i wish that i could run // back into your arms

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax shoots a balled up, crumpled piece of paper into the basket next to him as he waits for the appointed time.

It's a bit below his station to do so, but on occasion, the CEO of Nizhnii Corp likes to surprise people and pop into interviews or other people's offices. He gets restless in his own office, not always enjoying having to deal with the board of directors or investors. There were many that say he doesn't really fit his position, that his demeanor wasn't good for being the CEO of a company. Diplomacy was never his strong suit, but despite that the company still managed to flourish. Happy employees always made for better work- and though Ajax himself was a ruthless businessman, he still treated all his subordinates like they were family.

And that's how Nizhnii ended up with such a good reputation, and how he finds it so easy to find good applicants.

Today was no exception, and Ajax plans on making a surprise appearance for this part-timer who's hoping to land a job here. Adjusting his cufflinks on his suit as he walks down the hallway, he makes his way towards the conference room where they generally conduct interviews- and he tells HR that he'd like a little time with the potential hire first. She's already gone through their first interview, and passed it with flying colors, so now he's interested to see who exactly it is who's gotten the interest of their hiring managers. He's timed it so she should be waiting in the conference room already, provided she wasn't late- but he's sure that he wouldn't have to worry about that.

The first thing he does is pop his head in, smiling warmly at the girl waiting patiently for someone to come in to start the interview, before coming in and walking up to her.]

Good morning! Sorry to keep you waiting. I had a small matter to attend to before I was able to come down. I'm Ajax Volkov, it's a pleasure.

[He offers a hand for her to shake, before he'll politely take a seat across from her at the table.]

HR will be with us shortly, but I thought I'd take some time to get to know you a little better before we start asking the stuffy, boring questions of the interview. I hope that's alright.

Comments

[viatriix]

( Lumine managed to have this scheduled 2nd interview set when Aether was off of work so he kept an eye on their cat. Spoiled little thing has such separation anxiety, she feels guilty for taking up a second job. But, Aether's job wasn't going to keep paying the rent on their home. So, a second job it is for her. Her floral shop was not going to be able to keep up with their expenses.

She's just sat with her hands folded in her lap, taking a look around the conference room, dressed in nothing fancy, but professional enough. Because she already passed the first interview, she already got passed the hard part. Lumine sighs with slight annoyance, the hiring managers were late... Honestly, what's the point of giving a time if it was an inconvenience to respect another's time. If she didn't need this part time, she'd up and leave.

Until the door opened and she looked over to spot a man pop his head in first, before waltzing in with a smile on his face. Having stood up to greet him, taking his hand in a firm shake. Oh... He was the CEO of the company..! The hiring managers didn't mention he'd be the one interview her. )

Good morning, Mr Volkov. Lumine Viatrix.

( She tucks her skirt under as she sits back down; it's rare for a potential employee to meet the CEO during the hiring process. Usually that happens after getting the job. His attitude was a lot different from his assistant, Ekaterina. )

Sure, I suppose that's alright, but is it normal for new hires to meet the CEO during the second interview?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Lumine...the name rolls around in his head a little bit after she says it. Pretty name, like it's something that could easily roll off of his tongue. He doesn't think too much on it past that though, offering a small chuckle at her question.]

No, but you could say I can be a little...unorthodox at times. I must say, of all the surprise visits I've made, I don't often get people questioning my choice to come and say hello.

[Usually they're just terrified because it makes them nervous that the CEO comes in, if they recognize him at all. The fact that Lumine knew his name and is so calm in the face of that fact...he likes it.]

I'm impressed that you knew my name immediately. Half of our prospects don't bother to take the time, so I appreciate it.

[viatriix]

( It does help the nervous bug that most people coming to apply here are looking for a full time career. She's merely looking for a part time position on the side of her floral shop.

Unorthodox? She squints one eye with a small smile, turning her head just a bit, unable to hide her amusement at the idea of a CEO being unorthodox. It was quite interesting. )

I sort of expected meeting you at least once I was officially hired.

( But she'll take it by the horns and just go with the flow. This was going to be her potential boss. So she'll just smile in response to his appreciation to her minimum level of research. )

I'm glad I made a good first impression then. ( She won't deny, first impressions, her heart raced just the littlest of bits faster than it should at all. )

What did you want to know about me?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax's eyebrow raises in amusement. Generally that's a question that the interviewer asks, not the interviewee. That already tells him a little bit about her- she's bold, with a layer of confidence that he likes to see. Besides, a thought in his head says, what wouldn't he want to know about her?]

You took the question right out of my mouth. What do I want to know about you? Let's see...

[He taps his finger against his chin a few times, looking at her like he's trying to decide exactly what would be the best plan of attack here. A friendly spar with words, if you will.]

As you probably already know, our company takes a lot of pride in being one of the best producers and distributors of children's toys around the globe. The role you're applying for- Purchasing Assistant- is a part-time job to help our current purchaser with ensuring that all of our product is ordered in a timely manner with accuracy. What I'd like to know is what drew your attention to our company, and what does it mean to you to deliver a quality product to our consumers?

[Ajax leans back in his chair so she can respond, patient and silent. He has no notebook or pen to write anything down with, unlike what every other interviewer would have done. Instead he threads his fingers together and gives her his full attention, blue eyes gazing at her with a pinpoint precision.]

[viatriix]

( Lumine waits with baited breath, unsure what it is he plans to ask her. So once he is informing her of her position, she just nods every few words. A show to let him know she was listening to, and for his question. She even takes a quick scan of the table in front of him as well as around him. This was a question her interviewers have already asked so maybe he just wants to hear her answer for himself? )

For the first question, I've heard many good things about the company from even former employees and customers. The scheduling also works great with what I'm looking for.

( With a slight smile, not letting herself get intimidated by his position as she's sure the other poor souls applying would be. )

Product performance and customer service are closely linked in any quality program. Quality should be primarily customer-driven, not production-driven or competitor-driven. The happier the consumer is with our products, the more loyal and frequent of a consumer they will be. Just knowing a kid at the end of the transaction is happy with our product is enough for me.

( Thanks to her main job she already has a full scope on how to do the job with precision. She just stares right back at him with calmness and wondering what else he's got for her. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax is silent for a moment, like he's mulling her answer over in his head. He then quickly sits up a little straighter before leaning onto the table with one elbow, tilting his head to the side while he rests it in the palm of his hand.]

That's a pretty standard answer. What is it about the child's happiness that matters so much to you?

[He asks it like it's more personal than a standard business question. He doesn't mean to do it, but the lack of light in his eyes makes them look like an abyss that would swallow any insincere applicant whole, almost as if they're boring into her. They dance with a level of hunger and swirl with chaos, though Ajax's appearance and demeanor seem calm. The only thing giving it away...is his eyes.

But he calmly waits for her answer, wondering how she'll choose to address his question.]

[viatriix]

( Taken aback by the way he fixed his posture so quickly, his opinion of her answer to his question. Brows furrowed slightly in confusion, wondering what it was that he wanted her to say instead? This is a job interview, with a question to why she would be good for the role?

However, she isn't going to just let him intimidate her with his stare, posture, and strange calmness to him. She's going to bite back, even if she has to find a side-gig elsewhere for mouthing off at the CEO. )

Well, I answered it in the context of the job, sir.

( In fact she leans forward in her chair more, staring him in his eyes as if challenging him instead. Though her eyes didn't hold the power and chaos his did, they won't show any emotion but strength and confidence. )

I'm not interested in talking about my personal life and feelings, Mr Volkov.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax's eyes flash at the defiance in her eyes, and on one hand, he's very amused and enjoying how she suddenly got confrontational with him. On the other hand, this does mean a lot to him, so he won't back down- and will meet her challenge.]

I'm not interested in people who only view this as a job, Ms. Viatrix.

[He pushes himself off of the table to sit back in his chair, threading his fingers together and crosses his legs as he gets more comfortable.]

You've heard good things about this company and its work culture, haven't you? There's a reason for that, you know. There's no need to feel as strongly as I do about making children happy, but it's easy to give an answer as you did without any heart to it. That's not the kind of workplace I'm interested in cultivating. I want employees who really do care about the work they do.

[viatriix]

( Lumine can't help but to stare at him; perhaps she can convince Aether to apply here for his second job and she can keep looking. She wasn't around kids, it was always just her and her brother. The twins just got a cat, though it's mostly her cat as she wanted it more-so. )

Of course I have. ( With a frustrated sigh, she had to be just a bit vulnerable and not so closed off apparently. )

Part of my answer did come from the heart actually. Just because I worded it to fit a job interview doesn't make it any less true. Knowing that parts that I helped order and made sure came through with no issues were made into a toy a kid somewhere out there was enjoying and could have fun makes the job worth it. Sometimes all a kid has is their toy and if it works, nothings wrong with it, then that's enough.

( She pursed her lips, no longer interested in getting vulnerable with him. She knew nothing about taking care of kids, but making people happy whether through toys or flowers, was enough in her book. )

If you don't see me working here, then there's no reason to continue the interview process.

[monoceroscaeli]

[A small smile spreads across his features, now revealing how amused he is by this entire back and forth, like she'd passed a test or something he'd set out in front of her.]

There's no reason to jump to conclusions now, Miss Viatrix. Generally, when I press against interviewees like that, they crumple and fall like a house who's foundation had already rotted away from the inside long ago. You, [he says, tone brighter than it had been a second ago,] however, did no such thing. I must say, I appreciate how bold you are. So, I believe in your convictions.

[With a little chuckle, he continues on.]

Assuming that the rest of the interviewing process goes well, I hope to hear that bold voice of yours when we have our meetings. Part timers too, are given a voice when we come together to make business decisions. But that part will be explained by someone else.

[viatriix]

( Her glare could only deepen as soon as he starts smiling wider. However the more he spoke his true intentions, the glare melted away slowly. That by the end of his reveal, she could only look at him with surprise, eyebrows raised to her hair line, thick lashes blinking to repeat his words in her head.

He.... That was a test?

Her surprise falls from her face and she just stares in absolute finality. Arms crossed under her chest with a shake of her head. He must tell all of his workers not to spill the beans on this trick question of his. )

I can't believe you did that. ( Thank goodness, she didn't have to return home and look for anywhere else. BUT, hopefully this isn't a common occurrence, otherwise she'd be home with a migraine every day. She can't help but mention to him: )

I'm surprised you have so many employees in this building. Or is this a new thing you tried out?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax probably can't count how many versions of "I can't believe you did that" he's heard after pulling that stunt. He's not sure why, but there's something endearing about the way she looks at him with that slight exasperated look that makes him laugh again, though quietly and more to himself than anything else. He never intended to annoy her, but he won't lie, it's a little fun. Best not to push it, though.]

No, it's not new, but the delivery changes on the person.

[He sends her a wink- it is rare for someone to outright sass him.]

And the question isn't always the same, but I always get the result I'm looking for, good or bad. That's the problem with interviews...people are so stiff and formal in them. You have to do something to shake it up to see the real person underneath it all.

[viatriix]

I see...

( She rolled her eyes at the wink, before humming in understanding. This was the type of work environment he builds. His laughter at her annoyance to the situation, to being tested and forced to open up a little bit with vulnerability. Last thing she wants it to grow gray before she even gets to live her life. )

You know, some people really are just looking for a career; sure it may start off as just a means to get by. But being shown through time in the company, they grow to care about the people they work with, their customers, and wanting to see the company grow. That's a special loyalty built through time, not through a little 'test' that makes a new recruit nervous and fumble before they even get the chance to sign their paperwork.

( She just gives a shake of her head, he's been doing this for who knows how long. One things for sure she isn't taking this job position. This man already started to annoy her, intended or not. )

Anyway, ( she stands with grace before putting her hand out for him to shake ) thank you for the impromptu visit, Mr Volkov. I hope you find the best person for the position.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Lectured by her again. Well, sometimes it does end like this, they don't hire every single person who interviews. He stands as well, taking her hand to at least follow the proper formalities, though the look on his face falls a little.]

I'm sorry to hear that from you, Ms. Viatrix, but I think you may of misunderstood my intentions here-

[His sentence doesn't even get to finish, when the door opens to the face of Ekaterina seeing her boss and immediately frowning. She stomps right over to him, clearly annoyed to see him in the conference room (again!!!!!) probably saying who knows what and being a nuisance (again!!!!!) to their prospective employees.

In fact, she doesn't hide it, she can tell he's already done enough damage here. Ajax looks over with surprise on his face. Darn, he hoped to be out of here before she got here...]

Sir, who let you in here? You were supposed to have a meeting right now.

I cancelled it- most of what we were going to cover was redundant, anyway.

[Ekaterina huffs- Ajax found a way around her schemes again. She looks over to Lumine apologetically, as if she knew that the CEO here probably did or said something dumb.]

I apologize, Ms. Viatrix, [she says as she grabs his arm, pulling on it to pull him right out of the conference room.] Give me a few moments and we can finish this properly...

Hey! Come on now, I knew you set that meeting up just to distract me...

[viatriix]

( As soon as he takes her hand she gives it a good shake, nodding along to his words while she bends at the knee to get her bag. The two looking over to see Ekaterina and the look on her face surprised her.

Watching the interaction between the two, Lumine can only glance back and forth between the two as they put together quite the comedic performance.

Saving her the trouble of forcing him out of the conference room, she put her hand out to shake in front of the duo. But she gives Ekaterina an apologetic smile. )

Actually, it's quite alright. I'm sorry for taking up your time, but I decided not to go through with the process. Thank you for considering me.

( She shakes Ekaterina's hand as well, before making eye contact with Ajax one last time, smile gone. With that farewell, she goes to leave the conference room and get ready to head on home until tomorrow. Looks like she'll have to see if Aether had any better luck than she did. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ekaterina goes to shake Lumine's hand, apologizing again to her for all the trouble, and when she's finally gone she turns and gives Ajax the biggest glare. He only can manage a meek laugh, knowing he got in trouble again with her and she's going to make him pay for it later somehow...whoops.]

---

[It's a few days later, and Ajax's hands are filled with the smaller hands of two of his siblings, Tonia and Teucer. He'd taken them out for a nice stroll around the city, and they're both still bursting with energy even after a long day. He's keeping up with them just fine, but it's always incredible to him how young kids are like batteries that just don't wear out- especially Teucer. Kid doesn't fall asleep until he's practically falling over.

But it's nearly time to go home, so there's only a few more stops they can make. Ajax spots a nice little flower shop, turning to the younger sibs and asking:]

Want to pick up a few flowers for Mother? I bet she'll really appreciate it.

[He's met with a chorus of Yeah!!!!, and off they go. Opening the door, the two rugrats run in first and start oohing and aahing at all the flowers, leaving Ajax to catch up as he walks in. He takes a look around the store, but eventually he's greeting with a familiar face that he wasn't expecting to see.

The man's eyes widen, but he doesn't say anything at first...he doesn't know if she's noticed him yet or remembers him from the interview.]

[viatriix]

( Thankfully it wasn't a set back, as Aether was able to find a second one and he told her she can take her time since his second job paid extremely well. So, she just kept an ear out for any job openings. Paimon just lingered near her, the fluffy white cat asleep in her bed by the arrangements table.

The small jingle of the bell sounded and a rush of a pair of feet. The kids appreciating her flowers that she's worked hard to grow. A soft smile appearing as she looked at them taking in all the different, seasonal flowers. It wasn't unusual for kids to stop by and with their allowances get flowers for their family or teachers.

Finishing a commissioned bouquet, putting it in a vase with the card at the ready for pick up. Turning to the door when it opened again, she wiped her hands on her apron before her eyes spotted a face she never thought she'd see again. At least not in her little shop. With a slight annoyed sigh at him, before going over to the two kids with a friendly smile. She may not be good with kids but she helped a friend with babysitting his little sister who was a slight menace but super sweet. )

Hello there. Do you both need any help or just want to take a look around?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Guess she did remember, and she did recognize him. That annoyed sigh doesn't go unnoticed, but Ajax has always been the kind of person to ignore past conflicts he's created go and pretend like they never impacted anything. An annoying habit to others of his, but he doesn't care- he'd rather take steps forward than go back in regards to his own actions, hoping they didn't take it personally.]

We're looking for the prettiest flowers! [Teucer looks up at Lumine with bright eyes.] We really, really want to get Mama the best bunch of flowers. Woaaaaah, look at these!!!!!

[And just like that, the little boy runs off to look at some more flowers in a nice arrangement that Lumine's made, forcing Tonia to follow. Ajax takes this opportunity to walk over to her, his expression soft with a bit of an apologetic look. He can tell he's not exactly wanted here, but...]

Sorry, they're a little energetic, especially Teucer. If he had his own money, I'm afraid he'd try to buy up everything in your store without a second thought.

[viatriix]

( Lumine can only blink in fast flutters at the excitement the little boy had, how his attention was so easily entranced. It was quite amusing to witness, the brightness in his eyes at the prospect of surprising his mother with flowers. Something seemed to have caught his eye as he quickly ran over to her pre-made arrangements. His sister going after him as she can only smile in amusement.

She'll let them be to take a look around for what they feel was the right arrangements to pick. Well, he was a lot less destructive than Klee was when she helped babysit.

Looking up at Ajax again as he approached her, this time not under the pretense of quizzing her and her values for a part time career. Now he was a customer and Lumine could ignore him, but what would that do. Just be cordial, Lumine.. )

Not many children appreciate their parents to care to get flowers, so it's alright. Thankfully he doesn't, I can't magically grow flowers fast enough to restock my shop otherwise. Let me know if you need my help.

( She looks up at him one more time before walking over to where she has her arrangements table. Her commissioner should be coming soon to pick up his arrangements, and she only has one more left to do. )

sob then i got sick all weekend weeeee

[monoceroscaeli]

[As the kids continue to whiz around the shop with their eyes wide open at all the pretty colors and arrangements, Ajax stands there knowing he just got a bit of a cold shoulder. He could tell he had been a little off-putting in their interview, but he didn't think she'd still be annoyed with him. So he rubs the back of his head a little as he watches her walk away, sighing quietly before looking over to make sure Tonia and Teucer were still okay while they debated on whether mama would want the purple flower or the red one.

Ajax follows Lumine over to her table, giving her a little bit of an apologetic look as his eyes soften.]

Hey, look...I can tell you're still a little sore with me from a few days ago. I didn't mean to offend you that much, really. I'm sorry for pushing you like that in the interview.

[He gives her a little smile, hoping that she'd accept his olive branch and his apology.]

oh no! (╯•﹏•╰) i hope you get better!!! are you okay?

[viatriix]

( Grabbing a vase, she began to put together the arrangements for a wedding center piece, before looking up to see him coming over to her. The bride will be here any moment to pick it up. Only looking up to see what he needed. Though what she didn't expect from him was an apology.

It wasn't just floral words either, his eyes hold an apologetic look to them too. With the ribbon finished, she was just about to answer, before the door chime rung and the bride comes in. Raising a finger to him, Lumine smiles when the bride gasps in happiness and joy at the center piece.

Receiving her final payment for the finished product and tip, she waited until she left before turning back to him. Lumine just sighs and gives a little smile in return. She can accept the genuine apology. )

Thank you for the apology. Despite not needing to do it, I appreciate you apologizing.

( As a sign of her own olive branch, she holds her hand out for a friendlier shake of the hand. )

Let's start over. I'm Lumine Viatrix, nice to meet you. Mew And this is my little companion, Paimon.

YEAH I'M BETTER NOW but it was goodbye weekend sobbbbbb

[monoceroscaeli]

[The ring of the bell from the customer entering the store startles him, looking back to see what he assumes is probably the bride of a wedding that was going to happen soon. Ajax notes how nice the center piece she's made is, and he's very happy for the bride to of gotten such a nice arrangement from Lumine. His eyes examine the work, and then after the bride leaves, he can concentrate on the lovely lady in front of him instead.]

Haha, [he laughs, taking her hand and shaking it, thankful that she's decided to accept his apology.]

Ajax Volkov, it's a pleasure. I didn't realize you had a cat. She's cute.

[Letting go of Lumine's hand, he reaches over to let Paimon sniff his hand, and see how friendly she actually is.]

OH GOOD that sucks!! go from work, to being sick, then go back to work terrible!!

[viatriix]

Yes, she's mine's and my brother's. Since I own my shop, I take her with me to work. She has a bad case of separation anxiety we're working on.

( Lumine could only smile as she puts the money away in the drawer while watching Paimon stare at his hand. The moment she noticed Paimon turning her head in confusion, pawing at his hand, she let a light laugh escape. The white cat sniffing his hand looking for something, before the blonde went into her apron.

She hadn't given her treats yet, so she places one in Ajax's hand, which caught her attention instantly. It was a fifty-fifty chance whether she likes anyone. First impressions for her were strong. )

She's quite gluttonous too. Best way to get on her good side is food.

SOBS ON YOUR SHOULDER

[monoceroscaeli]

[Separation anxiety, huh? He'd argue she's not doing Paimon any favors by keeping her at work with her, but it's her cat, her way of taking care of her. It's really cute how she paws at his hand, and he looks at her inquisitively, a playful lilt to his voice as he addresses the cat.]

Hm? Do I smell funny?

[He doesn't remember petting any other cats or dogs today, maybe it's something from the office...till Lumine clears up the mystery. The treat gets placed in his hand, and the cat instantly knows what's going on...yep. Food motivated.]

Ah. She's just looking for her next meal...typical of a well-fed cat.

[Smiling, he holds the treat out in his hand for Paimon to take, waiting patiently for her to test the waters enough to take it from him. And after that, he'll make an attempt to pet her. Hopefully he really didn't smell funny.]

HOLDS AND PATS HEAD/ THE UPCOMING WEEKEND IS COMING QUICK!

[viatriix]

( Lumine just watches with amusement, hearing him speak with her gluttonous cat, eyes moving between the two as she cleans up the thorns and leaves off her counter. Paimon instantly putting her paw on his hand to hold it down to take the treat.

Pawing for more from him, before Lumine shook her finger at the cat, grabbing her attention making her paw at the blonde's finger. )

No, no. One treat per customer, otherwise you'll be full on treats instead of food.

( She pets her gently, arms now crossed to see if she'll scratch or bite him or let him pet her. But Lumine's sure she'll behave. She can feel Lumine's energy that the guy was not a danger. So when he goes in for the pet, she'll purr and rub against his hand. )