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]

( 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. )

SOB RIGHT SOON. FREEDOM COMES SOON

[monoceroscaeli]

[Goodness, and the cat knows how to beg for more food. Ajax chuckles at Paimon, amused with how it seems like she can't get enough food and how she acts like she's never fed- which is clearly not the case, given how healthy she looks.]

I'd hate to see what she's like if you ever had to put her on a diet, haha.

[But at least he's earned Paimon's favor, petting her gently and giving her all sorts of nice scratches and rubs where cats like it best.]

By the way, I never would have imagined that your day job was this nice little flower shop. The arrangements in here are beautiful...it's only a shame I hadn't found it faster. How long have you been here?

THEN YOU'LL BE FREE TO ENJOY WHAT YOU WERE ROBBED

[viatriix]

Hopefully, never. Just being a few minutes off schedule and she won't let you forget again.

( This silly cat, gluttonous and acting as if she's being starved. Finishing up the mess that a commission makes for her, turning her back to the pair. Putting away the materials, before slowly turning back. She'd raise an eyebrow, but since he seems genuinely curious and not just prying into her business, she'll answer it.

Besides he genuinely complimented her work, so she won't do much with push back. )

Thank you... You should read your potential employee's resumes then. ( Just a small tease to poke fun at him. )

The shop's been open for two months? Plus I rarely get CEO's in my small shop, I'm used to their assistants coming to pick up flowers for them for their partners.

I AM LIVING MY BEST LIFE NOW HAHAHA

[monoceroscaeli]

Ahaaa...

[It's a soft interjection when she calls him out on not reading her resume. He didn't tell her it was an impromptu visit in her interview that wasn't meant to last long...and his hand comes up behind his head as he gives her a sort of dorky smile.]

First of all, those CEO's should really be finding the time to spend on their family, [he says with a huff.] But only two months, huh? I can see why you were looking for a side gig...it's not cheap living or operating here, even if business is good. And you just opened...

[It's his money-making part of his brain that takes over for a moment now, still unsure of how he ever got instilled with some kind of smarts to business. Almost as if he knew it from a past life, or something. Lumine definitely had to put up a lot of money to open this place, so he imagines that it was part time temporarily till she got on her feet a little better.]

I do hope things really pick up even more for you. Honestly, it would be a shame if you had to leave this shop and work a second job instead of focusing on it entirely. Look at those two.

[He points to his siblings, who are admiring one of the other arrangements Lumine's put in the shop.]

They still haven't decided on what kind of flowers to get Mother. I think that's a testament to how well crafted your flowers are. I'd hate to see it or any other creativity stifled by a boring desk job in an office building.

YAY SCREW YOU SICKNESS!!

[viatriix]

( She figured from the way Ekaterina seemed disappointed and panicked when she saw him in the off ice with her. She gives him a nod to his assessment. It's really the only reason why she had to pick up a second job. )

Yeah, but I believe I'll make do. I have my brother's support in this so that helps a ton.

( She is however caught off guard by his hopeful words, well wishes for her small business. Following his point to the two that were still indecisive of which flowers to get. Big wonderous smiles and amazement shining in their eyes at her creations of hard work and time. Shoulders relaxing and just seeing them excited about her creations definitely brings a small smile to her face.

Her love of flowers definitely feeling appreciated when she gets to see the customers' faces as they picked up their order or find something that they really liked.

Turning back to face him, she gave a grateful nod. )

Thank you... I wasn't expecting the encouragement, but I do appreciate it. ( She's usually on guard with her personal life that now that she was talking to him not in a setting of hiring, it was nice. )

Well, I hopefully don't end up in a boring desk job for the rest of my life. I love flowers, I don't think I'd want to give up on this job. Even if I have to sell on a small mobile cart.

THAT'S RIGHT, PUNCHES IT RIGHT IN THE FACE

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ah, so she's got a brother. Ajax doesn't really know why, but he feels like he knew that, deep down somewhere. Why though, he has no idea, and it's insignificant enough of a hunch that he just writes it off to his gut being right about something. It's good to know, though, that she's got some support in all this from her brother. Running a business is hard...he knows this all too well.]

Well, let's hope it never has to get to the point of selling on a small, mobile cart...unless that's just a second way of getting your flowers out to the world.

[He gives her a wink, before turning his head and calling out to his little siblings-]

Hey you two, you've got to pick something, sometime. If you take any longer, Miss Lumine here is going to have to close up shop. You don't want to get locked in, now you do you?

[The two kids look over in panic, clenching their fists in determination right afterwards.]

Oh no! We'll pick something soon, brother!!!

Yeah! We can't decide, they're all so pretty! Don't lock us in!

Okay, but you have to hurry~ We still have to be home for dinner, too.

Okay!!!!

[The two begin to argue about which arrangement is the best, trying their hardest to choose one, and Ajax turns back to Lumine with a chuckle.]

They're going to be at it for another fifteen minutes, at least, hahaha. In the meantime, maybe you can help me out with something? I noticed earlier that girl came in for what I presume was something for her wedding...and I've got to go to one myself in a few weeks or so. Think you could make a nice arrangement of flowers I can take as part of their wedding gift? I'm not sure how short of notice this is for you, but if you could, I'd appreciate it.

KICK IT IN THE KNEE AND POKE IT IN THE EYE

[viatriix]

Yes, that's right.

( She doesn't know why, it doesn't make sense to her brain, because she just met the guy and irritated her when they met. So why did the wink send her heart to flutter? It's thrown her off completely, but thankfully his attention went to his siblings and not on her any longer.

Turning to the kids with a smile, nodding along to play along with his little 'threat' of getting locked in her shop.

This for some reason felt very familiar and she isn't sure why. Turning back to him at their bickering over which to officially choose. )

You need my help with something? ( She listens to his request before she hears his request. He wants to make a commission from her? She pulls out her form to write down what he needs. )

It's in a few weeks? That'll depend on the type of flowers you want to give them. If this person is a friend, I'd say yellow roses are a good message to give. But that's entirely what you want me to make for you. Do you have a specific look you're hoping for?