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

You...

( Lumine fears ~~does she really??~~ that she is also falling addicted to the man before her. The way he looks at her and can't seem to want to let her go for too long even if they were going to see each other again real soon the next day for their date. His ability to return her tease with words that can send her face ablazing, she just stares deep into his eyes.

His promise soon after to get her home safely, and though she should not be trusting him so openly, she can't help but know deep in her heart he was telling the truth. Her main hesitance being Aether's worry for her. She has to really think about it, before going with her heart.

Unwrapping her arms for a moment, she goes in her purse to pull out her phone. Her heart wants to be with Ajax longer, as though it longs for his company. Opening her messages with Aether and begin to type out to her brother:

Lumine: Get some sleep for work brother. A dear friend is going to get me home safe. I promise I'm not walking alone.

Putting her phone away in her purse, with a smile back up at him, giving him a soft nod. )

I can stay for a bit longer...

[He swears he could stare into those golden eyes of hers all day if she let him, mesmerized by how doe-eyed she is when she considers staying with him. Ajax can only hope that she takes his offer, and when she lets go to take out her phone and text who he can only assume is her brother, he feels the swell of victory in his chest. His expression turns into something more excited and soft at the same time, wrapping his arm around her once more to pull her right into his side so they can enjoy the rest of the night together.]

Wonderful. Now, how shall we spend our time, since we now have more of it? There's still a bit of time left in the evening- since we're going to laser tag tomorrow, maybe something a little more relaxing and low key would be in order?

[After having something so strange happen to him, he can think of a few things to do that would relieve some stress.]

You know, this may sound odd for an impromptu date, but all I want to do is soak in a nice, hot jacuzzi after a night like this. A glass of wine, good company...sounds like a great cap to an extraordinary evening.

( Lumine raises an amused brow at the idea for the impromptu date, odd indeed. But it does sound quite relaxing the more she thinks about it. It'd throw her off the moment she does think about how they weren't prepared for a dip in the jacuzzi. )

It does sound quite odd, but a great way to end the night, though I didn't prepare a swim suit for the date.

( She is sure he neither as they both didn't know the other was arriving to the same wedding. But she will do anything to spend more time with him and if she has to she'll get in in her dress. )

I assume you know where to find one?

Well, I know where to find a jacuzzi, and, well...I suppose we could always buy you a swim suit if needed.

[He laughs, clearly not having thought that plan through before he'd suggested it. It was on a whim, something that felt like a nice idea. But with Ajax being Ajax, he can figure out how to make it work to his, and in this case, her advantage as well.]

I'm honestly surprised you didn't shoot that idea down. I was expecting a no. But, I'm glad that you're amenable to it. So how does that sound? We can either buy you one, quickly stop at your place to pick yours up, or you can just borrow a pair of my shorts and a shirt and you can tie it around yourself, haha.

[The last part is meant as a joke, but he does have a lot of oversized shirts that she could tie the bottom part up into a makeshift bikini top, if she wanted.]

Though your brother will surely get suspicious if we stop to get yours.

( She too laughs, already figuring out his spontaneous nature to her more thoughtful nature was going to be fun. Giving a shake of her head in amusement, trying to think if there's anywhere open where she can get a bathing suit. Unless wherever this jacuzzi is will have some for sell for moments like this. )

Well, it sounds quite relaxing, actually. I've also never been in one so I wanted to try it out.

( Hearing his ideas, she shakes her head at his idea of a makeshift bathing suit, though he's right. Aether would be heavily suspicious if he caught her coming home just to leave with her bathing suit. Unable to help look him from top to bottom, she probably will drown not in jacuzzi water but his clothes. )

Where's this jacuzzi you want to relax in? Perhaps they have a small shop with one to buy.

[See, this is the part he left out because he's still expecting a no somewhere. He smiles, throwing a hand behind his head, like he might get in a small amount of trouble for suggesting this, but:]

My home, of course.

[He's a CEO and has money practically plastered to his walls. He definitely has a jacuzzi and an in-home pool.]

Hopefully that doesn't change your mind at all about this.

( Lumine just waits patiently for the answer, only to hear it was at his house. That explains why he offered her his clothing as a makeshift swim suit. She can't imagine him having a little shop near his jacuzzi. )

That is quite bold. Before our first date?

( It was conflicting, she wants to say no, to go home or hang out someplace else. The responsible thing would be to say no, but... She really did want to spend time with him. )

I suppose I'll still go...

( Besides she does pack a mean punch if he turns out to be a creep under all the sweetness he portrayed himself. Her brother and her had to survive together somehow. )

I still need a swimsuit though. So, I'll have to buy one.

[Whew, what a relief. He definitely feels a little embarrassed now by the hesitation in her voice, but he's determined now to make it so she doesn't regret saying yes. His eyes brighten, turning them to walk back towards his car at the reception, so they can get going.]

Haha, thank you for not rejecting me outright. I promise it'll be an enjoyable time.

[He holds his hand over his chest in earnest, as they walk down the road back. Watch out Lumine, he's going to threaten you with a good time.]

We can drop by a department store on the way over. It should be easy to find something in your size.

( Lumine hums in response with a smile at how happy he'd gotten that she agreed to go with him to his home. Walking back with him and to his car giving a nod of her head. )

You're welcome. ( Letting an amused chuckle escape at being thanked, though she appreciates that he values her time. ) Now I'm looking forward to it.

( She goes into her purse as she walks, making sure she has her credit card on hand. No way was she going to let him pay anything for her. )

Hopefully, otherwise we'll have to go to my home and hope that Aether listened and went to sleep. Though Paimon will want to come with us when she sees me leave.

( Just a fair warning. )

[The cat. He'd nearly forgotten. They definitely can't go to her place now. You could bargain with a brother, you can't bargain with a cat.]

Then let's make sure we find somewhere that has something so we can avoid that outcome. Now, I'm fine with Paimon wanting to take a swim in the jacuzzi too, but I'm not so sure she'll like it. I also don't have a litterbox, or cat food, haha.

[As they reach the car, he opens her side for her like the gentleman he is, and once she's in he'll close it and join her on the driver's side. His car is nice, expensive like one would assume someone of his position would have. It has all the bells and whistles, leather seats that warm, and a nice tablet-sized touch screen where Lumine can play with all of the music and map functions as much as she wants.

And he'll begin driving once they're settled, feeling relaxed at the wheel with her next to him.]

Thankfully, there's a store not too far from here. Hmm...are you alright with me coming into the store with you? I'll admit, I haven't exactly gone shopping for a woman's swimsuit with anyone other than my sisters when I was much younger.

( Lumine can't help but chuckle at his home not being suitable for her clingy cat to join in on the fun. )

She'll just have to try again next time if she wishes to come.

( Thanking him as she tucks her dress to sit comfortably, taking a look around the car. It was a really, really expensive car and she felt a bit out of place but amazed at the same time. Looking at all the buttons that's on the dashboard and the big screen in the middle. It is a car fit for a CEO position, that's for sure.

Reaching to press the seat warmer button and she surprised how fast it worked and she was just touching the screen just to see what it was like. Even during the drive, it was smooth and not nearly as bumpy. Her attention pulled away from his car tablet and to him. )

Sure, you can come in too, I don't see why not. It'll be a lot faster to find something with us both looking.

( She doesn't mind his company at all, plus it'd be a huge bonus to have him near so weirdos did not try any flirting. )

Then I'll do my best not to let you down on this quest, haha.

[With that settled, he continues to drive them to the store, which isn't far at all. They reach it within the next five minutes, and Ajax accompanies Lumine inside. It's nothing special, just a department store with all the usual clothing and such, though he isn't sure where to go for the women's section. He'll happily trail alongside Lumine, letting her drag him in any direction she pleases.

That is, until they pass by some toys...and then Ajax suddenly disappears quietly as he corners and turns right into the tiny section they have. He got distracted and didn't say anything, but he's easy to find- that orange head of hair combined with how tall he is helps for his head to stick up and over a lot of the displays.

He's looking at a few stuffed animals, seeing how soft they are...his sibs will love this.]

( She chuckles in response, just relaxing back against the seat. Once they made it to the department store, the two definitely sticking out in their formal wear. She was almost there until she didn't hear him behind her anymore. Turning around and taking a look to see if she can spot him.

Spotting him in the distance at a toy section, wondering if he was getting anything for his siblings. Walking over to his side as she looks at all the different stuffed animals. )

Found something for your siblings?

( Or himself, that too. But she looks at each toy, wondering if he has his family living with him. She wouldn't show up to their house without a gift. )

Does your family live with you?

Edited 2024-11-14 21:31 (UTC)

[Her voice shakes him from the reverie of looking at all the toys, now with a cute duck plush in hand. He looks down at it and laughs nervously, realizing that he'd not only ditched her for a minute, but got caught looking literally like a little kid in a toy store.]

Haha...no, they don't. There was a point in time where we all had to live together when we were much poorer, but now that I'm older now with a successful job, I can help support them while also being able to live on my own.

[He doesn't put the duck down- instead, he lets it in the crux of his arm.]

I think I might get this for Teucer. He's still pretty young and would enjoy this kind of thing. Otherwise, Tonia can claim it for herself if he doesn't like it, haha. Sorry...I guess I got a bit distracted and walked over here.

Every child's dream isn't it? I'm sure you've made them quite proud.

( Lumine immediately shakes her head at his apology for getting distracted. If Aether like stuffed animals, she'd have gotten him something too. So there's no reason to apologize for wanting to look around for something for his family. )

Don't apologize, Ajax. I'm not gonna get upset of you thinking about your family.

( If the relationship works out and she gets to meet his family, she will remember that Tonia and Teucer still liked toys. Made the idea of gift giving much easier. )

We can keep looking if you want.

[He smiles back at her in return, grateful she wasn't mad at his little unannounced detour to the toy section. Ajax quickly looks down one last time, grabs a small, blue plush from the racking, and tucks that under his arm so it's not entirely visible.]

I think I got what I need. Let's head over and get a bathing suit for you.

[And off they go. Ajax feels like he should feel weird about this, but he surprisingly doesn't. If anything, it's the complete opposite, he feels right at home with Lumine doing this sort of thing. Like it's no big deal.]

I suppose I should ask what kind you like so I can keep an eye out...one or two piece?

[He says that knowing she's going to look great in whichever she chooses, so he's not picky.]

( It did help that he was easy to find even in a large crowd. So it's not like she'd get too lost. Watching him put the plush under his arm makes her silently chuckle in amusement. But she'll let it go as she follows him to the women's department.

Walking around and looking for something she may as well make sure she gets a bathing suit she would wear again. She should feel like she needs to tell him to go look at something else. But it doesn't bother or embarrass her. It's quite calming. )

I'm more into two pieces, if you can find one that matches with a wrap that'd be even better.

( Lumine keeps looking, even the single pieces that one can mix and match. Most two pieces were taken or a different size than her. Finally finding one that looks nice and matches with this wrap for around her hips. She was beginning to feel a little bit bashful, but she'll get over it. Turning back to him wondering if he found something he wanted her to wear instead. )

You need anything else while we're here?

[Two piece, got it. He splits from Lumine to go look at all the two pieces. If he's being honest with himself, he'd like to see her in any of these bathing suits. Some are not as cute as others, but Ajax isn't a picky guy and the fact that she's going to do this at all is a blessing that he's not going to take for granted. There's a few wraps too, and he lifts a few off of the rack to look at them, realizing quickly that he's really not any good at picking out women's clothing or bathing suits at all.

He turns around at her question, glancing one last time at the wrap in his hand before he puts it back on the rack.]

No, and quite honestly, I couldn't decide among all the choices here to give you. I can't tell which would look good or not...I think they'd all look good on you.

[He shoots her an apologetic look. He hadn't really helped at all.]

What did you end up picking out? Or, are you going to make me wait to really see it?

( Lumine finds one that may just end up being her new main bathing suit, liking the color white with different blues and small orange accents. The blue wrap in hand as well, as she lets an amused laugh escape at his indecision. She appreciated his willingness to help her look for something that would look good on her. )

Thank you for the compliment. Unfortunately, I can't buy all of them, but I've got my choice.

( Upon hearing him ask to see what she has chosen, she likes the second option of making him wait. Walking to the front cash registers, before going in her purse after the cashier rang it up. Getting ready to block him in case he tried to pay for it. )

You'll have to wait and see it.

[Knowing she has the chosen bathing suit in her hands now makes him realize that they're doing something sort of secretive, aren't they, even if it's just a secret she's keeping from her brother (and her cat.) Ajax follows her with wide, amused eyes, and notices how Lumine seems to be purposely positioning herself so he can't get at the card reader- she isn't letting him buy this for her, despite it being his idea.]

Patience is a virtue of mine, after all. But at least allow me to pay for it- it was my idea, after all.

[He steps a little closer, hoping she'll relent and let him. It's not very gentleman-like to force an expense on someone like that.]

( Lumine looks back up at him as she continues to block the card reader, last thing she wants to do is make him think she's into his money. Besides it's an item she can wash and wear again another time. Once the item's rung up, she goes into her purse and pulls her card out. )

It'll be fine, it's an item I'll use a lot, plus you paid for my drinks at the wedding.

( Making note of his closeness as she ignores any butterflies in her body. He'll have to move her to get to the card reader, besides he's most likely going to pay for their date tomorrow. She'll share at least one expense. )

[Looks like he's not winning this battle. Lumine makes it obvious he's going to have to move her himself if he wants to get to that card reader before she does, but it's not worth making a scene over. So Ajax relents, giving Lumine the win here and accepts the reasoning she presents as well.]

Alright...you win, for now.

[He will spoil her tomorrow as revenge.]

I'll just have to wait with bated breath to see you in it instead.

[To which his eyes lighten up at the idea of Lumine looking nice in a bathing suit. The cashier is wishing that these two would just get a room if he's going to flirt this hard in front of others, but Ajax doesn't really care. He too, has to pay for his toys he picked up, so he waits patiently until Lumine is done to take care of those, quickly picking the bag up so they can head out.]

( Lumine smiled in success, paying for her items and thanking the cashier as she waits to the side for Ajax to finish paying. A shake at her head as she gives the cashier an apologetic smile for the both of them. Bashful at his flirting, glad she decided to make him wait to see it. Especially now that she knows he's waiting as patiently as possible to see her in it. It's not until he's done paying and their walking away that she responds. )

Well, you won't have to wait too long, after all. Unless you live quite far.

( The two walking together out to his car, waiting for him to open the door so she can get in. Immediately turning on his seat warmer as soon as he turns the car on. She checks her phone to see her brother text her the usual, be careful and get home safe. Turning to look at him with a comfortable smile, before taking the initiative and holding his free hand that's not on the wheel. )

[He joins her at her side after paying, the little plastic bag crinkling as he carries it. He hadn't parked too far away, and he can already see his car as they exit the building, unlocking it with his fob and opening the door for her when they finally arrive at it.]

Luckily for the both of us, I don't.

[He shoots her a quick smile before rounding the car to get in himself, getting situated right away and turning the car on before hooking his phone back up to play a little music on their way. The plastic bag gets put in the backseat before they take off, but he allows himself the quick glance downward to see Lumine's hand take his own, to which he threads his fingers with hers and breathes a happy, heavy sigh through his nose.]

It's just downtown a ways. When I'm not at home with my family, I've got a place where I can enjoy the city and have a little alone time when I want it. I hope you'll find the place inviting- it's a penthouse suite, but I've tried to make it as homey as possible.

( Lumine watches out the window as the scenery just seems to zoom by, just sat back in her seat, feeling comfortable. Turning to look his way as he finished speaking, looking up at him with a gentle nod. It was quite sweet and considerate of him to worry about whether his home feels inviting for her, when it should be homey for himself. )

That makes sense, wanting a little alone time but since you said the jacuzzi was yours I figured you wouldn't have one in a small little family home.

( She gives a little tease, before smiling and giving a soft shake of her head. It'd be quite overwhelming, considering she's never been in a penthouse suite, not even sure what to expect or what one even looks like. But who knows, maybe he got his family a small jacuzzi to enjoy. She doesn't know. )

I'm sure you did a great job making it homey for you.

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