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

[monoceroscaeli]

[The slow rhythm of her hand in his hair soothes him, helping sleep come to take him away to a blissful dream realm. Even as she begins to fall asleep, she still tries to put up a fight as her eyes gently close and her breaths become deep and slow. The nice scratches to his head slow to an eventual stop, but he's already resigned to passing out along with her, the deal sealed with the flood of her warmth against him as his own eyes begin to flutter shut.]

Looking...forward to it.

[And as he ends his sentence, his body relaxes fully, and his consciousness ebbs away into a dreamscape full of battles for him to enjoy. All of the wondrous monsters and even the guy who wields water and lighting are challenged by him in his dreams, and he's never felt happier during the fights where he's joined by a golden-haired woman...]

---

[The next morning comes too quickly, and Ajax's eyes slowly begin to flutter back open, sunlight hitting them from the large windows that he'd forgotten to close before they fell asleep. Next to him is the gorgeous visage of Lumine, rays of light silhouetting her body perfectly as she lays next to him. But he's not the one who's got work today, so he cups her cheek and begins to call her name softly to wake her.]

Lumine...Lumine...~

[viatriix]

( Lumine... Lumine...~

That was a voice she doesn't immediately recognize, but it felt familiar. The rays of the sun turning her eyelids a tint of red, to try and capture sleep a little longer. But subconsciously, she knows she needs to get up from bed. Not that she's happy to do so. She was extremely comfortable here. Now she wished she had a spare change of clothes she can wash and get dressed in here.

Groaning awake, she stretches against the mattress, eyes squint open for just the quickest of peaks to spot a blurred orange figure. Finally fluttering open, a fist coming up to rub her eyes. That was a good sleep that she had in a while, body moving on its own to sitting up and stretching her arms up into the air with a small twist of her back.

Eyes closed, before looking at him slowly opening her eyes fully. Lithe fingers running through her blonde hair to try and fix it up, smiling down at him. )

Good morning...~ I hate that your bed is too comfortable...

( She almost doesn't even want to get out of it, but the bills of her home won't pay themselves. Kicking her legs out from under the covers and over the side of the bed. Quickly turning by the waist to lean down and plant a quick kiss to his lips in greeting, before getting up to get ready to head home so she can get ready for work. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax looks down at her smiling as she finally stirs awake. It must be telling that he finds her as glowing in the few minutes after waking up as he does when she's fully prepared for the day, happy that he gets to wake up to such a pristine picture. He laughs, not feeling sorry one bit for how comfy is bed is, as he watches her get out of bed and kiss his lips gently. Guess that means it's time for him to get up too, not being able to sleep knowing that Lumine is up and about in his home, so he throws his blankets aside and gets up himself.

He's not sure how much time she has, so he quickly follows her over to where she is to let his arms wrap around her middle from behind, pressing a kiss to the back of her head.]

I'll have breakfast ready for you when you're done getting ready. Meet me out in the kitchen.

[And as swiftly as he came, he immediately heads out to start to make something for her. When she finally shows up, she'll find he's made a few large blini, folded up into a triangle stuffed with strawberry jam or honey. He's made one with nutella as well, though not as traditional, still might hit that sweet spot for her. On the side is sour cream for her to dip them in, and milk to pair. The dishes all sit on the kitchen bar he has, atop the white and black marble table top.

He'll turn to greet her as the last blini comes off of the pan, making it with strawberry jam for himself.]

Go ahead, help yourself. I made a variety, and they're small enough that you can take them on the go if you need.

[viatriix]

( If memory serves her right, this door should be the bathroom. Before she can even reach the door, she feels his embrace, hands resting on his arms. The sweet kiss putting a smile on her face, turning just a tad to him. He was making breakfast for her? Well, she couldn't wait to see what he makes. )

Okay~

( Going to the bathroom to get herself decent, she grabs her bra and underwear, putting them on. Ugh, she has to get home to properly get ready for the day. Putting on the dress she wore to the wedding, her phone beeping to a message from Aether. Wondering where she was and if she was okay, she just lets him know that she will tell him later. Finishing with being decent, she goes to grab the scarf and wrap it around her neck, making sure to cover up the hickey he'd left.

Coming out of the room, she pokes her head out to see Ajax cooking, eyes widened at the sight of the dishes. They smelled so good and looked so appetizing. Fully stepping out to indulge in the sight alone and smell alone. )

Wow... These look amazing, Ajax. If I can, I'd definitely like to take some to work with me.

( For now she takes one of the honey ones, dipping it in the sour cream, to enjoy now. The hum she lets out as she takes in the sweet breakfast. She's quite happy with this for sure. )

Mm thank you, for breakfast. This is amazing. Saves me the trouble of getting something to eat before work.

[monoceroscaeli]

[When she finally appears, he notes how good she looks in that dress, now accented by the scarf he'd given her. It hides the hickey just fine, but now it looks even more at home wrapped around her neck, solidifying the feeling he has that it should be left in her care. The look on her face once she spots all the food was well worth the preparation, and he'll gladly accept her compliment on his work.]

Haha, let me pack some for you. I used to do this for my siblings all the time.

Ajax fishes out a small lunch bag from somewhere in the depths of his kitchen to put a few of the folded blini into a glass container, laughing to himself.]

But I'm glad you like it. It's an easy thing to make, and it always hits the spot. Try it with some sour cream, you might like it.

[He grabs a drink from the fridge too, setting it inside of the bag for her as a little something she can eat at work.]

[viatriix]

( The pleasant feeling settling in nicely as she looks up at him mid-bite to him packing some up for her. Surprise but grateful, she didn't expect to him to use one of his containers for her. )

Well, they are very, very lucky to have a good older brother. I should bring something for you next time.

( Though Aether was the professional cook, Lumine was not amateur in the kitchen. They had a set schedule themselves on who cooks on what day. Reaching for the small cup of sour cream to dip it in as recommended by the chef himself. Brows raise, the taste was different but so good! Ah she is enjoying every bite, going for another dip in the sour cream. )

Is this another pastry from Snezhnaya? ( Oh, she just remembered too. ) You promised to give me the recipe for the other dish you brought out last night.

( Those were absolutely immaculate and she wants to make sure she has some available even when she's away from Ajax. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Since the blini seems to be a success, he'll file that in the back of his head as something to make for Lumine going forward. Ajax will look forward to tasting the dishes that Lumine can make, thankful that she's offered. He offers her a mischievous smile however, before finishing up packing her lunch and setting the bag out for her to take when they leave.]

Hah, I wasn't sure if you'd remember. I'll give you that recipe after our date tonight. After all, more dates is the price of a protected, coveted family recipe.

[Swinging around the counter, he places a kiss to her cheek, before grabbing his own blini and eating a bit himself before they have to leave to drop her off at her own apartment.]

But, I'll give you this one for free, the blini that is. It's not a pastry really, it's more akin to a pancake that you can put any sort of topping on that you'd like. I'm sure your brother would like it as well, it's quite popular where I'm from.

[viatriix]

( Perhaps she can make something before their date, she'll see how she's feeling afterwards. Looking to where he placed the bag and crossed her arms with a raised brow, smile showing no hostility in her posture. How cruel to hold the desired recipe hostage. )

That just shows how good they were. Now will you give it to me after tonight or after so many more dates?

( Tilting her head to present her cheek at the familiar gesture, continuing to dip it in sour cream. Aether would definitely like this, he has a similar sweet tooth, or trusts her taste. She hopes to perfect it to Ajax's standard. )

Alright, I'll take the deal. I definitely think he'll enjoy it. He is quite fond of sweets almost as much as I am.

( She goes to the living room coffee table to grab her purse that she had left there. Coming back to eat as much as she can so none goes to waste. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[With that, when she goes to get her purse, he quickly grabs a little notebook and begins to write the blini recipe in it for her. He might have to teach her a little bit on how to pour the batter into the skillet correctly, but he also makes sure to write it in just as a reference for when she finally does it on her own.

As soon as she's back, he slips her the paper, waiting patiently for her to eat to her heart's content.]

Lumine, before we leave and I forget...did you have any notable dreams last night?

[He pulls out the other chair to sit, leaning his arm on the counter while finishing up his own blini. Ajax's eyes betray his intent to listen, curious if she dreamt more about her scarf, or fighting powerful foes.]

[viatriix]

( Taking the recipe with a smile, reading through everything and she can see the extra note he made in it for her. Putting it in her purse when she's done so she can put it in hers and Aether's cook book. It not until she finishes her fair share of breakfast that she empties the cup of milk, before taking it to his sink. )

A notable dream?

( Mid washing, she hums in thought, before giving a nod of her head. )

I did dream of fighting a huge whale, with a cool looking guy, and then I saw you... But you were unconscious and someone threw you into a portal?

( She isn't sure how to interpret that dream, it was extremely strange and she didn't understand much. )

Nothing too noteworthy in explaining this connection between us.

[monoceroscaeli]

[That's definitely on the list of weird dreams, he'll admit. What's notable to him is that he was in it, and that it involved a whale...

The look on Ajax's face turns from intrigue to somewhat unsettled as she describes it to him. He wouldn't say it's not noteworthy at all, and he looks down at the counter for a moment.]

...I wouldn't go that far. Most of that seems like you can chalk it up to having a strange dream, but...

[He breathes out a sigh, thinking on it all. Her too...?]

...never mind for now. I shouldn't be holding you up when you need to open your shop. I'll explain myself later, maybe after we have our little bit of fun at laser tag tonight. We can talk about it over some coffee afterwards. What do you say to that?

[viatriix]

( The look on his face had her confused, wondering what it was he was going to say. Brows scrunched, unsure if she's okay with being left curious, but he was right. She can't open her shop too late, so she'll concede with the decision to hear his thoughts after laser tag. )

Alright, though I'm curious now what you were going to tell me.

( She grabs the bag he sweetly packed for her to take, sure she's taken everything with her. Before rushing back to his room, going to the hot tub and with a blush, she grabs her bathing suit. Putting it away in her original bag from the store, she comes out with a nod heading to stand at the door. )

Forgot something. Coffee at night, you want to keep me up all night? ( Voice laced with a teasing tone. )

let's time skip to the laser tag imo! I can write it if you'd like, he can pick her up again

[monoceroscaeli]

[He supposes it's really his fault for making her curious. But the last thing he ever wants to do to her, or anyone he cares about, it worry unduly about something. Especially something you can't control, like a dream.

He finishes off his last blini before grabbing his car keys, ready to take her home so she can get to her business. He's already waiting for her after she grabs her bikini, and follows along with her to the door.]

I'm not opposed to keeping you up all night.

[He says with a wink, opening the door so they can leave.]

But, I'll let you make that call. Let's go, before a line congregates at your shop's door, demanding for it to open, haha.

yes!! i agree with a timeskip here!

[viatriix]

Mhm, then I'll point towards your work building to send the complaints to.

( Lumine walks with him to his car, holding his free hand as he takes her home. Leaning in for a farewell kiss, before hurrying to her apartment to get ready for work, Paimon rushing over and jumping into her arms. Meowing at her as if telling her off for leaving all night. It was an easy day, Paimon did not leave her side at the store, and if she needed to use her hands, Paimon jumped to her shoulders, but she got quite good business.

After hurrying home to get herself ready for her date, her heart pounding as she felt nervous and excited. Pressing a cold spoon she had put in the freezer earlier to her hickey, getting an outfit (#1) together. Nothing fancy at all, plus she can easily blend in during laser tag.

Once she hears her phone go off with a text, she gets everything together. Going Paimon to press kisses to her, apologizing for leaving again for a bit. She quickly says bye to Aether with a tight hug, hurrying out the door. She already had a conversation with Aether about not being home all night, and she apologized as she remembered she didn't tell him that she was staying over with the 'friend'.

Seeing Ajax, she smiled and waved, walking to his side. )

Ready to be defeated?

[monoceroscaeli]

[The buzzing feeling of Lumine's kiss upon his lips as he drops her off is like an ever-burning fuel that powers the rest of his day. He makes a few preparations back at his penthouse for later, but he really can't get his mind off of Lumine the entire day. The clocks ticks so slow, and he wishes that time would hurry up and get to their designated time so he can meet her at the laser tag place for some good, healthy competition against Lumine.

When he thinks about it, it's such a strange choice for a date with a girl he just met. And yet, it seems like a perfect activity for the both of them, so he doesn't think twice about it.

But where Lumine chose an outfit that was stylish despite the physical activity they'd be doing, he chose something far more casual- good walking shoes paired with jeans and a red, open collared shirt over a plain grey t-shirt, sleeves rolled up. A silver necklace with what looks like a strange diamond metal button hangs from his neck, completing the perfect outfit for running around and maybe hitting somewhere else afterwards.]

Defeat me? Hah, perhaps in your wildest dreams.

[Date or not, he's going to revel in a little shit-talking. It's so much more fun that way.]

Have you been here before? I can give you the low-down on the rounds. There's instructors in there too, but I wouldn't want to have a showdown with you where you'd be at a great disadvantage.

[viatriix]

No, I've only ever seen them in movies. I don't know how accurate it is to this place.

( Looking up at the building, she's quite excited, despite this being an unconventional first date, it sounded super fun. It was different and she rather liked that he thought of something more fun to do together. But she's willing to take on any challenge and listen to his brief summary of how it works. )

Do you wear a body strap with a big circle that only the gun can activate?

( Turning to him to listen to anything she needs to know before hand, as she's sure he'd want a fair fight. It really wouldn't be fun to win with a beginners disadvantage? Honestly, as competitive as she is, just having fun with him is also all she really wants. It's just a plus to win. It's probably also why she probably over dressed, but she's comfortable like this. The choice was either a skirt or short dress, plus she has to cover up his mark he'd left on her. )

But I'm ready to have some fun. This was a good idea, Ajax.

[monoceroscaeli]

I'm glad you think so. It's like the old Mondstadt saying goes, war brings out the worst and the best in people...though this is not nearly as serious, we'll see what you'll do to try to defeat me.

[He smirks, before he launches into the explanation of laser tag. How you have to wear a whole vest that has different panels on it that flashes and makes sounds when you get hit, and how there's a sensor on the gun itself that you have to keep your hand on in order to fire, to how there are bases within the course that you can also shoot for points. He also explains there's teams...and that they can be on the same team for a few rounds if they want.
When he's finished, he smiles and sets his arms akimbo.]

Got all that? It'll take more than just shooting me to win. Why don't we go inside now? The best way to prove oneself is to start- and I'm feeling fairly confident I'll come out on top.

[The inside of the laser tag building is dark, to match the theme of the activity. Iridescent, neon lights and TV screens line the walls, showing the scores of the last group that went. There's other people here too, so they'd be playing against more than just each other, both adults and children alike. Ajax looks like he's right at home, excited to compete.]

[viatriix]

I'd hate to have to break that confidence down quite a bit once I win.

( Lumine gives him a nod at the end of his explanation, it sounds quite overwhelming and much more difficult than a simple fencing matchup. Like they say, it'll be much better learning experience just going in and doing it. Arms crossed confidently, before walking in with him. Immediately enthralled by the design of the place, looking at all the screens. )

I'm already feeling quite excited to compete.

( However he wishes to play, they can team up or play opposites, getting in line with him. Taking a look around, everyone was wearing dark colors, getting super into the roles of the game. Lumine is confident even in her bright white top, she's going to get a huge victory. )

I wonder how many will get upset that they lost to a beginner at this game. Do you bring your siblings along to play?

[monoceroscaeli]

That's quite the confidence you've got there. As a matter of fact, I do on occasion- and Anthon's proven to have a good shot. You haven't met him yet, but he'd love to go a round with you, I'm sure of it.

[Thankfully, since it's Sunday, the place isn't too packed with people. Ajax pays for them both, and guides Lumine to get in line where the next session would take place. Soon enough, everyone's lead into a dark room where the rules are explained and teams are chosen, and the game masters release them to pick up their vests.

Ajax picks up the blue lighted vest for his team, slipping it on over him and making sure his laser works.]

Any last words? We'll be enemies for the next twenty minutes...and I won't go easy on you just because you're new.

[viatriix]

That'd fun, that way I can get to know your siblings. I can even bring Aether, it'll be a family fun time. He's just as competitive as I am.

( She can see other people all wore dark colors and she stuck out like she was ready to get eliminated quickly. But, she's confident, following him in line, listening carefully to the rules and teams. Going over to the red led vest and smirking up at him as she puts it on. )

Give me all you've got. I'll make sure my team wins, I have the height advantage after all. And you'll be beaten by someone new.

( Lumine follows his lead in checking to make sure her laser works, teasingly pointing it to his vest already. The two will just have to see how everything goes. Going off with her team, feeling her competitive and combative side kick in. Also to prove to him just how impressive she really is. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[He smirks at her one last time before they go their separate ways, into an arena that's dark and lit up by LED lights and ramps. There are two bases, that have a small dome on the wall within an enclosed area, and the teams start at their designated spots. When the game begins, EDM music blares out, and Ajax starts his go through the darkened maze. Mirrors line a particular hall at the bottom of the room, and he maneuvers through it carefully as opponents pop around corners to try to shoot him.

On occasion, he gets hit and his vest and gun turn off, until the timer resets and it turns back on again allowing him to participate. But he's got his eyes peeled for one particular girl. Even though he's doing his best not to get shot, who he really cares about has yet to be seen as he makes his way towards the enemy base.

Ajax pokes his head around a particular corner, looking for her- where could she of gone? The place is pretty big, but surely he'd eventually run into her...probably at the most unexpected moment.]

[viatriix]

( The LED was absolutely disorienting, however she was ready to use whatever advantages she can to win. Blaring music throughout the arena helped in hiding her already light steps. Going out to look for Ajax, taking out a couple of enemies while also getting hit by some of the more hardcore players. If her vest wasn't glowing, she feels like she'd have the sneak advantage.

Lumine looks around with quickness as she scans the area, before she can spot him on the other side of the room. Smirking, she makes sure to look for others, to not get found out, as she quietly, makes her way with quick steps.

Now, she's doesn't know if she can quickly get away from him after attacking before his gun resets, but she was willing to give it a shot. Aiming carefully, she hurries in to shoot his vest, before turning the corner into her team's base. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Suddenly, without warning, his vest powers down as Lumine's shot hits him. Ajax spins around, looking around to see who's shot him only to catch a very short glimpse of someone turning a corner to hide back in the enemy's base. It wasn't enough to know who it was that shot him, only that that's the person who probably did...and he aims to get revenge.

Ajax quickly starts towards their location, not knowing that the target he's been seeking the whole time is the one who's just shot him- and his heart pounds faster as he takes his time moving there to wait till the vest and gun power back up after the cooldown period. He presses himself to a wall, not daring to poke his head in quite yet for fear of being seen too early, waiting for his gun to activate. And with a electronic sound, the cooldown ends and his gun and vest light up back to life as he whips himself around the corner right into the enemy's base to see the one who'd shot him- Lumine!

The second he sets his sights on her, something...changes. The area around him begins to fade away slowly from the inside of a laser tag arena to a tangled, humid rainforest with plenty of trees and a landscape that's abundant with twisty, rugged trails all around them, not unlike the terrain of the very arena he was just in. And in front of him is a girl, clad in a white dress, with her name on the tip of his tongue-

Lumine.

In his hand is no longer a laser gun made for cheap entertainment, but a bow that's blue and white as the pristine North where originates from. Ajax isn't sure why he's holding a bow, nor does he understand what's happening, only that he knows that girl is the one he saw in his vision.]

Lumine-

[He calls out, slowly approaching, feeling his boots sink into the shallow mud of the rainforest floor. He looks at her with shock and surprise, not knowing where they are or what's happening.]

Where are we? It's so hot I could pass out...

[And just as suddenly as it came, the hallucination shifts back to reality, and the laser tag arena fills his vision once more with Lumine standing right in front of him, her vest glowing.

?????????]

[viatriix]

( Lumine silently chuckles, thinking she got away, especially when the footsteps stop chasing after her. Looking around for anyone who snuck into the team's base, heart pounding in thrill and exhilarating fun. Gold eyes scanning with quickness for any tint of blue, as well as for Ajax's location. Unsure if he went another way or not.

The moment she feels eyes on her she whips around with a smirk, gun raised and ready to shoot until she's halted in shock. Golden eyes widen, a gasp escaping her, taking a look around the 'arena' that was gone and now they were outside. She's been here before, whipping around in shock, taking it all in. And her eyes instantly land on the only other person there and she's flabbergasted. There was Ajax, dressed just like the guy she fought in the gold palace in her dream!!

Tartaglia?

It's what she wants to call him as she looks down and sees she's not in her own outfit, but the dress as well as the scarf he'd gifted her their first night. A sword in her hand instead of her laser gun. Unsure why she answers so calmly and clearly, as though this was normal when it isn't! )

You said you wanted a fight with a challenge!

( Lumine blinks and the next thing she knows it's dark and their back in the arena, looking down at her outfit to see she was in her own clothes again. Breath caught in her throat, surprise and shock filling her entire being. Just what was that? Lips part as though to say something, anything, but she's absolutely flabbergasted she can't even bring her arm up to shoot his vest. )

W-what...

[monoceroscaeli]

[The temperature goes back to normal once the vision ends, no longer sweltering in the humidity of a rainforest but back to the air conditioned arena with glowing lights and man-made fog coming out of small hoses in the walls from time to time. He feels the weight of the vest on himself once more, and the laser gun in his hand, but all he can do is stare at Lumine in disbelief. He can't make heads or tails of what she shouted at him given the shock of it all, and now she looks as shocked as he feels.

Ajax looks down to the laser gun, suddenly remembering what they were doing and quickly shoots her with hit, as if the mere action would snap him out of this strange reverie he's found himself in to bring him back to reality. But it really doesn't work, because what he saw felt so real, and he finally has an answer to the girl he saw in his previous vision with a white dress on.]

Ah....

[He doesn't know what to say, and finds himself wondering now...will it happen again?]

Lumine...did you see what I just saw?