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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( She bashfully smiles at how easily he wrapped her hand in his, fingers threaded as they go to say goodbye to the newly wedded couple. Lumine feels like she can breathe, taking a big breath of fresh air. The brisk night air sending goosebumps up her bare arms and legs, but it was refreshing. So many bodies in one reception hall, despite being quite big, was getting too warm. )

That sounds like a great idea. Seems like you know your way around here.

( Spotting the park and entering it, she hurries over to a small swing set and takes a seat, tucking her short dress under her. Smiling as she just gently rocks herself back and forth on the heel of her heels. Patting the only other swing on the set, for him to take a seat as well.

Looking up at the moon and stars in the sky, she began to think about everything. The fuzziness she feels in her heart that's pounding out of her ribcage, the feelings of deja vu still stumbles her. Feeling a slight chill run up her spine, she let a sigh of relief escape. )

This is a cute park, I never noticed it on the way to the wedding.

[Ajax takes a seat next to her, sitting down in the small swing, his knees practically coming up to his chest as a consequence of his height. He looks a little silly sitting on a kid's swing, but he doesn't seem to mind it at all...if anything, he looks right at home.

He can tell Lumine, like him, has a lot on her mind. He's also dealing with the rush of excitement that came with their passionate kiss, their confession to each other, and the sense of familiarity and comfort Lumine gave him. Ajax has never been one to think too hard on matters like these if it wasn't necessary- not that he won't notice- but if it gives him what he wants in the end, then why think about the means? But there's still things here that don't line up, and he's not entirely sure how to address them while also processing his emotions.

So he's grateful to start this with small talk.]

It is. I did a little scouting out here for the couple ahead of time, so that's the only reason I knew it was here. Otherwise, I would have been completely lost.

[He shoots her a smile, pushing himself back and forth on the swing a little, hands gripping onto the chains.]

I didn't think I'd be using it for a respite from the party itself.

( She just watches him take a seat with her and it brought out a genuine laugh to escape from her lips. To see him sitting on a swing meant for kids was a sight to see, never imagining to see a respected CEO sat like that. It definitely helped her relax even more. She had a lot easier time sitting comfortably than he is thanks to her smaller stature.

They had some serious talking to do in terms of what was going on and how they had a sense of familiarity that neither of them can understand. Most she's ever heard was in her fantasy, romance novels, but that was pure fiction. She hums in understanding to how he knew this park was here, that was nice of him to have helped the couple. )

Luckily, we'd just have to follow the loud music escaping the venue. But it really was getting pretty stuffy in there.

( She'll just return the smile, turning back to the open, night sky. She was beginning to feel a bit bashful, to talk about what happened between the two at the party. It wasn't the alcohol talking, despite how she wants to blame it, as she never did anything like that while drinking. )

...How are you feeling?

[Ajax's eyes follow hers as she turns her gaze towards the starry night sky, letting the quiet settle between them now that they were away from said loud music in the venue. He's glad there was a place like this in the neighborhood now, breathing out a sigh through his nose, as she asks him a simple question.

How is he feeling?]

If only the answer to that was so simple. I feel...happy, and at home. Like I've been reunited with someone long lost that's near and dear to my heart. And I feel confused, lost, and asking how and why this has come to be this way. I feel like there's something missing that we're not seeing here. And I feel frustrated that the answer feels just out of reach.

[He falls silent again for a moment, before looking back to her.]

I imagine you probably feel the same way, right?

( It's funny to think he said everything she felt as well, not just the happiness that comes from a destined reunion. But the frustration at the lack of answers and reasons, why they felt like this with each other and she'd say she felt it back during their first meeting at his office. Though, that initial attraction had plummeted before they made amends. She can hold a grudge for as long as she wants, but for some reason she can't with him.

Nodding along with his reveal, she wished she had the answers they both were looking for. There was no such thing as soulmates, she's seen many friends go from one 'soulmate' to another. Feeling his eyes, she turned to look at him before golden irises look down to the soft pellets that filled the park. )

Yeah, pretty much the same thing. I think you worded it quite amazingly... ( She looks up at him. ) I don't know, I wish I had the answers to this confusion.

( She gives a small smile though. ) I have to say, I'm quite glad I'm not the only one feeling this frustration. Otherwise, I'd probably seem absolutely crazy. I guess only time will tell us the true reason.

[Her comment makes him laugh, a short little hah as he looks at the ground and smiles. Yeah, if they both weren't feeling the same, he'd probably be seen as crazy too. Even he thinks he might be a little crazy, and Lumine sharing in this experience with him is the only thing keeping him from thinking he's gone nuts. He tries to think about their previous interactions...even then, he was really interested in her.]

I appreciate your optimism, [he begins,] but I can't say I share in it. There's nothing that can explain how you knew those dance moves. I even threw a few of my own in there for fun, and yet you still danced as if you knew exactly what I was doing, like you've danced with me before.

[He looks over with a serious expression now, recognizing that things are weirder than originally thought. He can buy a love at first kiss scenario, but not the rest.]

I don't know. Something doesn't sit right with me about it.

( Lumine blinked, staring at him as he spoke, feeling surprise fill her bones. He'd added his own steps in the dance, something she could never have learned otherwise. That was a revelation that shocked her quiet, to know she danced in perfect sync with him as if they've danced together. Looking down at her heels, she could only try and think back.

She wishes she had the answer to their confusion, initially she could have just told herself she had learned it subconsciously. But he thwarted that with his revelation. A deep breath escapes her lungs, unsure what to say. )

I... Well, you shocked me there... I don't know a good enough answer for this, I thought that was just part of the dance.

( She looks back at him, her smile gone and face serious as well. )

Even our previous interactions felt weirdly familiar to me...

( She gets up from the swing and walks forward a bit, feeling like sitting was making her anxious. Arms crossed, looking down at the ground, she can only sigh. This was frustrating... )

[He can tell by the way she reacted that it really was a surprise. If there was any doubt in Ajax's mind that somehow, Lumine knew some Snezhnayan steps and wasn't telling him for some reason, it was gone now. She really didn't know, her body just moved on instinct, read him like a book as if he were a story she'd come to learn inside and out.

It's romantic, flattering, and downright upsetting. He feels his chest buzz with affection and his brain have a mild panic attack. And she says it felt familiar before between them...that's just another piece of fuel to the fire here.]

I too, felt a strange magnetism from the moment you stepped into our office at work. Even your name felt familiar on my tongue, now that I think about it.

[Everything is getting too weird, way too weird.]

Can you tell me a little bit about you and your family? Like, where you're from and what eventually lead you here. ...Maybe it's something we're just overlooking.

( Lumine crossed her arms with a hand to her chin as she tried to think back. Listening to him talk about how he felt the same familiarity as her the moment they met in his office. It's funny, it felt like saying his first name was an intimate privilege, as if only those close to him called him it. But she doesn't know any other name to call him.

Turning her head to look back at him, his question about her family... Looking forward away from him, wondering why she always felt so uncomfortable revealing things about herself. As though no one should learn a thing about her, that she should keep others at arm's length.

Giving a soft shrug, she looks up at the starry night sky as though she felt a weird connection to them. Which was absolutely impossible... Insane even... )

There... really isn't much to say about my life... It's always just been Aether and I, we were orphans. Never knew our parents, but it was okay because we had each other. ( She turns her body to face him sideways, looking him in the eyes. ) We moved here to start a new life, my brother got promoted and I sold my old shop to open a new one here...

( She frowns, brows furrowed down at the ground, gold eyes shifting to show her trying to search through her memory. ) .... When we moved here, we took Paimon as part of the family after saving her... There's not much to my story, honestly...

[As he feared, there was nothing in Lumine's backstory here that gave him any clues to how on earth they felt so familiar to one another. His family never dealt with orphanages, he doesn't even think he's been to one himself. Certainly not when he was a kid. And as adults, they should have no problem remembering each other if they'd met. His brow furrows, annoyed at the universe for playing some sort of trick on them.

Not that he isn't thankful to have Lumine in his life now, but the circumstances around it are a mystery. But his face does fall a little to hear it all, that sounds like a hard life.]

...I'm sorry if I forced you to dredge up bad memories. I had no idea.

[Maybe the guilt he feels right now is what he gets for being so nosy.]

( Surprise to hear him apologize, she look back at him to see his face fallen with guilt. Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked over to stand before him and placed a hand to his shoulder. Giving her best reassuring smile, bending at the hip to look him in the eyes. Voice soft, showing she holds no grudge against him: )

It's okay, Ajax... It was hard, but I had my brother and that was enough for us both.

( The twins would not know what would happen had they been separated. Had Aether not been in the picture, the memories would be painful. But his presence made those miserable memories fill with happiness. )

Besides, we have to figure out this confusing sense of deja-vu, right? Thank you for the apology, though.

( Maybe now she has someone else to care for, to fall in love with. Now all she has to do is find her brother a partner, lol. Which she's sure he'll have no trouble. )

[Glad that she's not at all upset with him, a small smile spreads across his face. With Lumine looking at him from this angle, her hand on his shoulder, she looks downright ethereal in the moonlight. He nods in acknowledgement, before craning his neck upward and letting his hand gingerly brush her cheek to press a soft kiss to her lips. He's once again washed over with the sensation of warmth and familiarity, albeit brief.]

There's one last thing, Lumine.

[They've run into a wall with any other lead, but he remembers the vision he had.]

When we were dancing, I saw this flash of a scene I didn't recognize. There was a figure dressed in white with golden hair in it, in a place I've never been to before. Maybe that scene has something to do with all this.

( The kiss to her lips made her heart grow in size and her stomach doing somersaults, returning the sweetness of it. Smiling bashfully to him, straightening her back, looking down at him. His scene he's describing that he had while they were dancing surprised her, albeit a bit. Bringing her free hand up to her gold locks, now that was strange... She always had dreams of fun adventures, in a new world she made up ( or so she thought) and she had a little fairy friend.

But she doesn't ever remember the finer details of the dream, but she always was in a white dress. )

Strange... I always had strange dreams, the ones you get that you can never remember once you wake up? In them I'd go on fun adventures with friends, but I was always in a white dress....

( What was those adventures? She doesn't know. But what were the chances that his vision was was about her? Maybe after some time... They'll be able to uncover more of these deja vu moments. It was all definitely confusing. )

[Now that's interesting. It could be a coincidence that Lumine would happen to have dreams where she was always wearing a white dress, and normally he definitely would have written it off as such. But these are no ordinary circumstances, and he looks up at her as if he were studying her very appearance, piecing together the puzzle that might help them understand this strange phenomenon they're experiencing.]

That doesn't sound like something we should ignore...and it's far too similar to what I saw to be considered a coincidence. Hmmmmm...

[But what to do about it? Having visions and dreams doesn't do either of them much good even if it is related. He holds his hand up to his chin in thought, wondering if there was something or someone who could help them.]

This might seem a bit foolish, but perhaps seeking out a professional in these matters may help?

( Lumine could only hum in thought, his stare making her heart race, it also doesn't help she wasn't wearing white now. It'd be extremely rude to show up to someone's wedding in white, of course. She looks down at him, wondering if he saw a clear image in his vision, now she wished she had kept a dream journal. Had she known those dreams could mean something and not just completely made up from her imagination. )

Was there anything else about the vision you saw? Or was it so quick you couldn't fully capture it?

( However, the moment he mentions professional help from someone, she could only blink at him with a raised brow. Genuinely confused what he even means by that. Foolish and absurd had they not realized such similar feelings to each other. )

What kind of professional would help with something like this? You know someone who can help figure this out?

Well...

[He throws his hand behind his head, looking away and at the ground. He's never taken any stock in this, and he's even turning a little red at the fact that he's even suggesting this, but...]

It's a little embarrassing to admit, but perhaps seeking out a dream interpreter or perhaps a psychic of sorts might be in order...

[Ajax really doesn't know what else to do. They have little information save for their own feelings, which doesn't mean much in the end. To feel something in your gut doesn't mean it's based in reality, and the little truth they do have isn't enough to form an idea of anything.]

They might be able to look into the vision I saw. It flashed before my eyes far too quickly, but if there's a chance that someone could help me revisit it, maybe we can find more clues. What about you? Did you experience anything like that?

( She can see the smallest bit of red on his face, despite turning away and she hummed in thought. Perhaps it would be a good idea to go and seek out an interpreter or psychic. Lumine doesn't know if it'll work or if she even believes in any of those things, but what harm would it do for trying?

She's always been alright with trying something new at least once, no matter the result of that decision. )

I don't see why not, I've never done anything like that, but it doesn't hurt to try. Although, I don't think there are any open right now.

( Did she have any visions? Anything that snapped to the forefront of her mind during any point of their time together. She looks down at him, staring into ocean blue eyes, that hold such devotion that it throws her off a bit. )

Not yet... But perhaps more will appear the more time we spend together. This is our first real quality time that isn't based off business.

[It had never even occurred to him that it might be a possibility to have another vision. He takes a moment to consider that, nodding in agreement. She brings up a very good point, and it might be worth their while to give it some time first to see if they can procure any more visions.]

You make a good point...going to see someone with only a flash of a scene really isn't enough, now is it? And if spending time with each other ends up allowing us the opportunity to have more visions, then that's a win-win, wouldn't you say?

[Tired of sitting on the too-small swing, Ajax pulls himself up off of it to move forward and wrap his arms around Lumine's middle, bringing her into him with a grin on his face.]

To think I was worried for even a moment that the only time I'd ever get to see you was at your flower shop. You sure you don't want to take that part-time position at my company?

[The perfect opportunity for Ajax to be annoying at her, at his job looool]

Hehe, I couldn't agree more. Or we'll somehow figure it out ourselves would be even better of a scenario.

( Lumine was glad to have helped ease his mind, of course, she too was anxious and frustrated about not having the answers right away. Especially about something like this, but best they can do is have some patience.

Taking a step back to let him get up with enough room, only to get pulled into his arms she couldn't help the blush and soft smile, hands on his shoulders. His offer to work at his company again made her chuckle in amusement. )

Tempting offer, but I'm sure of it. You'd still accept me at your company after telling you off the first time?

( She won't let you annoy her at work either, Ajax lol )

Sure I would.

[As if it were a question. He's sure Lumine would be great at her job and he'd have her around all the time...not just to annoy her, of course. He just ends up being playful and maybe a bit cavalier about things...and that doesn't always jive with some people at work. They'll be okay though, he's sure they'll get over it, or they won't. Oh well.]

But, I understand if you're still not interested. I'll manage to find enough creative ways to keep you right in my arms as much as possible. Since we're both in this together, perhaps I can talk you into, say, a date tomorrow night?

[The warm comfort of their bodies pressing to each other only served to make his heart beat a little stronger when asking- it makes this feel more real, not some surreal experience like back in the wedding hall. Even now, he can scarcely believe that Lumine full on kissed him in there, and Ajax is finding that he wants for more.]

As amazing as that sounds, at this point, your HR would be getting calls about conflict of interest.

( Besides, she has a strange feeling that she wouldn't be able to get much work done with him around. Eyes brighten just a tad at the request to a date, the way he asked made her smile with a light shake of her head. )

I can't wait to see the creative ways you come up with, but sure. I'll go on a date with you. What'd you have in mind?

( That way she can know how to get dressed for the date, perhaps go shopping in the morning for an outfit to wear. Her own heart beating out of her chest and she was beginning to feel a little nervous. Not of him, but the same giddy nerves that happen before an interview. It felt much more personal now that they were alone under the stars and not surrounded by the romantic influence of the reception. )

[For whatever way he might really get in trouble at his job, his expression plainly says that he doesn't really care all that much if HR gets called on him. Ajax does what he wants when he wants to do it, and as long as there isn't ground for a law suit, he'll continue to do that. But he appreciates the little bit of ribbing she gives him for it- it makes him smile, as if they'll really be able to do anything anyway.

Ajax hums thoughtfully to himself for a second, before shrugging his shoulders at her question.]

I don't know. I was going to figure it out as I went along. I'm good at taking advantage of sudden opportunities and coming up with a plan after- I figured I'd do the same here.

[Looking down into her eyes, he studies them for a moment before he comes up with his own question:]

So I suppose I'll ask you this- are you the kind of lady who'd prefer a night out on the town, or one that likes to see a bit of action in their night? Like, let's say, if I were to take you somewhere outdoorsy? Visiting the national park, going to a rock climbing wall, something like that? Or, maybe I'll take you to laser tag...in which, you won't stand a chance against me.

[^^]

Do just let me know so I'm not under or overdressed for it.

( Either way, it's best not to get attached at the hip to each other like that. She noticed his ability to thrive in spontaneity situations rather than planning. It is quite impressive, despite it probably being stressful for everyone else around him, but he's made it work out for himself so far.

His question did got her to think as well, she doesn't mind either option if she were being honest. She liked to do a bit of window shopping and just walking around with good company.

However his challenge to her laser tag skills lights a flame inside her, she takes a confident step back out of his arms to rest her fists on her hips. Challenging look in her eye, as she brings a pointed finger to poke him on the chest. )

I'll have you know, I can be quite competitive and I don't lose. Any outdoorsy activity you can think of, even if I've never done it before, I will beat you in it or give you a run for your money.

( A challenging smile on her face, with a teasing tilt of her head as she looks at him. )

That's a promise.

[Oh, now that's interesting. As Lumine removes herself from his hold to stare up at him defiantly, Ajax quickly realizes that the fire that stirs inside of her isn't just to tell off random CEO's who get under her skin in an interview. She even admits to it as such- which gets him all worked up too- eager to test his own skills against her.]

Oh ho, bold words...I expect you to live up to them.

[He reaches to take the hand poking his chest, twining his fingers with hers as he holds it there between the two of them. Ajax's eyes flash, his smile widening in more of a smirk than anything else, amused by her declaration to him.]

Don't get too distracted, or else I'll make you eat your words. Guess it's decided then...we'll start with a little laser tag. Dinner first, somewhere casual, and then we'll work off our dinner with a bit of late night laser tag. The place is open quite late, so it shouldn't be a problem. Bring a change of clothes and shoes for yourself, you'll need it.

[Things just got so much more interesting...she's a girl practically after his own heart, acting like that. Good. He wouldn't have it any other way.]

Oh I will, I guess we'll just see when we get there.

( Lumine can feel her heart skip a quick beat when he easily twines his fingers together with hers. Holding his hand in return, she can see she's lit up a challenging side to him too. Something they share equally it seems, which should be a new thing she's learnt. But it feels like she knew this already.

He knew how to get her competitive streak going because how dare he hehe. A smirk playing on her face at his words. )

I'm sure I can beat you at laser tag in a dress and heels. But we'll just have to see who wins and gets the most shots. You'll get beat by someone in a dress and heels.

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OK QIQI. THIS IS WHERE WE DECIDE IF WE WANT PLOT OR NOT

AHHHHHHHH hmmmm....... LETS GO WITH PLOT!! X3

PLOT IT IS THEN

WOOO

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