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sagauslvt · 2 years ago

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Title: “Unlike Fiction” Chapter: 2/? Pairing: Sampo x Reader, Gepard x Reader Reader: Gender Neutral / Illegal Underworlder living in Overworld Relationship Level: Sampo - Ex-Beau / Gepard - Current Beau Trust: Sampo - Low / Gepard - Moderate Summary: After finding out that Gepard never informed his parents about you, the craziest thing occurs. Your ex has arrived to whisk you away…

[Chapter 1]

Despite how things ended between you, Sampo Koski still manages to remain ever so striking in his appearance. His cobalt hair sways attractively in the light wind while his piercing emerald gaze fixates on you. Even that cunning mouth of his is sporting its usual breezy smile.

You expect him to gloat or be smug. Maybe even cast a childish ‘I told you so’ in the form of a sneer.

So here you are, braced for the worst and yet…

None of these things happen.

A chuckle escapes him for seemingly no reason at all as he watches you. It’s light and pleasant. Maybe even a hint of gratitude…

He’s… just happy to see you.

“You absolute madman,” you finally say with an unexpected laugh as you wipe your tear-stained face with your sleeves.

“Actually, I prefer to advertise myself as rather calculating, decisive, and immensely good at problem-solving. Always gotta stay one step ahead of the competition,” Sampo says with a soft playfulness as he lists off each quality off his fingers, “Oh, and let’s not forget my impeccable conversation skills.”

He steps closer with a gentle smile, becoming more illuminated by the soft orange glow of the heater. He stops short of you to place his hand over his chest before giving a light bow in greeting.

“Though I’m sure you’re well aware of all of those things. I mean, it hasn’t been that long, has it?” he asks with mock fretfulness in his tone, “Surely, you haven’t forgotten all about me already?”

“Hardly,” you reply.

A small smile finds its way back onto your face, and Sampo looks even more pleased to have helped you retrieve it. Luckily, he has the sense not to badger you about what happened. A sense of relief finally washes over you.

You’re not even sure if you could confide in him such a thing. Or anyone for that matter. It's just too mortifying.

Regardless, now isn’t exactly a good time.

The entirety of Belobog’s mobile security force is en route to the Landau mansion now. You can see Silvermane Guards charging up the streets from all directions to reach the estate. There was no doubt that this was taken to be a city-wide emergency despite it being but a single wealthy family’s home. Yet in doing so, they were leaving their original posts completely unguarded.

All hands on deck would be required in ensuring the total safety of the Landau family.

It leaves an oddly bitter taste in your mouth. This has to be another desperate Wildfire mission. Your face pinches as you wonder about the impending casualties.

The building trembles with more shockwaves created by yet another bomb. It’s coming from the southwest this time.

��Don’t worry. The bombs are only for theatrics,” Sampo informs you reassuringly, “It’s just a diversion to get a few warehouses on the northeast side freed up for uh… ‘borrowing’ a few items.”

He cracks an amused grin down at your perplexed face.

“You were making that face again~,” he singsongs with a breathy laugh, answering the other unspoken question in your head.

He knows you too well. One look and he reads you like the front cover of a tabloid magazine. Now if only that went both ways…

A wintry wind bypasses every bit of taffeta in your overpriced outfit. Despite standing right beside the heater, the thin material gives little to no insulation. A shiver slides through you, causing you to hug yourself to rub the chill away.

Instinctively, you see Sampo start to raise his hand only to quickly force it back down. Then he looks like there’s more he wants to say to you, but he restrains himself at the last second with an awkward chuckle.

“Ready to go?” he inquires instead, awaiting your command.

You wonder what it is he originally wanted to say, but you know that he’ll never tell. Not even if you were to offer him a substantial amount of shields.

Unwilling to start another tiff over such an old feud, you give him a decisive nod. Without wasting any time, Sampo tugs on a device he had latched behind his back. Your mouth falls agape in shock the moment you recognize it in the heater’s light.

“Ah ha! So you did swipe my line launcher! You little-! You said you couldn't find it!”

“Okay, first off, I did look for it and I didn't find it... at that point in time. Secondly, need I remind you that I am a perfectly honest businessman?” he huffs melodramatically just before waving your device with a teasing smirk, “I would never steal. That being said…”

“That being said?” you parrot back, awaiting what possible answer he could have to prove that he didn’t pilfer your things post-breakup.

“That being said,” he repeated, obviously trying to wring out a witty answer in the small amount of time he bought himself, “Clearly… I simply appropriated it. See? No wrongdoing at all. Albeit, it'll be for an extended and undefined period of time, but hey, that's how things go, am I right?”

Sampo turns to point the rope gun toward a neighboring building before casting a wink in your direction. Then, his back becomes taut as his expression becomes more focused. He looks like an entirely different person, but it only lasts a few seconds before he shoots the line.

It lands perfectly against a building adjacent to your location and with enough height to fully egress the Landau estate.

He turns to you, waggling his brow in a ‘You see that?’ fashion. He’s obviously seeking praise for getting it on the first try. That or remind you of what you’re missing.

“Yes, yes. Nice shot,” you say with a small laugh.

Sampo puffs his chest proudly while clicking a small lever on the device that cuts the rope.

“I thought you might like that.”

“Even if I do, that doesn’t mean you get to call dibs though,” you insist while folding your arms in front of you.

“Aww, but why not? Finders keepers, right?” he replies with a sly grin, “Besiiiides, I’m obviously the better marksman with this thing. I think that you and I can both agree that this little trinket belongs with me.”

“Excuse me?”

He bursts into laughter and you can see that he duped you just for that very reaction. But it’s also very apparent that he has no intention of giving the line gun back either.

Sampo kneels to the ground to tie the rope end securely to the railing. You watch in silence for a moment before another question creeps into your head.

“Well then… I take it that you’re hoping to get a good price on it?” you inquire a bit sadly.

His hands slow in tying the rope.

That’s not a question you should ask. You both know that. The question you posed isn’t just about the line gun.

You tense as Sampo doesn’t say anything. Instead, he refocuses on the strength of the knots and ensures that the line is as taut as possible. You wince a little, certain you had breached an area of conversation that you should not have.

It shouldn’t matter what he does with that gadget. But you can’t help but feel like if he's just willing to sell it off to the highest bidder that maybe this was a small glimpse into how he viewed your past relationship with him. Something to keep around and entertain him until it outlived its usefulness…

A sigh escapes him as he suddenly stands up.

“You know… I realize that it’s me and all,” he says slowly while turning to close in on you.

You instinctively back up until you feel the railing hit your lower back. Sampo brazenly leans in, reaching around you to grab the rail that’s behind you. He has you successfully boxed in between his arms with nowhere to go. You can't get over how close he is as you suddenly start to feel very warm. However, his expression seems a little tired.

“And I get that you have this perception of me that I think every little thing is a commodity. Because yes, it can be,” he adds in a low tone of voice while drumming his gloved fingers against the metal bar with his half-lidded eyes locked on yours, “But I think you and I both know… that *some things* just aren’t for sale.”

You struggle to keep your head. He made sure to say that last part with a hint of sensuality. You're sure of it. That or alcohol is the devil for making you think so.

"I feel like you're just saying that to be nice.”

"Mm, I don't think you're very interested in me being nice right now... I think... that you actually..."

Sampo then chuckles, catching himself as he bites his lower lip. He wants nothing more than to lean in just a little further to see just how far you'll go. But unfortunately for him, you are still very drunk. He reluctantly pushes on the railing to extricate himself from an entanglement that he’s sure he wouldn’t be able to say no to if you gave up so much as an inch.

He opens his mouth to say something else but stills when Gepard’s voice can be heard getting closer.

“Ooh hoo hoo. It seems the newly appointed Guard Captain is looking for you. If I’m not mistaken, that’s your name he’s shouting,” Sampo says, trying to keep things light despite the seed of jealousy burning in his chest, “That is your name, right?”

“...”

He sighs as his jokes fall flat. Part of him wishes he didn't come onto you so hard as he's sure that didn't help. Even so, he's not about to abandon you.

“Hey, hey! Turn that frown upside down and for a limited-time sale of 5 shields, I’ll take you home without saying another word,” he pitches with that famously irresistible smile, "Look, I know you're feeling a bit cautious, but I think you can tell that I mean it this time. Well?"

“...2 shields.”

“4 shields.”

“No shields.”

“What? No. You can't just-”

“No shields and one hug. Final offer.”

“A hug? Hang on. Are we talking about a sideways friend hug or a real hug?”

“Full frontal hug. These two arms wrapped tightly around you. Five seconds, tops.”

“Heh heh. Are you sure that I’m not the one getting the better bargain here?” Sampo replies while enjoying the small victory in plucking you from the darkness once again.

Gepard's shouting of your name is getting louder which means he’s nearby. The rustling of chainmail and clanking of heavy armor grows ever closer. They must be looking to secure the manor and you're probably the only one left that's unaccounted for.

“Aww. Well, looks like our time is up! Let's skedaddle! But first-” Sampo then pulls you tightly against him, lifting you slightly with one arm as he uses the other to brace against the railing, “I’d like to collect the payment promised to me. Can't have you skipping out on your bill, after all.”

He grins smugly. Getting one more chance to have you in his arms is the icing on top of this whole fiasco. While keeping a firm grip on your waist, he discretely reaches back to hook the slider onto the rope.

And then…

Like the loon that he is, Sampo freefalls backward with a boisterous laugh, gleefully taking you with him.

AN: I love this dum-dum way too much. I hope this chapter was satisfactory. I'm gonna add more Geppie next chapter. Making Sampo silently burn with jealousy while he grins as if nothing is wrong might slowly become my new hobby.

Anywho, if you made it this far, thank you for reading. May you be visited by Sampo in your future pulls. <3

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sagauslvt · 2 years ago

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Title: “Unlike Fiction” Chapter: 1/1? Pairing: Sampo x Reader, Gepard x Reader Reader: Gender Neutral / Illegal Underworlder living in Overworld Relationship Level: Sampo - Ex-Beau / Gepard - Current Beau Trust: Sampo - Low / Gepard - Moderate Summary: You decide to show up for Gepard’s celebration for becoming Captain of the Silvermane guard at Serval’s request. However, things don’t go as expected… Warning!: Cursing, Thoughts of Self-Harm (No harm though!)

=====

Glimmering glass chandeliers, bubbling champagne, and a cast of incredibly wealthy persons that all seem to know one another only skin deep…

This scenery is straight out of any romance novel conveying star-crossed lovers of opposing social classes. Though you had to admit, the authors really nailed it. You always thought that at least some of it had to be a little embellished. Yet just as they say, even the ceiling of this immense manor is painted with glorious recounts of Belobog’s long history with awe-inspiring detail.

Your fingers squeeze around the stem of your champagne glass.

The nobles that have gathered are all dressed to the nines. Some even go so far as to wear flowers that are worth at least six years of your own pay. You gulp when you catch sight of a few of the noble ladies standing off to the side in a huddled corner with handheld fans up, covering the lower part of their faces. Quickly, you avert your gaze.

You already know they’re talking about you. Not that it matters. Gossip is a game for the small-minded and weak-willed.

Though you can’t help a certain thought that keeps besieging your mind.

Should you really be here?

“There you are!” Serval calls excitedly with no bother to maintain the rules of decorum as she hurries over to you.

Thank Qlipoth…

Her outfit fits the atmosphere but you feel a sense of pride to see that she never took out her punk rock highlights. It gives you a sense of solidarity as there were a few things in your own look that you refused to change just for a single event.

She definitely gets a few irksome looks, for the mere sin of existing. But like the magnificent storm queen that she is, she doesn’t even care. Immediately, you feel like you’ve found refuge the second she hooks her arm around yours.

“Ugh, thank goodness that you’re here. I was about to lose my head just a moment ago,” she huffs lightly before leaning into you with a relieved smile, “Seriously. I’m really glad you came. I know this isn’t what you’re used to… but if I know Geppie, he’s going to love it that you're here.”

“You really think so?” you ask, still feeling a bit apprehensive.

“Of course! Oh god. You should see how he lights up whenever he mentions you. I swear, you’re like his favorite subject to talk about these days. He barely mentions work anymore. Thank you, by the way. That subject was getting a bit tiresome, but I never really knew how to break it to him, you know? I’m just still sore after the whole… Well… You know.”

Her cerulean eyes drift downwards.

Serval’s sudden termination from the Architects was definitely a huge blow. It was still fresh in her mind despite it happening over a few months ago. Even so, you could still see the cracks it left in her.

It was a miracle that she didn’t give up hope on everything entirely…

You squeeze her arm a little to bring her back to the present before she can drown herself in the past.

“Hey, let’s just enjoy ourselves then. We’ve been through hell. It’s the least we can do, right? We can even see this as, I dunno, reparations for stupid bullshit?”

“Reparations for Stupid Bullshit. RSB. I like it,” Serval laughs with a delighted nod, gladly going with the flow, “Yeah. Let’s do that.”

She squeezes you back. An appreciative thank you.

The two of you end up tearing up the tables filled with fancy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while chatting about everything and nothing. By the time the great big announcement comes around, both you and Serval are incredibly - and happily - drunk. Restraint isn’t exactly a strong suit for either of you. It’s probably why you get along so well.

When Gepard is announced as the next Captain of the Guard, you both end up hooting and hollering like fools. You get a few glances from those surrounding you and even Gepard breaches the usual protocol to peek.

But he doesn’t smile when he sees you.

Instead, his eyes widen, brows flying up. Then he turns to face front and center like the soldier he’s trained to be.

“...”

A sudden sick, sinking feel forms in your chest.

What was that?

It doesn’t help that you’re intoxicated. The wall that usually keeps the worst thoughts out suddenly isn’t there anymore. Worries flood you without hindrance.

The dam of reason isn’t there to protect you.

“The hell was that?” Serval says, only escalating your worries, “He saw us, right?”

You purse your lips tightly, unable to reply.

Gepard receives praise from both of his parents as well as a few renowned dignitaries. It takes everything you have to keep Serval from breaking into tears at the sight of Cocolia. Serval ends up holding your hand with such a tight grip that her fingernails dig into your skin. But you let it happen. You know how deep those emotional wounds have cut…

She’s barely holding herself together.

“Serval…”

“Don’t tell me we should go. I-I deserve to be here too,” she insists shakily which is remarkably perceptive for own so heavily inebriated, “If anything… she’s the one that doesn’t belong here… This is my home. My home.”

The pain in her voice pulls at every heartstring inside of you. But you have to be the least drunk between you. …Since sobriety is long, long gone.

“I… need to use the bathroom,” you say.

It’s not a lie entirely. Besides, she won’t question it. You don’t know your way around this place like she does.

“Oh shit. Sorry. Yeah, of course. Come on. I’ll take you… woah. Um… Let me hang onto you.”

It takes a little while to find a washroom. It seems Serval’s mind keeps getting muddled from having seen Cocolia. But you keep your patience. It’s what you’d want from your friend if this ever happened to you…

By the time you get to a nearby empty washroom, you barely shut the door when you hear Serval breaking into tears. Your heart becomes heavier than you’re used to. Maybe because you’re pretty sure that you’re bound for one more heartbreak today.

Gepard’s face the moment he saw you in the crowd has yet to leave your mind.

As much as you’d like to hope… you feel that you already know.

He didn’t tell them…

You sit there on the closed toilet for barely a moment before breaking out into silent tears.

This… always… happens.

You try to keep quiet as best you can. You don’t like expressing your pain to others. Your upbringing discouraged showing weakness of any kind. To those around you at that time… you were an incessant inconvenience.

Even still, you hear a soft knock on the door.

Serval sniffles just behind it.

“Are you crying?” she asks with a genuine sweetness behind it, despite her own anguish, that just makes something inside of you crumble to dust.

A sob escapes despite your damnedest attempts to keep it in.

You don’t want to be a burden.

Yet before you know it, she’s already come in and hugs you tightly without reservation. You don’t remember how long the two of you bawl your eyes out, but it’s enough that Serval has to reapply both her and your makeup.

Every noble wears makeup and she’ll be damned if she lets one of her few closest friends walk around shabby.

“Hey, hey. I know you’re worried…” she says while gently applying another coat of foundation on your cheeks, “But I’m telling you, my brother would never ever do that to you. Ugh… He’s nothing like that con man. Ugh… I’m so sorry that I even introduced you to that jerk. He just… He didn’t seem like that, you know?”

She popped her foundation away back into her hidden dress pocket before pulling out some eyeliner to fix the mess under your eyes.

“Geppie is different. I swear. I’ve never heard him tell a lie in his whole life.” Her motions slow as she remembers the look he gave both of you during the celebration of his promotion. “I… I’m sure he had his reasons for reacting so weird. Maybe he was just really surprised?”

You smile weakly despite not believing that.

“You’re probably right,” you fib.

Damn. You were already exhibiting bad habits from said someone…

“Don’t worry. We’ll talk to him soon.”

And just like that, the two of you return to the party though it’s mostly over and done with. Only a few of the major boozehounds stay for the free alcohol while others try some last minute attempts to schmooze with those of higher standing.

Eventually, Serval learns where Gepard retreated off to in search of some solace.

“This’ll be great. I’m sure of it,” she says as she pulls you along.

But with every step, you feel like you’re nearing an execution. The type that can tear the very soul in half while keeping the physical body intact.

“Stay here,” she whispers to you, leaving you just outside the doors before dramatically shoving them open, “Little bro!”

You can hear the shifting of his armor along with his footsteps as he turns to face his older sister.

“Serval…”

Gepard's voice sounds heavy. No matter how much you rewind it in your head, there’s no mirth in it.

“Surprised?” she asks as she hugs him suddenly, “Didn’t think I’d miss your big day, did you?”

“...”

“Gepard?” she asks before leaning back to eye him better.

“You shouldn’t have brought them…” he murmurs but it’s not low enough that you can’t catch it.

The ground beneath you becomes like thin ice over a frigid lake. Each word he says produces a fresh crack, branching out to assure your inevitable destruction.

“What? What do you mean? Aren’t you glad to see them? Gepard, you two are dating. Of course, I’d-” Serval then suddenly stops.

You drop your head as you feel an uncomfortable heat rising along your neck and ears.

Mortification.

She takes a step back.

“You didn’t tell them?” she asks but she’s not really asking.

Her tone sounds utterly appalled.

“I-I was working on it!”

“Gepard! You said-!”

“I know what I said!”

You can’t take anymore.

Removing your shoes, your footfalls become nearly silent as you make a desperate retreat for the nearest open balcony. The freezing air greets you the moment you step out. With a shudder, you make it to the nearest portable heater, switching it on. With time, it glows a gentle orange that reminds you of the Geomarrow where you’re really from…

The place that you should feel ashamed of…

A tear escapes you but you quickly wipe it away, refusing to cry any longer.

Then… in just that moment…

A crazy thought invades your mind.

This is very high up.

…Anything could happen.

A despairing croak escapes you as you grip onto yourself tightly.

No, no, no. Not these thoughts.

Anything but these thoughts!!

It’s like fighting against the blinding cold winds of the Great Freeze. There’s no escape and before you know it, you’re completely lost within its windchill.

If only you hadn’t left… Being alone and disturbed with far too much alcohol always makes for a tragedy waiting to happen…

Please… Someone… I don’t… I don’t want…

And then the improbable happens.

A light flickering in the distance.

At first, it seems random until you realize it remarkably seems like the code that-

No bloody way.

‘Hey there, friend.’

That’s what it says.

Your eyes widen.

No way, no way, no way.

Quickly, you pull out the pocket mirror Serval had lent you. Well, given you, but it was way too expensive to keep on your person. You would sneak it back into the untouched mounds within her workshop later.

For now, you pop it open and use the mirror to reflect the light to message back.

‘Friend or foe?’

You wait with great anticipation for the next reply. At first, you think it might not come, but it does.

‘Friend?’

A desperate laugh escapes you as you can tell right away who this is.

‘Idiot.’

He doesn’t miss a beat.

‘Your idiot.’

You frown.

‘Not mine.’ You correct firmly.

Then nothing. A part of you gets tense.

Did you ruin it? If so, then was it for the best?

But those thoughts vanish when you finally see the light flash again.

‘Are you okay?’

Now it was your turn to give pause. Were you okay?

Your hands trembled around the mirrors as fresh tears fell. This was a pivotal moment. You could feel it.

The air felt like it had been sealed in an invisible vacuum. Static silently building within…

You look toward where you came from.

Neither Landau has come for you…

Too busy bickering, no doubt.

You lightly bite down on your tongue to try and stop the tears but it’s futile.

‘Not okay.’

The next response is so quick that you nearly miss it.

‘SOS?’

You tense.

Your next response will be huge for what happens next…

‘SOS?’ He asks again. “...”

No. The pain is too much. You want out.

‘SOS.’

You wait a few minutes there for a response or anything… but there’s nothing. Your shoulders drop with regret at showing even a hint of your vulnerability to an ex of all people. He probably just found your pain entertaining. Maybe he was taking pictures on his phone right now.

Well, might as well give him the best shot.

You weep quietly from where you lean against the railing… only to feel a sudden rumble from the west side of the manor. It… felt like the kind of shockwaves a bomb gives.

Did he just-?!

The clanking of metallic armor stomping down the halls fills your ears as commands are shouted at length. You debate leaving the balcony but now you’re scared. What if you’ve been lured into a trap? What if you’ll be made the scapegoat? What if-

“Hey there.”

You turn to see the dual dagger-wielding rogue lifting himself with ease over the railing. You were at least three stories high… Had he really just scaled all of that on his own?

Those enchanting green eyes capture you in an instant as they seem equally mesmerized to see you again. A relieved smile spreads across his face as he tilts his head.

“Heard you wanted a swift exit?”

===

AN: *sipping on Bicardi* Wow. I did not expect to write this… Thank you magic bat.

For those of you that made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!

This could continue but we'll see. Love Triangles are pretty fun though, eh?

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