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Serval observe annoyed and disapproving his brother who come home after work, half day free, off duty before evening for once and yet still siting under piles of paperwork from the guard office as if he didn't leave the post at all.
- Gezz, babybro are you for real?
- Huh? Where you saying something?
- Whoa, so you can't even hear anything in that paperwork fortress, do you?
- Oh... it's just some stuff I took from office. The guards have a lot of commissions lately and there are citizens who ma-
- Boooring! I got that you are the captain, but how come you have to do all of it on your own free time?
- Well... the scribe was off clock already and I didn't want to bother the assistant lady since she have other tasks. The compliance files were submitted earlier while there is also deadline on the register documents that weren't solved and that-
Serval eyes started to twitch as a flood of excuses take over the space. Of course her baby brother took all the unnecessary responsibilities upon himself. It's who he is. Always mr goodie two shoes. Supposedly a grand respectful warrior of whom everyone seems to take advantage of somehow. How come the society didn't eat him up completely yet was beyond her understanding. But that was okey too. It was just who he was and it was admirable as well. It's not that he couldn't handle himself either. He be already a big boy. Nevertheless she would obligate that as his older sister it be always her duty to push him in right direction when he get off road in life. And right now that mean forcing him to relax and take a proper break he deserves.
- Enough is enough! - she grab him by the collar - You are coming with me to band party.
- Wh-what? Wait-!
She drag him away from the desk when something clank.
- ...are you still wearing pieces of your armour?!
- …I was about to take it off, I just wanted to write that one report-!
- You came home like 4h ago!! Shower and change, rn!! You really throwing away my vibe today...
30 min later and both of them oldest Landau siblings show up at the entrance of underground neons karaoke bar. Looking like two fancy tasty snacks* despite the casual style on.
(*You know Serval had too choose and tweak on go Gepard's outfit choice, boy have no cool ones and if ever he wouldn't know how to match them)
- You finally make it.
The tall lady with long blue hair greet them. There was a warm and maturity in her voice, almost motherly like.
- Of course, I say I be here, didn’t I? I always keep my promises, how come you are so surprised, my love?
- You keep promising to take care of yourself yet you keep ending up at my infirmary every week so I'm developing trust issues here.
- Well, I need some excuse to see my gf when she is busy.
- The hospital is not a place to fool around, please restrain yourself. I don’t want to see you hurt.
Serval smile and give Natasha a sweet apology kiss.
- I promise to try an… what is he doing here?!
She scowl at the man sitting at the end of table drinking without care in the world.
The doctorine sight.
- My apologies, he invited himself on the way and I couldn't shake him off my trail. Plus he did help in that last case regarding the band. So I had no argument.
The man senses they talking about him and so smugly rise his mug of beer in toast.
- Aww~~ I bet you happy to see me~~
- Of course, it's always good to know your face is close when I'm in urge for a punching bag! She return confident smile as they measure each other with nasty looks.
- Sis, stop, don't start fights-uh-Sampo?!
- Oh~~ Didn't expect a captain himself here. - the man suddenly rise up from his place eager to welcome newcomer up close - Of duty? Guess we won’t be playing chase tonight, huh?
- Serval, I change my mind, please hold him until I return with the cuffs.
- Leaving so soon~? - Sampo put an arm on a wall behind him to block his way - I'm not running anywhere, now am I? You got me here all vulnerable in small space without windows yet it's not enough? Feel an urge to chain me up that badly, Cap?
/Testing. Always with the teasing. As if he doesn't know any other way of speaking./
- Leave him be or he will drag you out to cell for real and my efforts to dress him up like a normal human being for once will be in vain.
Big sis stab the jester exposed side with her neatly sharpened nail painfully enough he need to move. And just like that he was taken to pour another round for other participants in accompaniment of good mood spreading thru the bar. Leaving Gepard with some unexplained funny gut feelings he always get after each of their encounters. The confusing effects he couldn't figure out the origin of, just know they were triggered by the presence of one criminal that would always slip away from his jurisdiction. He need a drink. Those thoughts and feelings he couldn’t untangle - they were way more frustrating and complicated than any paperwork.
The party was going on great. People were singing, dancing, laughing and drinking to hearts content. In friendly atmosphere celebrating the latest Mechanical Fever album release. Yet “It is nice, but it’s like it’s not my world” was the constant though nagging Gepard mind while he sit quietly in his corner while his sister shine on stage. This part wasn’t a problem actually. He was perfectly fine with admiring her while being at side line. Soldiers don’t need spotlight and he never crave it either. He just didn’t feel like he fit in. “Maybe I’m just not used to it. Everyone else seem to be fine” Some band fangirls approached him to mingle, but he just didn’t know what to talk about with them. Not to mention that red hair one was way to pushy for his taste - trying to sit on his laps and hug him. It took him an uncomfortable amount of effort to politely escape the situation. But then again, maybe he was the odd one? Maybe it was normal behaviour and he was just too strict and unapproachable. Serval was probably right. He should go out more. Hanging out with other guards on missions wasn’t apparently enough.
He was sulking a bit when someone bump his shoulder sitting by him.
- Having fun, Geppie?
/Of course. The cherry on top of my discomfort at the party./
- I told you not to call me that.
He answered automatically and take another big gulp of his drink, but didn’t attempt to get away. Funny. The mischief annoy him. Often tug on all his never strings and drive him crazy with his trickery at work. Yet rn he was more okey and more relaxed with him being so close than when talking with other strangers at party. He wasn’t family, but he was familiar in a way and that was a bit soothing.
- It would be sad if you weren't having fun.
- What do you care.
- You should know - Sampo Koski always takes care of his friends!
- We are no friends.
- Oh! Right! Must have slipped my mind! We see each other on streets so often it’s easy to forget that detail. Haha!
He laughed cheerfully, yet there was a weird hint of regret in his timbre.
- Still, whenever we meet it's a thrilling experience. I wouldn't want my manhunt partner to lost his motivation. - he clash their mugs - I for one always have fun around you.
- Well, I'm always in trouble around you!
Sampo smirked over his glass.
- Is it a fun kind of trouble?
Blond didn't answer, his head just turn side as different than tipsy shade of red cross his face.
Sampo chuckle.
- Alright! Show us what you got cap!
He stand up and grab Gepard arm forcing him in front of the main screen.
- Wha-I-it's not a good id-
- Go for it - interrupted Serval - l only hear you sing under shower those days. I miss times my babybro would choir with me.
She already be by his side helping him with machine so the right jam go on.
- I don't think I ever hear you sing actually. Looking forward to it. - point out Natasha.
Other party participants shower him in some more comments of encouragement suddenly interested in what a well well-known head of guards will sound like when playing bard.
Anticipation raised as everyone start tabbing what will happen and how awkward will it get for the man. One thing for sure - Sampo's hands were fast to gather all the bets money before the outcome.
Yet even he, a veteran of unexpected, a master of surprises - went speechless as the notes come out of captain of the Silvermane Guards lungs. Everyone else when silent. Their eyes wide open in disbelief. Leaving only acquainted Serval in steady stand over her brother abilities. Doucely enjoying her drink while listening to mesmerising sounds. While others open their eyes in disbelief she close hers letting the harmony take her way back to the past childhood memories. The song was short, but it was as if it lasted forever, especially with that complete silence following when Gepard turn off the mic. He didn’t know what to do with himself, it was so embarrassing. /Why did let Koski put me in this position?!/ He could feel their eyes on him yet they weren’t saying anything so he eventually just apologise and that was when the audience snap.
- Are You kidding me?!!
- Whoa!!! It was amazing!!
- Awesome!
- The notes you hit!
- It was enchanting!!
/ Huh? / Gepard was confused, did he misunderstand? Did they like it after all?
- Man, why aren't you in the band?!
- He may be better than you, Serval!
- Oi! Watch out what you claim! Haha! - she riposted but smile warmly in proud moment of being a big sister.
- Hah! Who knows you are not just angelic looking! - Sampo put his arm over Gepard shoulder- That was like a holy serenade! You sure don't sound like this shouting "Freeze! In the name of law!" when on streets! Haha! What do you say fellas, captain earns a free round, doesn’t he?
And that was it. Suddenly he was in center of attention. Forced to interact with everyone, but on his terms this time.
He need to admit …it was a lot of fun. And the one who make it happen…
Gepard search for Sampo among the crowd. He find him leaning against the bar wall. The troublemaker grace him with a smile and raised glass. Weird, he saw him drink all this time, but his mug never seem to be completely empty. Than again - his was being constantly refiled now too for some reason. He could just not drink, but he couldn’t really refuse when they already toasted for him. It would be rude. He didn’t want to be rude to his sister friends. Same reason why he didn’t get to talk with, maybe say /Thank you/ to Koski as he was invited to singing duet next and a long list of songs and drinks after that.
*
It was already past midnight when the afterparty was just settling on their next checkpoint outside. Sampo stepped to semi shadows. It was enough band intel fun gathering for a night for him. Afterall he still got some illegal moonlight commissions awaiting his attention. He make sure his knives swing right in his hand. After all it would be embarrassing if he won’t hit the target due to something so trivial as alcohol. He secure them blades under his outfit last second before Serval shutted:
- Oi, Koski! You ain’t coming right?
He straight up on the commanding tone of hers.
- I’m not trusting you one bit, but my sweet girlfriend vouched you can handle this one. And I'm counting you won't disappoint her at least. Make me a delivery.
She exclaimed as she dumped her brother's wasted body at his chest.
- Huh?
She get very close his face and hissed:
- If I find one thing stolen from my workshop I'm coming for your balls with my guitar string in hand.
- Don't you mean my neck? - he teased - I didn't know you swing both ways~
She narrow her eyes.
- No. I mean your balls. Both of them.
He glanced over her to be met with only superficially warm expression of Wildfire leader and he already knows - she would allow it and not sew them back in place if anything. He may have gulped. There be little things in this universe that give him such uneasy feeling quite like those strong willed women in protection of their love ones. Belobog seem to have too many of those for his recent liking.
- Of course, m’ladies~ - he bow theatrically - Customer is Queen~
/…and you owning me favour in future for this service is my pleasure~/
*
/Fuck…heavy…/
That future pleasure come out to be a present workout.
- I though you left your armour home, how come you are still so heavy, Geppie?
Sampo whine while fixing his grip on Silvermane capitan thighs.
Blond just huffed something incohesive over his ear, still quite immobile and plastered to his back. The other man chuckle. It was a new side of blond he hadn't saw before and it was quite adorable to be honest.
When they enter the upper city he notice a patrol on the next road and chose the way around them guards. Instinctively avoiding possible arrest, but purposely to not let someone else take his heavy backpack away.
The falling snow was glimmering in street lights as Belobog was engulfed in slumber. It was a quiet night and with just two of them around it felt almost like a date! …okey, that was a big stretch, but normally by now they would be interrupted by other citizens, so it was quite nice change of pace from their daily chasing ritual.
/Nice, huh? Those are some useless thoughts/
Sampo stopped by the side door of Neverwinter Workshop.
- We here~ Do you have keys under doormat or should I break in?
-Nnm!
Gepard murmur as he squirm of Sampo’s back to stand up on his own. Or at least he attempts to as his wobbly legs give up almost right away and he starts to fall.
- Watch there, independent boy! - Koski grab him at waist - I didn’t carry you all the way just so you can smash that pretty face of yours on doorstep.
Blond lean on smuggler shoulder holding on to his shirt and swung a free hand over his side.
- Key…
He nuzzle closer into his neck while experienced pickpocket fingers search his jacket, but didn’t find what they were looking for. Sampo then slide his hand lower to search the trouser back pocket when he hear a sinful sound right in his ear. He glanced at blond and his heart stopped for a second.
The view was too much for the same night he get to experience his unrequited acquaintance’s holy singing voice too.
Pale skin flushed of rosy blush. Half lidded turquoise eyes shining with hints of hopeless tears in corners. And those slightly open juicy pink lips meowing quietly under his touch.
All framed in ruffle up yet still flossy halo of blond locks.
/You just ain’t playing fair, Geppie, you know that?/
Sampo was aware it was just a passing moment. One capitan won’t even remember, but he couldn’t help but to dwell on it. Making his movements ever so slower and deliberate just to keep having an excuse to enjoy the view. His eyes do not dare to blink until his fingers retighten and pull the found key.
- Got it, shall we get in?*
He whispered the question softly as in hope that they could stay like this a little longer.
Wishful thinking.
Gepard push himself away and stand on his own until door get opened. Sampo help him to his room upstairs. Clumsy he tears off parts of his outfits and drop on the bed. It looked pretty silly and Koski couldn’t stop from cheeky smile. It was also an opportunity thu. “Madame big sister protector of her baby” only mentioned not touching -her- stuff while there was a lot of -other people’s- stuff laying around here as well. Especially on capitan desk. Would be a waste not to pick what could be a useful intel for himself. Of course most of it was some office trash, but the document on transactions with the undercity and letters from none other than Bronya Rand were at most in value.
The rustle of papers makes Gepard shift in his bedsheets to check it.
His head heavy and mind mushy. His blurry vision couldn’t quite confirm what the wandering around his room figure was doing. Yet he knows who it was. It has been same each night for quite some time after all.
- Sampo…!
- Yeah?!
Like a scary cat the thief turns around and hides the documents behind his back.
- Ko…ski…
Wanted man relaxes as he realises that blond is still in his drunk state. He secured the side quest trophy items and put on his default signature playboy expression.
- What’s up, Geppie? Want a good night kiss~?
He reaches for a blanket to cover the man and be right on his way out when a firm grip pull him by the hand and down on the bed.
Towering over him Landau was giving him a pretty accurate display of disgust, especially for someone whose head was still swaying due to percentage flowing in his veins.
- Why...
- Hym?
- Why does it always have to be you?!
- Oh, right, you mad cus you hate me so much, right? - Sampo roll his eyes annoyed - Bet you would love it if it was that red head chick here instead with ya. It’s cool, I can give you her number, how about it, Geppie?
He was getting pissed. He had no reason to. He already knows how reality looks for both of them. But he was still pissed about it.
He was angry at himself too. For who he was. And for who he can never be.
Heck, he sunk pretty low right now, didn’t he? To lash out at a vulnerable wasted person over his own anxiety.
- It’s not fair…
Blond's face was still flushed. And those glossy, almost teary eyes. Such a pretty face despite the loathing expression.
- Yes, yes. I’m the worst. You will catch me next time and show me the righteous way.
Sampo answer still sulking over his indecency behaviour minute ago.
/More importantly thu, before you throw up at me…/
He hold man nape and lay him back on sheets again.
- …just go to sleep, would ya?
Gepard let him switch their positions without opposing. His expression seem to mellow too.
- Why… - he reach his hand for Sampo’s face - ...why do you keep showing in my dreams, mr Koski?
- Huh?
Did he misheard that?! No way capitan just admit to dream about him. There was now way.
But what if…? Curiosity killed a cat, but he was willing to risk, after all the only cat he was interested in was pretty sturdy in defense.
- And what do I do in those dreams of yours?
All the teasing and smug he always act on somehow disappear from his voice in that last question without his consent.
Gepard twisted his face and narrow his eyebrows as he smack, now both of, his hands on Sampo’s face.
- I don’t like you!
Was he imagining things now too or was his cheeks getting warmer under his touch?
- I… don’t. So stop.
He keep burbleling as his rough from guard training practice fingers caress the other man skin.
- Don’t… - he pout - Don’t be so sad, mr Koski.
- I’m not?
Now he was at most definitely blushing. There was no denying it.
- Lair.
That he was. It was what he does after all. Cheating the gamble. Deceiving others. Scamming friends. The tears from his eyes fall on Gepard face. Oh- Tears? His eyes? Guess he was lying to himself as well.
Blond’s petting intensified. At this point he was rather kneading his face if anything. Yet Sampo didn’t mind. Couldn’t remember the last time he felt so bliss. So safe and comfortable. He was so taken aback with his own de-stress in this situation he lost all cautious completely and didn’t even notice when the other man hands guide him down. Gently. Softly. Slowly. Until their lips brush on each other.
It was brief and subtle. But it happened. They kiss.
/Did he just?! Did we just?! Did he?! Whoa…/
He must have made a weird expression as Gepard chuckle and grand him with a genuine radial smile.
- Having fun yet?
- Yeah…
Heck, was he drunk now as well? All his defences crumble so quickly around this man it was dangerous for both of them.
Gepard hugged his back tightly and snuggle into him like a pillow. Forcing man to lay on his exposed chest. Sampo couldn’t see the other face in this position, but every little kiss that was placed on his head send warm shivers straight to his heart …and not only there.
They stay like that for a while. Cuddling like a sweet couple, not bitter enemies they were. Both emerged in the reality oblivion to take most of this delight moment. Landau voice no longer holding hints of stupor while he say:
- I like you, Sampo Koski. I like you so much bastard…
/Whoa-wait-what-wait-you can’t just!!/
Those words, their meaning, his feelings. Was he…?
Sampo spring from embracement and grab blond’s hands into his.
- Geppie…
He wanted to say something, something that was laying like an itching rock at the bottom of his heart, but then he heard a lengthy snore.
/Are fucking kidding me?!/
- Oi. Don’t joke like that. Come on, wake up!
He slapped Gepard face lightly, but all it did was make the man shift and curl into more comfortable sleeping position.
He try poking him and tickle, even smack him with a pillow - it was pointless, man was already deep asleep and as unfazed as log.
That was bad. Did he really will have to leave in this state?!
- Heh…- he sit up and run hand thru his hair to calm down - The things you do to me, Geppie~
His night shift was postpone further as his hard on didn’t want to get down.
*
Gepard wake up with one hell of hangover. He was aware beforehand he doesn't have nowhere near as strong head as his big sis, yet he just let himself go yesterday. He allows it to happen and he is facing the sickening consequences.
- Ugh.. I’m never drinking with Serval friends again…
He should have left after that second round… /Wait… how did I even left? Last thing I remember I was talking with the drummer and then ...I remember hanging on a moving boat? Did Serval bring me home? Someone did, I’m pretty sure there was someone… We were fighting? Was that what we were doing? Ugh… I can’t remember. Must have fallen asleep …yet of course I can recall that dammit dream! This bastard… How even did he dig his way into my mind and make a space there to hunt me each night?/
- Huh? What’s that…?
There, on his bedside table, was laying a red and purple rose, together with full glass of water and little bundle unknown origin. Those definitely weren’t there prior when he was going out. There was also a note:
Drink up, Baby! It’s doc Nat special recipe for hangover! Don’t tell her I stole those!
Signed: Sampo Koski at your service <3 <3
- That fucking bastard…!!!
He crumple up the paper.
/Wait… There is something more on the back note?/
I enjoy the sides you show me last night~ Who knows captain have such naughty taste? Your kissing technique need some improvement thu, we will work on that~
XOXO
- What the hell…?
/Wait… all of this… does it mean he was here? …last night? …the dream…!!!/
Cogs in his head moved and started connecting the dots. So many dots.
No medicine require - Gepard suddenly sober up immediately.
/No, no, NO, NOOO/
The flashbacks and memories of last night flood his head. Now so much less foggy and real.
/It didn’t really happen, did it? It was just a dream, right?! Just another dream!!!/
Thinking of consequences of what happened and what of it was real - the thoughts in his head move in lightspeed and make him dizzy. Thu that was lesser problem as his spirit may have already left his body out of overwhelming embarrassment.