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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[ Somehow, she gets the feeling he's still poking fun at her but hey, he's not wrong in assessment, there's no denying she's bold and fearless to a fault at times. With her arms still akimbo, she shoots him a proud smile, recalling her little stunt to thwart that monster which could have easily gotten her killed. So even if he's playing with her, he's earned a satisfied nod out of her. ]

I had a sneaking suspicion that was the case. From the moment you walked into the station, I figured you were the type of person who wasn't going to take crap from the police officers. And not only that, only someone with a courageous heart could have fought back against that monster like you did.

[ She further nods her head in agreement, sitting at home living an everyday mundane life The more she thinks about it, they really are a lot alike, almost two sides of the same coin. Maybe it was more than just fate that brought them together. ]

Hehe, so I can picture you as a rambunctious child growing up. Did you happen to get into a lot of trouble as well?

[ As well, she says.... ]

[Look at her, proudly displaying her feathers for him for his correct assumptions and analysis of her. He wasn't entirely sure how she'd react, but this is just as fun as any other scenario that could have happened. His arms fold over his chest, looking satisfied with how she's returning the compliments here. He clearly enjoys the ego boost, because he thought he did pretty good back there in the police station too. Better than even he expected.]

All the time, [he says as he laughs, the teasing tone of his voice fading away to be replace with something more warm.]

Believe it or not, I didn't always used to be so. Mother and Father like to tell stories of me from time to time about how I used to be afraid and hesitant as a child. The memory's faint, but I have a silver of memory left from when I was around four or so. I got scared of the snowman my siblings built after one particular snowfall- they'd decorated it in such a manner that I had nightmares for a week, though I don't remember the nightmares, haha.

[Ajax flashes a boyish grin at her, seems kind of crazy given who he is now, isn't it? He recognizes that fully, amused at his own change in demeanor over time.]

[ Oh yeah, he's got the face of a troublemaker for sure. Goodness, he's an absolute riot from the way he crosses his arms over his chest with an expression that shows he's really enjoying the ego stroking, to his infectious laughter that draws out a chorus of giggles from her. What a silly man, he's too funny.

But then, the next tidbit about himself comes as a complete and total shock to her. It's so unexpected, her jaw hangs open for a moment or two. ]

Ehhhh?! Really? It's so hard for me to imagine you as anything but fearless. Never would have guessed there was a time in your life when you were hesitant.

[ Poor tiny Ajax having nightmares over a snowman. His siblings must have gone above and beyond in decking out their scary snowman. ]

How did you grow up to be so brave?

[Her reaction makes him laugh again, he supposes that it shouldn't be a surprise to see her be a little blindsided by a tale that seems to be the antithesis of who he is now. Sometimes, not even he can believe it- but it's all true. His hand goes up behind his head, almost bashfully at how she puts it- when did he get brave, anyway?]

I don't know, to be honest. I guess when you live in a frozen place like Snezhnaya, you grow up pretty fast. There's all sorts of hidden dangers lurking beneath the snow, and even more unseen dangers that seek to take your life.

[He takes a second to hope that his family was well back at home, spending time together in front of the fire place or eating a nice meal at the table. He misses it, but duty calls.]

I don't know how it is in Inazuma, but I can say that things seem a lot safer here in Fontaine. It's actually kind of nice, the only things you need to be careful about is ending up in the wrong side of town at night. Sorry...

[He apologizes, exhaling heavily at himself.]

I didn't mean to talk about myself so much like that.

[ Even in this day and age of modern technology, Snezhnaya sure is a dangerous place to live. Just from carrying a conversation with tourists visiting Inazuma, she's briefly heard about how harsh the conditions are. Showing just the slightest hint of being inadequately prepared could land the unfortunate in a frozen grave. It's no wonder that over time, Ajax grew up with a hardened heart unafraid of even fighting otherworldly monsters.

She shakes her head at his apology, shooting him a gentle, reassuring smile. ]

Don't worry about it. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested.

[ Plus, she got to see an unexpected bashful side to his bold personality. ]

It was nice learning more about you. I'm happy you were able to open up to me, even just a little bit.

[Ajax's expression softens in kind, appreciative of Yoimiya listening to him, and for a moment he wonders why he opened up so easily to her. It felt right, natural, like he was talking to an old friend. Like he wanted to share himself with her, and was happy that she accepted him. Ajax tries to shake that feeling off, but it lingers around his heart and warms him from within, causing the mark on his chest to emit a soft, red glow that shows through his shirt. He doesn't seem to notice this, nodding appreciatively back at her.]

I appreciate you listening.

...Will you tell me a little more about Inazuma?

[His tone is earnest, unlike what a man of his background might suggest. Ajax's eyes widen a little, hints of curiosity and wonder behind them, genuinely wanting to know more about her and the land of which she hails from- he's never been there, and wouldn't mind learning.]

[ A gentle expression settles on her features at his question, finding it incredibly sweet he's showing interest in her home country. His earnest tone of voice is quite soft, a stark contrast to a man with his job history. He easily could have kept this meeting between them strictly business only but he's choosing to learn a bit about her in turn. It's a gesture she appreciates a lot, a reminder that he's got a kind soul despite his background.

Even with the truth wide out in the open, her heart stirs with warmth as she stares into his eyes filled with boyish wonder. ]

Don't mind me, I may or may not sound a little biased hehe, but Inazuma is splendid! The sandy beaches provide a wonderful view of the vast ocean that stretches out for miles on end. And I can't forget about the Yumemiru trees! As the name suggests, just the sight of the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming on the branches is so soothing that it can fill your nights with sweet dreams—

[ Suddenly, a faint light grabs her attention from the corner of her eye. She stops in the middle of explaining, her jaw slack and eyes growing wide upon realizing that the red glow is emitting from Ajax himself. HELP. WHAT IS GOING ON??? ]

Oh my goodness... Ajax! Your chest is glowing!

[All of that sounds really nice to him. He's used to the snowy cold of Snezhnaya, and the only trees that have anything on them are the pine trees that grow and are constantly covered in snow from the blizzards that rock his homeland. He's only seen Yumermiru trees on the internet, and the way she describes it paints a lovely picture in his head. It would be romantic to sit beneath it, his arm around her, staring out into the ocean with no end-

But she stops? At first he's confused why, expecting her to continue, but she looks like she's seen something terrifying, and he looks behind him in a panic. Surely there's something there, but of course there isn't, not a single soul or thing behind them that could get her to look like that. His head snaps back at her when she cries out, absolutely confused at to what she's talking about, looking downward. But in his panic and confusion, the glow has ebbed away, and he sees nothing.]

What?

[He looks back up, then back down, touching his chest as if the motion would reveal a hidden secret to him, that doesn't appear.]

Yoimiya, what are you talking about? Are you sure?

[ Huh...? How is he unable to see the red light shining off his chest? But as quickly as it made its appearance, the glow vanishes in an instant. Yoimiya's face goes from shock to complete and utter confusion. Eyebrows furrowed, she studies his face then shifts her gaze towards his once glowing chest, glancing back and forth all the while puzzled by this strange turn of events. For a second, she even starts to consider the possibility that maybe it's her going crazy from all this information overload.

But no, she's absolutely certain there was a glowing mark. ]

Yes, I'm positive. I saw a red glow reflecting off your chest.

[ Taking a step closer, Yoimiya closes the gap between the two of them extending her hand to tenderly place her palm on top of his chest. ]

It was here... right where your mark is.

[ Flickering her gaze upwards, she locks stares with him... only for it to finally dawn on her that ah, she kind of put them in close proximity with one another. At the realization, heat spreads across her cheeks but even so, she finds herself unable to pull away while staring into those brilliant blue eyes. Somehow... this moment feels so incredibly right. ]

[He's pretty sure she wouldn't lie to him. But as it stands, no red glow exists, not to his eyes, but it does make him worry for a minute. Did something happen that would make his chest glow? Was it something she said, or he said? And why did it stop suddenly?

Maybe he's freaking out over nothing, breathing out a heavy sigh trying to calm himself, as her hand comes to gently take its place on his chest. All of a sudden, Ajax becomes aware of how close they are, his eyes moving from examining himself to her. She's blushing, the golden hue of her eyes capturing the deep blue of his own, and his heart begins to pound hard in his chest as his own cheeks become a dusted shade of pink. His mark begins to glow once more, wisps of power wrapping around Yoimiya's fingers as if it were beckoning her, inviting her in. But he's only concerned with how nice this feels, how the longer he stares downwards into her eyes, the more he feels at home. As if this was right, meant to be, exactly where he belongs.

With Yoimiya, together. His hand falls onto her hip, entranced by her in the moment, but the red glow brightens enough that it catches his eye and he blinks from the distraction of it. Looking down, he finally sees what she means, the tail of the goldfish stamped to his chest glowing clearly from beneath his shirt. Suddenly, he steps away as he gasps, bringing his hand up once more to touch it in disbelief. No sooner does he do so that the glow fades away once more, his mind distracted and his heart beating way harder than it should be.]

H-Hey, did you do that...?

[It's not an accusation, but more of an actual question. Like her hand had gotten his mark to glow, or something like that. Plus, it brings a whole new problem to the table for them both.]

When you touched it, it started to glow again. Oh, but that's not good...

[ There's that strange glow again. Yoimiya sees the light clear as day but even so, she's more enamored by Ajax's stare. Gorgeous blue eyes that anyone could get lost in, a dashing smile with the power to make her melt, soft ginger hair that she would love the chance to run her fingers through. He's stunning from head to toe, it's no exaggeration that he's the most handsome man she's ever laid eyes on. She sees that darling blush coloring his cheeks and oh, her is beating so profoundly that she could float away. A squeaky gasp slips out from the gentle press of his fingers against her hips but she doesn't move, she doesn't wish to. This is right where she wants to be, right here with him.

Utterly taken by his radiant features, Yoimiya finally snaps out of her trance once he pulls away. It's silly but she already misses his touch, the space between them suddenly feels a whole lot emptier. Sheesh, just what is she thinking?! She tries to shake it out of her head, her own thoughts causing her cheeks to turn even redder. ]

No, it wasn't me. I first noticed the mark was glowing during our conversation about Inazuma before I touched you.

[ Whew, she needs a second to calm her racing heart. Internally, she's screaming at herself in embarrassment. But there's no denying that in the span of those wonderful minutes, their connection felt so deep, so right, and so perfect. ]

You're right... because that means we have to be extra careful about our powers in public.

[ In the midst of attempting to wrap her mind around this, she has yet to notice the faint blue glow emanating from the whale tail branded to her chest. ]

[Is it just him or is she blushing? His own mind is reeling between learning that their marks can glow just out of nowhere like this. When he'd originally been taught about the marks, and where to look for them, they'd never mentioned that they had the ability to glow on their own. He'd always thought that he had to use that special light to reveal them for what they really were, but this adds a whole new layer to it...and a whole new problem.

That and how his heart was nearly leaping out of his chest just now. The inexplicable fondness and closeness he had with her just now is a feeling that doesn't go away, and he wonders if she feels it too, deep down in her core just as he does. He tries to think about what it was that was going on while they were talking about Inazuma, but the blue light makes itself known to him, making his eyes widen in surprise.]

Yoimiya...

[He doesn't mention anything about it at first, instead opting to reach his hand out slowly to press his fingers against the fabric of her shirt where he sees the glow. The power from it seeps through to wrap around his own fingers, tugging at him, asking him to come closer.]

Look down.

[He can't tell her to be calm, to try to keep herself from freaking out about this. But it fantastical enough that he needs to see this for himself, and he hopes that through all of this confusion maybe she'll be able to keep it glowing for longer than he's been able to, just to see what this is about.]

[ Her name that slips from his lips sends an electrifying jolt down her spine so splendidly that it makes her feel as though she could float off into the clouds. In a complete daze, not even the background noise of the world behind them is enough to pull her away from his stare. His baritone voice so alluring to the ears, his beautiful blue eyes that have her full undivided attention.

"Look down." Snaps her out of her reverie. From the corner of her eyes, she finally notices the faint blue glow. She glances down, stunned to see the tail now shining in a blue hue. ]

Oh! It's glowing too.

[ This should have her freaking out but the only thought that crosses her mind is how much she yearns for him to come closer. ]

Do you... want to get a closer look at it?

[ Admittedly, she's not quite sure how to keep it glowing but Yoimiya is willing to try her best. Why is it glowing to begin with? Uncertainty floods her mind but unknown to her, the heat searing off his fingertips keeps the glow's luminosity. He's so close, she doesn't wish for this unspoken feeling to end. She swallows hard, sliding the cardigan further down her shoulders to give him a better view. ]

[Somehow, Yoimiya's managed to keep it illuminated for him to get closer, thankful to her that she's done what he hasn't been able to, leaning forward more to inspect it further. It's even more brilliant once her cardigan is slipped off of her shoulders, revealing the mark on her skin clearly. Ajax's fingers gingerly trace the curves of the tail, her skin smooth and cool despite the power that beckons him further to her. It's surreal to see, and even more fantastical to feel, warmth pouring into him that makes him feel like he's home and that he's found exactly where he belongs. He breathes a sharp breath in as that feeling overwhelms his senses, blinking slowly before his eyes rise to meet her own, his mark glowing once again to match the flow of gentle tones and warming waves that overflow into his mind.]

It's...beautiful.

[He says, his eyes locking with hers as he utters those words, unable to break his gaze. Nothing has given him any indication why the mark is glowing, but right now that doesn't seem to matter- all that matters to him is Yoimiya, and the reflective pool of her eyes that he can see everything in, as if he can see his own future. Logic seems to leave his mind, his eyes flick down to her lips and back up again, and he leans in closer, closer...

Before he realizes what's happening, his lips slowly slot with hers, his eyes close, and all he can feel is this strong connection form that feels reminiscent of when he'd first felt the mark brand his body. It fills him, tells him that this is right, and it's almost as if he feels stronger as his lips brush and pass against hers. She feels like heaven, like home, tastes like a refreshing sunsettia that's been freshly picked. Ajax feels lightheaded, a strange power seeming reinforcing his own, and it all feels like her.

When he finally breaks, he seems to remain in a light trance, his eyes heavily lidded, the realization of what he's done not quite hitting him completely. His head is filled with thoughts of her, a happiness filling him that he hadn't known he was missing. She's gorgeous in the afterglow of their kiss, and the mark on his chest burns brightly as his emotions flare brightly for her. But as reality slowly sinks in, his eyes get wide, and panic fills his chest like a chaotic, heavy buzz that sends his mind into a frenzy.

What...what did he just do???]

I...!

[Ajax's cheeks flare a bright red, holding his hand up to his own lips as he takes a step back.]

Yoimiya, I'm sorry, I don't know what just got into me...

[ How she is able to keep the mark aglow is a mystery even to Yoimiya herself. She's far too entranced by his mesmerizing stare and the wonderful sensation of his fingers against her skin that the thought doesn't even cross her mind. It's as if happiness is pouring from the pads of his fingers, coursing through her veins and filling every crevice of her heart with deep yearning. She shudders under the ministrations of his touch, wetting her rosy red lips to subside her throat that's become dry from staring at him for what seems like a moment in eternity. Never before has she felt such a strong connection with someone, as if she's found her missing piece, the person who holds the key to her heart. And in this moment that feels like it's frozen in time, she doesn't want this to end.

All she wants... is to be with Ajax. Forever.

They truly were meant to be together. As if Ajax has the ability to sense her desires, he fulfills her needs by capturing her lips in a kiss that has her seeing stars. She eagerly returns his affections in full, kissing him back with passionate fervor thrumming out from her lips. He's divine, sweeter than any candy, a slice of heaven that she is so lucky to taste. With every pass, her chest bursts with joy, the mark is an everlasting flame that burns solely for him.

She's lightheaded once they break but oh, does she feel so incredible after that amazing kiss. Utterly lost in the splendor that is Ajax, Yoimiya is breathless as she stares into those beautiful ocean orbs of his. He's perfect from head to toe, his own mark glows in a dazzling hue that illuminates his handsome face in a celestial hue. But soon, a wave of reality crashes down on them as she watches his eyes grow wide with panic. Slowly but surely, her loving expression melts into one of shock, mirroring his face.

Oh dear, what just happened? ]

It's okay Ajax. I...

[ "I enjoyed it." nearly slips out of her lips, barely managing to stop herself from saying such an embarrassing confession. Her cheeks flush several shades of red and subconsciously, she brings her fingers to her mouth, the ghost of his lips still lingers on. ]

I... don't know what came over me either. You don't need to apologize.

[Through his own panic, one emotion that's missing from the mix is that he doesn't feel guilty about it, and he doesn't know why. He should feel guilty, he's essentially just moved in to kiss her without her permission, even if she says it's okay. But there's something at the back of his mind that reminds him of how passionately she kissed him back in that moment, that despite it happening in the heat of the moment, there didn't seem to be any resentment from her that he'd taken this special moment from her. If anything, he swears for a moment that she's feeling exactly the same as him- incredible and elated at the feeling of sharing such an intimate moment.

But when his logic returns, it also reminds him that they've really only just met, and that something strange is happening to the both of them. And there's no doubt in his mind that it has something to do with the marks they've been branded with. The company never told him what the marks were, only that targets had one of different levels of completion. Now, he's finding out, that it just might have to do with how they're received and who else gets them at the same time...meaning there's far more to it that meets the eye.

These are thoughts he'll have later when he thinks about it more thoroughly in the solitude of his apartment, but for now he's trying to keep his head from spinning in shock at his own actions. Yoimiya's blush only serves to make his own grow a deeper red, taking deep breaths. She's not mad. It's okay.]

I... [he breathes out a long sigh, before looking down at his chest. It continues to glow a bright red, but dims slowly over time as he starts to regain control of himself.]

...still. I shouldn't of done that. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt this surging, overwhelming feeling come over me...and it was easy to give into it. It didn't happen until I touched your mark, so I'm guessing it has something to do with that.

[Even despite these facts, his face hasn't stopped burning a bright red, and he still looks uncomfortable, as if he'd really done something embarrassingly wrong.]

I felt stronger, too. Like I could take on the entire world.

[ Despite her cheeks looking like cherry tomatoes, Yoimiya manages to send him a reassuring smile in hopes of soothing any worries he might have. She doesn't hold it against him, especially since she kissed him back as if he's the air that fills her lungs. The faintest hint of panic begins to set in, he's practically a stranger to her, it's crazy to have enjoyed that kiss as much as she did. Thump, thump. An exhale escapes from her lips in an attempt to drown out the noises of her heart beating profoundly inside of her chest. Never before has she felt like this towards anyone, all of these emotions stirring about are bizarre, frightening, and panic-inducing but as scary as it all is, she's also filled with a strange stirring affection she's never felt towards anyone else.

She glances back at him, taking note of his flushed face which makes her even more red in turn. The most embarrassing part of all this is, if he were to kiss her again, she'd happily oblige...

Goodness, she's growing more red and flustered all over again. Focus, Yoimiya, focus! If they want to get to the bottom of this mystery, she needs to stop thinking about how delightful Ajax's lips felt. Thankfully, before her thoughts get out of hand, listening to his words pulls her back into some semblance of logic. ]

I noticed your mark was glowing the entire time as well. A surging overwhelming force... that kind of sounds like how we felt back when we were attacked by that monster at the police station.

[ Slowly but surely, the blue mark that was once as bright as the city lights in Fontaine starts to dim. But still, as Yoimiya looks up to make eye contact with Ajax, she can't stop her cheeks from burning up. ]

I experienced those same emotions too, it was like I was floating in the clouds on top of the world. It was as if I was made whole after finding my missing piece. [ She pauses, another wave of embarrassment hits her from saying such a cheesy line. ] I... I suppose it's safe to say our feelings are also connected to this mark.

[Listening to her makes his head spin a little more. That's not a connection he made right away, what had happened to them back at the station. That's true, that when his powers manifested, inexplicable feelings to protect her seemed to burst out of nowhere inside of him, resulting in that dark armor. It gives him a lot to think about, but he doesn't really get the chance to, not when Yoimiya gives such a blatant admission to him.

Ajax's eyes widen only the slightest bit as he takes a quiet, shallow breath in. To hear her refer to him as her missing piece, even if cheesy, makes his chest buzz hard and his mark flare up. It's the kind of thing you say to the love of your life, the one that you couldn't ever live without if you didn't have to. And it scares him that he knows that she's right, that it is connected to their marks, that they might be influencing them to feel the way they do. He's not sure how he feels about that.]

Yes...that all does make sense.

[It doesn't feel right if this sense of warmth and respite she brings him is a result of some outer influence that neither of them have any control or say over. Because if that's the case, then is what he feeling his own, or just something created by the magic of their new powers? He's not sure if he can acknowledge it as freely as Yoimiya just did.]

But now the question is, why did these marks suddenly appear on us, and are we okay with how they seem to be controlling our emotions?

[ The idea that the marks are in control of their emotions hadn't even occurred to her and it paints an unfortunate perspective in her head. That surge of happiness during their kiss, the sense of finding the one who completes her... it's terrifying to think that her feelings aren't of her own violation. The deeper this rabbit hole gets, the scarier it becomes, she's doing everything in her power to not panic but there's no denying the anxiety that's starting to form in her heart. ]

I... I wish I could give you a straight answer.

[ No. They shouldn't be okay with their emotions being under control. Logically, that's the correct answer to give him. But for reasons unknown, she can't bring herself to say those words.

She shifts her gaze towards the ground, feeling beyond embarrassed by what she said to him. Calling him her missing piece... how could she say such an intense phrase to someone she just met? In the heat of her shame, the glowing light on her chest finally fades away. And now, she just wants to bury her head in the ground. ]

Sorry if I made this weird. Maybe we should call it a day.

[Even if she doesn't give him a straight answer, her answer intrigues him. It makes his heart skip a beat, in the strangest way, as if he was glad to hear that she didn't outright reject those feelings. It swirls inside of him, and Ajax has to take a moment to collect himself and put his mind on the more logical track here.]

Hey.

[His hand falls on the side of her arm, looking downward at her with a sympathetic smile. He doesn't want to see her upset, feelings or not, over something that seems so out of their control.]

You didn't make anything weird. I was the one that kissed you, remember? I was the one that accelerated us into this situation. We learned a lot, so I don't see this as a bad thing at all. Chin up.

[Ajax's head tilts to the side, as if he were trying to catch her eye to get her to look up at him.]

We can head back, but not until we have a nice meal first. My treat.

[ As if his touch is a beacon shining away her muddled thoughts, the warmth of his hand brings her back to reality. She catches his shadow beckoning her to look up and when she finally does, she's greeted with a sweet smile that holds the power to soothe her worries.

He really is thoughtful, has been nothing but considerate of her from the moment they met. She can't help but wonder if their meeting was truly meant to be. A small smile pulls at the corners of her lips. ]

That sounds great. Now that you say that, I am getting a hankering for a nice meal.

[ And on cue, her tummy growls. Oops, a bit more hungry than she realized. A little embarrassing but her silly stomach does wonders in perking her back up, eliciting a soft giggle from her lips. ]

That's mighty kind of you to offer but you don't have to pay for mine. I can take care of my portion.

[Ajax is glad she's able to look up at him. It probably would of broken his heart a little if she wasn't able, breathing out a sigh of relief through his nose that she's willing to go out with him for a while longer, even after everything that's occurred.]

Haha, alright. We should get going before your stomach gets any angrier at you. I know a good spot that's not too expensive. C'mon.

[Turning, the two of them go to return to his car, driving back into the city to have that meal. It's relaxing, being able to talk, have a drink, and relax for a bit. He drives her home, and the next day will come when they have to go back to the police station to be interviewed.]

---

[Ajax wakes up a little earlier in preparation, sending a quick text to Yoimiya to tell her to make sure to wear something a bit more thick to cover their marks in case of any accidentally glowing. He's opted for a jacket over a casual shirt to keep it hidden, as he walks up to the entrance to wait for her to show up. He's not nervous, but he does hope the both of them can keep it together for this. He's sure he's remembered everything, and it's not like they hadn't reviewed it one last time beforehand. They just really, can't get caught here...he can't imagine the problems that will stem from being found out.

Once she arrives, he'll greet her with a wave.]

Hey there. How are you feeling?

[ The day they give out their testimonies has finally come. Their lives depend on this interview and it's important they match up stories word for word but despite everything riding on their success, Yoimiya is strangely not at all nervous. All of their preparation has led up to this day and she made sure to review the night before. So long as they work together, she has faith they won't get caught.

She appreciates the suggestion Ajax texted to her, arriving in a dress with a pink coat thrown over just in case her mark flares up. ]

Hey! I'm doing good. Slept like a rock last night and made sure I ate my wheaties, hehe.

[ Security cameras are all over the premises, so it's important to act like friends from the get-go to fool the cops. But in the case of Naganohara Yoimiya, being friendly is first nature for her. And with Ajax, she's felt a strong connection towards him that seems so natural. The opening act of their performance should go without a hitch. ]

How are you?

[She seems more calm than how he feels. For him, it's the danger of what happens if they slip up, something he's familiar with being so close to the actual danger itself. But that cheery exterior lifts his own spirits, returning the greeting with a warm smile and a small sigh.]

I'm okay, perhaps not as well rested as you are, but I'm still confident we'll be alright. You look nice.

[She looks sharp too, his eyes dilating visibly the more he looks at her. It's a cute outfit. She looks really cute in it.

He stares for a second too long, before his focus seems to come back from her to their objective ahead, though his eyes don't break from Yoimiya. He inclines his head towards the entrance to the station, so they can head inside and get this over with.]

Maybe I should get you to come with me shopping, haha.

[ Hopefully he got plenty of rest. But it's understandable if he did some tossing and turning, given the gravity of the situation. Once they get this out of the way, Ajax deserves some well-earned rest.

The compliment is sweet, earning him both a bright smile and a soft giggle. Now it's Yoimiya's to get a good look at him, her eyes shimmer and shine at his cool appearance. His ensemble might be a bit simple but he still looks handsome, the blue jacket accentuates those brilliant blue eyes she's been enamored with. He really is a handsome man. ]

Are you sure you need my help? I think you look pretty sharp yourself.

[ Catching his head gesture, Yoimiya proceeds to stride into the station, all while continuing their lighthearted conversation. ]

But if you really want to go shopping one day, I'll be happy to join you. I'm sure we can find an outfit that looks super cool on you.

[ Once more she's giggling, finishing off with a wink now that they're inside the station. A worker at the front desk recognizes Yoimiya and knowing the reason for her appearance, her colleague points in the direction of the interview room.

The officers will be ready to question you in a few moments. Feel free to have a seat while they're getting things together.

Nodding, Yoimiya gives her thanks and leads Ajax to their destination. Right outside the interview room are several folding chairs they can sit down on while they wait. ]

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