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

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.

[The only thing he wishes he could do while he drives is to look over at her and admire her from his seat in the car- but driving prevents that, only being able to steal quick glances as they make their way into downtown.]

I'd like to think I did, too.

[He laughs as he finally reaches the building where he lives, pulling into the parking garage and driving to a section that is separate from the rest of the parking. There's only a few cars in this section, and he quickly finds his spot, parking and getting out to let Lumine out so they can head up to his penthouse. It's as luxurious as one would expect it to be, and he opens the door for her so she can walk in and take it all in while he takes his jacket off and flings it over his shoulder.]

Well, here we are! Feel free to take a look around, it's not as if we're in a rush or anything. The bathroom is just down the hall there, [he says, pointing to his right,] and I'll be right back with some wine. If you'd rather I give you a tour, I'm afraid there's not much to see...it's only big enough for me and a guest, haha.

[He disappears into the kitchen, followed by a clanking of glasses, leaving Lumine to wander as she pleases, but eventually he will reappear with some wine for them both ;)]

( Surprise fills her as she sees the building coming up, it looked like a very nice building. Definitely a place she would never walk into on her own. Thanking him for opening the car door for her and walking with him, the place was quite fancy indeed. Her surprise when he opens the door, bag in hand as she blinked, feeling quite overstimulated with everything in the room. Turning her head to the side a bit to show she was partially listening. )

Wow...

( Look around she will, walking over to the many displays around the place. This is how a CEO lives, huh? The windows were so tall, she feels like if she really tried, she can see Mondstadt Cathedral from all the way over here. Going to place the toys that he got for his brother on one of the couches. She can see pictures of his family around and she can't help but smile, picking one up to see it was a family group photo.

Putting the photo down when she hears him come back into the room, turning to face him. Her heart pounding in her chest, smiling as she walks over to meet him half way. )

A home usually tells a lot about a person, so I'm sure there's plenty to see in your tour.

[Emerging from the kitchen to see a dazzled Lumine, he smiles as they meet, extending the glass to her to take for a bit of light drinking while they're here.]

I suppose that is true. Come, let's take a short tour, then. Oh, but first.

[The little bag he had with him from the store sits on top of a small table he'd set it on when coming in, and he goes over to it to fish a little plush out of it, the one that he tried to hide while they were in the store.]

Here, I got this for you. It's nothing special, but for some reason, when I saw it, I was drawn immediately to it. I don't know why, but it gave me a strange sense of familiarity.

[What he hands over is a little hand-size blue whale with a small horn, with a keychain attached to it.]

It looked cute, so I picked it up for you. I hope you like it.

( Lumine took the wine cup with a grateful thanks, taking a sip of the wine, ready to follow him to where he'll show her first. Her surprise when he pulled out a cute whale plush, ready to compliment it, thinking it was for Tonia. However, she's surprised when he says its for her. )

You got this for me?

( Not expecting this at all, she takes it into her hand and smiles. It is really cute. Despite it not seeming like much, she is grateful to the gift. Putting her wine glass down a moment, reaching into her purse to her keys, the keys for her home and flower shop. Attaching it there, she smiled up at him in gratitude, giving her keys a light jingle. )

Thank you, Ajax. I love it, it's quite cute. It'll make finding my keys easier in my purse.

( Putting her keys away in her purse, leaving it on the coffee table in the middle of the room. She does cherish all gifts she receives and this will be one of them. )

[He looks on with a warm smile as she attaches it to her keys. Sure, it's something small but he's glad that Lumine will always have something with her to remind her of him when he's not around. It's even better that she really seems to like it, his eyes flickering back and forth between the keychain now adorned with the little narwhal and Lumine.]

I'm glad. C'mon, let's take a quick tour before we go relax for a bit.

[The tour is short, just as he said- the kitchen is nice and moderately sized, despite having a center isle in it. It's clear that the utensils and pans aren't just for show- they look used, like someone cooks a lot in it. The kitchen, as well as the rest of the penthouse, is very clean, and he has a number of spices and oils to choose from on the counter. Everything is neat, in racks or where it belongs, not over cluttered but not bare, either. Cute pictures hang on the fridge and some are clearly drawn by his siblings, accompanied by holiday cards from years past of his family.

The dining room is nice, with a table that looks like it can seat ten- so he can have his entire family over for dinner if they want to come here instead of staying in their home. They walk by the open double doors of his bedroom, but he doesn't show her in there yet- but the bed is large and looks expensive in the mahogany frame it sits in, with another door that leads to a private bathroom. He lets her look in the guest bedroom as well, decorated similarly from what anyone can tell from the doorway. There's another bathroom, and that ends the tour for the moment before he leads her back to the entrance to his bedroom.]

That's about it save for this- the jacuzzi is in here as well, for ease of comfort. Don't be intimidated by the giant windows- I requested that they install ones that can only see one way, so we can have all the privacy of a windowless room while having a magnificent view of the city.

( Lumine picks up her glass and follows him around the penthouse, taking in everything. The kitchen being less stimulating than the main area helped, but she can see the homeyness in there. Seeing the cute pictures on the fridge, she takes a moment to look at everything. A soft smile spreading as she takes in all the child drawings and different cards with personal messages. She can see how much his family cares about him and vice versa.

Golden eyes scanning each room afterwards, she is quite impressed by how big the penthouse was. Even the guest bedroom was well kept, most likely for his family, if they ever stay over. Now to the double doors that he'd walked her passed, looking up at him, figuring since the jacuzzi was nowhere to be seen yet, it'd be in here. When he opens it, she is surprised by the size of the windows.

She can't help but give a squinted skeptical look for just a moment, but since he sleeps in this room, she'll take his word for it. Taking a look around, before going over to the windows and looking out at the city. Looking around to take everything in, if this was his home, his bed had to be of the definition of sleeping on a cloud. )

I'll just have to take your word for it. It is a beautiful view... My favorite part has to be your kitchen. Looks fun to play around in.

( And also has his family mementos in as well. )

[As Lumine explores the room, Ajax moves to go set his wine glass down on a small table in the room, so he can rummage around in his dresser for a pair of swim trunks he can wear in the jacuzzi with her. Those get tossed onto the bed for the time being, joining her at the windows that overlook the city instead of opting to go into the master bathroom to change. The jacuzzi in question is right next to the windows, with a small set of steps that lead up into the area. The jacuzzi itself is built right into the raised floor, giving them both the beautiful view of the windows- just the way he wanted it.]

I'd say it's pretty fun myself. Learning how to cook a variety of foods has been a little side project of mine. Much to my surprise, the kids really like trying new things, so I'm always trying to find something new for them to eat when they visit. Maybe I can make something for you sometime?

[He's already got a few ideas of what to make her. Obviously something from Snezhnaya, he couldn't possibly be remiss in having Lumine try the cuisine of his homeland.]

That's good! It's not a good habit to be picky with food. Unless, they just enjoy the idea of big brother spending time with them, they'd eat anything.

( Amusement in her tone, thinking about the siblings just eating whatever to spend time with him. One day, she'd show her own humble abode, it won't be able to measure up to this. But hearing he wants to make something for her one day, she looks up at him with a smile. That'd be quite nice, she gets to try possibly a new dish or a new take of one she knows. Something tells her this isn't going to be a one time date, so she gives him a nod of her head. )

I'd like that. I'll be sure to come with an empty stomach to enjoy it.

( She's never had Snezhnayan dishes, so to be able to try something he wants to make for her would be great. Then she can even show off her own cooking skills for him one day. After all, she's gotten a few recipes from moving so much with Aether, she has plenty of recipes to try out. )

[Now that Lumine's brought it up, he does wonder if the kids eat some of the choices of food out of politeness for their big brother. Teucer gives father a hard time sometimes, but he definitely has a different relationship with them than his parents. They were raised to be polite kids, so it's certainly possible. He'll ponder on that later though~

It's nice to hear that she'd like it if he cooked for her. That tells him a lot about where Lumine is standing with him right now, and his shoulders seem to relax a bit as he lets out a happy little sigh. He can see it now, the two of them sitting down to a nice meal he's made in his dining room, having a nice dinner with each other and then they move on to have a nice night together too.]

Excellent. Then I'll make sure to have something in mind for next time.

[But for now, he turns around, heads back towards his wine glass to take a nice swig of it now, and picks his swim trunks up.]

I'm going to change quickly. I'm very excited for a relaxing soak, so I'll be right back.

[He heads into his bathroom, and no more than a few minutes later he's back out, putting his clothes into a hamper and bringing a few towels to the jacuzzi. His trunks aren't anything special, aside that they're covered in a little rubber duckie pattern...guess who picked those out for him.]

Bathroom's all yours, Lumine.

( Oops. She hopes she didn't unlock some sort of personal crisis to a possible scenario of his siblings being secret picky eaters. But she's sure he is a good cook and it'd be nice to get to try it. Perhaps she can even bring a dish of her own for him to try, perhaps a dessert for after his dinner. She just smiles with how happy he is just at the aspect of showing off his cooking skills in the kitchen. )

Hehe, I already can't wait to try it.

( She lets him go to get changed and she gives a quick nod, looking down into the jacuzzi, never seeing one in person. The different settings and it seems so complicated. Looking up to let a light giggle, his choice of swim trunks made him look much more endearing. She can guess two handfuls of people who would not let themselves be caught wearing those, but he could and works it. )

Those are a cute pair of swim trunks, hehe.

( With her bag on her arm, she goes in to the bathroom, securing the door. She takes another look around, before feeling secure to start undressing. Putting her dress and underwear in a neat pile to wear on her way back home. ~~She's wearing her Natlan bathing suit, because it's cute on her and I'm still not over it.~~ Once her wrap is tied on the side of her hip, she takes a deep breath.

Coming out of the bathroom to take another drink of her wine, smiling up at him, happy to try her first experience in a jacuzzi. )

What? Oh, haha, thanks...

[That's all Lumine will hear from him before she enters the bathroom to get changed herself. He'd grabbed them without thinking much about it, but her observation and compliment makes him a little too cognizant of what the pattern is on it. He feels his face get a little red and thanks everything that she can't see it. Figures he'd grab the trunks that his sibs picked out for him. It's not exactly the image he wanted to give Lumine of himself, but if she thinks they're cute and they look cute on him...

The click of the door opening breaks him from his reverie, looking back at the doorway to see Lumine in a really cute bikini with a matching wrap around her middle. His eyes grow a few inches as he takes her in, loving what he's seeing. Lumine definitely has some wonderful curves and a lean yet strong looking build to her, taking his breath away momentarily.]

I see why you made me wait...seeing it on you as a first viewing is an experience I wouldn't of wanted spoiled.

[Grabbing his glass as well, he turns to finally uncover the jacuzzi, letting the steam rise from it as the heat releases. The water bubbles from the jets inside, inviting them both in to enjoy the warm water. He offers a hand to her to take so she can step in safely, as soon as she's ready.]

I'm glad you like it. I love it myself.

( Lumine looked down at herself, smiling in bashful pride at his reaction to her swimsuit. As soon as she saw it, she was so happy to have found a matching wrap with it. His reaction to it definitely was worth waiting for as she blushes just a bit. Getting to take in his own body as he uncovers the jacuzzi, every muscle moving with just the slight movement.

Climbing up to stand by him as she waits, looking down at the water to see the bubbles from the jets. At his offered hand, she takes it in her free one and carefully climbs in. The first foot slow going in before she lets her whole body into the warm water. The heat soaking into her, soothing every ache she can possibly have in her body. This is a great investment indeed. She might just have to work hard to buy her own, because coming home after work in one of these would be amazing.

Returning the favor, she's stronger than she looks, even if he may be used to it alone, she holds her hand for him to take as well to get in safe. )

You've motivated me to buy my own jacuzzi now, hehe.

[Ajax watches on as she climbs into the water slowly, letting herself submerge into the warm water, looking as if it's already doing wonders for her. It makes him happy to see that, and he smiles down at her as he takes her hand now so he can step down completely and sit beside her in the jacuzzi. He also slowly lets himself submerge as he settles down right next to her, making sure his wine glass is right next to him as warmth washes over his body and the jets massage him.

Ajax sits back with a content sigh, letting his head rest against the back of the tub as he looks over to Lumine, expression lazy now as he relaxes.]

Have I? Haha, I'd recommend one if you've got the money and space for it. There's been too many times when I've come home and needed a good soak after a day's work. This really does a great job at letting your cares melt away.

[And like so many times before, Ajax unabashedly gets comfortable. That's why they came here, and he's not going to waste a second of it.]

So, for the rest of the night, I wouldn't mind if we didn't worry on any matters that are out of our hands for the moment. I'd much rather learn a little more about you, instead. So tell me, what does Lumine, master of flower arrangements like to do in her spare time? Besides take care of a perpetually hungry cat.

( Leaning back once he's in the water too, taking a sip of her wine, definitely selling her on getting hot tub for her home. She'd definitely have to get Aether to agree, so they can both enjoy it after hard days of work. Though she still gets hard days, despite many thinking her jobs pretty easy. Bridezillas and mother-in-laws are the worst for her. )

You should get a second job as a salesman, that's a pretty good pitch to get me to buy a jacuzzi.

( Letting a small chuckle at Paimon's high hunger, which she does spend a lot of time with her. She hums in thought, her time off she usually does them without even thinking that it's hard to even think. So, she gives a good one for now, at least. )

Hehe, besides spending time with Paimon, I also have a personal garden at home. That's where I grow my personal favorites. Aether lets me cover the home in all kinds of greenery. Before I got Paimon though, Aether and I used to go to fencing classes as a siblings activity. I also really like hiking, it's fun. I bought a carrier bag for me to wear so I can bring Paimon with me to get some fresh air.

( Paimon enjoys it, though one can say she only enjoys it because she has Lumine with her. But she turns to look at him, returning the question. )

How about you, Mr CEO? What do you do in your spare time, or the little you probably have for yourself?

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I'M FINALLY COMING BACK man that was rough

WELCOME BACK! feeling refreshed??

YES

oh good!!! ٩(＾◡＾)۶💛

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god i love her natlan bathing suit sm laskjdfl;djfa;jkfd

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