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

[monoceroscaeli]

[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.

Comments

[viatriix]

( Lacing her fingers once grasped in his soft hold, her finger and thumb on her other hand twitching in anticipation to pinch the top of his hand at the first sign of laughter. But the soft smile and the caress to her hand that gives her all the comfort in the world.

In fact, she's reassured and listens intently to his words, golden eyes staring into his as he compliments her dreams. Even share some envy for them, as she gives a squeeze of her his hand. )

It was always heartbreaking when the ones I want to remember are the ones that disappear as soon as I wake up.

( And he had to throw that wink in with the want to pick a fight with someone she may have completely made up. A smirk on her face, with a shake of her head. If her hand was free, she'd cross her arms and stare at him in amusement. )

Of course you'd want a crack at them. But who knows, you just might if your dreams get influenced now by my dreams. I will say, the fights always a tough one, equally matched, so you'd have to try extra hard.

( Leaning forward to press a quick kiss to his lips. )

Maybe if you win, I'll even give you a congratulatory kiss.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It is always like that, isn't it. The most important, vivid dreams are the ones that are so easily forgotten. It's too bad, but maybe she'll have another shot another night at trying to remember her dreams. He'll have to ask her as soon as they wake up together what she dreamed of, before it's lost to time.]

Oh?

[Seeing as he already got a little cute kiss from her now, the reward makes him want even more kisses. Sure, he could probably get a kiss from her anytime, but earning the kiss from her sounds even more fulfilling. He blinks a few times at her as his eyes get wide and glassy with his imagination clearly running wild now.]

Just imagine, I walk into this golden arena of yours, conquer this superpowered person with my hands and a broomstick alone. What kind of kiss could I claim for a feat like that?

[He's already imagining how cool he would look doing it too, beating some bad guy senseless all on his own, impressing Lumine and getting praised from her like he's the coolest person she's ever met...yeah. He'd love that.]

[viatriix]

( Lumine smiles, leaning back against the headboard, listening to his imagination. To hear how he plans to take on this dream man, the idea of watching him beat someone with a broomstick alone is amusing. She even can't stop the chuckle. )

The broomstick alone gave you extra points, I didn't expect that visual. Though, I'd be extremely impressed, I'd give you a free pass of any kiss you want, for that hilarious visual.

( What a great motivator she's found for him, seeming always eager for a kiss, which she doesn't mind one bit about giving. She'd give him as many kisses as he wants, but she won't tell him that. Though let's be real, him surviving any fight with a combat-craved loon with just fists and a broomstick, she'd give quite a smooch. )

What kind of kiss would you want for such an impressive feat?

[monoceroscaeli]

[He perks up like he's been given a great compliment, happy that she finds that as amusing as he does. Her laugh is like a little ray of sunshine, warming him and making him happy that he even got a second to experience it. Ajax smirks mischievously at her, leaning in a bit as he "contemplates" his choices.]

I'm not sure...you've been making me make decisions like this all night, haha. What about...

[He leans in closer, his eyes lidding heavily as he hovers next to her lips, looking down at them and then back up at her.]

...something like...

[He closes the tiny gap between them, to capture Lumine in a gentle, sweeping kiss. Simplicity is king, letting his lips do all the talking, languidly letting them brush against hers over and over, each motion a little deeper than the next until he finally breaks from her, breathless.]

Mmmmmmm...like that.

[viatriix]

( Watching him take on this moment with such ease, so entranced how easily he's able to take what he wants. Eyes lidding heavily to match his own as she watches him come closer to her lips.

The kiss gentle as she kisses him back, keeping the pace he creates. Bringing her free hand up to run through his hair, the kiss getting deeper a muffled chuckle into the kiss. Looking up at him once the kiss breaks, amusement in her expression. )

Mmm... I thought you'd want to show me what prize you'd want, but I'll be a bit more assertive with you.

( She wraps her arm around his neck to press another kiss to his lips, making sure not to let him deepen it. Sneaky man. Laying down on the bed, under the covers to get comfortable. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[For as long as Lumine will allow him to steal kisses from her, he'll always take advantage of it, enjoying the ghost of her lips upon his own after he breaks. Her hand in his hair feels delightful, making note to kiss her like this more often just so he can experience it time and time again.

Ajax gives Lumine an inquisitive look, wondering exactly what she means by "being more assertive," but finds out quickly- she steals a kiss from him just as easily as he had from her, surprising him a little before she's suddenly underneath the covers. His hand comes up to gingerly touch his lips, not realizing how quickly she'd ensnared him by his neck and went in to even the playing field between them.]

I see you've got a trick or two up your sleeve too, [he comments, smiling as he joins her under the covers.]

It almost feels like you're trying to make this a small little competition between us...

[Who can steal the most kisses from each other, that is. But then, it wouldn't be surprising if Ajax is just making up an excuse to have a competition at all, least of all a kissing competition where he feels like he really can't lose.]

[viatriix]

( The look on his face after her little sneak attack, her example of being 'more assertive' was well worth it. Happy to see that he wasn't the only one who can enchant her, as it works the other way around. Pulling at his arm to get him under the covers faster with her. )

Maybe I am or maybe not. Though I like to think I'd win.

( That was all talk, even she knows, despite her willingness to give him as many kisses as he wants, that he was bolder of the two to do it no matter where they were. Cheeks pink with adoration, her heart swelling at just the sight of him laying next to her. )

I have to keep you on your feet somehow, right?

( Besides, he'd also win with height, but she won't mention that. Lumine leans forward to press another kiss to his lips, before laying back on the pillows. Her free hand going to take his under the blankets. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Under he goes, sharing the blanket with Lumine as they both lie in bed with each other, giving him the perfect view to admire her from his side of the bed. She's cute from any angle...how lucky is he to be able to gaze upon her in this way. The kiss is welcome, and another point to Lumine in their kiss stealing game, but he doesn't mind. If she steals a thousand kisses from him, he still feels like a winner.]

I suppose so. I can't wait to see what other surprises you'll have for me.

[But he can also read the room here- it's probably best that they get some rest before tomorrow. He might get to rest on a Sunday if he wants, but Lumine is a small business owner and has a flower shop to run. So he scoots a bit closer to her, letting his head find the nook between her head and shoulder, fingers twining with hers as she takes his hand.]

Mmmmmm, but perhaps we should get some sleep, now shouldn't we. I wouldn't want to be the reason why your shop opens late tomorrow morning~

[Even though he would very much make himself the reason for it.]

Goodnight, Lumine. Don't forget our little rendezvous tomorrow. I still aim to beat you fair and square in some laser tag.

[viatriix]

( Eyes getting heavy with sleep, cuddling close in comfort and security, sleepy chuckles escape at his wish to not be the reason for her late opening. It's a good thing she doesn't have any commissions to be picked up that early, otherwise she'd have long ago had him take her home. Though, that was probably because she thought she'd be out of it, drinking wise. )

Anyone waiting outside, I'll be sure to give them your business number to make a formal complaint.

( Breath slowing down as she's succumbing to slumber, his bed was quite comfortable as well as having him by her side like this. To feel his breath against her skin, absentmindedly scratching his scalp like she would Paimon. )

Good night, Ajax... I'll be ready for it... Just know, you're... going down...

( She falls asleep easily, not realizing just how mentally exhausting the evening had gone. With the discovery of a possible past with Ajax, multiple rounds of sex, the warmth and comfort of his presence nearby. Snuggling closer to him as she wonders if she'll have another dream again. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[The slow rhythm of her hand in his hair soothes him, helping sleep come to take him away to a blissful dream realm. Even as she begins to fall asleep, she still tries to put up a fight as her eyes gently close and her breaths become deep and slow. The nice scratches to his head slow to an eventual stop, but he's already resigned to passing out along with her, the deal sealed with the flood of her warmth against him as his own eyes begin to flutter shut.]

Looking...forward to it.

[And as he ends his sentence, his body relaxes fully, and his consciousness ebbs away into a dreamscape full of battles for him to enjoy. All of the wondrous monsters and even the guy who wields water and lighting are challenged by him in his dreams, and he's never felt happier during the fights where he's joined by a golden-haired woman...]

---

[The next morning comes too quickly, and Ajax's eyes slowly begin to flutter back open, sunlight hitting them from the large windows that he'd forgotten to close before they fell asleep. Next to him is the gorgeous visage of Lumine, rays of light silhouetting her body perfectly as she lays next to him. But he's not the one who's got work today, so he cups her cheek and begins to call her name softly to wake her.]

Lumine...Lumine...~

[viatriix]

( Lumine... Lumine...~

That was a voice she doesn't immediately recognize, but it felt familiar. The rays of the sun turning her eyelids a tint of red, to try and capture sleep a little longer. But subconsciously, she knows she needs to get up from bed. Not that she's happy to do so. She was extremely comfortable here. Now she wished she had a spare change of clothes she can wash and get dressed in here.

Groaning awake, she stretches against the mattress, eyes squint open for just the quickest of peaks to spot a blurred orange figure. Finally fluttering open, a fist coming up to rub her eyes. That was a good sleep that she had in a while, body moving on its own to sitting up and stretching her arms up into the air with a small twist of her back.

Eyes closed, before looking at him slowly opening her eyes fully. Lithe fingers running through her blonde hair to try and fix it up, smiling down at him. )

Good morning...~ I hate that your bed is too comfortable...

( She almost doesn't even want to get out of it, but the bills of her home won't pay themselves. Kicking her legs out from under the covers and over the side of the bed. Quickly turning by the waist to lean down and plant a quick kiss to his lips in greeting, before getting up to get ready to head home so she can get ready for work. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax looks down at her smiling as she finally stirs awake. It must be telling that he finds her as glowing in the few minutes after waking up as he does when she's fully prepared for the day, happy that he gets to wake up to such a pristine picture. He laughs, not feeling sorry one bit for how comfy is bed is, as he watches her get out of bed and kiss his lips gently. Guess that means it's time for him to get up too, not being able to sleep knowing that Lumine is up and about in his home, so he throws his blankets aside and gets up himself.

He's not sure how much time she has, so he quickly follows her over to where she is to let his arms wrap around her middle from behind, pressing a kiss to the back of her head.]

I'll have breakfast ready for you when you're done getting ready. Meet me out in the kitchen.

[And as swiftly as he came, he immediately heads out to start to make something for her. When she finally shows up, she'll find he's made a few large blini, folded up into a triangle stuffed with strawberry jam or honey. He's made one with nutella as well, though not as traditional, still might hit that sweet spot for her. On the side is sour cream for her to dip them in, and milk to pair. The dishes all sit on the kitchen bar he has, atop the white and black marble table top.

He'll turn to greet her as the last blini comes off of the pan, making it with strawberry jam for himself.]

Go ahead, help yourself. I made a variety, and they're small enough that you can take them on the go if you need.

[viatriix]

( If memory serves her right, this door should be the bathroom. Before she can even reach the door, she feels his embrace, hands resting on his arms. The sweet kiss putting a smile on her face, turning just a tad to him. He was making breakfast for her? Well, she couldn't wait to see what he makes. )

Okay~

( Going to the bathroom to get herself decent, she grabs her bra and underwear, putting them on. Ugh, she has to get home to properly get ready for the day. Putting on the dress she wore to the wedding, her phone beeping to a message from Aether. Wondering where she was and if she was okay, she just lets him know that she will tell him later. Finishing with being decent, she goes to grab the scarf and wrap it around her neck, making sure to cover up the hickey he'd left.

Coming out of the room, she pokes her head out to see Ajax cooking, eyes widened at the sight of the dishes. They smelled so good and looked so appetizing. Fully stepping out to indulge in the sight alone and smell alone. )

Wow... These look amazing, Ajax. If I can, I'd definitely like to take some to work with me.

( For now she takes one of the honey ones, dipping it in the sour cream, to enjoy now. The hum she lets out as she takes in the sweet breakfast. She's quite happy with this for sure. )

Mm thank you, for breakfast. This is amazing. Saves me the trouble of getting something to eat before work.

[monoceroscaeli]

[When she finally appears, he notes how good she looks in that dress, now accented by the scarf he'd given her. It hides the hickey just fine, but now it looks even more at home wrapped around her neck, solidifying the feeling he has that it should be left in her care. The look on her face once she spots all the food was well worth the preparation, and he'll gladly accept her compliment on his work.]

Haha, let me pack some for you. I used to do this for my siblings all the time.

Ajax fishes out a small lunch bag from somewhere in the depths of his kitchen to put a few of the folded blini into a glass container, laughing to himself.]

But I'm glad you like it. It's an easy thing to make, and it always hits the spot. Try it with some sour cream, you might like it.

[He grabs a drink from the fridge too, setting it inside of the bag for her as a little something she can eat at work.]

[viatriix]

( The pleasant feeling settling in nicely as she looks up at him mid-bite to him packing some up for her. Surprise but grateful, she didn't expect to him to use one of his containers for her. )

Well, they are very, very lucky to have a good older brother. I should bring something for you next time.

( Though Aether was the professional cook, Lumine was not amateur in the kitchen. They had a set schedule themselves on who cooks on what day. Reaching for the small cup of sour cream to dip it in as recommended by the chef himself. Brows raise, the taste was different but so good! Ah she is enjoying every bite, going for another dip in the sour cream. )

Is this another pastry from Snezhnaya? ( Oh, she just remembered too. ) You promised to give me the recipe for the other dish you brought out last night.

( Those were absolutely immaculate and she wants to make sure she has some available even when she's away from Ajax. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Since the blini seems to be a success, he'll file that in the back of his head as something to make for Lumine going forward. Ajax will look forward to tasting the dishes that Lumine can make, thankful that she's offered. He offers her a mischievous smile however, before finishing up packing her lunch and setting the bag out for her to take when they leave.]

Hah, I wasn't sure if you'd remember. I'll give you that recipe after our date tonight. After all, more dates is the price of a protected, coveted family recipe.

[Swinging around the counter, he places a kiss to her cheek, before grabbing his own blini and eating a bit himself before they have to leave to drop her off at her own apartment.]

But, I'll give you this one for free, the blini that is. It's not a pastry really, it's more akin to a pancake that you can put any sort of topping on that you'd like. I'm sure your brother would like it as well, it's quite popular where I'm from.

[viatriix]

( Perhaps she can make something before their date, she'll see how she's feeling afterwards. Looking to where he placed the bag and crossed her arms with a raised brow, smile showing no hostility in her posture. How cruel to hold the desired recipe hostage. )

That just shows how good they were. Now will you give it to me after tonight or after so many more dates?

( Tilting her head to present her cheek at the familiar gesture, continuing to dip it in sour cream. Aether would definitely like this, he has a similar sweet tooth, or trusts her taste. She hopes to perfect it to Ajax's standard. )

Alright, I'll take the deal. I definitely think he'll enjoy it. He is quite fond of sweets almost as much as I am.

( She goes to the living room coffee table to grab her purse that she had left there. Coming back to eat as much as she can so none goes to waste. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[With that, when she goes to get her purse, he quickly grabs a little notebook and begins to write the blini recipe in it for her. He might have to teach her a little bit on how to pour the batter into the skillet correctly, but he also makes sure to write it in just as a reference for when she finally does it on her own.

As soon as she's back, he slips her the paper, waiting patiently for her to eat to her heart's content.]

Lumine, before we leave and I forget...did you have any notable dreams last night?

[He pulls out the other chair to sit, leaning his arm on the counter while finishing up his own blini. Ajax's eyes betray his intent to listen, curious if she dreamt more about her scarf, or fighting powerful foes.]

[viatriix]

( Taking the recipe with a smile, reading through everything and she can see the extra note he made in it for her. Putting it in her purse when she's done so she can put it in hers and Aether's cook book. It not until she finishes her fair share of breakfast that she empties the cup of milk, before taking it to his sink. )

A notable dream?

( Mid washing, she hums in thought, before giving a nod of her head. )

I did dream of fighting a huge whale, with a cool looking guy, and then I saw you... But you were unconscious and someone threw you into a portal?

( She isn't sure how to interpret that dream, it was extremely strange and she didn't understand much. )

Nothing too noteworthy in explaining this connection between us.

[monoceroscaeli]

[That's definitely on the list of weird dreams, he'll admit. What's notable to him is that he was in it, and that it involved a whale...

The look on Ajax's face turns from intrigue to somewhat unsettled as she describes it to him. He wouldn't say it's not noteworthy at all, and he looks down at the counter for a moment.]

...I wouldn't go that far. Most of that seems like you can chalk it up to having a strange dream, but...

[He breathes out a sigh, thinking on it all. Her too...?]

...never mind for now. I shouldn't be holding you up when you need to open your shop. I'll explain myself later, maybe after we have our little bit of fun at laser tag tonight. We can talk about it over some coffee afterwards. What do you say to that?

[viatriix]

( The look on his face had her confused, wondering what it was he was going to say. Brows scrunched, unsure if she's okay with being left curious, but he was right. She can't open her shop too late, so she'll concede with the decision to hear his thoughts after laser tag. )

Alright, though I'm curious now what you were going to tell me.

( She grabs the bag he sweetly packed for her to take, sure she's taken everything with her. Before rushing back to his room, going to the hot tub and with a blush, she grabs her bathing suit. Putting it away in her original bag from the store, she comes out with a nod heading to stand at the door. )

Forgot something. Coffee at night, you want to keep me up all night? ( Voice laced with a teasing tone. )

let's time skip to the laser tag imo! I can write it if you'd like, he can pick her up again

[monoceroscaeli]

[He supposes it's really his fault for making her curious. But the last thing he ever wants to do to her, or anyone he cares about, it worry unduly about something. Especially something you can't control, like a dream.

He finishes off his last blini before grabbing his car keys, ready to take her home so she can get to her business. He's already waiting for her after she grabs her bikini, and follows along with her to the door.]

I'm not opposed to keeping you up all night.

[He says with a wink, opening the door so they can leave.]

But, I'll let you make that call. Let's go, before a line congregates at your shop's door, demanding for it to open, haha.

yes!! i agree with a timeskip here!

[viatriix]

Mhm, then I'll point towards your work building to send the complaints to.

( Lumine walks with him to his car, holding his free hand as he takes her home. Leaning in for a farewell kiss, before hurrying to her apartment to get ready for work, Paimon rushing over and jumping into her arms. Meowing at her as if telling her off for leaving all night. It was an easy day, Paimon did not leave her side at the store, and if she needed to use her hands, Paimon jumped to her shoulders, but she got quite good business.

After hurrying home to get herself ready for her date, her heart pounding as she felt nervous and excited. Pressing a cold spoon she had put in the freezer earlier to her hickey, getting an outfit (#1) together. Nothing fancy at all, plus she can easily blend in during laser tag.

Once she hears her phone go off with a text, she gets everything together. Going Paimon to press kisses to her, apologizing for leaving again for a bit. She quickly says bye to Aether with a tight hug, hurrying out the door. She already had a conversation with Aether about not being home all night, and she apologized as she remembered she didn't tell him that she was staying over with the 'friend'.

Seeing Ajax, she smiled and waved, walking to his side. )

Ready to be defeated?

[monoceroscaeli]

[The buzzing feeling of Lumine's kiss upon his lips as he drops her off is like an ever-burning fuel that powers the rest of his day. He makes a few preparations back at his penthouse for later, but he really can't get his mind off of Lumine the entire day. The clocks ticks so slow, and he wishes that time would hurry up and get to their designated time so he can meet her at the laser tag place for some good, healthy competition against Lumine.

When he thinks about it, it's such a strange choice for a date with a girl he just met. And yet, it seems like a perfect activity for the both of them, so he doesn't think twice about it.

But where Lumine chose an outfit that was stylish despite the physical activity they'd be doing, he chose something far more casual- good walking shoes paired with jeans and a red, open collared shirt over a plain grey t-shirt, sleeves rolled up. A silver necklace with what looks like a strange diamond metal button hangs from his neck, completing the perfect outfit for running around and maybe hitting somewhere else afterwards.]

Defeat me? Hah, perhaps in your wildest dreams.

[Date or not, he's going to revel in a little shit-talking. It's so much more fun that way.]

Have you been here before? I can give you the low-down on the rounds. There's instructors in there too, but I wouldn't want to have a showdown with you where you'd be at a great disadvantage.

[viatriix]

No, I've only ever seen them in movies. I don't know how accurate it is to this place.

( Looking up at the building, she's quite excited, despite this being an unconventional first date, it sounded super fun. It was different and she rather liked that he thought of something more fun to do together. But she's willing to take on any challenge and listen to his brief summary of how it works. )

Do you wear a body strap with a big circle that only the gun can activate?

( Turning to him to listen to anything she needs to know before hand, as she's sure he'd want a fair fight. It really wouldn't be fun to win with a beginners disadvantage? Honestly, as competitive as she is, just having fun with him is also all she really wants. It's just a plus to win. It's probably also why she probably over dressed, but she's comfortable like this. The choice was either a skirt or short dress, plus she has to cover up his mark he'd left on her. )

But I'm ready to have some fun. This was a good idea, Ajax.