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

Current Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcGO7wtkHIw

Entry tags:

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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. )

Even if that's true, would that really be so bad?

[Even if he doesn't fully believe this is just coincidence and a result of drinking along with the romantic connotations of a wedding. He's been to plenty of weddings and drank at them without having this sort of interaction with any girl. But Lumine, she's different. Special.

Someone, without barely knowing them, had already somehow settled in his heart. It's not love at first sight either, it goes deeper than that...he just wished he understood why. That's when he gets an idea, one that's either going to make this better or worse. If just dancing was making them feel like this, then...]

Will you kiss me?

[It's a question asked earnestly, and almost seemingly out of the blue. He has his reasons, even if he realizes it's a bit unexpected...]

Mm, I suppose not...

( Lumine was not expecting his next question at all, her heart pounding loud in her chest. She doesn't know why her heart felt like it was going to burst in joy. She should say no, they barely know each other, but for some reason it's almost like it was something she's wanted to do for so long.

Ajax was handsome, considerate, family-oriented... She could see that. She can see why anyone would fall for someone like him. Despite him getting on her nerves the first time they met. Ears burning bright red, unbeknownst to her, her body subconsciously leaning against his comfortably. )

I... Would I...? ( She looks to his lips and it did feel right, like it isn't the first time they've ever kissed. So, she'd lean up to press just a small, quick kiss. Perhaps out of nerves or she stopped out of surprise at herself. )

[Ajax only stays silent as she leans against him and contemplates whether or not if she would kiss him. He can see in her eyes the conflict and confusion, and yet he also sees her comfortableness with him and a small bit of affection in those eyes. He feels the same way- though they definitely seem to have different ways of dealing with it. But maybe he should be thankful they'd had something to drink before they stepped out to dance with one another, because whatever inhibitions that might of stopped them from having this moment are gone.

And because of it, he's met with a small kiss that's pressed to his lips, closing his eyes to savor it as much as he can as he kisses her back. The kiss itself wasn't anything that special, but he can feel his head get a little light and his chest buzz from the gesture alone. An experiment to see what might happen between them if they were to kiss, one that he'd hoped would tell him if this strange deja vu they were both experiencing went farther than just dancing.]

Mmmmmm. That felt pretty good to you too, right?

[There might not of been fireworks exploding in the sky as they kissed, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel something warm and familiar with this, too. It felt like there shouldn't of been this romantic, fireworks-like moment between them...because it felt like this closeness was normal. Right. Exactly the way things should be.]

Like you've done it a thousand times with me?

( Lumine's heart soared feeling his reciprocation of the small kiss. It's a good thing she stopped it at a short kiss, because that familiarity and warmth would have made it longer. It's crazy how just one kiss made her want to just keep kissing him, like in those romantic movies. Two people in love meeting again after so long. But they weren't that right? His questions afterwards making the blush brighten in intensity of dormant feelings that seem like their coming back up. )

Mmm, it really did. Though, maybe one more time would help.

( With that said, and confirmation he was okay with it, she leans up again to press a kiss to his lips. This time longer and slower, just taking in the feel of his lips against hers, the hammering in her chest... Just soaking up his presence as she almost forgets about the setting their in.

Her hand that's rested on his shoulder reaching up to rest against his neck, thumb running over his jaw. Pulling away slowly, it did feel like she's kissed him like this so many times. Pupils dilated and a familiar fondness appearing in her eyes for him. )

[One more time...?

He barely gets that thought through his head before she leans upwards again to take him fully in, capturing him in a loving kiss that he could of only dreamed of having with her. The soft, sweet waves of love roll through him and lap up on the beach within his mind, and his body responds on what feels like muscle memory alone as his mind blanks and all he can think or see now is Lumine.

His hands instinctively move to hold her closer to him, one staying on the small of her back while the other reaches upward to tangle into her hair as his head tilts to the side to deepen their kiss. Ajax delivers long, languid strokes to her lips, coaxing her to open her mouth so his tongue can delicately dance with her own. Whether this is a result of the alcohol mixed with the atmosphere or something else, he cares little for the reason why. All he knows to do is kiss her like he knows she likes, something that awakens within him and tells him that Lumine has always like it when he touches her this way, kisses her that way, makes her feel like the most special woman in the whole world when he makes her the center of his world.

And when they finally pull away, with her thumb brushing over his skin, he feels like he's on top of the world. There's no doubt in his mind that he's kissed her like this many times in the past, yet he knows that can't possibly be true, and yet he's met with a fondness in her eyes that he swears he's seen her give him time after time immemorial. And in turn, his own eyes reflect a confident, stalwart admiration for her, one of total devotion and ardor for this woman in his arms.]

And help it did. Lumine, I feel like I've been in love with you my entire life, and never knew until now.

[It's a bold statement, but Ajax has never shied away from such things. He won't stop now- he wants Lumine to know how he feels, because he can see his own feelings reflected in her eyes. She felt the same, he's sure of it.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject