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

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

[Ajax shoots a balled up, crumpled piece of paper into the basket next to him as he waits for the appointed time.

It's a bit below his station to do so, but on occasion, the CEO of Nizhnii Corp likes to surprise people and pop into interviews or other people's offices. He gets restless in his own office, not always enjoying having to deal with the board of directors or investors. There were many that say he doesn't really fit his position, that his demeanor wasn't good for being the CEO of a company. Diplomacy was never his strong suit, but despite that the company still managed to flourish. Happy employees always made for better work- and though Ajax himself was a ruthless businessman, he still treated all his subordinates like they were family.

And that's how Nizhnii ended up with such a good reputation, and how he finds it so easy to find good applicants.

Today was no exception, and Ajax plans on making a surprise appearance for this part-timer who's hoping to land a job here. Adjusting his cufflinks on his suit as he walks down the hallway, he makes his way towards the conference room where they generally conduct interviews- and he tells HR that he'd like a little time with the potential hire first. She's already gone through their first interview, and passed it with flying colors, so now he's interested to see who exactly it is who's gotten the interest of their hiring managers. He's timed it so she should be waiting in the conference room already, provided she wasn't late- but he's sure that he wouldn't have to worry about that.

The first thing he does is pop his head in, smiling warmly at the girl waiting patiently for someone to come in to start the interview, before coming in and walking up to her.]

Good morning! Sorry to keep you waiting. I had a small matter to attend to before I was able to come down. I'm Ajax Volkov, it's a pleasure.

[He offers a hand for her to shake, before he'll politely take a seat across from her at the table.]

HR will be with us shortly, but I thought I'd take some time to get to know you a little better before we start asking the stuffy, boring questions of the interview. I hope that's alright.

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[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?

[Ajax snorts at the idea of getting a second job as a salesman. He already wheels and deals enough in the business world, though the idea of it is fun. Getting to meet people where they are, talking to them and gathering information while making sales...well, that's where you have to start, right? The only problem is time, there really isn't enough time in a day to get everything done that you want to.

But his attention is focused completely on Lumine as she tells him more about herself. Having a garden, that sounds like something she'd have given her profession, and hiking is a pretty all-around liked activity for a lot of people. But colored him surprised when she says that she used to do some fencing. Lumine is strong-willed, he knows, but there's still a line between that and participating in actual fighting, whether it be with fists or with swords.]

Me? Well, I have a few hobbies I like to participate in. Cooking, as you know, is one of them, but I also rather enjoy going out ice fishing whenever we travel back to Snezhnaya with my siblings. That's where I was born and raised before coming here.

[He looks excited to talk about his homeland- even his voice has brightened a little bit.]

But I think my favorite hobby is martial arts and weapons training. I compete in competitions as much as I can with my schedule, and I often take weeknights to go train and work on my skills. I'm rather interested in your fencing skills...

[Please...fight him...Lumine...]

( Lumine tilts her head as she listens with interest, perhaps that would be a good thing to have both Aether and Ajax bond over. Aether loves cooking and though Lumine knows her way around the kitchen, Aether loves it. It'd be really nice to go and see Snezhnaya, though she'd have to bundle up extra layers to survive. But ice fishing sounds like fun, of course she'd want to participate.

But it's always so nice to see and hear how happy he gets talking about his homeland or family. Let's be real.... She's not surprised by his build he's into martial arts or weapons training, even competed in competitions. Letting a chuckle escape at his sudden interest in her skills, giving a light shrug. )

Are you going to challenge my fencing skills the same way you've challenged my laser tag skills? ( Raises a brow with a smirk. )

I've also dabbled in gymnastics and like to use it with my fencing. Though, not to brag, I also have won a few local competitions too.

( She takes a drink of her wine to hide her prideful smile at also bragging about her own medals as well. )

[Well, isn't she full of surprises. His eyes widen and brighten even more knowing that Miss Lumine here seems to have a bunch of hidden talents. Ajax can already feel himself getting excited at the prospect of challenging her to a duel, and the thought of crossing blades with her, a woman he's so interested in is just incredibly alluring to him...how lucky! If they weren't taking the time to chill and relax in the face of something extraordinary happening to them, he'd ask her to spar right now.

But this is supposed to be a nice, stress-free time to spend quality time which each other, so he curbs his insatiable hunger for battle for the sake of Lumine.]

I'm better with a sword than with a gun, so expect that fight to be a lot harder.

[(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧]

It wouldn't do for two champions not to go head to head. Maybe another day, we can test our skills against one another. I would have never guessed you would be interested in that kind of thing...what got you into it, praytell?

( Oh, who know one can be excited at just the idea of being able to challenge someone who knows their way around a sword. She will gladly take him on in a duel, someone who she doesn't know their skills like she does her brother. But right now, she was promised relaxation in a jacuzzi. )

Next chance we meet, we should definitely test out your skills.

( Hearing his question to what got her into it, she scrunched her brows in thought. Trying to go back to her whole life, before giving a short shrug. She really can't come up with an awe-inspiring story about her learning it to overcome the hardships of being alone with just her brother. But that was just in fairy tail books. )

My brother and I would watch a lot of pirate movies when we got to sit and watch them, played pirates, and thought it'd be fun to learn how to actually learn how to use it. Nothing really important or special, honestly.

( Lumine smiles back at him, taking a drink of her wine, the finishing her glass. She didn't noticed her earlier nerves had her drinking it faster than she normally did. )

And you? Do you have a special little story for how you got into it as well?

[Sounds like to him that it's on now. They're gunna have a great duel and he's going to be so happy about it, if his expectations are met. He hopes she doesn't disappoint him with all that bragging she just did, but still. What a catch she is. So he keeps listening, very intent on learning what Lumine's background is on this. He looks like a mischievous little puppy, wagging his tail at her yet being so focused and attentive to her. Even if their reasoning for getting into it isn't something glamorous, it's still good enough.

He too, takes a drink of his wine, remembering he had it now. Lumine distracted him...]

I wouldn't say I have a story. I've always been fascinated by combat and weapons, and I don't really know why. That's...probably not the greatest thing to admit to when you're getting to know a girl, is it...

[He scratches his cheek with a solitary finger, looking nervous like he'd admitted to something that should (rightfully) scare anyone off. How does he explain it without revealing how much of a freak he is about fighting...]

Hahahaha...but, it always looked fun, and when I finally got the chance to try it for myself, it was as fun as I'd always imagined. So I stuck with it, got really good, and now I get to compete doing it. It's very fulfilling for me, and I don't know if I could really live without it.

( It should be loads of fun, she gets to practice while also showing off how strong she was. She prides herself on how strong she is, despite her smaller frame. But she doesn't expect to have all of his attention like she has now, smiling a little bashfully. She's lucky he distracted himself with his own drink otherwise she'd be a blushing mess. But at least she'd have an excuse of the warm water.

Hearing his fascination with combat and weapons, should definitely scare her just a bit. But for some reason... She already knew such, like it isn't as surprising as it should be. As though she's always known how passionate he is about fighting... )

Well, no, I don't think I've met anyone who finds it fascinating, hehe. But I feel like I'm not surprised at all...

( But she will be colored impressed if he can go toe-to-toe with herself. She was top of her class after all. )

I'll have to go to one of your competitions to see you in action then. Even cheer you on when you win. I don't do as many competitions like I used to, but if I ever did one, I'll even invite you.

[Ajax thinks briefly that there shouldn't be any reason why Lumine shouldn't be surprised by his interest in fighting, until he remembers that there's something really strange going on with the two of them that neither can put their finger on. But in a way, that's a relief. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let her in on his obsession, and if he's lucky, maybe she'll join in with him. She seems interested.]

I'd love it if you came. And I'd love it even more if I could attend a tournament of your own.

[He'd never turn down the chance to go to something like that. It's his lifeblood, his real joy in life aside from his family and perhaps Lumine now. He'd be so happy to go to a tournament of Lumine's to see her in action, and be proud of her accomplishments.]

I don't know why, but I get the feeling that I'll be seeing you win more often than not. You know, have you ever done judged routines with a weapon? Like, a bowstaff or the like?

Sure, the moment I have time to sign-up for one, I'll let you know.

( She wouldn't mind joining him in his obsession, why it's a fun hobby she also enjoys. Maybe not as much as he does, but it's fun to take part in. Hearing him say he thinks he'd see her win more than lose put a prideful smile on her face. She was really good, only going toe-to-toe with her brother. So, she'd take full pride in how he's able to automatically tell she's quite the winner, but she won't brag. )

No, I haven't... That does sound like quite a bit of fun. I assume you've joined in those judged routines? If so, what was, or would be, your weapon of choice?

( It's quite fun to go through these types of questions and learn things about each other, find similarities or differences. What's 'familiar' or unexplained knowledge that isn't surprising. )

[Perfect. He nods back to her, excited to go to a tournament she's in...maybe he'll even sign up for it himself if he can. Then they could really go together, and that sounds even better than just attending.]

It would be a better question to ask which weapon I wouldn't use in such a competition. I pride myself in being able to master several different kinds of weapons, and I'm never picky in my choice of which I use.

[Sure, there might be a couple of weapons that just aren't tournament-usable, but that's if you're a quitter. ;)]

I've used a variety- swords, glaives, staves, scythes- you name it, I've probably used it. Now, what I haven't done is a partners routine. I think that would be fun.

( Color her impressed that he's able to be skilled in all of these weapons, and even able to succeed in winning a bunch with each of them. She's only ever practiced with a sword, taking gymnastics to throw into her own swordplay. )

Wow, I'll say that's quite impressive. I've only ever used swords.

( Hearing he would like to do a partners routine, she let a smile escape. She's done a couple of partner routines, those she always did with Aether, so she's quite accustomed to it. Tilting her head at him with amusement. )

Partner routines are quite fun. I did them a lot with Aether and we've won a few medals for it too. You should definitely give it a try.

( She teases, not able to help the fact that he probably would want to join in with her. Though she'd have to be persuaded to partner with him and not her brother. )

[Taking another sip of wine, he smiles slyly at her- he knows what she's doing here. Ajax cozies up to Lumine a bit more, scooching himself right into her side with his arm swinging around to wrap around her shoulders.]

Well, I was thinking...since I've never done it before, and it seems you've got plenty of experience winning in the category, that perhaps you'd like to join me for one particular routine in a tournament sometime? I'm a quick learner.

[One last sip is taken from the wine glass, before it gets put up on the side of the jacuzzi, leaving him free to give Lumine his full attention again.]

I have a feeling that the two of us participating as a team would prove to be an unstoppable force. I think we'd do pretty good together, don't you?

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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