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

I should embrace the florist in me and just wear flowers in my hair all the time from now on.

( She watches him take the flower with a cute tilt to her head, taking quick glances between the rose and his eyes, before a nod was given. ) Yes, it compliments you well. ( Happy to see he liked it and seemed touched by the gift she wishes he can take out of this vision. Watching him put it behind his ear, she lightly laughs with a nod of her head. Now the flower was closer to his eyes and looked even more lovely. )

I think it looks great! It helps pop out your hair and eyes very much. Wear more purple in your outfits and you might just be breaking hearts everywhere you go.

( Reaching up to fix it just a bit so his hair isn't flattened too much by the flower, before giving a good nod. )

[Ajax closes his eyes as she adjusts his hair, opening them back up to what is now a picture perfect scene of him with a stunning purple rose in his hair against his ginger hair and blue eyes. He can't imagine it's great against the drab grey uniform he has on in his vision they're having, so he makes a note to add a little purple into his wardrobe as per Lumine's suggestion.]

With any luck, they'll understand that I'm a taken man.

[He can't hold it back any longer- Ajax lets his arm snake around Lumine's middle, bringing her in and leaning down to turn his head just so, planting a kiss to her lips as his eyes close to savor her taste and the feel of her mouth moving against his. She's too beautiful like this, and he doesn't know why, but just the image of her with those flowers in her hair, the white dress marking her as the woman he'd only seen glimpses of in his blurred visions along with that sword in her hand makes it feel like she's just the perfect girl.

But as his eyes open, the rainforest around them is gone, and he's kissing Lumine in the middle of the enemy base back in the laser tag grounds. The EDM comes roaring back into his ears, but his heart is full, with the memory of their meeting inside of that vision fresh in his head.]

We're back...

[Ajax looks around, confused as to why they've returned. Maybe they didn't follow the script or something, so it kicked them back here.]

Those poor, poor admirers were too late, then.

( The teasing smirk turning to a bashful smile at his proclamation to being a taken man. She was ready to continue exploring before she's swept into his embrace, quick thinking holding her sword away so to not accidentally pierce him. The kiss made her heart swoon, to bring her free hand to wrap around his neck, returning the kiss. The setting and atmosphere seemed to make right for a kiss. To think this dream version of him is someone she cared so much about, despite almost fighting to the death.

However, her disappointment came soon, EDM music is blasting back into this once peaceful space and they were back in the dark with nothing but the LEDs as light. Pressing her lips together in thought to why the vision stopped and brought them back here. His flower gone as well, reaching up to feel none in her hair and she feels empty without them for some reason. )

Perhaps we weren't supposed to be kissing in that moment?

( She has to take a moments step back as she has to remind herself and him, there are kids playing in this round. They don't need to see them kissing, but she quickly gives him a kiss to his cheek to make up for splitting up. )

[It's a little sad that they're back in reality, he was enjoying himself in the imaginary rainforest, and really wanted to explore after he got his kiss in. It's also too bad the flowers didn't come with either- he really liked how she looked with those white and blue flowers, they matched her dress. And, he's lost her gift to him, forever taken by a vision of somewhere that he still doesn't recognize.

But it was humid and hot, in a rainforest. That's a clue, and he's going to tuck that information away in his head for now. They can talk about it later, once they're done doing some fun laser tag. Ajax smiles at the little kiss to the cheek he gets, before making sure his gun is securely in his hands once again. They are still competing with each other, but to say that he's a little distracted now is an understatement.]

Perhaps not. We did have weapons out, so I'd say we were probably supposed to follow doing something with them. But, when I think about it, that wouldn't be a good idea, now would it?

[Because what they don't know is how they act while they're inside of the imaginary world- are they just standing here in reality like zoned out statues, or are they also moving like they're sleepwalking?]

We could be a danger to others if they happen to walk in on us sleepwalking through that vision. Maybe it's best, for now, not to try and activate it. Besides, I think we got quite a bit of information.

( Truly she felt a lot emptier now that she was back and didn't feel the distinct weight of the flowers on her hair. Those beautiful flowers that she has never seen in any books or where to find them. Plus she might have to start wearing white dresses a lot more now, not realizing how much she liked it on herself.

Lumine gives a nod to his assessment if they had been discovered and injuring someone who got too close. But she can't help the chuckle, pointing her laser gun to his vest and shooting. She doesn't know the point system or where to look for it, but to get a good shot at him was worth it. )

I couldn't help myself, no mercy. Also a danger to ourselves considering this place has a lot more obstacles here to get hurt with.

( She'll have to find a good purple flower in her personal garden to give him to match his eyes. )

I think we made quite a breakthrough already.

[PEW, and his vest and gun power down when Lumine shoots him for another point to her team. He'd frown, but at this point he's much more interested in the shared vision they had rather than worrying about points, though his competitive side isn't going to let him forget about it. He'll take this loss this time, but he'll best her in their next competition, he swears it.

Though, he's sure enough time has passed at this point that the game will probably end soon, and before he knows it the music dies and an announcer asks all players to walk back to the rules area. He won't get the chance to make up any more points, but now he and Lumine will be able to take a little time to themselves before they either leave or go another round.]

Yeah...let's head back for now and we can talk about it a bit more. I've already got an idea...but it's a little impromptu. I hope you'll be alright with rolling with it.

[But he'll hold it for now until they have the chance to talk alone. And, when they do exit the arena, the scores clearly show that Lumine's team won and she got more scores than Ajax did! He'll just huff at that...]

( Lumine couldn't help the amused smile to pull at her lips, lids even close with amusement. Her laser gun hung at her side as she presses her fists into her hips in triumph. Looking up at the ceiling at hearing the announcer ask everyone to leave. Pleasant surprise fills her at his mentioning of an idea, a tilt of her head at his ability to just come up with impromptu ideas. )

Well, I had a lot of fun here myself, so I'm down to do something a bit impromptu.

( Removing their gear, she follows him to see a scoreboard and she quickly searches for her own name and his. Big, pleased smiles on her face as she sees she did very well for her first time. She did warn him she catches onto things quite easily.

Turning to him to be even more pleased at the huff on his face, to beat him in something he bragged about. Taking his hand to walk him out so the next group can play their session, smirking up at him. )

Maybe your brother should give you some tips for this game. ( Teasing smile on her face. ) Now what's this impromptu idea you have, hm?

[He's glad to hear she's up for something spontaneous, but at the same time, he doesn't think she's aware of what exactly he means by it. It's not going to be something so easy as just driving to another part of town for the day.

Sighing, he takes the L with only the smallest amount of grace, even though it's clear that a small part of him is being a bit of a sore loser. He really thought he'd do better, but then he did end up alone with Lumine a lot of that time without more targets to shoot, so that must be why. That's how he's reasoning it. Letting his fingers twine with hers, he fights the urge to retort about his performance in lieu of breaking the idea to her, which he's not sure if she'll be okay with.]

I was thinking...we should find that place, where our vision was.

[Go on an adventure together. Try to put the pieces of this strange phenomenon together.]

It might give us more leads. But...you might have to find someone to watch your shop, while you're gone.

( Lumine waits for him to tell her what his idea was, curious to how this date was planning to go. She'd thought this was going to be a fun laser tag game and then dinner. But she's shocked to hear his idea, her smile dropping for a moment.

That was a lot more spontaneous than she even thought he was going to do. There was so much she had to work out in order for her to even be able to go with a peace of mind. She can't leave Paimon alone, since Aether would be too tired from working two jobs, so she'd have to bring her along. And she has her own shop that she doesn't really know who to ask to cover it.

Brows furrow in thought as she looked down to give it a good think. It would give them more leads... But... )

Do you even know where to begin looking for that place? That is a bit too spontaneous for me on extremely short notice.

( Plus she has to make sure her and Aether won't get into financial trouble if she leaves... She's not going to mention that part. Plus she'll have to find someone to cover the shop... )

[Ajax looks apologetic, because he really is- it's terribly short notice. This kind of thing would require weeks of planning normally, and it's also not like he can just disappear either. But at the same time, sitting here in Mondstadt doesn't feel like it'll give them the answers they're looking for. And it's not normal for two people to have some kind of strange, shared hallucination.

Something's up, and he wants to know what.]

Well, it looked like a rainforest of sorts to me. I didn't recognize exactly where, but there's only one nation in Teyvat that has a rainforest.

[Sumeru. There's protected lands still where the rainforest still lies, so that'll be a whole other object in their way.]

I wouldn't expect to leave today, not even I can swing that with my job. It would be for a week or two at most, like a vacation, and we can leave whenever we like. How does that sound?

( Lumine looked up to see the apologetic look, pushing her lips to the side in thought. She doesn't know if it's a good idea, but he seems pretty sure that going to the spot would help, or maybe even close enough to trigger it even longer. She also wants answers to this phenomena and feels like Mondstadt wouldn't have the answers they need.

Worst case scenario, she'd just have to work even harder to make up for the week or two being gone to her brother. And most likely, she'd have to bring Paimon along, as not even her usual sitter can't handle her for too long either. Which wouldn't be hard with her cat backpack.

Though to break the news to Ajax of the addition to the trip. Lumine finally gives a nod: )

Okay, give me a few days to finish the commissions I have left and then I won't accept any until I return. We'll be having company on the trip as well, though.

( She chuckles to Paimon being a third wheel on the trip. )

Aether works two jobs and I don't have the heart to ask him to watch her as well with her being 'a bit' needy.

[Relief floods him, coupled with a reinvigoration and determination now that they have a lead. Going to Sumeru without her would have felt empty, and he doesn't know if he would get any answers without her given this is affecting both of them. That and...he wants to share this experience with her, and it feels like they're just going on another one of their adventures like they always have. Except they've never done that in their lives...a feeling that he can't shake off.]

Guess we'll have to bring extra toys and treats for her. The last thing we'd want on a trip is a grumpy cat.

[At least she's food driven. That way he can help keep her happy by just buying her food. That feels familiar too, somehow...]

I hope your brother isn't too leery of this. I realize we've just only met but...well, you understand. I guess it'll be hard to explain to him that something strange has been happening between us apart from a sudden budding romance.

Perhaps you'll become her new favorite person afterwards, but it's okay, I don't mind sharing luggage space with her.

( Truly Paimon is a spoiled little cat, but so long as she's nearby, she's very behaved. There was a strong bout of familiarity to this trip for her too; like this is something they've done before and it was exciting. According to that memory, she's been to Sumeru, but she can't remember ever being there.

At the inquiry about Aether's feelings and perception of all this budding romance, that truly seemed to come out of nowhere, but felt so right. She had spoken to him about it, mostly to see if he had a similar occurrence happen for him. Though she didn't explain it in grave detail. )

Well, he is a bit leery, though that's my fault for venting about you after that terrible interview... As well as I texted him yesterday that I was getting dropped off after hanging out, but ended up staying the night at said friend's home. But, he'll warm up to you, I'm sure.

Oh?

[WELP seems like he's going to be starting off on the wrong foot with Aether. To be fair, he did start off on the wrong foot with Lumine too, but at least he'd gotten the opportunity to make it up to her. Even though it was by pure coincidence and chance, but he won't look a gift horse in the mouth.]

Now I'm curious, what did you tell him about me after the interview?

[It's not so much that he really cares about what others think of him, but how bad did she slander him to her brother? And now he's keeping Aether's sister out late, getting her tipsy, this can't be good. Is she sure he'll warm up to him?]

I wasn't that bad, was I?

[There's a hint of teasing in his voice, like he's not that offended about it. He knows himself.]

To be fair, at that time, I didn't think we'd end up in a relationship. I was prepared to never see you again afterwards.

( It was pure coincidence that he chose her flower shop that day, gave a genuine apology, and they had a mutual friend's wedding. Lumine probably shouldn't have said all that stuff, but she was mostly angry at another reason rather than just him alone. )

I thought you were a pompous, nosey, and big-headed CEO.

( She teased back, leaning in to wrap her free arm around him, in an attempt to show she didn't think like that NOW. Giving his hand a squeeze as well, though sometimes he needs to get his ego kicked. )

But, I got to see the real you, away from your job. Plus, your siblings helped in making you not seem like those things. I did tell him about your apology to me too, that's why he was cordial at the wedding.

[It's not like he wasn't aware she didn't think very highly of him after that interview, but now that they've been so romantically intimate with each other, hearing her say that is comical. Like she thought that and then not too long after, ended up falling in love with him- but in a way that feels almost supernatural. It gets him to laugh, holding her next to his side in return, smiling down at her fondly.]

Well, at least I've got you in my corner now, [he says with a wink.]

I'll figure out how to prove to him that I'm really not a bad guy. The last thing we want is having a grumpy brother along with a grumpy cat.

[He's good at this kind of stuff, even if he doesn't choose diplomacy most of the time.]

I think that perhaps for now, we should take some time to prepare for our trip...I'm sure we both have a lot to organize before doing so. We should meet for dinner a few times a week until then though, if you're amiable to it.

( Lumine rolls her eyes with a small chuckle at his laugh, though she's sure it won't come down to that. She'd calm Aether down if things turn out badly. Besides she can always bring up the past relationships that he was in that didn't end well. )

Don't worry, I'll protect you from the grumpy twin and cat.

( Standing straight up, she gives an amused look, brow raised at hearing he wanted to meet for dinner a few times a week. This would be a good time to tease him about it, but she can agree, it'd also help them relax with each other before such a big trip. )

Alright, sure. I can be quite amiable to that idea. You'll pick me and the princess up once it's time to get there right? We also have to make sure the plane allows cats on the plane.

Naturally. I'll get everything set up, and ensure that Paimon can accompany us without any problems. You two can just sit tight until I arrive the day we leave, and we'll be off, no problem.

[Of course, he'll pick her up for their dinner dates too, like a good boyfriend should. Now that it's all said and done, he nods at her, glad that they've come to an agreement and that they'll continue their exploration into their strange circumstances. Ajax can only hope they'll find some answers in Sumeru, and in the meantime he'll have to probe his family about the scarf he'd given Lumine.

After all, she was wearing it in that vision, too.]

For now, want to go a few more rounds before I take you home? I need a rematch, no way I can let you off with just beginner's luck from that last match.

[Playing a few more rounds of laser tag sounds fun, and he's not ready to leave yet anyway- so he gladly pays for a few more sessions before he takes her home and kisses her goodbye for the night.]

---

[The view of the rainforest below as the plane flies over Sumeru is incredible and vast, and Ajax points excitedly out the window of the plane so both he and Lumine can view it as they descend onto the runway into Sumeru City. The ride itself had been quite uneventful, and he'd gotten plenty of time to acquaint himself with Paimon on the way over. The weather outside is reminiscent of the humidity that they'd experienced in their shared vision, as one would expect of someplace this far south in Teyvat.

Ajax fans himself a little as he rolls his suitcase along, renting a car for them and driving them to the hotel he'd booked for the stay.]

Just when I thought I was ready for the heat...this is nothing like Mondstadt at all.

[A Snezhnayan boy in a hot humid land- a terrible combination.]

( She'd gotten her shop situated, working extra hard to make up for the week of no work and all of her commissions were done and picked up. Of course, Aether was a bit unsure and worried about his sister leaving for a week or two. She has to promise to take tons of pictures for him as well and text every chance she gets so he knows she's safe.

The plane ride was fun, and just having Lumine's hand in the window of her backpack was able to keep Paimon calm during the flight. Looking out the window to see Mondstadt turn into Sumeru.

Paimon on her back in her carry backpack and taking in all the sights with the safety and comfort of her owner next to her. Rolling her suitcase behind her as she spent the time spinning around and taking it all in. Making sure to take as many pictures as she can of the place. )

Hehe, we should have gotten you a parasol to use, at least keep the sun from cooking you alive.

( Taking a look around for some type of store that would sell something for tourists who weren't ready for the intense humidity and heat of the forest. So many flowers she can't wait to also keep a look out for. Afterall, some even with her care, aren't able to grow even back home. )

[When she's right, she's right. It probably would have been a great idea to bring some kind of portable shade with him, and Ajax isn't above using a parasol. Maybe he can get a big hat or something, but one thing's for sure, he isn't going to be able to get around Sumeru without something.

Thankfully the car will keep them cool momentarily, before having to get back out again. He also keeps an eye out as they drive along for stores that might sell important items for their trip, and for stores that might have other interests of theirs in mind. But for now, getting to the hotel is his main objective. When they arrive, he has the valet take care of it, leaving the two of them to go inside and make note of what they see immediately around them. The inside of the hotel is lush with plants native to the region, with a decorative spiral staircase that leads to a second floor where conversation can be heard- probably some kind of casino or restaurant for the guests. Just from the lobby alone, it looks expensive, as Ajax hadn't held back on their accommodations. Checking in, he leads Lumine to their room, several stories up with a grand view of Sumeru City.]

It's not as nice as my penthouse, but I think you'll enjoy it.

[Inside is just as nice as one would expect, entering into a living room area with a small kitchen attached along with a table and a couch. Attached to it is the bedroom, a king size waiting for the two of them with large windows in both rooms so they can see the whole of the city from it, and the bathroom attached the bedroom.]

Want to drop off our things and head back out? Or did you want a little rest before we go? Or, maybe we should let Paimon make the decision here, haha.

( Once in the rental, Paimon is out of the carrier and in Lumine's lap, curious yet wary of the surroundings. While Lumine is looking around with amazement at the different places, scratching under Paimon's chin, as the feline is pressed to her chest and neck.

When they make it to the hotel, Lumine grabs her bag and empty carrier, keeping Paimon in one arm and the other to roll her suitcase. The hotel was extremely extravagant, definitely not the place she'd choose to stay in on her own. She even has to stop Paimon from waving her tiny paw at the front desk employees, as if they had treats for her. Taking a look around, she smiles wide at the sight of the padisarah's, the beautiful flowers catching her eye immediately. But to be pulled away to their suite. )

Hehe, you're right, it doesn't have a certain personality to it.

( Paimon jumped out of Lumine's arms to take a look around, as Lumine is quick to head over to the large windows. The view breathtaking, as she scanned the city, as well as looked out towards the forest to see if she can find a spot similar to their vision. )

Yeah, I want to take a look around. I've never left Mondstadt before. Plus, we have to find something for you to not melt in this humidity.

( At the mention of Paimon, she laughs before putting the carrier on the floor calling out to her silly cat. )

Paimon, are you coming with us or are you staying here all by yourself?

( As if she understood, Paimon comes scurrying into the living room and back into her carrier. Lumine smiles with pride as she zips her up and puts her on her back, taking his hand in hers. ) You won't pass out once we leave the lobby, right?

[Ajax isn't so sure there's going to be a surefire way to keep him from melting, but the shade will be appreciated once they get a hold of something like that. For now, he just makes sure his things are put off to the side and out of the way for him to deal with later when they return. They don't have unlimited time in Sumeru, so it's best to make the most of it, and he's glad that Lumine seems to be of the same mind as him on this.

He lights up when she says she wants to take a look around, inwardly laughing at the cat who absolutely cannot be left behind- and lets his fingers intertwine with hers as they leave the comfort of their air conditioned room to start to head out into the city for a nice time.]

C'mon, I'm not that susceptible to the heat...

[The tease is taken in stride, exiting the hotel and immediately feeling the humidity on his face. That's going to take some getting used to for sure, and he frowns for a second before leaning back to talk to the cat in the backpack behind him.]

Right, Paimon? It's hot. You're hot too, aren't you? Your owner shouldn't be picking on me for it.

[Have his back Paimon! Pleaseeeee?]

That was a quick facial change if I've ever seen one. You sure you want to walk around?

( Even with a short sundress, she was feeling the heat herself, though it wasn't as stuffy to her as it was for him. Lumine laughs at him making his case, and having the audacity to get back up from her cat. Paimon stared up at him with big blue eyes and a tilt of her head. Before she can feel Paimon pawing at her and meow. )

Are you hot? Well, you have a good excuse, as you're full of fur and your partner does not.

( Still, it would be a good idea to take breaks in some stores and restaurants that might have air conditioning. She doesn't know a cranky Ajax, but she knows a cranky Paimon, and she does not want that. So best to find something to shade her cat and Ajax from the sun at least. )

Come on you. Or I'm leaving you behind.

( Paimon instantly goes for a nap, the sun feeling good to her and Lumine is taking a look at every stall and shop that she can get into. )

[See, the cat is hot, he was right. Ajax knew he could count on Paimon to have his back, he had that feeling that she would like the comfort of air conditioning just like him even back on the plane. He gives Paimon a smile and a silent promise to give her a treat later, before he trots to keep up with Lumine before she can get too far ahead of him.]

I'm coming, I'm coming! Look, you can't deny that I'm right. If Paimon agrees, then it must be so.

[Totally going to use the cat to his advantage here. But while he's complaining, he's also looking around. A lot of shops have their doors open, so he's guessing it won't be all that much cooler in there, and the stalls all have some interesting things. It reminds him of the one place Sumeru City is known for- the Grand Bazaar.]

I've heard that underneath the Great Tree lies the Grand Bazaar of Sumeru City...if we head down there, we could get out of the sun, at least.

[Please get him out of the sun for now. He's going to melt.]

( Lumine gives a shake of her head, roll of her eyes, but the biggest reveal that she isn't really angry or annoyed was the smile on her lips. Of course they'd team together. Paimon waving her paw in the air as though to warn him that she will remember this promise of a treat. )

She usually likes sleeping under the sun... Perhaps it is too hot for her if she agrees...

( She just continues looking for a parasol or anything. She does find it weird that in a place where tourists frequent, there wouldn't be anything for the ill-prepared. Also noticing the fact that not a single upper ground store had air-conditioning. Lumine can't help but inwardly chuckle, its a shame their vision wasn't in a cooler area for his sake. )

The Grand Bazaar?

( She looks to the opening under the tree and figured it'd be a good idea especially for Paimon as well. So, she gives him a nod and begins to walk down the path. )

Alright, alright. Let's get out of the sun before I have to carry you both back to the hotel.

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wanna timeskip? i can write the sumeru starter for us after your next tag

yeah sounds like a good plan to me!!

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