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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( It's absolutely funny, sure she's had dates or crushes growing up. However, none have made her feel this way in so long. It surprises her with how just his strong eye contact alone makes her just a bit bashful. The compliments were another thing. He'd compliment her in front of her brother brought a blush to her cheeks, sure he was going to tease her once they got home. Looking back at him to continue the conversation, his question of Paimon made her laugh lightly. )

I was thinking of bringing her, but I know some friends here are allergic. But she's with a friend of ours. She absolutely loves him so she should be okay.

( Paimon always did enjoy being with Kazuha, so Lumine and Aether thought it'd be perfect for him to cat-sit. )

Aether says he's leaving early after the reception, so he'll be picking her up afterwards.

( It wasn't until she remembered his siblings had bought their mother flowers that she was actually excited to hear. She didn't get to ask him yesterday as they were busy. )

Did your mother enjoy the flowers?

[There it is again, and he got her to blush. Maybe what he noticed about her before wasn't a fluke, or just something in his head. But again, maybe he just embarrassed her in front of her brother. He never would have guessed she'd get so easily embarrassed, and it never occurs to him that maybe there's more to it than just that.

Though it sounds like the cat is okay, and honestly, that will always be funny to him. Paimon's so bad she needs a cat sitter for a night to make sure she's okay. Goodness, what a character.]

She loved them, and after we told her where we got them from, she insisted that we come back just to patronize your store. But really, she didn't need to tell us that.

[Implying he would have come back without her recommendation. Ajax sends Lumine a wink at that point, smiling wide and flashing his teeth at her.]

She also sent along a message. She wanted me to tell you that your work is superb and that she'd be recommending you to all her friends. Sounds like to me that word of mouth is going to spread pretty quick about your flower business. Oh, and she also said that if I'm annoying you, to just tell me off and put me in my place.

[Ajax just laughs though, letting his elbow rest on the table so he can let his head rest in his hand, just like he did back at the flower shop. His body has shifted in his seat so he can face Lumine almost fully, subconsciously closing himself off to the rest of the world and only letting her be a part of it. Ajax's eyes gleam, having no problem staring into her own while they talk, almost as if he's been captured by the golden hues of her own eyes.]

I told her that's rather mean. Surely, I couldn't possibly have the capacity to do something like that, wouldn't you agree?

[He says like the interview day had never happened...]

( Butterflies in her stomach ignored when he began to tell her about how his mother felt about the floral arrangement his siblings had decided on gifting her. She loved knowing works she worked hard on were appreciated. Hearing her tell them to come back to her store for services brought a sweet smile to her face. High praise, really, especially with so many other floral shops that she's sure there are in the city.

Hearing she had a message, she pays more attention to his words, wondering if she had suggestions or anything. But to hear she'd recommend her services to her friends brought happiness to fill her chest. Grateful for the word of mouth, but chuckles soon escape at her last message.

Raising a brow at him with a smirk, shaking her head in amusement. She'd 'started new' at her shop so she can't bring up the interview. Lucky him. Staring back into his own, a weird, familiar sense of comfort in just staring at him. And the way he was giving her his undivided attention like in her shop, when if she hadn't acknowledged his siblings she's sure he'd still be stood there staring at her. )

Mm, I suppose I can agree, not yet anyway. You've not yet given a reason for me to tell you off after our reconciliation.

( Sighs, she feels a little bashful and moving in her seat, but not breaking eye contact. )

We moved on from it, so I won't bring it back up again.

[Give him time Lumine he'll give you a reason LOL

Ajax grins in response, happy that she's agreed with him on this, chuckling lightly and finally breaking eye contact with her to look down at the table for a moment before looking back up again. He's aware he's got some nerve sometimes to act like things really didn't happen or aren't that big of a deal...and Lumine wouldn't of caught his eye to start if she hadn't told him off in their interview.

But all in all, he's more happy that she really isn't holding it against him.]

Haha, see, I knew she was scolding me for no good reason.

[He looks so pleased with himself, wishing now he had a drink. He doesn't know why, but his mouth feels just a little dry looking at her. He's got to get more of a grip...he can't be getting all bashful and nervous now.]

Anyway, now that we've been granted more time and I'm not impeding your work, why don't we enjoy the rest of the night together? Actually, I've been looking forward to this wedding not only to see our friends have the greatest day of their lives, but also...because I've been waiting for a good excuse to get on the dance floor.

Edited 2024-09-24 03:26 (UTC)

( She feels like she almost knew he'd find some way to push her buttons, intentional or not. Almost a strange sense of familiarity.

A roll of her eyes with a smirk as she would gladly like to let him know of his previous time he had bothered her. She feels like it's not the last time she's gonna have to tell him off for something or another. Almost like a weird sense of comfortability. )

Oh yeah, for no good reason alright.

( Lumine is initially surprised by the invite to enjoy the rest of the party night together. Then mentioning the dance floor, she couldn't help the embarrassed laugh that escaped her at herself. Bringing a finger up to scratch her cheek, bashful as she feels like she should confess something. )

I'd hate to disappoint you, but I... don't really... know how to dance. I wouldn't want to bruise your feet with my unpracticed dance steps.

( Aether comes over to let Lumine know he has to leave, but to call him to pick her up. Not wanting his sister to walk home or get a driver. She smiled and gave a nod, just to appease him. Aether smiles to Ajax and holding his hand out for a goodbye shake. )

Sorry I didn't get to know you more, but I've got an early morning tomorrow. Lumine, don't act tough and just call me to pick you up, okay?

Yeah, yeah.

( After saying goodbye to the newly-wedded couple, her brother left, thankfully he had let the couple know ahead of time that he was not able to stay the entire length of the party. Which they were grateful of him just showing up. Lumine turned back to Ajax and smiled. )

I don't mind keeping you company though.

[Ajax makes sure to say goodbye to Aether and shake his hand one last time, making sure he is on his best behavior in front of Aether to ensure he doesn't incur her brother's wrath for the moment. There is always a time and a place for everything, and this one calls for being a good boy and not provoking someone he'd rather be on their good side. Maybe another day he'll get the chance to know Aether a little better, but for now, his focus is squarely on the charming girl in front of him...who seems embarrassed that she can't dance.]

I'd like that, [he begins,] but, if you really don't know how to dance, I'd be more than happy to teach you some small steps. I don't think you'd be able to hurt my feet, anyhow. I'm pretty good at dodging attacks, haha.

[He chuckles at his own joke, but his eyes stay bright and earnest towards her.]

I'd be impressed if you managed to step on me at all. You can consider that a challenge.

( Lumine takes a deep breath that slowly brings her face to a smile, amused and appreciative that he is not poking fun at her inexperience. Of course, she found her and Aether unnaturally good at learning new things. So, perhaps she really did just needed to try it at least once in order to get the hang of it. Feeling a sense of unknown familiarity, she gives him a nod of her head. )

Don't give me a challenge, I will do my most to succeed in that challenge. But alright, I'm not liable for any pain or dirt on your shoes.

( Picking off invisible loose threads from her dress, watching the married couple do their first dance. Swaying in her seat, soon this whole hall will be filled with music blaring in the speakers. It's funny how easy it is to just sit here, comfortable with a guy that she's met a few weeks ago. )

[He loves how she easily rises to his little taunt there, even if it was something so silly as stepping on his feet during dancing. Of course, he's not worried if she does or doesn't, he's more preoccupied with getting out there and having a nice dance with her. Maybe teach her some easy steps on a faster song, and then hope for a nice slow one to relax into. He taps the table a few times, before standing up, since it's not really time for them to go out and cut a rug yet. All the other scheduled dances have to happen right now.]

It's a deal then. In the meantime, can I get you a drink? I always like to have a little something before I do a lot of recreational activities, especially cooking.

[He laughs, though he's serious...are you really cooking if you're not a little tipsy?]

Just tell me what kind you'd like. It doesn't matter, even if it's something not on the free drink list. I've got it.

( Lumine looks to him at the movement of him standing, the offer to get her a drink brings her to think. Since she was off work tomorrow, she may as well indulge herself. After all, maybe it'd help her lack of experience with dancing. So, she gives him a nod with a sweet smile. And for him to offer o pay for her drink if it wasn't on the free list was sweet. )

Thank you, Ajax. ( She would ask his recommendations, but she feels like he enjoys strong liquor that'll make her pass out in one glass with its strong alcohol level lol. )

If the bartender has anything sweet, I'll take what they recommend.

( She doesn't normally drink, more a social drinker, so she doesn't have a recommended. )

Something sweet...I think I've got a few ideas for a nice sweet drink myself. I'll ask what they recommend too, though.

[He winks at her before he heads off, standing over at the bar for a bit before he comes back with two drinks. He slides hers in front of her, the drink looking unlike any other mixed drink that would normally be on the menu. His own looks exactly like what Lumine was expecting of him- something strong that would knock most men down on the first glass. He also has two shot glasses along with the two regular drinks, of which he sets one of them in front of her as well.]

Alright, I may have splurged a tad when I was up there. First of all, the bartender came up with a much better drink than what I had in mind. They called it a "Bananarama." I guess it tastes like a banana? But they did ensure that it would be a nice, sweet drink. I have no clue what's in it.

[He picks up the shot glass that's in front of him for himself, holding it up in front of his eyes as he grins.]

But this- this is from my motherland. I couldn't pass that up...so I got us each a shot of Fire-Water. You don't have to drink it, it's pretty strong, but it felt demeaning not to at least offer it to you so you can try it. But be careful...it'll put hair on even the most burly of Snezhnayan men, and it's not to be underestimated.

( Lumine forces all of her facial muscles not to smile bashfully at the wink, though if one paid attention could see her eyes sparkle just a bit. Once he's back, she's surprised by the variety, looking at the drink for herself. )

Thank you, Ajax.

( The drink smelled like banana and coconut. It smells very nice. She takes a sip of it and she hummed, that bartender is definitely getting a tip from her for the recommendation. It was nice and sweet. She looks back at him so he can show her the shots he'd gotten the both of them. )

Fire-water? Wow, I've heard of it but never tried it before. I'll give it a try. How are you supposed to drink it? Just like a shot or just a sip?

( She has no idea how strong Fire-Water was, nor is she sure if he was joking with her or not. So, she has no idea. At least she has a chaser if it was really, really strong like he described it. Taking another sip of her mixed drink, before putting it down to get ready to take the shot with him, turning in her seat to face him. )

This one is just a shot. Drink it how you'd normally drink a shot, though I warn you, you really should drink it all in one go.

[As he holds his shot out to her to click their little shot glasses together, something tugs at his mind. This felt so familiar, like a sort of deja vu. Like he and Lumine have done this very same thing before, him introducing her to the choice drink of Snezhnaya and drinking it together. There's something missing from it all, but he can't put his finger on it.

Best not to think too hard.]

Cheers! Down the hatch.

[Ajax takes his shot and gulps it down in one go, and doesn't bother reaching for his drink to chase it with. If he had a dollar for every Fire-Water shot he's drank, he'd be twice as rich as he is now.]

Ahhhh, now that's the good stuff. Really makes me miss home...

Edited 2024-09-29 00:00 (UTC)

Alright, it sounds right.

( She nods her head in understanding, feeling like she's been given this advice before. Picking up the shot glass to clink with his, for some reason it was like they've done this before. Having the same sense of deja vu, but it leaves her mind the moment they clink glasses and she takes the shot with him. )

Cheers!

( That familiar burn of strong alcohol going down her throat and chest, she brings a hand to her chest. It was really strong liquor, that's for sure. But it was like her body was already familiar with it. She doesn't chase it either, but she lets a breath out to soothe the burn of alcohol. )

Wow, that was something else. I don't think I'd be able to have another.

( She grins at herself, to hold herself from chasing it like she was well prepared for the drink. Coughing into her fist for a moment, she can feel her face warm. Yeah, she won't be able to drink another shot, or she'd pass out at two with her smaller frame. )

[Ajax watches her down it in one go, and he's half expecting her to only get half of it down or immediately go for a chaser. Lots of people do who aren't from Snezhnaya, and he can hardly blame them- it's strong stuff. But she doesn't, she drinks it down and doesn't even bother going for the sweet drink he brought her.

Ajax's eyes widen in surprise, before a big smile spreads across his face.]

Impressive! Looks like I may of underestimated you. Are you sure you haven't you had Fire-Water before?

[He laughs, not surprised that she's not interested in having another shot. He was only ever going to bring her one anyway, for that very reason. But he's going to drink some of the drink he got, satisfied with how that also burns his throat...though not as badly.]

Guess we'll have to see if you can handle two shots sometime. I'd hardly believe it phased you if you hadn't coughed just now.

( Lumine could hardly understand why it didn't affect her like she thought it would, especially with the burn she felt go down her chest. But her body gives a bit of a shake as she took a deep breath, to get some of the cool air into her lungs. It was a burn that lingers with unknown fond memories.

But she has to give a proud smirk at him, to show she can handle absolutely anything like a seasoned warrior. )

That'll have to teach you to not underestimate me from now on, then. I'm pretty sure I never have. I've never had anything that strong before.

( She brings her bananarama to her lips and taking a drink, though the burn of alcohol was there the sweetness helped. At least it tricked her body into thinking it was helping the after effects of the Fire-Water. )

Maybe another time. I don't know how I handled it myself, but I'm pretty sure one more will put me out of commission. I'd have to call my brother to pick me up early.

( She laughs at the prospect of calling Aether after he just left from the wedding. But she was alright, the Fire-Water helped her nerves relax. )

[Lesson learned. Lumine is a lot more of a badass than he even originally thought. Makes him wonder if she's the type who isn't afraid to go out on adventures if she's willing to just take Fire-Water raw like that. He hopes she is.]

Well, we wouldn't want that to happen. Then, who would I share a dance with? Speaking of which, it should be about that time very soon.

[To which he drinks more of his drink, determined to finish it off before they go dancing for the night. He can tell she's starting to loosen up a little bit, but whether that's the alcohol or her general comfort level with him, that's anybody's guess. But either way, that works out for him- he'd like to have a nice night with Lumine. It feels...familiar. Warm. Something that just inexplicably takes him out of any potential bad mood and makes him happy.]

Now comes the important question...what kind of dance do you want to learn? It's a wedding, so I doubt they'll play any kind of tango...which, by the way, I would be happy to teach you. But maybe something simple from Snezhnaya would be a good start? I'll also teach you to twirl, you can do so much with that move alone.

( She nearly forgot about the invite to dance, her eye looking out at the dance hall. The last scheduled dance happening and soon the dance floor will be a free for all. )

I'm sure anyone here would be able to keep up with you.

( She drinks her own drink, perhaps best to finish it before going to dance. To help her nerves or the fluttering of her heart. Almost like this isn't their first time hanging out together, despite it being so. It was the same when she got upset with him in the interview process, like she shouldn't be angry around him. )

You know how to tango? ( Color her impressed. She didn't think he'd be an absolute expert. ) Maybe another time then. Simple and twirl would probably be best.

( She doesn't know why she feels like learning the Snezhnaya dance would be great to further impress his mother. She doesn't know the woman, but felt it important to impress her. Perhaps she should drink another shot of Fire-Water to stop these thoughts. Or to put her out of commission to be sent home. But she does want to spend time with him... )

Haha, then it's settled.

[He watches her drink her own drink, seeing that she too, was determined to have it done before they stepped out onto the dance floor. The Fire-Water is already loosening him up, and his drink is doing a lot of assisting in making him feel really, really good. He can't wait until they both were relaxed and happy, only wishing that the effects would hurry up and last until they finally had to part.

Spending the evening with Lumine sounds absolutely wonderful, and Ajax is already entertaining the idea in his head of staying with her tonight for as long as possible.]

Want to get a bit of a head start? C'mon, bring the rest of your drink and we'll go over there- [he indicates a darkened corner of the room where no one is-] and I'll teach you a few basics to get you started.

[He stands, offering his hand to her, eyes gleaming with excitement. His heart beats a little stronger, his smile is filled with a little more happiness than even the moment before. It's like coming back to something he hasn't gotten to do in a really long time, and the universe is finally rewarding him with it once again.]

It's right over there. No one will really see us in the meantime.

( Lumine turns to where he points out to be a good spot for practice. Ah, she doesn't know why she is getting a bit of the butterflies. Giving a nod in return, while she would hesitate a bit, liquid courage has her reaching out to take his hand in her free one. The other fixing her dress and grabbing her drink like he instructed. )

Okay, I hope your feet are ready to get trampled on.

( She can't help but feel comfortable though, the smile of his bringing forth her own in return. A happiness she wasn't sure where it came from filled her. Besides, it was just one night, why not let go and have fun with someone who wants to make it fun for her. )

Though, I'll admit, even if I'm a little nervous, I'm quite excited to learn.

[Ajax will lead her right over to the designated spot, and thankfully there's at least a table nearby for her to set her drink on. He laughs at her half-joke, though he would at least watch to make sure she really doesn't actually step on his feet, finally arriving only moments later to their new, private dance floor.]

There's no need to be nervous. I'm teaching a new student, so if you're worried about embarrassing yourself, that was never going to happen.

[Once she's set, Ajax reaches again for both of her hands, taking them into his. They're small and cute, just like her, and he twines his fingers with hers as he sets their arms into a proper position. He swears they've done this before, or that he's done this before with someone else, being filled suddenly with a sense of nostalgia. He really can't shake this feeling, but he also doesn't want to- it's nice, and it adds to the warmth of the evening.]

Alright. Ready? We're just going to do a few basic steps. Follow my lead.

[He steps slowly and carefully, so she has an easy time of keeping up- but with every movement, it just feels...right. Like they've done this a million times before.]

( Lumine was almost finished with her drink, not as quick of a drinker as Ajax was. Afterall, she was still feeling the effects of the Fire-Water down her system. Putting her cup on the table, feeling surprisingly reassured that he wasn't going to have her do anything embarrassing and was taking this quite seriously. Afterall, she really did hope to dance, whether with him or they somehow switch partners mid-dance. )

Alright, I am taking your word for it and trusting you.

( Bold words, but it wasn't any less true. She had a weird feeling like she can just trust herself with him. Which, had she been in her right mind, blaming the alcohol, she would have hurried off back to the rest of the guests.

His larger hands encompassing her own with strength and security, fingers twined together with his sent bashful butterflies to flutter. Nostalgia hitting her quite hard, but she is sure she's never danced with anyone. Sure, she's silly danced with Aether and former boyfriends, but nothing felt like this.

At his lead, she looks down at their feet, following the pattern he was setting. Though what shocked her even more, was how her feet seemed to follow a familiar pattern. Even looking back up at him and moving as though it was purely natural. She doesn't even step on his feet, but is able to keep up with him like they've done this before.

Liquid courage bringing her to smile up at him, eyes closed to smile along with her lips. )

I guess it wasn't as hard as I thought...

[She moves along with him like a natural. These moves are from a traditional dance that he learned in Snezhnaya, so there's no way she would have known them if she weren't from there. And she's claimed to not know how to dance either, so it doesn't make sense to him that it's like she already knows this dance. But at the same time...he feels a connection to her unlike anything he's ever felt before with anyone, and it's strange to him that his body reacts and moves with hers in a way that's also natural and effortless.

Maybe he's overthinking this because he's had a little bit to drink, maybe the alcohol has just made them this relaxed with each other. But is that really it?]

No, you moved fluidly and perfectly. Are you sure you've never done this before?

[Ajax moves to twirl her slowly, then bring her into him, his hand finding her lower back so their bodies press against each other. He looks down to gaze into those golden eyes, and something flashes in his head, something white, gold, and beautiful against a gorgeous sunset in a place he doesn't recognize.]

Lumine...

[Her name is a whisper on his lips, but it holds a weight in it that it hadn't before.]

Ah...never mind. Sorry.

( Lumine isn't understanding, he's the first person she's met from Snezhnaya, there was no way she'd know anything about this dance. There was no way she should have been able to take that shot of Fire-Water without almost hacking up a lung in a coughing fit. Her body seems to remember things that she shouldn't know, but as he asks if she's ever done this before she tries so hard to think back.

But she doesn't see anything, but blurry instances that she should recognize appear that she just thought were mysterious daydreams. She can't help the light, nervous giggle, if her hand was free she'd scratch her cheek. )

I feel like I'm going crazy, because I never met anyone else from Snezhnaya to have learned this dance.

( Letting him twirl her, as soon as he pulled her body into his at the small of her back, her heart pounded even harder. Hand on his shoulder, unable to tear her eyes away from him. Eyes that for some reason brings her own flashes of memories, but the prominent one was it didn't have the current glow they hold.

The weight of her name different from the many times he's called to her. This time bringing a soft pink to her cheeks and ears. )

Yes...?

( But his apology brings her back from whatever the alcohol was doing to her. She just shakes her head, at his apology or a rouse to clear her head of such crazy thoughts. )

It's okay...

[Ajax doesn't understand what's happening to them right now. His body is so relaxed, so familiar with this closeness, feeling like this is exactly where the both of them should be- in each other's arms. He can feel his own cheeks begin to flush now, and it's not from the alcohol. He wonders if she's feeling the same, and though he tries to dismiss it not to make it awkward between them, there's something he just can't shake here.]

No, hold on a second. Lumine, I feel as if we've done this together before. But...we've never met before your interview at my company. And yet...

[He stares down at her, studying her eyes, as if he might find the answer there in them. Instead, he's met with a reflection of himself in them, with no answers but plenty of feelings swirling around in his chest.]

...I don't know. There's just something familiar about you, and about us.

( Lumine blinks up at him, she can't even tell if they were still dancing or stood still. Completely focused on Ajax and trying to figure out what is going on between them. Her breathing slowing to match the rise of his own chest, her heart pounding so loud and fast in her chest. Surprised to know he was feeling the same level of deja vu as she was having. )

I'd be labeled a liar if I said I didn't feel the same way... I just thought it was the alcohol making me think like this... That this was one of those moments of deja-vu...

( The intensity in his eye contact, as though searching for some answer that she doesn't have. This was getting dangerous, the romantic atmosphere of the wedding, the alcohol, the closeness of being chest to chest, the eye contact, and talk. )

...Perhaps we could just be falling victims to the atmosphere...

( Squeezing his hand, she just could not look away from him. Even if her words indicated they shouldn't think too much on it, she was feeling the atmosphere change. Feeling like right here in his arms is where she should be. )

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