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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[ That abomination can stay dead as far as she's concerned, her top priority is checking on Ajax. Having fulfilled its duty, the bow dissipates into the air as Yoimiya runs past the monster's smoldering corpse to shower her partner-in-crime with praise. Their teamwork was incredible and he deserves to know that! She's also got questions, what exactly was that dark fog he summoned? If those explosive arrows are newly obtained powers on her end, makes sense that he acquired a new skill too. But more importantly, she needs to see how he's doing. As proud as she is, it's still worrying that he had to tap into that mysterious power that frightened him to his core.

As she's getting ready to greet him, Yoimiya stops dead in her tracks when she sees that dark abyssal aura still swirling around him. And to make matters more concerning, she can tell he's heavily breathing. It's evident that he's going through something. Overcome with worry, she slowly approaches him, reaching out her hand to touch him and just as her fingers ghost his arms, Ajax seems to pull himself out of that strange trance. ]

There's no need for you to apologize, silly. I'm just happy to see you're fine.

[ With a reassuring smile, she tenderly places her hand on top of his biceps. ]

Aside from a few cuts from throwing myself to the ground. [ Naked at that. ] I'm fine! What about you? You're sweating an awful lot.

[ Just one touch is enough to tell her that he's been sweating buckets. ]

[Even that tiny touch to his arm is appreciated. It's human, warm, and welcoming, grounding him back in reality after the temptation of what crawls inside of his soul tried to get him to release it. He has no idea how that battle manifested outwardly, but by the way she's reacting, it must of been a sight but not something she thought he couldn't conquer. It warms him to know that she has enough faith in him not to freak out right now. Anyone else would be.

His hand comes up to place itself on top of hers, grateful for the support and happy to see that she's alright. Ajax's expression softens, doing his best to seem as okay as he possibly can, but the truth was far from that fact.]

Yes, well...

[Now he looks down at the ground, thinking on how to explain it. The last thing he wants to do is worry her needlessly, but he does need to be honest with her at the same time. After all, everything they're going through is still a big mystery, and anything that could tell them what's happening to them is information they need.]

...let's say this experience has really given me food for thought.

[Anxiety gnaws at him beneath the surface. Food for thought was a way to put it, but what had just happened, the feeling of that slinking evil flowing right in his own bloodstream puts him on edge. It had a grip on him, whispering promises and words of affirmation of something more, and when he dares to think about it his body trembles involuntarily.]

That, and while I was underwater, I saw something down there. Maybe that treasure isn't such a myth after all.

[ Food for thought certainly is one way of putting it. Yoimiya stays quiet as she soaks in the warmth of his hand on top of hers. His touch still has that comforting sense to it, that hasn't changed. They might have bested that monster but she can't shake the feeling that he was going through an even more painstaking battle than what they just went through... a battle inside his mind. Fear and concern well up inside her as she thinks back on that toxic fog he used and that abyssal aura surrounding him. To call both those instances ominous would be an understatement, it worries her to think about Ajax harnessing evil powers that could potentially harm him.

Even with these conflicting emotions that she doesn't even know if she's in control of, there's no denying that she'd be a complete wreck if misfortune befalls him. Ajax does not deserve a horrific fate.

Looking up at him, she's greeted with a soft smile trying to convey that he's okay but that's clearly not the case, not when she feels his body trembling beneath her fingertips. Whatever happened must have seriously spooked him, her heart sinks at the thought of him in distress and suffering all on his own. ]

Oh, really? Well, if you're interested, why don't we go look? Maybe that monster was actually guarding an important relic.

[ But there's something else far more important to her than treasure; Ajax's peace of mind. She spreads her fingers, interlocking them together as her thumb gently brushes the side of his hand. It's not much but she hopes that tender warmth gives him at least some semblance of comfort, Yoimiya won't force him to talk about what's going on if he's not ready, but she wants to convey her thoughts and feelings through this touch... that she will always be here for him. ]

... Talk to me about what's on your mind whenever you're ready, okay? After all, we're partners in crime in this hot mess.

Edited (took out a redundant sentence... stares at the sun) 2024-08-15 23:56 (UTC)

[Ajax's eyes shoot down to look at her fingers interlocking with his, letting his own slowly meet hers and pressing his palm into her own. He doesn't answer her right away, taking the opportunity to take comfort in her presence, knowing that he doesn't have to deal with this alone. Steadying his breathing, Ajax manages to get himself to stop trembling and calm himself. There's nothing he can do at the moment about what lies inside of him, but what he can do is distract himself and rely on Yoimiya to help him deal with his new reality.

Nodding at her, he appreciates the offer. After having some time to think about it, he'll talk to her about it later. It's too raw and too terrifying to go into details now.]

It wasn't too far down. I think I can swim down easily enough and grab it.

[Squeezing her hand once, he lets go to direct his attention back at the pool. It's not as deep as it looks, and without hesitation Ajax dives headfirst in, disappearing beneath the surface. Despite living in Snezhnaya, he's found that he's good at swimming, and Yoimiya doesn't need to wait long before the ginger reappears from the small lake with a small, dark box. Swimming back to shore, he steps up out of the water with it, turning it over in his hands after wiping water from his eyes.

The box itself has a shimmer to it, and he's not sure what it's made out of. What's most notable is that in his hands, an inscription in symbols he doesn't recognize glows where he assumes might be the lid. He brings it to Yoimiya, showing her.]

It wasn't glowing when I went down. What do you think?

[He hands it to her so she can take a look for herself, but the moment she takes it, the glowing stops...]

[ As Ajax descends into the water, Yoimiya waits with bated breath for his return. After that horrifying encounter with the monster, she can't help but be worried at the possibility of another one lurking in the watery depths. Thankfully, it's fairly shallow, giving her ample view of Ajax diving deeper. No monsters in sight! And for someone who has lived his whole life in the frosty lands of Snezhnaya with no beaches, the man is an excellent swimmer. Just as quickly as he dove in, Ajax swims back up to the surface safe and sound. With a sigh of relief, she walks over to give him a towel she brought from home.

It might be a small box but it's still an incredible find! Yoimiya's eyes shimmer with curious intrigue as she leans down to study the tiny chest. The first thing that immediately catches her attention are those mysterious glowing symbols, the inscription doesn't look like any known language in Teyvat. ]

Wow... I can't believe we actually stumbled across treasure. This is so exciting! Makes me wonder if the monster attacked us because it was guarding something important.

[ Once she takes the box, the glowing immediately ceases. Puzzled, Yoimiya inspects the box from all angles but it never shines the way it did in Ajax's hands. ]

Huh, it stopped. Hmm... Ajax, do you mind holding it again?

[ Yoimiya isn't sure if her theory is correct but it doesn't hurt to try. She hands it back to him, interested to know if her hypothesis is right on the mora. ]

Edited 2024-08-18 00:22 (UTC)

[Trading the box for the towel, he begins to dry himself off, the chill of the air hitting him now that the adrenaline is starting to wear off. It's hard not to notice how the box no longer reacts now that it's in Yoimiya's hands, and he already has a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach about it. His thoughts immediately go in the same direction as hers- that the box is specifically reacting to his touch, and he can already guess why.

Ajax quickly dries off his hair, handing her back the towel and taking the box from her. The inscription glows once again, and his face scrunches up at it. He doesn't know why, but he doesn't like the implications of this- nor how the box resonates within him, somewhere.]

Perhaps it was guarding this. Guarding it specifically from me.

[That's his best guess, anyway. It would explain why it attacked him first and tried to drag him under and what he assumes was its goal to absorb him into its body.]

But I don't really see anywhere to open it. [He turns it over in his hands again, and again and again. It's like a solid cube that won't open...]

I don't get it. Perhaps this is a treasure that doesn't open. But a cube with only an illuminated message of sorts doesn't really do either of us any good. Argh...

[He sighs with frustration, looking at Yoimiya before looking back at the cube in his hands. He doesn't look like he has any idea what to do with it.]

[ Just like she predicted, the glow comes back in full force once back in Ajax's hands. The matter of why the monster suddenly attacked them seems to be settled, it had to have been guarding this box specifically from him. But when one mystery is solved, ten more seem to crop out of the ground. That's how their life has been from the moment they obtained these strange marks, one mystery right after the other.

And now there are at least two dilemmas they are facing. Why is the box resonating with Ajax specifically and what is inside of it? Yoimiya watches him turn the cube in all directions, puzzled that it practically looks like a solid cube with no way of opening it. ]

I'm stumped too. Really strange that there isn't even a lock on it. Surely there should be some way to open so we can see what's inside...

[ An idea does cross her mind, but it involves Ajax tapping into his powers. After watching the poor guy trembling, there was no way she was about to ask him something that could potentially bring his trauma back in full force. His comfort is more important than some silly cube. ]

Hmm... I wish I had an idea but I'm totally lost. The only thing I can think to do is take the box with us and try to figure out the language inscribed on it.

[He stares at it for only a few more moments until he resigns to go with Yoimiya's idea. She's right, they really should just take it with and get it looked at, but by who? He has some connections, but they're not that extensive- only as far as his job and a few others. Frowning, he tosses it in the air and catches is a few times, before walking over to his bag and depositing it inside.]

Let's make that a priority when we get back. I'm not sure who to turn to, but there's always leads on the internet somewhere.

[With that out of the way for the moment, all that leaves is the fact that they're still naked, and they haven't done either of the things they came to this cave to do. Being pulled out of a wild sex session cleared his mind a little, and he remembers they came here to train, not have sex. He looks at Yoimiya and sighs, his eyebrows relaxing as he shoots her a reassuring smile. He's okay right now.]

Guess we lost control again. Though, I'm not feeling particularly in the mood for sex anymore after what just happened, so I suppose everything comes with a silver lining. We might of been here for an awfully long time otherwise...

[Ajax laughs again, trying to see the bright side in it rather than linger on the terrifying experience they just had...though he'll have to address what he went through with her if they were to understand their situation more. He can't run from it forever.]

...but it's good to know we've found somewhere that we can train inside of that has good cover. And this cave can handle the pressure of our power.

[ Nodding her head, Yoimiya makes a mental note to do some extensive research on the symbols inscribed on that cube when they return to the city. She's not sure who to turn to for advice, the first thing that comes to her mind is paying Fontaine's Library a visit. If she had to guess, the mysterious language probably has some connections to Fontaine if this object truly is the treasure from the legend but she can't say with absolute certainty.

One thing's for certain, they have a lot on their plate right now. Strange marks, controlling their powers, monsters coming after them, the terrors of the Nizhnii company, and now this bizarre box. There's no end to this bizarre roller coaster that she and Ajax have found themselves on. But as much as she wants answers, what they need to do is refocus their efforts on training.

... Especially since they got so horribly sidetracked with sex. 💦💦💦 Oops, they did get a little ~~a lot~~ carried away. Maybe the monster's rude interruption was a blessing in disguise, she has no doubt they'd still be fucking. ]

Hahaha, yeah! There's always a positive to everything. We can make this our training spot. It's secluded and can handle our powers, I believe we found the perfect spot.

[ Yoimiya laughs along with him, trying not to think back on all the filth she spewed out of her lips. It really is like she becomes a whole different person when she's having sex with Ajax. But there is always a blue sky in every situation. Thanks to them being so horny, they were able to locate a wonderful place to train. ]

And we completely trounced that monster with our powers! It's a pretty nice confidence boost to know we can take on a monster with that kind of strength. [ As excited as she is, something has been on her mind ever since they defeated that creature. ] But... it's kinda weird. We haven't done any training and the two of us have already improved. The most shocking of it all is that we even gained a few new tricks...?

[ She doesn't recall her arrows having that much of an explosion and she definitely does not remember Ajax conjuring up a fog. ]

[He knew she'd pick up what he was laying down. He wasn't sure if he was ready to confront all the filthy and terrible things he says to her when they're in the heat of it, and on top of it he starts having those strange, haughty thoughts about being royalty when they do so. He's from humble beginnings, so he knows that's all on that mark on their chests...though it scares him to think that maybe something possesses both him and Yoimiya when they fall to their breeding urges.

So glad that for now, they'll put the whole sex thing behind them, and they can focus on the important part: their powers.]

Yeah, I was thinking along those same lines. First, you and I have sex at my apartment and a star lights up on our chests. Then, our attraction towards each other only gets more intense...and all we've done to this point is have sex. I've also been able to tap into that dark armor, though it seems there may be a price to it...

[Ain't no way...he cannot be seriously thinking this right now. He looks at Yoimiya, apologetic in all ways, and finally says:]

...you don't think that we've become stronger and more in touch with our power because of sex, do you?

[Haha he doesn't like thatttttt]

[ Growing more powerful because of sex... the notion is so ridiculous and something you'd find straight out of a young adult novel. Yoimiya brings a hand to her forehead to try and wrap her mind around this bizarre situation. As much as neither one of them probably wants to admit the truth, there are too many coincidences that add up and make perfect sense. When Ajax lays it out, she seriously cannot deny the fact that they've grown considerably stronger since they started having sex.

This is so beyond insane and the worst part of all? She hates that it lines up perfectly. All this thinking is making her brain hurt. She sighs, looking up at Ajax with an apologetic expression of her own, she's sorry that this situation has gone from horrific to downright strange and still horrific. ]

... It's insane to think about but that thought also crossed my mind. No matter how hard I try to come up with another solution, that's the answer that makes the most sense at the moment.

[ There's also the matter of referring to each other as King and Queen. What was all that about? ]

I'm still trying to comprehend what's going on. It's... like we become completely different people when we start having sex. Do you think that's another reason we're losing control of our urges? Because we want to grow stronger?

[He doesn't even want to believe his own conclusion. He doesn't think they need to settle on that answer right away, but it does seem awfully suspicious to him that all of a sudden, having more and more sex and falling to their strange, magically-induced desires coincide with a greater ease to access their power and with a bit more oomph to them. Ajax hates that he even said it out loud, but now that's what he's going to think about going forward and every time they do have sex- a fate he realizes they probably aren't going to be able to escape given how easily they lost control of themselves already- but he still doesn't know what it all means, in the end.

Why does this power want them to mate, why do they both feel this strange sensation of belonging to a higher station when they do so.]

I don't have any particular urges to grow stronger outside of my own, personal ambitions, which I had before we ever met. But I can't deny, it's like something comes over me when I begin to give in and entertain those urges and desires. I know there's something living inside of me, and I could explain my actions away to that. But what about you?

[Yoimiya hasn't had this issue, not like he has. And now he's wondering if maybe there's some kind of monster also living inside of her, too.]

Have you sensed a presence inside of you? Something that offers you power, or tries to influence your mind?

[ There's a lengthy pause on her end as she processes his question. Now that she thinks about it, Ajax can write off his strange desires as a result of that strange presence lurking inside of him. But... what about her? The look on her face shifts from confusion to concern the more she ponders this line of thought. Sure, she could handwave her strange behavior as the mark's doing but is that truly the answer? ]

I...

[ Like something out of a horror movie, the realization hits her like a truck. If the monster inside of Ajax is at the helm of his emotions, then what exactly is going on with her? Why is she acting like this? What excuse does she have? ]

I don't believe so. It's... well... I don't really know how to explain this but I do recall hearing a voice speaking to me whenever we have sex.

[ It's then, another horrible revelation smacks her right in the face. Yoimiya doesn't say anything for a solid minute, needing a minute to come to terms with the severity of this situation. She takes a deep breath before finally, staring into his deep blue eyes. ]

But, it's not some monster or anything like that. It's... my own voice.

[At first, he's not surprised to hear her confirmation that she does hear a voice in her head, probably saying the same things to her as they do to him. Coaxing her on, telling her she wants to have a baby, that she's devoted to him as his queen. But it's the silence after that that starts to make him worry, and the serious face she gives him when she locks eyes with him and tells him that the voice...is hers.

Which sparks him to think about the voice in his head. Truthfully, Ajax never gave it much thought, thinking it was just the influence of the mark on his chest speaking to him. Maybe it was the monster inside, but he's not too sure of himself now that he knows that Yoimiya's hearing herself say those things.]

I can't say for certain that I'm not experiencing the same. It may not be the monster inside of me, but my own thoughts being manipulated as well. But, Yoimiya...whatever it is we're hearing, that can't be us. What we hear isn't in line with who we are...

[Right? He's never thought of himself as some king with a grander purpose. Sure, he'd like to have a family someday, but not now. He's not ready for kids. He barely knows Yoimiya. He can't believe he'd throw the rest of his life out the window just because he met her. And now, he can't control himself?]

Perhaps we should focus on the why rather than the how, for now. It's not odd to have casual sex between acquaintances or even strangers. What is odd is the intensity and why this is happening. Why would some strange marks on our body influence us to do this? And what happens when it wins?

[ Typically, it would be relieved to hear someone experiencing the same symptoms ad her but in this instance, all she can feel is a boulder dropping in her stomach, filling her with nothing but ominous dread. If it is truly their voices then it has to be something else in control ... right?

She shares the same sentiments as him. Despite that the voice sounds like them, it doesn't line up with who they truly are. Sure, she would be over the moon to start a family with someone she loves but that's the problem, she barely knows Ajax, they only just met through terrible circumstances. There's no way she would actually be willing to give up her life to have children with a man she just met.

... Right? The fact that she is even questioning herself is enough to make her sigh. ]

I wish I could give you a straight answer but I don't know. If the mark wins... then I suppose we lose.

[ There's no other way about it. But the real scary question is... what happens when they lose? What does that mean for them? Will they act like mindless animals who only want to breed for the rest of their lives? All this uncertainty is terrifying. ]

I guess the only thing we can do is try to fight it. Thankfully, I was afraid something like this would happen and took birth control before we embarked on our trip. But... with how intense this is getting, I... can't look over the possibility that I might even lose control over taking contraceptives.

Edited (added stuff bc i was bored sobs) 2024-08-22 21:31 (UTC)

[He lets out a quiet, exasperated sigh. He's thought of those same circumstances, of those consequences. Yoimiya taking birth control is the only preventative measure they have right now- because he's already proven to be incapable and unwilling to wear protection once he gets in the mood and those strange feelings and thoughts take over. Which is something he feels guilty about, and hates...amazing himself that in the heat of the moment, he doesn't care for any responsibility. All he can think about is having a baby with her, and how right that feels.

While being "sober" right now, that thought makes his stomach queasy. The things he's said to her while in that state, it's just too much.]

Thank you for doing that, [he says, though a part of him is insincere. That part of him that wants a child hates that she took birth control, and he tries his best to shut that voice out for the moment.]

But I can't help but agree. I can't even get a condom on, because every part of me fights against it when we're being intimate. I'd still like to know why we have such strong feelings about each other, even so far as to call each other king and queen. It's as if I believe we're both truly royalty, in a sense. Is it the same for you?

[ At his thanks, Yoimiya nods her head, flashing him her best reassuring smile... but who is she kidding? Deep down inside she hates that she had to force herself to take contraceptives. She should be disturbed by these thoughts and while there is a part of her that is perturbed, she still can't shake the desire to start a family with him. The sick and twisted part of her is delighted to hear that Ajax is unable to put a condom on. She hopes it stays that way and with any luck, that pesky birth control will be ineffective, and they can finally live out their dream.

...

Just like that, those warped thoughts come crawling back inside her head. Whatever it is that's taken "control" of them is beyond powerful. She's ashamed of herself for still thinking about having a child with him while they're having a discussion, her stomach feels like twisting into a tight knot. ]

Yes, I feel the exact same way. When we were having sex... and heck, even during that battle, all I could think about was serving you as my king. It's strange because I'm certainly not royalty and although you look like Prince Charming, I'm gonna assume you aren't either?

[ Ajax is a looker, there's no denying that fact. She might be having an internal crisis but credit where credit is due, he is handsome. He's certainly got the appearance of a prince who can capture anyone's attention. ]

[Yoimiya brings up a good point, compliment aside. Even while they were fighting, those thoughts persisted, even though they weren't thinking about having sex. Maybe these marks meant more, more than Ajax ever knew, or was ever allowed to know. He tries to think back...did anyone he ever kidnapped have the same marks as them?]

No, not a single drop of royal blood in me, I'm afraid. At least, not to my knowledge. But you flatter me with your words, regardless. It's an honor to be given such high praise from someone as beautiful and stunning as you, princess.

[He gives her a little bow as he takes her hand and kisses the back of it. It's something to at least lighten the conversation a little bit, because he knows it might be all the get for the moment while they try to figure out their confusing situation. And he's in the same boat as her- there's no denying that Yoimiya is drop dead gorgeous, so much so that she caught his eye the second he laid eyes on her.]

Haha, how'd I do? Did I live up to your Prince Charming description?

[ Of all the turns this conversation could take, Yoimiya didn't expect him to suddenly bow, take her hand, kiss said hand while calling her a beautiful, stunning princess. Sure, he probably did it as a silly little jest to her compliment but... she can't deny the thrumming of her heart as soon as those wonderful, succulent lips of his meet with the back of her hand. This isn't the first time a guy has called her pretty but hearing it come out of Ajax's mouth is different. No one has ever made her heart beat a mile a minute the way he has. Even with all this uncertainty, the truth of the matter is that Ajax really did capture her attention the moment he stepped foot into the police station, he really is the most handsome man she's ever laid eyes on. Fun, chaotic, adventurous... he's her type to a T.

Maybe there is some truth to him being her Prince Charming...

As she stares into those stunning, ocean blue eyes, she could feel a warm glow rising to her face, coloring her cheeks pink. Giggling, she gives his hand a gentle squeeze, not caring that she's blushing so profusely. If anything, he's earned himself a chance to see her rosy cheeks. ]

Hehe, you sure did! For a second it felt like you were about ready to whisk me away on a white horse to your luxurious castle.

[ Despite her red face, she appreciates his attempts to leave the conversation on a happy note. A much-needed change of pace after that harrowing fight. ]

I'm picturing you in princely attire as we speak. You'd look so cool in red, white, and gold! You'd charm ladies from every corner of Teyvat with that dashing smile of yours. But... I think I kinda like ya naked.

[ She says with a coquettish smile, throwing a cute wink in his direction. This is the face of a shameless girl who has no problem admiring the hunk of meat right in front of her. ]

Edited (eh changed the dialogue) 2024-08-26 22:38 (UTC)

[There's something nice about being able to hit on Yoimiya without the influence of some magic mark on his chest, pushing strange wants and desires into his head. When his eyes meet hers, he can tell that he's enchanted her by his gesture- as if the blushing didn't give it away almost immediately. Ajax doesn't let go of her hand, keeping his eyes locked with the dazzling and bright gold of her own as he stands back up. The flirting doesn't stop there, and if he's being honest with himself, he really likes it. Ajax is drinking in all the compliments she's serving him, and in a way it's relieving that he can be a little honest with her about what he thinks about her without being rejected. And he's not going to try to stop this lighthearted moment after the terror of being attacked blindly- they need it.

So he shoots her another dashing smile, amused with her bold and blatant statement. Girl really doesn't hold back, not here and not while they're in the midst of a bit of foreplay before fucking each other silly. It's really alluring, and he appreciates the honesty from her. As far as he's concerned, she can ogle him all day if she wants.

Ajax, with her hand still in his, pulls her in as he sweeps his arm under her legs to pick her up into a bridal carry, lifting her easily as if she weighed nothing. Now, with her face close to his, he smirks down at her like he's caught his grand prize, and now he's going to enjoy it.]

I'm glad you like what you see, [he says, as he lets his eyes scan over her with a bit of lewd appreciation.]

Maybe I need a princess to stand by my side then, to fend off all these theoretical ladies. I think I'd like seeing you in a dress, though I certainly appreciate what I've got right now. I'll admit, you've got quite an incredible body yourself...

[Ajax doesn't hide how he pays special attention to her breasts. They're probably his favorite part of her.]

...and you know, it's really quite unfair. It's as if the universe knew I'd be weak to your advances.

[ If she had to pick a title to best describe Ajax, it would be an emissary of chaos. It's been a never-ending road of surprises with him, a roller coaster ride she doesn't wish to get off, not when she's utterly taken by that dashing smile directed at her. Mesmerized by those enchanting blue eyes, Yoimiya forgets that he's still holding onto her hand until he suddenly lifts her up, carrying her in his arms like a princess. She's momentarily stunned by the action until she gazes into those wonderful ocean hue irises staring down at her. Just one look at his handsome face is enough to forget about monsters, the Nizhnii company, constant fear of danger, the mark...

Ah, yes. That cursed mark.

So many strange occurrences keep happening. Yoimiya knows that she should be more fearful of the mark's influence on their emotions but... for the first time since this whole ordeal, she feels a mutual attraction between both of them that's been building up since they first locked stares back at the police station. She brings one hand on his bare chest, the other tracing his soft face until her index finger stops underneath his chin. Underneath his gaze, she feels like not only his prized catch but also his princess. He certainly has a way with words, no guy has ever laid it on thick like he has and she appreciates that he has no interest in holding back. There's something about that lack of shame she finds alluring. ]

Hehe, when you put it like that. Almost sounds like you don't stand a fighting chance against me and my charms.

[ Oh, she absolutely sees where his eyes are looking at. Ajax is 100% a boob enjoyer. As if she's tempting him into her honey trap, she takes full advantage of those lovely assets he appreciates so much by pressing them against his chest. ]

It is pretty unfair, ain't it? I could say the same about you. You're practically my type from head to toe, there's something special about you that I can't seem to get enough of.

[From a couple of weeks ago until now, Ajax feels like he's lived an entire lifetime. Like it's been years since the fateful night in the police station happened, when he ended up in the hospital, from the lakeside and now in this cave. It's been a whirlwind of events that have happened one after another, and if you would of asked him two weeks ago if he'd be standing in a cave admiring this lovely woman in his arms who's slowly seducing him, he might of laughed and said that was a silly thought.

But here he stands now, completely naked with a magic mark on his chest that's glowing with the soft hues of red and orange, his heart and his mind giving way to those charms she mentions that work on him with hardly any effort. It convinces him that even if all these strange happenings hadn't flipped their lives completely over, he might of still been very attracted to Yoimiya if given the chance. Something warm and fuzzy washes over him, feelings that never had a chance to really come to the forefront, and Ajax feels a little breathless as she traces the outline of his cheek and holds his chin with a solitary finger. He feels locked in place, not daring to move lest he break this hypnotizing gaze that leaves him wanting for a little more, wanting more of her and more of whatever this heaviness in his chest is. He wants it to spread across his body, to rise up into his mind and get washed away by it, and the opportunity to do so is right there.]

Sounds as if I've proven myself to you.

[He hasn't forgotten how angry she got with him in the hospital, nor her wariness of him because of his shady job. But despite that, Yoimiya has still stuck with him, and every encounter they have only gets more dangerous, and they have to be vigilant for each other to ensure they'll stay alive to see whatever this ordeal is through. Maybe it's not all that strange to of reached this point already, he thinks.]

And now, [he says, looking down at how she presses her tits against his chest, very much on purpose,] it looks like you're really trying to claim me for yourself. Am I to assume Miss Naganohara here wants to keep a little adventure in her life?

[He cranes his head downward, close to her face, letting the gold of her eyes fill his vision. She's so pretty, confident, and bold...]

I wouldn't mind being that adventure. I need a firecracker like you by my side.

[ If the question was posed to her a few weeks ago, Yoimiya might have thought the universe had gone mad. From their fight at the hospital to declaring she can't trust him, to having sex with him, and now... this. It's amazing how much their relationship has progressed in the span of these few weeks. He's proven himself to her, without a shadow of a doubt. There will always be some reservations in regard to his affiliation with the Nizhnii company, and his role in the kidnappings. But just like he told her back at the hospital, if he truly wanted her gone, he would have done so already. Ajax not only saved her life, but went along with her lie to the police, and with her as they sort through this mess. He might not be a squeaky clean guy but she sees the good in him and how much he genuinely seems to care about her wellbeing.

At the end of the day, they need each other to survive. But for this simple country girl, her fondness for him surpasses her survival instincts. Ajax is becoming someone important to her, someone she wants to spend every waking moment with. He's certainly right to call himself an adventure, every second spent with him has been some of the most exciting and scariest moments in her life, like a drug that she can't seem to get enough of. Affection dances behind her golden irises as he utters the words she's so happy to hear. Maybe it's selfish of her but she wants to claim this man all to herself.

She inhales, ready to admit the feelings stirring inside her heart until a red glow catches the corner of her eyes. Yoimiya doesn't say a single word, lowering her gaze to find her mark gleaming blue. ]

... Hey, Ajax.

[ There's a part of her afraid to point out the fact of the matter, her heart feeling like it's being sliced in two. She can't quite explain it but being with Ajax just seems right, she wants this attraction to be genuinely mutual, she wants this to be real so freaken badly. As it stands, she can't just ignore the orange hue flaring up on his chest. It begs the question... is everything he's saying his true, genuine feelings or is the brand manipulating their emotions once again? She looks at him in the eye, trying to put on her best brave face while swallowing down the lump lodged inside of her throat. ]

The mark is glowing again.

[The moments between his question and when Yoimiya speaks feels like an eternity. His eager ears yearn for a yes, even if this only started as some lighthearted flirting that quickly turned into something a little more. It's not the first time he's had these feelings, remembering faintly that he'd thought of her as someone who he'd like as a girlfriend back when they'd first had sex, but that was something he'd written off as being drunk and under the power of the brand on his chest. He doesn't feel like that now, it feels a lot more natural and genuine, acting like himself in a moment when his heart comes to the forefront to express what he's really feeling inside. It doesn't feel forced or unnatural, easily expressing himself to her. She was cute, attractive, fun, and someone who would compliment him so well. Trauma brought them together quicker than normal- but he wouldn't of needed it.

Which is why his heart sinks in his chest and gloom fills him when she doesn't say yes or no, but just a "Hey, Ajax." Without sparing a glance, he already knows what she's going to say, he can see it in her eyes. How the bright, happy light seems to dim when she realizes that there might be more going on than two people confessing their innermost feelings for each other. His own eyes divert away from her beautiful, golden ones to see the glowing on her chest. He doesn't have to look at his own to know it probably is too, and a disappointment fills him in a way that upsets him more than he'll ever admit to.]

...I know.

[He tries not to sound too dejected, but it's hard. He looks her back in the eye, face crestfallen at the realization that they really don't know if what they're feeling is real or not. He speaks again, as if to comfort her and assuage her unspoken concerns and says:]

It feels real.

[And it feels different than when their sex-addled brains take over and all they want to do is fuck until they get Yoimiya pregnant. But they truly can't know how far the extent of the mark's power goes. Ajax doesn't put Yoimiya down, opting to keep her in his arms for the moment, unsure what the better choice is.]

[ Saying the truth hurts but nothing comes close to the dejection in his voice and the visible pain in his face as they lock stares. One look into his eyes is enough for her heart to go from feeling like it's sliced in half to crushed beyond repair. Although there's still some uncertainly, Yoimiya wants to believe that their fliratious banter still held some kernel of genuine feelings. Adventerous, fun, courageous, a bit of a trouble maker... Ajax really is the guy that she's always dreamed of having as a boyfriend. And the more she thinks about it, calling him the missing piece to her puzzle back at the lake front truly is fitting. Never before has she felt so unequivocally complete. ]

It does feel real. You're the most interesting guy I've ever met and I might even go so far as to say you're the kind of guy I've always wanted to be with. I think... I really do want to have you as my adventure.

[ She takes another deep breath, trying to hide the hurt plaguing her features. More than anything, she truly and wholly wants this to be real. She might have just met Ajax but their connection feels so incredibly real. More than anything, she'd love for... whatever this is to go beyond a brand taking control of them. ]

But is that how you truly feel, Ajax? Do you really want me to be your firecracker at your side?

[ She locks stares with him, burning the question with her gold eyes. Because as it stands, if he's not sure about his feelings, then it's best they don't pursue this any more than a simple partnership. ]

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