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

( 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?

Then I will gladly make some for you.

( She smiles watching him lean back to look at the princess of the trip, even meowing in answer. Swinging her paw in the air for the treat, since she's just been enjoying cat tv in the safety of Lumine's presence. )

The front pocket should have some if you want to give her one. I can feel her pawing at my back for attention.

( Pawing and meowing for attention, but also enjoying her cat tv. She'd be surprised if they find some vendor stall selling pet supplies. She mostly sees local goods and supplies were being sold. )

Edited 2025-06-04 17:26 (UTC)

[What a needy little cat. Ajax moves behind Lumine to zip the front pocket open to find a little packet of cat treats, taking it out so he can fish one out to give to Paimon. The packet gets put back swiftly so Paimon doesn't think she's going to get more treats after this one, just so she doesn't get spoiled too much.]

What a little attention seeker...

[He opens the bag so he can stick his arm in enough to let Paimon take the treat from him, but making sure that he can stop her if she decides to jump out. Who knows what this cat has on her mind.]

Have you ever seen those videos with people letting their cats ride on their shoulders as they travel the world? She sort of reminds me of one of those...except without the calmness of those cats. You'd swear they've never made a peep in their life.

( While he's grabbing the treat, Lumine keeps looking around the bazaar. She sees a bunch of head scarfs, all very beautiful colors, that she's seen locals wear outside. But she doesn't know if it'll just make him hot with another layer on top of him.

Paimon paws the air, sat up with a tilt of her head, using her paw to hold his hand down just like that day in the flower shop. Taking the treat, licking his hand clean for him and rubbing her self against him, purring. Lumine turns her head to over her shoulder to hear her purring and smiles. )

She's taken quite a liking to you...

( She's quite amazed, only other person besides her and Aether she does this towards was her friend, Kazuha. Then again, he catsits for her all the time when her and Aether are busy. It actually made her heart swell at the thought that her clingy little companion liked him too. Perhaps seeing him take care for Lumine got her to warm up to him. )

I have! Though, I wonder if she will be able to do it, since she won't separate from me? Unfortunately, I would not categorize this one as quiet. She will make herself known to all of Sumeru if she wants to.

[Looks like he doesn't have to worry about her trying to get out. It's more like she's holding him hostage, with her paws keeping his hand in place while she eats the treat and licks him clean for anything left. Goodness, she wanted every last bit of that treat, and now she's practically his best friend because of it. He laughs as he gives her some pets, finding the purring adorable, and yet can't help but feel like the cat is manipulating his feelings to be willing to feed her more in the future.]

A talkative one, huh? I'm willing to bet she'd attract a few other people who would give her a treat that way...

[He sees your game, Paimon. Everything is in the name of food.]

Maybe it's better she stays in the pack, here. That way we can finish our shopping without having to worry about her eating herself out of dinner.

[Speaking of which, his eyes fall on a store that just might have what they're looking for. Shade is the name of the game, and while he also sees all the nice head scarves, that's not the only thing. There's a store with all sorts of airy, long robes for both men and women. He looks at Lumine and then looks back at the store, changing his path to head towards it.]

Hopefully that store right there doesn't have a plethora of cat treats. Haha, want to dress me up a little today?

( Lumine gives him a nod in agreement, it would be a lot better to keep her in there. Though she's sure the feline would not leave her side, Lumine doesn't want to have Paimon trying to get treats from everyone either. The Bazaar was full of people as well, it'd be their bad luck if everyone had a snack for Paimon. )

As long as she hears my voice, she should be okay without too much attention. One time while hiking, Aether and I can only hear her calling out for me in between until she heard me talk.

( Lumine follows his suggestion, looking to see a shop with different robes and clothing. The colors are so bright and vibrant, beautiful in every thread. She smirks with a raised brow, walking towards the shop with him. )

Oh? You sure you won't get too hot in these either? I think it'd be quite fun!

( The two can see what they can find for him, poor Snezhnayan man was overheating. They couldn't stay under the Bazaar the whole trip. )

[Paimon seems like a bigger and bigger baby the more Lumine talks about her. Spoiled little cat with the most voracious appetite...where does all the food go to? Her four stomachs?

Not that that's important now, as they approach and enter the shop. All sort of different clothing spring up at the both of them at once, and Ajax's eyes widen with how cool all the outfits look. He sees a variety of outfits for men, and spends a moment to look at all of the neat looking outfits available for him. They even look like they'd fit a tall guy like him. Plus, they're much cooler than his Snezhnayan/Mondstadt garb he has from home, and much more breathable even if he'll still be at least a little hot traversing the rainforest.

But that's not all, Ajax is also marveling at all the cute outfits that would look great on Lumine, like one particularly fancy one that immediately catches his eye to a simpler one that looks like the kind of design and color palette that would look amazing on her. He's pretty confident they were going to talk out of this store satisfied, and he first looks at the outfit that would leave most of his upper body exposed to the sun. It looks nice but...he's white af. Not a single mark of the sun on his body. He will be a lobster before they even get back to the hotel.]

I really enjoy the ocean theme of this one, [he says, letting the fabric of the sleeve slip through his fingers. It's nice, soft, and light, but still...]

I don't know though. What do you think?

( Paimon was like her little baby cat, even if Lumine and Aether went hungry, the two would always make sure Paimon was fed. Lumine bets she has ten stomachs honestly.

A light gasp at all the beautiful outfits in the shop, taking quick looks around in amazement and just taking it all in. Lumine makes sure to greet the shop owner back, before following his line of sight to look at all of the men's outfits. The materials really did feel light and perfect to dispel all of the body heat this humidity creates. She hums going over to the outfit he pointed out.

Eyes widen as she looks at him then to the outfit, if she was going to be honest, this one would probably have her blushing and unable to look away. Very distracting. Plus, it'd be okay, Lumine had packed sunscreen in her bag so. He won't turn to a red lobster and she gets to admire him a bit more. She pretends to think about the choices, she doesn't want to seem too enthusiastic, this man doesn't need even more of a confidence boost. )

I think it's a good choice. It'll keep you from getting too hot, too. Plus, the colors look really nice on you. ( She looks up with a smile, giving him a nod of approval. He should definitely buy it so she can enjoy looking at him even longer. )

Pick one for me. Which should I choose?

( Both were the same level of exposed upper body wise, but she liked the look of the two he was looking at before. One was bright and fun, the other light and elegant. )

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

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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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