couples therapy: a chilumi fanfiction

chapter 11: a brief interlude

"...so yeah. That was my trip."

Mona stared blankly at Lumine. They had met up for brunch at a park that happened to be conveniently close to a McDonalds. They were broke college students - it's not like they could afford cute cafes anyways.

"What?" Lumine asked, when the other girl remained speechless. She didn't think her trip was all that interesting or shocking.

"Lu... darling..." Mona sighed, massaging her temple. "Did you just say that you had... platonic cuddles with him?"

Lumine nodded, the longer strands of blonde hair that framed her face bouncing.

"Archons, Lumine, he's a 5'10 rich sex god. You missed out big time." Mona said before she swiftly got a slap on the cheek by her best friend. "Hey, what was that for!?"

Lumine shot back a look that screamed ' really?'. "First of all, he's not that hot." That was a blatant lie and both girls knew it. "Second of all, we were in his parents house for archon's sake. And third, we are just. Friends. Period."

Mona raised her eyebrow, but didn't say anything, choosing instead to take a sip of her coffee.

"But..." Lumine sighed, eyeing her fashionable best friend. She could trust Mona with this... right? It had been a while since she had let anyone in. "He does make me... feel things."

Mona's grin could only be described as feral. "I knew it. Tell me more."

Lumine paused, adjusting the small necklace she wore around her neck. "Well... he's really nice to me, and understanding. But he also challenges me which I like. I don't have that level of banter with anyone else really."

"So what's stopping you?"

Lumine considered Mona's question. "I don't think either of us are in the place for a real relationship. I have my issues to work through, and he does too. Maybe in the future, but not right now."

"I guess that makes sense. Although... if my reading was right... it'll only be so long."

Lumine was confused. "So long until what?"

Her smile was full of mischief. "Until that sexual tension you guys have snaps and you both give in."

"Unlike you Mon, I have some self control." For now, at least... she thought to herself.

While Lumine was having buddy buddy gossip time with her best friend, Ajax was desperately trying to avoid anyone he even remotely considered a friend. Kaeya had already teased him relentlessly when he got back.

"When's the wedding?" He had asked that morning, shitfaced from the night before (who the hell parties on a Monday? Kaeya, apparently)

Ajax had shot him a look that screamed I'll murder you if you don't shut up. Kaeya didn't doubt Ajax's capabilities in that area. Ajax was a scary, scary man sometimes. Kaeya had seen what happened when he thought his old roommate, Zhongli, had stolen his cake.

Ajax moved through his day in a daze. He attended his classes, only half focusing. He wouldn't say that his head was in the clouds - it more felt like his head was underwater, drowned out with his thoughts and feelings. Thoughts of his past, his family, his father, and Lumine plagued his mind.

Lumi.

Archons, that girl is going to be the death of me.

By the time class was over, he was anxious to get off of campus and down to the metro that would take him to the 'Palace'. It was a short walk to the metro, and the weather was pleasant for mid October. The leaves had already fallen from the trees, littering the ground in hues of red and orange.