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

[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.

[monoceroscaeli]

I'm glad you think so. It's like the old Mondstadt saying goes, war brings out the worst and the best in people...though this is not nearly as serious, we'll see what you'll do to try to defeat me.

[He smirks, before he launches into the explanation of laser tag. How you have to wear a whole vest that has different panels on it that flashes and makes sounds when you get hit, and how there's a sensor on the gun itself that you have to keep your hand on in order to fire, to how there are bases within the course that you can also shoot for points. He also explains there's teams...and that they can be on the same team for a few rounds if they want.
When he's finished, he smiles and sets his arms akimbo.]

Got all that? It'll take more than just shooting me to win. Why don't we go inside now? The best way to prove oneself is to start- and I'm feeling fairly confident I'll come out on top.

[The inside of the laser tag building is dark, to match the theme of the activity. Iridescent, neon lights and TV screens line the walls, showing the scores of the last group that went. There's other people here too, so they'd be playing against more than just each other, both adults and children alike. Ajax looks like he's right at home, excited to compete.]

[viatriix]

I'd hate to have to break that confidence down quite a bit once I win.

( Lumine gives him a nod at the end of his explanation, it sounds quite overwhelming and much more difficult than a simple fencing matchup. Like they say, it'll be much better learning experience just going in and doing it. Arms crossed confidently, before walking in with him. Immediately enthralled by the design of the place, looking at all the screens. )

I'm already feeling quite excited to compete.

( However he wishes to play, they can team up or play opposites, getting in line with him. Taking a look around, everyone was wearing dark colors, getting super into the roles of the game. Lumine is confident even in her bright white top, she's going to get a huge victory. )

I wonder how many will get upset that they lost to a beginner at this game. Do you bring your siblings along to play?

[monoceroscaeli]

That's quite the confidence you've got there. As a matter of fact, I do on occasion- and Anthon's proven to have a good shot. You haven't met him yet, but he'd love to go a round with you, I'm sure of it.

[Thankfully, since it's Sunday, the place isn't too packed with people. Ajax pays for them both, and guides Lumine to get in line where the next session would take place. Soon enough, everyone's lead into a dark room where the rules are explained and teams are chosen, and the game masters release them to pick up their vests.

Ajax picks up the blue lighted vest for his team, slipping it on over him and making sure his laser works.]

Any last words? We'll be enemies for the next twenty minutes...and I won't go easy on you just because you're new.

[viatriix]

That'd fun, that way I can get to know your siblings. I can even bring Aether, it'll be a family fun time. He's just as competitive as I am.

( She can see other people all wore dark colors and she stuck out like she was ready to get eliminated quickly. But, she's confident, following him in line, listening carefully to the rules and teams. Going over to the red led vest and smirking up at him as she puts it on. )

Give me all you've got. I'll make sure my team wins, I have the height advantage after all. And you'll be beaten by someone new.

( Lumine follows his lead in checking to make sure her laser works, teasingly pointing it to his vest already. The two will just have to see how everything goes. Going off with her team, feeling her competitive and combative side kick in. Also to prove to him just how impressive she really is. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[He smirks at her one last time before they go their separate ways, into an arena that's dark and lit up by LED lights and ramps. There are two bases, that have a small dome on the wall within an enclosed area, and the teams start at their designated spots. When the game begins, EDM music blares out, and Ajax starts his go through the darkened maze. Mirrors line a particular hall at the bottom of the room, and he maneuvers through it carefully as opponents pop around corners to try to shoot him.

On occasion, he gets hit and his vest and gun turn off, until the timer resets and it turns back on again allowing him to participate. But he's got his eyes peeled for one particular girl. Even though he's doing his best not to get shot, who he really cares about has yet to be seen as he makes his way towards the enemy base.

Ajax pokes his head around a particular corner, looking for her- where could she of gone? The place is pretty big, but surely he'd eventually run into her...probably at the most unexpected moment.]

[viatriix]

( The LED was absolutely disorienting, however she was ready to use whatever advantages she can to win. Blaring music throughout the arena helped in hiding her already light steps. Going out to look for Ajax, taking out a couple of enemies while also getting hit by some of the more hardcore players. If her vest wasn't glowing, she feels like she'd have the sneak advantage.

Lumine looks around with quickness as she scans the area, before she can spot him on the other side of the room. Smirking, she makes sure to look for others, to not get found out, as she quietly, makes her way with quick steps.

Now, she's doesn't know if she can quickly get away from him after attacking before his gun resets, but she was willing to give it a shot. Aiming carefully, she hurries in to shoot his vest, before turning the corner into her team's base. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[Suddenly, without warning, his vest powers down as Lumine's shot hits him. Ajax spins around, looking around to see who's shot him only to catch a very short glimpse of someone turning a corner to hide back in the enemy's base. It wasn't enough to know who it was that shot him, only that that's the person who probably did...and he aims to get revenge.

Ajax quickly starts towards their location, not knowing that the target he's been seeking the whole time is the one who's just shot him- and his heart pounds faster as he takes his time moving there to wait till the vest and gun power back up after the cooldown period. He presses himself to a wall, not daring to poke his head in quite yet for fear of being seen too early, waiting for his gun to activate. And with a electronic sound, the cooldown ends and his gun and vest light up back to life as he whips himself around the corner right into the enemy's base to see the one who'd shot him- Lumine!

The second he sets his sights on her, something...changes. The area around him begins to fade away slowly from the inside of a laser tag arena to a tangled, humid rainforest with plenty of trees and a landscape that's abundant with twisty, rugged trails all around them, not unlike the terrain of the very arena he was just in. And in front of him is a girl, clad in a white dress, with her name on the tip of his tongue-

Lumine.

In his hand is no longer a laser gun made for cheap entertainment, but a bow that's blue and white as the pristine North where originates from. Ajax isn't sure why he's holding a bow, nor does he understand what's happening, only that he knows that girl is the one he saw in his vision.]

Lumine-

[He calls out, slowly approaching, feeling his boots sink into the shallow mud of the rainforest floor. He looks at her with shock and surprise, not knowing where they are or what's happening.]

Where are we? It's so hot I could pass out...

[And just as suddenly as it came, the hallucination shifts back to reality, and the laser tag arena fills his vision once more with Lumine standing right in front of him, her vest glowing.

?????????]

[viatriix]

( Lumine silently chuckles, thinking she got away, especially when the footsteps stop chasing after her. Looking around for anyone who snuck into the team's base, heart pounding in thrill and exhilarating fun. Gold eyes scanning with quickness for any tint of blue, as well as for Ajax's location. Unsure if he went another way or not.

The moment she feels eyes on her she whips around with a smirk, gun raised and ready to shoot until she's halted in shock. Golden eyes widen, a gasp escaping her, taking a look around the 'arena' that was gone and now they were outside. She's been here before, whipping around in shock, taking it all in. And her eyes instantly land on the only other person there and she's flabbergasted. There was Ajax, dressed just like the guy she fought in the gold palace in her dream!!

Tartaglia?

It's what she wants to call him as she looks down and sees she's not in her own outfit, but the dress as well as the scarf he'd gifted her their first night. A sword in her hand instead of her laser gun. Unsure why she answers so calmly and clearly, as though this was normal when it isn't! )

You said you wanted a fight with a challenge!

( Lumine blinks and the next thing she knows it's dark and their back in the arena, looking down at her outfit to see she was in her own clothes again. Breath caught in her throat, surprise and shock filling her entire being. Just what was that? Lips part as though to say something, anything, but she's absolutely flabbergasted she can't even bring her arm up to shoot his vest. )

W-what...

[monoceroscaeli]

[The temperature goes back to normal once the vision ends, no longer sweltering in the humidity of a rainforest but back to the air conditioned arena with glowing lights and man-made fog coming out of small hoses in the walls from time to time. He feels the weight of the vest on himself once more, and the laser gun in his hand, but all he can do is stare at Lumine in disbelief. He can't make heads or tails of what she shouted at him given the shock of it all, and now she looks as shocked as he feels.

Ajax looks down to the laser gun, suddenly remembering what they were doing and quickly shoots her with hit, as if the mere action would snap him out of this strange reverie he's found himself in to bring him back to reality. But it really doesn't work, because what he saw felt so real, and he finally has an answer to the girl he saw in his previous vision with a white dress on.]

Ah....

[He doesn't know what to say, and finds himself wondering now...will it happen again?]

Lumine...did you see what I just saw?

[viatriix]

( Stare... That's all she can do, was stare at him, as though keeping her eyes on him would trigger whatever happened again. The vest felt heavy on her shoulders, her arms barely able to lift the laser gun as though it weighed a ton. Why? She saw him in that 'enemies' clothing... So, why does their deja vu at the wedding feel like they were long lost lovers or something?

The noise of getting shot, her red fading, as she rapidly blinks to try and pull herself together. Her heart pounding as she looked up at him with confusion, glad that he saw it too, though it isn't too reassuring. If it hadn't happened before, then she'd think they were crazy. )

We were in a forest! You were dressed like the water guy in my dream I told you about...

( She composes herself, shaking her head as she lets the biggest breath escape pink lips. Why couldn't these things be more direct and not so sporadic? )

But... the weather and temperature felt just like a rainforest...

[monoceroscaeli]

[The look on her face tells him everything. She doesn't even care that he's shot her, so he drops the gun and lets it hang by the strap it's attached to on the vest, walking over to her so they can have a conversation without eavesdroppers hearing them shout over loud EDM music. Lumine looks just as shaken as he feels, and absolutely nothing makes sense.]

I felt like I was there too. Though it's clear we really never left the building here.

[So what was that? He wishes he knew...this shouldn't be happening, it shouldn't even be possible. That's a hell of a strong shared hallucination between the two of them. And who ever heard of a legitimate shared hallucination?]

Though, I find it interesting that you saw me dressed as your villain you've fought against in your dreams...don't tell me you really think of me that way.

[Said with a small wink and a smile, trying to at least lighten the mood just a little bit so they can start to think a little clearer.]

[viatriix]

( With him moving closer, they can not strain their ears over the loud music. Huffs of confusion as she shook her head in an answer, looking up at him with confusion. )

When I said we might have more visions as we spend time together, I didn't think that was how it would happen.

( She'd have to see if Aether had anything like this happen to him. Because how on Earth was this possible? Though his mood lightener did let her chuckle in amusement that he feigned worry that she saw him as a villain. His composure over this happening helped calm her nerves down. )

It makes sense, I did not like or respected you when we first met, after all. But we're on friendlier terms now.

( And in payback, she shoots his vest back in return to his shot earlier that helped her get out of her surprise. )

[monoceroscaeli]

[He couldn't of imagined this is how their visions would happen either. While he's glad for the insight they bring, this is definitely the weirdest time for them. He's about to give her some kind of cheeky response back for that comment though, when she shoots him in retaliation. He lets out a little gasp at being taken by surprise, looking down at his now powered down vest before looking back up at her with a smirk.]

Shooting me isn't indicative friendlier terms, I'll have you know.

[It was very cute though, in his eyes. Taking advantage of him when his guard was down was a good move, and it only makes his heart beat a little harder for her.]

But maybe if we play this game a bit more, we can get that vision to come back. I don't know how it triggered, but if we can get it again, maybe we can glean something new from it. Want to have a little bit of fun, but right here in the base? We aren't allowed to leave this little room, and can only use the small amount of walls and cover provided inside of it. What do you say?

[viatriix]

I like to think otherwise, its friendlier terms only for us.

( The gasp was cute as well as him looking both at his vest and back to her with a pleasing smile on her face. Though she's initially confused to this new 'game' in a game he's making up. Standing straighter understanding the new 1v1, if just playing this game caused that huge of a vision, continuing to play against each other should work again. )

Okay, I agree, at least now we won't get taken by surprise again.

( She's mentally prepared for it, making sure she doesn't get shocked by the switch up. It was still jarring, but they have to figure out what these visions mean. Taking a few steps back and away from him, readying her gun in her arms. )

[monoceroscaeli]

And hopefully we'll be able to maintain it longer because it's no surprise anymore.

[Who would've thought this cute date of theirs would lead to something more? He's not complaining, in fact his curiosity is at its peak wondering if they could conjure the vision again so they can make more sense of everything. He readies his own gun, grinning at her as he walks away to find a portion of this room that has a small little cover wall that he can crouch behind.]

Get ready. Let's take this seriously, and see if it helps to bring that vision back.

[He disappears as he crouches down, and their battle begins. Ajax quickly moves across the back of the wall, not daring to pop his head up over it so he can sneakily move to a different position to his left, hoping Lumine doesn't realize that he never intended in staying in the same spot she saw him disappear in. He only pokes his head around the corner of the wall to see where she's gone, still low to the ground but cautious.]

[viatriix]

( A firm nod in agreement to his assessment, both of them mentally prepared now for the strange event. Gun at the ready, she watches him closely with a challenging smirk on her face. She was definitely ready, quickly scanning the small enclosure of her team's base. )

I'm ready to take this seriously. I'll even make sure my team wins while we're at it too.

( Lumine quickly runs off to hide behind her own wall, remembering where he dove behind. Feeling like she needs to be quick before he changed spots, she takes a long look around. Once she's sure she's in the clear, she hurries over to where he initially hid, gun at the ready before it revealed empty. Quickly hiding in that same spot now that she had no idea where he was. Kneeling on the ground, she takes a small peak around the corner for him. )

Where'd you go...?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Not seeing her from his initial peek around the corner, he quietly moves again, coming around full circle before he wonders to himself if she went to check his old position. Changing direction, he circles back around again to find that she's got his back to him, checking around the corner herself to see if she can get a glimpse of him. Grinning, Ajax quietly creeps up on her before saying:]

Right here.

[And shoots her vest once, causing it to power down- but triggers something else.

Their world shifts once again to the same rainforest, with bushes now replacing the cover walls and wooden twined paths replacing the ramps that littered the arena. Humidity hits Ajax in the face once again, but this time he's ready for it, and prepared for the scene he sees in front of him. The bow is in his hands, but he's clearly not actually fired it due to the lack of a wound in Lumine's back- all he sees is a beautiful blonde woman in a white dress with blue accents crouched down who was peeking around a bush a second ago.

He breathes out a sigh of amazement, at both the fact that this strange illusion is happening again, and at the natural beauty of Lumine in front of him. It seems natural for her to be dressed this way, and that same sense of familiarity surrounds the both of them. As if he's been here before, shared this experience more than once with her.]

Lumine?

[He says as he offers a gloved hand, black with a strange horned crystal on the back.]

Let's play along, see if we can prolong this. Let me help you stand.

[viatriix]

( By the time she hears him behind her, it's already too late, whipping around only to hear her vest power down. An annoyed pout turned to absolute amazement, watching their environment return back to the same rainforest. Looking down at her dress, memorizing it and looking down to see the scarf around her again.

Parts of her outfit glowing green, taken out of her amazement, she looks up at him, then his hand. Her own, she notices are fingerless except for her thumb, instantly reaching for his own, before getting up to her feet. Sword in held firm in her other hand. )

Thanks. I'm quite alright with playing along to whatever this memory is.

( Absolutely strange, the grass under her hand earlier felt so real as though she remembers exactly how it felt. Soon a vague memory came back with taking in his appearance, strong with authority; the memory causing a chuckle to escape. )

Looks like you won't be able to fight yourself now, huh?

( But they had their weapons out for a reason, were they fighting an enemy? She takes a quick look around. Nothing. Were they fighting against each other? )

Since it triggered during this laser tag match, do you think we're fighting each other?

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's hard not to stare at her, positive that his eyes are dilated just so he can take all of her in. The pretty flowers in her hair, the scarf he'd given her around her neck, the otherworldly dress that's gorgeous as well as functional to match. He'd find it hard to believe they were fighting each other if it weren't for the weapons in their hands.]

Maybe. It could be we might of been fighting each other, since you still believe I'm the villain from your dreams. [Que him looking fake hurt over this, lol] ...Or perhaps we were fighting together. Playing along with whatever is going on here is fine, but to be honest, I'm not entirely sure if I'm comfortable firing a real arrow at you. That is, if I had any.

[How's he supposed to use a bow with no ammo? He doesn't see a quiver on him, he's got nothing strapped to his back, just this strange grey uniform with white, red, and black accents to it. Never mind the blue glowing jewel on his belt. Ajax sort of makes a show of looking over his body for something, anything at all, eventually shrugging as he looks back at her.]