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

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

[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.

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[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.

( 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. )

[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.]

( 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.

[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.]

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.

[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.]

( 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. )

[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?

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.

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.

( 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.

[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.

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?

[Chuckling quietly at the antics of his siblings and Lumine's willingness to play along with his little act, he now ponders on what kind of flowers to get. It was sort of an impulse decision on his part to commission Lumine to make a flower arrangement for him, but honestly, that's kind of the fun part of shopping, isn't it? And it feels like he could ask her and she'd say yes, like they've done this song and dance plenty of times before. The soft glow of her eyes catches him for a moment, before he comes back to his senses and gives her an answer so she doesn't think he's being weird.]

As for a look...something that's just nice to display is really all I need. Though, I feel like taking the recommendation of the person who's the expert here is the best course of action. Yellow roses it is, though do you think adding a bit of white into it would be appropriate? I'm afraid I'm not terribly brushed up on the meanings of flowers and their colors. I certainly wouldn't want to send the wrong message.

[He leans against her counter now, letting his forearm support him as he talks to her, finding himself dazzled and staring into her eyes again. A warm, familiar feeling spreads across his chest, as if he were right at home with this arrangement between the two of them.]

Feel free to educate me on the matter. I've always been a quick learner.

( She's just gonna ignore the fluttering in her heart and she has to push it away. He's a customer right now, his stare throwing her off her groove, before thankfully he gave her an answer. Immediately turning down to the form to focus on that and his words instead. Otherwise, she'd end up right rosy cheeks that she will not ever let free.

Amidst writing down her notes as well as thinking of a good white flower to add with the yellow roses. Until he leaned against her counter, looking up and instantly regretting it. He was just staring at her, into her soul, as she felt like a deer caught in headlights.

'Good thing Aether is not here or he'd be teasing me for the rest of our lives.' She feigns a cough into her fist, feeling her face warm up just a bit. Heart pounding faster, before breaking eye contact and looking down at her notes. He wanted white flowers added in? )

Anyway, we can add in white hydrangeas would be a good match. They mean long-lasting friendship, so it'd be a very good choice. Unless your friend your gifting them to knows floral meaning, then you should be alright. We can even throw in some greenery to put it together.

[As he stands there, having this conversation with Lumine, some things don't go unnoticed about her behavior. He's always been a very perceptive person, it's been helpful especially when reading a potential investor or employee within the realm of his business- and now, he can tell she's getting a little distracted by his eyes. Part of him wonders if he's staring at her a little too hard, which he definitely didn't mean to do...or if there's more to it.

But that can't be. They've really only just met, so he dismisses that idea, despite finding her a bit enchanting, if he allows himself to go down that road. But he needs to focus now, he's handling a transaction, and her cough brings him back out of his reverie to the real world.]

I think that all sounds wonderful. Go ahead and put me down for that kind of arrangement. I'll come pick it up closer to the wedding. It's ah...in three weeks, on Saturday. I suppose I'll have to drop by the day before to get it, then?

[Unbeknownst to Ajax, he's gotten so entranced with Lumine that he doesn't notice the two kids standing at his feet, finally with a cute purple and blue arrangement of flowers they've finally picked out. They're waiting patiently for brother to be done talking to Miss Lumine...it would be rude to interrupt, and they were taught proper manners!]

( Biting the inside of her cheek to stop with all her might the curve of a smile peaking through. Writing down his order and the date he'd like to pick it up. Going to her calendar so she can write the exact date. This was his copy of the quote after all. Thankfully she had an opening in her commissions slots, so she goes over to her schedule to write his name down and his order number.

Huh? What a coincidence... She had a wedding to attend as well, but there was no way it was the same wedding. There could be so many different weddings happening that Saturday. So she just chalks it up to that possibility. )

Yes, unfortunately, my shop will be closed for the evening. I also have a wedding to attend to Saturday.

( Once she puts his total down when he picks it up of sixty, ripping his copy of the quote to hand to him, seeing movement and she expects him to turn to address his siblings. But he doesn't and she lets a shy laugh escape, before doing the honors of stopping this conversation. She smiles down at the two though they weren't as small to her. )

Did you two pick something for your mother? Let's see it.

( She pats the counter and Paimon, seeing the chance to get two treats, goes over to the two kids to mew. With a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes, she tells the two to hold their hands out and puts a treat each. Quickly going over to her door to switch her sign to closed before heading back to the counter. )

That's it you silly cat, no more customers for you to use for treats. These are great choices you two. ( Turning to Ajax and finally happy to get him out of her shop so she can stop feeling her heart ready to burst. So strange. ) Twenty-five, sir.

[They're both busy people, it seems, since she's booked that same Saturday for the same reason. Taking the piece of paper, he quickly takes a look at the price and folds it, not quite yet putting it in his pocket. His eyes are still tracing the shape of Lumine's cheeks, noting her small, cute lips before the act of her shifting her attention to the kids next to him makes him realize that Teucer and Tonia were done. The kids put the arrangement up on the counter as prompted, holding out their hands while they wait for Lumine to put a treat in their hands. They're so happy when Paimon eats the treats out of their hands, and they both reach to pet her, cooing good kitty at her while they pet her gently.]

Not a single opportunity wasted to get a treat, I see, [he says as he laughs, handing over his credit card to Lumine.] Now you two, be nice to Paimon or else she may not let you pet her in the future.

We are!!! Thank you for letting us pet her Miss Lumine!!!

[The kids continue to shower attention onto the cat, leaving Ajax the time to turn his attention back to the pretty lady behind the counter.]

Just charge me for everything. You allow tips on your sales as well, yes?

No she won't. But you're welcome, you guys. She likes the attention.

( Lumine takes his credit card to put his charge for their flowers. Smiling at the two children, as she looks up at him. She can see in the corner of her eye, Paimon happily soaking in all the attention from the kids, purring as loud as her small body could make. Ringing up his charge, she gives a nod of her head. )

Of course, but I don't take tips for regular sales, only commissions. Unless the customer insists, but I try not to.

( Besides, the kids helped themselves to any selection while their older brother kept her company at the counter. Ready to swipe his card into her machine, ready for him to just get out of here before her heart pounds out of her chest. )

How much did you want to tip, sir?

Edited 2024-09-11 20:20 (UTC)

[She's being modest, though in his opinion, she deserves to be paid well for her services. Her flower arrangements are very good, and paying well for good works of art has always been his style. He may be a CEO, but he knows when not to be cheap, and this is one of those moments.]

Just call me Ajax. There's no need to be so formal.

[First, and foremost.]

Go ahead and put another fifty mora on there. I think you deserve it.

[His voice carries a light, endearing quality to it- maybe more than he intended to let on, but it's earnest and honest.]

Huh?

( She feels herself stumble with her numbers, surprised by the tip, turning to him with wide eyes. She didn't expect that much, really. Lumine had to take a moment before looking at him again to see if he really was serious. Lips parted in surprised appreciation, blinking a few times, before going ahead and putting it in. )

Thank you, I really do appreciate it.

( If he does want a refund of it she'd gladly put it towards his commission fee, but she gives him his card back with a receipt for the flowers.

Not so much the mora itself, but the fact he thought her work was worthy of such a big tip in the first place. Breaking out of her feelings of appreciation, she turns to the two kids with a smile, handing the kids back their arrangement with a smile. )

I hope your mother likes them!

[He offers a warm smile back to her, glad that she appreciates it and a bit amused by her surprise. Either way, if it helps her, that's all that matters, and sometimes a little goes a long way. It makes him happy just to help, and he takes his card and receipt, tucking it away and Tonia takes the arrangement of flowers.]

She totally will! It's they're such pretty flowers!

[Teucer seems very excited about the prospect, so you can tell who won out in the end when picking the flowers. His shining eyes look exactly like Ajax's, only with more youthful vigor to them. Seven year olds...]

Right, it's very nice, isn't it Teucer? Well, [he says as he taps her counter a few times,] I guess we should get going. I'll see you again soon, the Friday before the wedding. Thanks, Lumine.

[He gives her one last smile, before he turns to lead the two kids right out of the shop, like a little happy family on their way home from having a big day out in the city.]

( Paimon mews in agreement as Lumine smiles in return happily to the seven year old, her heart filling with glee at their excitement. Just knowing people loved her hard work can make her the happiest. Lumine watching with a smile as she turns to Ajax next, giving a nod. )

Your welcome, ... Ajax. ( It's strange his first name leaving her lips felt familiar and she had absolutely no idea why. )

It'll be here waiting for you.

( Lumine walked them to the door with Paimon nestled in her arms, giving the three a wave before turning in to clean up her shop and get ready to go home. Once the register was done with her usual closing duties, her tips in her purse and the shop's revenue in the safe. )

Friday before the wedding

( It was the day before the wedding and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect. The arrangement for Ajax, she had ready and because of the generous tip he'd given her, she put in a few extra pieces. Lumine was putting the finishing touches on his before putting it away to keep it fresh. Paimon was with Aether at home, so she was not in the shop with her today. She wasn't sure who he was sending to pick it up, honestly she had half a mind to think he'd send Ekaterina to pick it up since it was a gift for a friend. )

[It'd been a nice night when the Volkov siblings finally arrived home, with flowers in tow. Their mother had absolutely loved it, because of course she did, and there was space made for the flower arrangement in the kitchen so she could always see it in front of the window. Weeks go by, and Ajax continues his normal, daily routine, but during this time he doesn't seem to be able to get Lumine off his mind. When he's not distracted with work, or other hobbies, his mind wanders back to her and her little shop. And as it gets closer to the date to pick up the flowers, he feels the flutter of something in his chest, something he writes off as nerves.

Maybe it was because he wasn't sure if he'd made a good second impression on her when he'd bought the flowers from her shop. Maybe she was just being polite with him for the sake of keeping it civil and so he would come back and buy more. He doesn't realize how much he cares about it, so when the door opens to her flower shop on Friday, he's weirdly nervous. Not in any great capacity, but he can feel the slight edge of anxiety on his mind. He walks in, spots her at the counter, and has to take a deep breath as he approaches, putting on that same smile he always wears, doing his best to act normal.]

Hey there, [he says with a little wave,] hope I'm not too late. I couldn't remember what time you closed, so I hope I haven't held you up waiting.

[His eyes go to look around for Paimon, not seeing any sign of the cat. If memory serves, she would've already been up on the counter asking for treats, but it seems that isn't the case today...]

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sob then i got sick all weekend weeeee

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

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

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

SOBS ON YOUR SHOULDER

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

SOB RIGHT SOON. FREEDOM COMES SOON

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

I AM LIVING MY BEST LIFE NOW HAHAHA

YAY SCREW YOU SICKNESS!!

THAT'S RIGHT, PUNCHES IT RIGHT IN THE FACE

KICK IT IN THE KNEE AND POKE IT IN THE EYE

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