit worried about you exerting yourself to meet me but looks like I didn't have to fret at all.

[ Even without their puzzling new powers, Ajax gave her the impression of someone quite strong. ]

Truthfully, I haven't gotten out much after what happened. So, you can say that I've been pretty safe and sound. What about... [ she pauses, ] you?

[ She does hope that he's been safe and sound and far away from monsters but it's hard not to think about him going back to his life of kidnapping unsuspecting victims. ]

Edited 2023-12-01 04:40 (UTC)

[Gripping her clothing on the opposite side of his own mark doesn't go unnoticed. Ajax tries to keep the breath he takes watching her do that as subtle as possible, the motion itself yet another confirmation to what's happening to them. As if it weren't some strange, wild dream they somehow both shared. His eyes snap up to meet her gaze quickly, relieved to hear that everything was fine on her end. Good, one less thing to worry about.]

It's been more or less of the same for me. Though I recovered quickly, that doesn't mean that I'm in any shape, even now, to be doing anything strenuous.

[A confirmation that he hasn't been doing much of anything shady or heinous as of late. He takes another sip of his coffee, closing his eyes and recounting everything for her.]

No visitors, save from the people who delivered my groceries for me for a short amount of time while I was still too weak to do much on my own. All in all, everything's gone smoothly. I haven't heard anything from my job apart from telling them I was under doctor's orders to rest, so unfortunately, there's nothing I can share on that front. So, would it be alright if I drive us down to the lakefront? It's a gorgeous view right about now.

[But it's more that he wants to go somewhere where they can't be overheard, to ensure no one finds out about their secret.]

[ Sipping on the straw, the sweet taste of hazelnut along with his confirmation washes away any worries she might have had. A huge relief to know that he hasn't been up to no good during their time away from each other. Of course, there's no telling what he'll do after this conversation but for now, she can rest easy with the knowledge there haven't been any more victims.

But in truth, it's the news that he's been out of harm's way that's the most comforting of all. Not only has he refrained from pushing himself, his horrendous job hasn't picked up on his newfound powers and for that, she's happy to see him safe. ]

Glad to hear that you took my advice and didn't do anything reckless. [ Said with a bright, teasing grin. ] But in all seriousness, that's great the doctor ordered you to rest. With everything that happened, you needed that time to rest your body.

[ She picks up on the implication it's time to go some place more private and talk a little more in depth. With a small nod of her head, she gets out of her chair, ready roll out. ]

That sounds lovely. I'm still getting used to everything since I haven't been in Fontaine for very long. But if you don't mind being my tour guide, I'll be happy to take you up on your offer.

[He hopes that the sunny disposition Yoimiya is wearing now is genuine. It feels genuine, and that eases his own worries as he stands up. Smiling, he joins Yoimiya at her side as they go to leave, his car not being far.]

I guess that means I've been here a little bit longer than you. I don't mind at all. My apartment isn't far from here, so if you'll follow me.

[As they walk, he doesn't stay silent, freely conversing with her about everything and anything that comes to mind.]

I hope you don't mind me asking, but what made you get into law enforcement? Or perhaps, you just got a government job and it just so happened to be at the police station.

[He's well aware that positions like that don't necessarily mean one is gung-ho about upholding the law.]

[ Coffee in hand, she trots alongside Ajax with a pep in her step, excited to see the lakefront view. There's also the curious part of her eager to see the kind of car he has, surely he's made bank with his questionable job. There's no way he would have taken the devil's deal if it didn't provide him with a cushiony life.

Her chatterbox-loving heart appreciates the small talk as they make their way to his vehicle. She listens to him in rapt attention, filing the bit about him not being in Fontaine all that long either in the back of her mind. Definitely gotta ask him about that but before she gets the chance, his question causes her to grow quiet. ]

Well... it's a bit of a long story and kinda rough to talk about. [ She trails off, glancing at the frappé that's gone halfway down. ] Let's just say there was an event in my life that inspired me to get into law enforcement. It still makes me mad when I think about it because it left my dad partially deaf...

[ Unintentionally, that bit of information slips out and without much thought, she grips the plastic coffee cup in an attempt to simmer down the boiling anger that ordeal left her with. There's still a huge chunk of the story he's missing. Setting aside the distrust between them, they just met so she's not quite ready to divulge the full story. ]

Originally, I wanted to be a police officer but my parents were worried about me getting into such a dangerous field. Since I'm an only child, I didn't want them to fret over me too much and decided to take a government job that pays well so I can provide them with a good life. And well... I couldn't believe it when I got asked if I was interested in taking up a position as a police station secretary. Seems like the stars heard my wish.

[That wasn't exactly the reaction he was expecting out of her. She'd looked so bored at the station, doing menial secretary work, that he wouldn't of guessed that there was a deep-seated reason as to why she wanted to do that kind of work at all. But from how tense she gets to how she grips her latte, he can already tell there's a lot going on there that's probably got some trauma attached to it all. So he stays quiet, listens, and wonders if maybe he should of just kept his mouth shut about her job to begin with.

After all, he's already admitted to being responsible for ruining people's lives- the way she reacted in the hospital might stem from her past too, and not just because it's natural to despise someone who does the job he does.]

Haha, I know we haven't known each other for long, [he starts, trying to keep it lighthearted for the time being,] but I can see you as a person who'd want to be right near the action. I can't imagine you get to see much of it behind a desk all day, though.

[The street winds to reveal the entrance to a parking garage, located right underneath where he lives, and he swings inside as they talk.]

It's rather caring that you abandoned that idea as to keep your folks from worrying too much and to take care of them.

[ The light-hearted shift in topic is much appreciated, his consideration for her comfort calms the tempest of emotions raging in her heart. A breath that was caught in her throat releases into a soft exhale, unclenching the grip she has on her cup. She glances back at him, cracking a soft, reassuring smile. It's just a general question, he's not at all at fault for asking. If anything, she thinks it's sweet he's making small talk to try and get to know her a little better.

Maybe one day, she'll be able to open up to him about what exactly happened that caused her to go down this career path. But for now, she doesn't want this conversation to steer into a heavy topic. ]

Your judgment of my character is one hundred percent on point! Hehe, was my bored face behind the desk that obvious? [ Yes it was, Yoimiya. ] A secretary job isn't the most ideal and on that fateful day we met, I was wishing for a bit more excitement in my life.

[ And well... look where they are now. ]

So, I guess we can take this as a lesson to be careful for what you wish for.

[ As they round the corner, she takes note of the parking garage. ]

If you don't mind me asking, is this where you live?

Edited 2023-12-05 23:59 (UTC)

[Wouldn't that be funny, if Yoimiya had unknowingly wished upon a shooting star or something that night without its knowledge it was overhead and got exactly what she wanted. It would make for a great fairy tale, but he wishes that's all it was. The reality of it sinks into his bones, even though he keeps the expression on his face cheerful as they come over to an actual not-expensive car. It's not beat up, but it's not the Lamborghini she might of been imagining. However, it doesn't look old, and it appears as if it's well taken care of.]

It is. I'd invite you up, but I thought it would be more nice to go down to the lakefront where we can be by ourselves out in the fresh air. The view is nice, and I'll need some time to clean my apartment up anyway. Perhaps you can come visit then- I'm conveniently located here near all the hustle and bustle, so it's a good place to stop by if you want to experience both the day and night life here.

[But part of that actually means "let me find out that my apartment isn't bugged first before you come over." He's not taking any chances with anything, because one slip up and they're done for.

Upon reaching his car, he unlocks it, the inside is a simple cloth interior that's spotless. Only a few bells and whistles are on the car like heated seats, all-wheel drive and wifi. Two of which he needs for his job.]

Edited (what is english) 2023-12-12 22:24 (UTC)

[ Maybe in another time and place, she'll get to live out her exciting dreams while riding on a shooting star...

Oh! It's certainly not the luxurious Lamborghini she was picturing in her head but it's still quite nice. Just from a glance, she can tell he takes excellent care of his vehicle, there's not a single speck of dirt staining the cloth interior. It might not be super duper fancy but it gives off a homey, welcoming vibe. Although it might be dangerous to hop into his car after learning about the terrible details of his job, she doesn't think of him as the type to go back on his word. More than anything, he needs her like she needs him, they have to work together in order to get out of this troubling situation.

So, she's willing to take that risk. She graciously nods her head at him, patting down her shorts before making herself comfortable in the passenger seat of his car. ]

Inviting me to your place already? Hehe, I'm flattered you're willing to let me into your home. Hmm... [ Placing a finger to her chin, the silly girl pretends to ponder to herself. ] I suppose I can take you up on that offer one day, I'd like to see more of the exciting nightlife of Fontaine buuuut...

[ She looks up at him with a teasing grin, sending him a playful wink. ]

Gotta see how this outing goes first. I can't let my guard down around you just yet but, I trust you won't drive me off to some strange place.

Edited (apparently i don't know what english is either) 2023-12-13 01:54 (UTC)

[As they both get into the car, he shifts and pulls out of the parking garage to head out towards the outskirts of the city, where he knows they'll finally get that privacy they need to hash things out without being overheard. He can at least sigh a little bit of relief once both doors to the car are closed and they're off on the highway not too long after getting out of downtown, and he doesn't mind keeping this light banter going for the moment anyway. Now that they're outside of trying to keep themselves alive, he's finding that Yoimiya is a pretty fun, cheery person to be around.

He chuckles at her remark and wink, smirking himself as he drives, pressing a few buttons on the touch screen in the middle of the console to put the popular radio station of the city on.]

Hah, you can't let your guard down yet you're sitting in a car with me at the wheel...

[He returns that wink with a playful grin of his own. He really was right about her wanting to be right where the action is, this is practically front row tickets to it.]

I must say, I've got to admire your bravery. First you face down a monster from what seems like beyond this world and save my life, next you're getting in a complete stranger's car knowing what he does for a living. I've heard of living on the edge, but you're taking this to a whole new level, haha.

[But she's right, he's definitely headed exactly where he said he was going to go, the exit coming up to the lakefront shortly.]

[ Yoimiya giggles at his assessment of her character, engaging in some light-hearted banter before they move onto the more serious topic at hand does wonders in easing any tensions she might have had. He's certainly not wrong and it's amusing he's already figured out she's a bit ( a lot ) of a thrill seeker. If she ignores what he does for a living, Ajax is quite charming and fun to be around. For a guy who goes around whisking people off, he's friendly, polite, and amusing to chat with. Plus credit where credit is due, he did save her life when he could have left her for dead, so maybe he's not all that bad.

If it wasn't for his occupation, she could see herself becoming more comfortable around him. But for now, Yoimiya can't allow herself to be caught unawares. ]

Up till now, I've lived a relatively quiet life out in the country, so I guess you could say I've always craved adventure and excitement.

[ As she hums along to the music playing from the radio, her eyes flicker to the window, taking note of them approaching the exit to the lakefront. Looks like her assessment of him is correct in turn, he's definitely not taking her to some remote place out of town to shank her. ]

I could say the same thing about you. The way you jumped in and saved me not once but twice from that otherworldly creature was one of the most daring stunts I've seen. Not only that, you were prepared to go back to the station even with the chance it was still lurking around. Just from my first impression, it kind seems like you enjoy flirting with danger.

Edited 2023-12-13 14:36 (UTC)

Haha, yeah, I guess you could say I don't mind a little bit of excitement in my life as well.

[Probably the understatement of the year, given what he's gotten into, and then what he's going to get himself into on top of it. As terrifying as getting attacked from some unknown body-snatching monster is, he had some fun fighting it at the same time. But maybe that's something best kept to himself, he doesn't really need to be scaring Yoimiya off already...]

It's not exciting back in my hometown either. It's a small fishing village, the only claim to fame it has is how big the fish are there...we're lucky that we have not one, but two gas stations in it. So I can understand where you're coming from.

[Taking the exit down, it leads them pretty quickly to the lakefront proper, where he finds a spot in the parking lot.]

Well, we're here- let's get some fresh air, shall we?

[ A little bit... somehow it seems like he's downplaying his true feelings but she'll keep that thought to herself.

Huh, they're a lot more alike than her initial impressions. She didn't peg him as a small-town country boy from a fishing village but it's an unexpected side she finds endearing. It also makes her all the more curious about what brought him to Fontaine to begin with. ]

Ooh, two whole gas stations, how exciting. Looks like y'all got a slight advantage over us and our one gas station.

[ Now that they've made it to their destination, she unfastens the seatbelt before carefully placing her hand on the handle. With a small plop off her feet, she hops out, excited to stretch her legs and see the lake view with her own eyes. ]

Ah, the fresh lake air feels so nice.

[He snickers a little bit at her quip, wondering how small her own hometown is. It's such a small, unremarkable thing to have in common with someone that only weeks before shared the most terrifying experience of his life with. Almost as if things were normal, like they were just two people meeting in a place that neither of them are native to, sharing a part of their backgrounds with each other.

Ajax takes a deep breath in of the air for himself, enjoying the scent of flowing freshwater of Fontaine, as he joins her at her side to incline his head towards the shoreline.]

Yeah, it's become one of my favorite places to come to when I need to clear my head. I don't think I'll ever get completely used to seeing a vast lake like this that spans across the entire nation not eternally frozen over. Come on, let's get a little closer.

[He'll lead her down to where a paved path for walkers and bikers to enjoy their time along the shoreline, spanning the entire width of the lake and even farther to the north. Ajax isn't planning on walking the entire way and back, it's miles and miles long, but this is probably a good place to start, with not a lot of other people out at the moment.]

[ There's something about being near the water that puts her at ease, this place might be the sunny shore beaches of Inazuma but goodness, it's lovely. There's the slightest hint of a skip in her step as she happily follows him down the path. With every step they take across the shoreline, Yoimiya's smile broadens in awe, utterly enraptured by how crisp and clear the waters of Fontaine are. ]

Oh dear, the lakes over there stay frozen? Goodness, people really aren't kidding when they say Snezhnaya is the land surrounded by winter storms.

[ As they talk, Yoimiya keeps glancing back and forth between him and marveling at the lake. Fontaine's freshwater truly is a sight to behold, the water's shimmering luster akin to a crystal. Definitely going to have to come out here more often. They have lots to discuss and not much time to see the vast lake in full but mark her words, she'll be back to explore it one day. ]

Oh wow! This is beautiful. It's no wonder why you come out here to clear your thoughts. I just got here and I already feel at peace. My head feels fluffy... as if I'm floating through the clouds.

[Ajax keeps an eye on her as they both start to stroll down the shoreline, fighting to keep from laughing. Yoimiya's like a little kid, happily enjoying the scenery and the new sight of the natural splendor of Fontaine's waterways. It reminds him of how his siblings might act, and it's endearing how her pupils dilate as she takes it all in.]

You should see it in the morning as the sun rises, [he responds, smiling at her as they continue to walk.] The sun's rays reflect and sparkle off of the water with a golden hue, warming and inviting to those who seek its splendor.

[Sighing, he takes a moment to revel in that memory, but he's also not one to beat around the bush or waste anyone's time.]

Anyway, now that we're well outside of the earshot of any eavesdroppers, we should get our stories straight before we're deposed down at the station.

[ As bright as the sun itself, Yoimiya's eyes golden eyes shimmer at his poetic description, he's got such a way with words. The image he paints in her head is splendorous, she's already picturing the morning dew shining off the lake in a dazzling array of blues, oranges, and gold. No if, ands, or buts, she's gotta see this with her own eyes!

But before she gets ahead of herself, he's right, they need to work on corroborating their stories. ]

Right! For starters, I know this is going to sound a bit daft of me to ask this of you after the way things ended at the hospital. But, I need you to do me a favor that's gonna benefit both of us.

[ This is what she originally wanted to discuss with him at the hospital on that fateful but Yoimiya unfortunately, let her temper get the better of her. Now that they've spent some time apart, she's able to approach this with a clear head. ]

I never got around to mentioning this but while you were unconscious, a few police officers showed up to get a brief statement from me. They asked about what happened and... my relationship with you. I left out your arrest and told the police you're a friend of mine that got caught up in this mess.

[ If Ajax ever wondered why the police never came after him during these weeks, this is the reason. ]

Hmmmm...yeah, I can continue on with letting them believe we knew each other and were friends prior to the attack. I don't think they have anything on me other than a vague description at this point anyway.

[With the tapes destroyed, there's no physical evidence that he was at the station for otherwise unsavory reasons, and it's possible that nothing else was reported before they'd arrived at the station. He hadn't exactly been accommodating to the police when they'd caught up with him, and it's not like they took pictures of him either. Luck really is on their side this time, so he nods back to her.]

I appreciate you covering for me like that. Guess I owe you for that one, huh?

[Being granted some kind of freedom just because you know someone who works with the police...no wonder they get such a bad rap. If she hadn't, who knows what they'd of done.]

[ Oh bless, that's one weight off her shoulders. With the situation they are in, she didn't think he'd say no to her little request but there's always that possibility, especially since they're still just strangers. But, she's grateful he's willing to cooperate with her, it would have been so easy for him to refuse after the way she treated him at the hospital and Yoimiya wouldn't blame him for it. ]

Thank you, I appreciate you're willing to go along with this. Don't worry about it, you were prepared to save my life twice, it's the least I could do to repay you.

[ If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't be alive to tell the tale of their harrowing battle. It's a fact she'll always be grateful for even if she doesn't like the way he goes about his job. ]

We'll have to think of a good story as to why you were at the station with me. Maybe we can say you were dropping off food for me?

[ But she's all ears to any other suggestions! ]

[Admittedly, this is going a lot smoother than he thought it would. He had prepared for Yoimiya to be a little more distant than she's being right now, but he's all the more glad for it. Relief seems to flood through him, his expression relaxed and happy to be in her presence, as if the two of them together felt...right, somehow.

He didn't expect to get any kind of praise or cheery thank you from her either, and it's a nice surprise that she's being genuinely cordial. He doesn't really deserve it, and he can't help but wonder if it's really because she's just that nice or if it has anything to do with the strange feelings they've both admitted to having welling in their chests.]

Uh, maybe make it a bit more personal, because you could of just ordered delivery too and I've never visited the station before. Perhaps I was dropping off food and your key to your place, after taking care of something for you, like a favor. That would make it a little more believable.

[ It's no wonder why Ajax is in the field of work he's in, he really does think of everything. Thank goodness for his crafty brain, if she was out here on her own trying to sort out this story, the police would have called her out on her lie a long time ago. Given everything that was said at the hospital, it really would do her some good to put up her defense and steer a bit more clear of him.

But...

She just can't bring herself to be cold and distant towards him. While the likely culprit is this strange bond linking the two of them, Yoimiya can't deny that being by his side fills her with a sense of joy, as if a red string of fate has united her with the one she's destined to meet. Together with Ajax just feels so incredibly right. ]

Oh! That's brilliant. Let's see...

[ She has an idea, albeit a silly one. ]

We can say I asked you to pick up some groceries for me... [ It starts out reasonable but then in typical Yoimiya fashion: ] and check up on my pet goldfish?

[It does start out reasonable. He's already thinking on how picking up her groceries is a good idea especially if she was working late, good on her to think of something to mundane and easy just to fool the cops. And then...]

Your pet goldfish?

[There's only a hint of incredulity in his voice, part amusement and part surprise.]

Yoimiya, I think your goldfish probably doesn't need checking on, unless you're the sort of person who forgets to feed their fish.

[Of course, he has to tease her a little, his eyes peering at her with a half smile on his face.]

Why don't we just stick with the groceries, haha.

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