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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[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.

[Score, they were going down under the tree now and getting out of the sun. Surely it'll be cooler down there not only because of the massive shade, but because the path leads down underground a bit in what he is going to presume is around the roots of the tree and inside of it. He grins in the face of his tiny victory, trotting dutifully behind Lumine as they make their way down the path that leads to the Bazaar.

At the bottom of the cement pathway, two giant doors open to reveal the cacophony of colors and music of the Grand Bazaar. Immediately, he catches sight of street dancers doing traditional Sumeru dances for onlookers, stores selling all kinds of wares from ceramics, to beautiful silk outfits, to flowers, and everything in between. And off in the distance, he spots a giant theater, eyes widening at the sight. The theater kid inside of him wants to go check that out for sure- but he'll restrain himself for the moment.]

Much better, [he comments, stretching himself and trying to ignore the slight sweat that's accumulated on his body,] I can already feel the difference. Coming down here seems like a great idea...look at this place! If we're not careful, we might get lost.

( As soon as the three of them got to the Grand Bazaar, she can definitely feel the huge difference. She looks around in amazement, completely entranced by the street dancers, even Paimon wanted to see, poking her head out of the small opening to look over Lumine's shoulder. Immediately wanting to go to a flower stall, eyes sparkling in the hope she can take some seeds home. )

Haha, that's true, there's also a lot of people down here. I guess getting a break from the sun like us.

( Paimon immediately laying back down, mostly to get away from people wanting to pet her in this heat. Lumine points to the stall of flowers, taking his hand to drag him alongside with her. )

I want to see those flowers and whether I can get their seeds to take home.

( Even if she has to find a way to make a separate greenhouse and try to make it humid, even if artificially. Hurrying over she smiled at all of them, immediately loving the Padisarahs. However, in the bunch, she's surprised to see the flower that she had seen in the vision. Perhaps they can ask where more of these grow, but she buys one and holds it out for him. )

Doesn't this one look familiar?

[Off they go, Lumine leading Ajax by the hand to the nearest flower stall so she can look at what's for sale. He should of known that would be the first thing she'd beeline towards, and he gets an eyeful of all the gorgeous flowers that bloom in Sumeru. Sumeru Roses, Padisarahs, carefully cut Kalpalata Lotuses- none of which he knows the names to yet.

He gingerly takes the flower she'd put in his hair, not knowing it was a Sumeru Rose, turning it over in his hands.]

It does...this is the one that you put in my hair back then...

[They definitely came to the right place. He hails down the shopkeep without another word, holding the rose up so they can see it.]

Excuse me, I'd like to purchase this, and a bag of seeds for the same flower. Could you tell us what it's called? Oh, and, perhaps another bag of seeds. Lumine, go ahead and pick out another flower for yourself.

[He can tell she wants them, and he's not going to deny Lumine all the pretty flowers she wants.]

( Lumine continues admiring all of the other flowers as the shopkeep comes to address their customers. ) That's called a Sumeru Rose, it's quite a common flower in the forests. The more hard to come-by are the Kalpalata Lotus, they grow only on certain cliffs and vines. ( Lumine listens intently, slow nods as she learns these new flowers and how they grow. )

Is there anywhere they grow the most in? ( The shopkeep gets the seeds ready for purchase. ) You'd find a lot of them in Ardravi Valley, there's mountains and cliffsides that have many growing in flower beds.

( Lumine smiles though she's surprised to his offer to buy them for her. She immediately goes for the padisarah and holds it for the shop keep to put in total together. Of course, trying to go fast to grab her own money to quickly try and pay before he has the chance. )

[He sees your game, Lumine.

Ajax notes the information about the Kalpalata Lotuses, finding those to be equally beautiful in their own right. But Lumine seems to of picked out a different flower alongside the Sumeru Rose, one that he doesn't know the name of. And, in turn, he sees how she quickly goes for her own coin purse to pay for the flowers. Laughing to himself, he has a sneaky plan- he'll let her pay for her own flowers, but as she takes her own mora out of her purse, he's gunna slip some coins of his own into her purse to replace the ones she takes out.

Sneaky ~~Fatui~~ tactics and the like.

The shopkeep, who's seen pickpockets in the Grand Bazaar before, doesn't miss Ajax's slight of hand. But they keep quiet and take Lumine's money for the flowers, smiling at her.]

I hope you like them. Make sure they grow in a humid environment, or else they'll wilt the second you turn your back.

[Ajax acts like he's been defeated, letting Lumine have her victory over him, before thanking the shopkeep and turning to leave.]

Next time, you won't beat me to the cashier, Lumine.

( Lumine has the biggest smile at the bag full of different seeds, still unaware of what he has planned. Paimon even meows to get Lumine's attention, but she thinks Paimon's just loving the people watching. Giving a nod of her head at the advice to ensure they live long enough to grow. Already coming up with ideas to create a makeshift humid room, because these will be in her personal garden for sure. )

I'll remember, thank you! I will make sure they live long lives.

( She sends a triumphant smile, still able to beat him to her purse. )

You already paid for the trip. I can contribute to my souvenir.

( Lumine goes into her purse, following Ajax, as she grabs a bobby pin and a hair clip. She tried her best to weave it right, she managed to clip the padisarah into her hair. It wasn't the same flower, sadly, but it was a beautiful flower. So, she looks up at him after to see what he thinks. )

How does it look? I tried my best with what I have.

[Feeling like he got away with it, he follows along with Lumine as they make their way through the Grand Bazaar, eyeing up more shops. This place was amazing, what with the variety of things they could look at and the beautiful decorations coupled with the foliage. All of this inside of a tree, it's incredible- but what's more incredible to him is the woman right next to him, clipping that padisarah right into her hair.]

You look lovely. Honestly, you could do for another one beside it as well.

[Just like how she wore those flowers they'd both never seen before in their shared vision, white with a single blue petal on each flower. He'd kill to see her wear them again, stunning against her blonde head of hair.]

We'll find another one for you later. For now, tell me, was that purchase for business or for yourself? I'd love to see an arrangement of flowers using some of those Sumeru flowers you just picked up.

( Lumine smiles, pleased to think so too; she wished she can see those flowers, the ones in her vision. A strong yearning and want to see them in person, but not even in any books has she seen them mentioned. )

I believe I should have another clip in my luggage.

( Then she can makeshift a second one to go along with it. At the question to her purchase, she can't hide the excited smile. She already can't wait to get home and work on planting them. Clutching the bag of flowers to her chest with glee, she might have to make a trip to every nation to get seeds from them. )

These specific seeds are for my personal garden, but if I succeed, I'll be able to extract the seeds and grow more for the business. I already have so many arrangement ideas just from looking at them. But I'll let you be the first to see my first arrangement of them.

( She can't wait to show Aether the seeds and tell him about the flowers they will grow into. And to make so many different arrangements and see others admire the beauty of them. )

[He can feel his heart swell seeing Lumine so excited about her flowers. It's adorable to him how this is such a passion of hers, and it makes him happy to see her happy about it. Maybe not now, but later on in their relationship, he'll have to do something for her to help with her garden...]

I can't wait. I'd like to decorate my home a little more with some greenery, and I think some flowers are a great place to start, if you'll allow me get a few of those arrangements.

[And he'll proudly display them for all to see and gush about how Lumine was the one that made them. Maybe a little arrangement for his desk at the office, too.]

But, Paimon can't come over and knock them all down, haha.

( Nothing can beat the pleased smile, pride filling her as she hears him want to use her arrangements as decor for his home. It'd give her ample amount of reason to take even more special care of the garden. The idea of Paimon coming over to knock over all of the arrangements she makes him causes her to chuckle too. )

As long as you stay on her good side, she'll leave them alone.

( Let him continue stealing her time with Lumine, Paimon may just cause havoc to his house. )

I'll make sure to have a separate arrangement just for you. You have to make sure they get fresh water every day.

I'll make sure to take good care of them.

[How could he not? If it's something Lumine made, he'd cherish it. Flowers from her are special, even moreso because she's something special to him. Not to mention her arrangements are gorgeous, just like her.]

I suppose if I'm to stay in Paimon's good graces, I should start spoiling her a little...

[He leans back to the cat in the cat carrier, getting her attention.]

Do you want a treat? We can find you one. I guess we've been ignoring you for a bit too long back there, haven't we?

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

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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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sob i'm so sorry this is late, i've been super sick after con (i'm still sick ;;)

( hugs ) now, now no need to apologize bean! please take care of yourself!!

SOBBING thanks, this cough is KILLER FR

aw, ( hugs ) could it be a cold??

maybe, but I'm pretty sure it's COVID lol

Ahh the rona! some asshole probably went to con with it and not cared

ugh probably. i'll get revenge on them heheheh

def!! once they heal up give it to them again lol

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i just looked up a few cute outfits! there's so many traveler fanarts of this omg

those are cute!! oooh

sob i just searched "sumeru outfits" on pinterest and got a goldmine

nice!! can always count on pinterest!!

you can until THEY CAN'T TELL YOU THE ARTIST FOR THE FANART LOL

OMG yes!! and reverse search is sometimes so unreliable too

i can never find anything via reverse search. it's always ended in failure ;;

truly the most useless function to have ever been forced into 'popularity'

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