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Mockingbird
Please forgive me for missing your message. I'll be right with you.
The Other Me
He isn't that sorry.
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Hugo Vlad (Ravenlock)
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Date: 2025-09-20 04:24 pm (UTC)[ He will not stand, not sit, for Sampo trying to convince him that American sweets were good. He can keep trying to fight that if it wished, but it was a losing battle.
It was fun to watch the wheels turn in the other's head, Hugo leaning forward and leaning his chin in his palm with a smile. He couldn't begin to question what The Black Order thought at any given time. He was sure of at least a few things, however. ]
Trying to restrain me would result in more losses and gains. And besides that, I'm very difficult to work with. A pointless production to try and get to follow orders and rules. For their own sake, overlooking me truly was best.
[ He looked smug, but truthfully he wondered in The Order already knew that he was unfit or if it was just that Hugo was too weak to be bothered with. Sampo was wanted, and was much more accomplished with his abilities, shapeshifting, and stealth. Or maybe they didn't want his evil, vile blood staining their organization. He could think of hundreds of reasons if left to dwell on it. ]
Laughter and elation. It seems both fitting for you and exhausting. Having to be 'on' like that at all times.
[ Maybe he was lucky with his constant vigilance to not be retrained and buying tons of flowers a month. Or maybe it was all different flavors of hell just to stay alive. ]
The only memories to me that are clear are key moments. People. The feeling of their presence. Everything else is blurry colors of feelings and muted sounds. As time passes, sometimes they will come into clear view. Other times I forget I remembered.
It suits me just fine being alone and walking through this life as if it is a graveyard full of clocks, and that I am the hand that puts them to rest once the ticking stops.
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Date: 2025-09-21 05:25 am (UTC)Here he thought The Elation would be a tough piece of crap to deal with and they'd want nothing to do with THEM. And yet they chased him everywhere he went!
The thing Sampo doesn't know is that they wanted to put him in a box and freeze him there so the Elation would never cause problems.] So what you're telling me is that you got partnered up with a Cool being who is just enough trouble to get you out of any possible trouble. How lucky can one guy get...![ he's clearly so messed up about this. You can see the way he childishly kicks his legs under the table a little, but. He'll settle down soon enough. ]
Funnily enough, now that I'm allowed to stop running and just live my life, I can enjoy being haunted by the Concept of Joy. Before it was HELL to deal with. Trying to run and hide with someone in my ear begging me to play pranks. Like! How is a guy supposed to lay low while also pranking folks?
[ but.... he's gonna look at the other a little as he describes his own memories. It's ... similar. Oh god why is he sitting here thinking how alike he and Hugo are?? they're supposed to be rivals. almost enemies. and instead he's feeling this weird feeling. camaraderie? understanding? he almost wants to shake himself to throw the feeling out. Sampo Koski doesn't befriend rivals. ...right?
...Graveyard full of clocks... ]
Fam, when you talk all poetic like that, it makes it sound like you're walking hand in hand with some sort of Grim Reaper.
...
You're not possessed by the Grim Reaper, are you.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-21 01:06 pm (UTC)Instead, Hugo was leaning his chin on his palm and grinning more at Sampo as he explained his 'price', and the life he crashed into all of those years ago. A godly presence that seemed to care more for fun and less for safety was sounding a lot more troublesome by the moment, but he'd keep the thought to himself. It wouldn't be 'fun' to say things like that, now would it? ]
Would holding your hand help as I give you the answer?
[ He'll even hold his free hand out for him. ]
Would it comfort you to dance with the devil you know? If They Who Walk With Death was someone close, would it bring your heart and mind to ease to know it will be a loving touch? Is it a situation where you would prefer the devil you didn't know? That one is more frightening in my opinion. Never knowing which hand reaching for you will be the last human touch you ever have.
The Hands of Death are said to be cold, but... I'm warmer today than usual, if you still want it.
[ Hugo wiggles the fingers of the offered hand. ]
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Date: 2025-09-27 03:17 am (UTC)Living with Aha had been a pain, but. His head slowly rises as Hugo starts to talk again. Holding out that hand, and speaking his odd, poetic way and offering him something that honestly makes the hairs along the back of his neck stand on fucking end.
If there was one thing Sampo feared more than being caught and caged--it was dying. He'd already died once, and it was horrid. He never thought it was gentle--a single flaring, single pain in the center of his forehead and then darkness. Darkness that swallowed him for what felt like forever, only to wake up--in a pool of his own blood.
His fingers twitch as Hugo offers his hand. There's... of course there's the want to take it, to prove he 'Trusts' the other--that's what this meeting is all about, after all. But as his hand lifts, there's a cold feeling that's settled deep in his spine.
He can't bring himself to take Hugo's hand. There's something in his eyes. Aha is too silent. He's going to look at the other, completely, utterly seriously. ]
...
What is going to happen if I take your hand?
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Date: 2025-09-27 05:31 am (UTC)It reminded him of the words of a dead man, and the reaction of a deserter.
With a scoff, he curls his hand and draws it back, waving it in the air like the whole thing wasn't worth the serious turn it took. ]
Nothing, you coward. I don't have a death touch. [ He scoffed, leaning back and taking up that glass of wine instead. ]
Yes, I recieved the aid of a death god, but our connection tends to be more transactional than friendly and familiar. He helped me the first time I met unfortunate circumstances and should it happen again, he gets to keep my form. simple as that.
There you are. The simple truth of my situation. I haven't told another living soul that last part. Not even my closest confidants.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-30 03:49 am (UTC)Maybe for a moment he regrets not taking his hand. But how could he have known it was some sort of weird test! The guy just said 'I'm possessed by death, hey take my hand'. Anyone would interpret it that way! Right??!
...Instead of sitting in his chair and internally fussing about it, though, Sampo crosses his arms a moment and looks every bit like a petulant child. ]
For all I know you COULD have!! I can put people to sleep or confuse them in a touch, so how could I know better!! That's unfair and you know it. [ this 30 year old man ]
...Having to give your body up if anything bad happens is a pretty bad deal though. For real??
[ but... he does pause as Hugo... trusts him? With information he hasn't told anyone.
Sampo straightens up. A look of quiet surprise replacing the petulant look, slowly. ]
... Hoooold on. You'd actually... trust me with that sort'a information? [ ...surely he's.
No. He can tell by the look in Hugo's eyes, he's not lying. (Right?) ]
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Date: 2025-09-30 03:49 pm (UTC)[ Which was true. Was that what he was talking about? ....No, but it was still a possibility. Sampo needed to be more flexible! Stop worrying about every little thing and live his life. Wasn't he supposed to be free of all these worried? Or did Sampo think that everything between them in the past was grounds to try and kill him over? If he was going to do that, he'd already be trying, and not too calmly. ]
Thanatos already saved me once. It seems only right that if I mess up again, there should be a price.
[ The bat smiled at Sampo as the realization takes the other. Ah, there it is. Recognition. ]
Why not? It can serve multiple purposes. It is the olive branch, extended. Something I've decided to trust only to you in good will, showing that I harbor no ill will toward you and our history. It can also serve as a test. If anyone else finds out about that part of my possession, I'll know who told them.
We are starting a new chapter. Instead of anxiety and negativity, I would rather we foster something positive between us. It will make our rivalry out in the field a healthier one.
1/3
Date: 2025-10-03 03:57 am (UTC)but they die on his tongue because he's too busy. Too startled that he's being offered an olive branch when... he'd been working up this whole time to figure out how to properly extend it.
And Hugo did it first. And did it effortlessly, without sounding awkward or silly or making a terrible joke while he fumbled it out.
sure, telling him that 'Truth' had insurance, where Sampo can't share it, but. It's still something heavy to share with someone who's supposed to be your rival. your enemy. someone who-- ]
2/3
Date: 2025-10-03 03:58 am (UTC)[ foster something positive ]
[ It's Just Business, Hugo! And those who do Business are not Friends! ]
[ 'It'll make our rivalry a healthier one'. ]
[ He really was stupid, wasn't he?
It's his turn to laugh. Really laugh. A quiet little chuckle that turns into a shoulder-shaking rattle that sounds almost painful by the time sampo gets to the crest of it--even having to reach a hand to wipe tears from his eyes. ]
3/3
Date: 2025-10-03 03:58 am (UTC)Alright. Alright! You got it. You got me. Maybe another time, another me would feel cornered by this but you know what? I don't.
Because maybe Sampo Koski wanted to wiggle a branch at you too, but I'm not the best at wrangling trees.
Here.
[ he then reaches into his pocket, and he pulls out a dark pink envelope, handing it over to Hugo.
Inside is a photo of a house, with an address written on the back. And then, of course, a key with a keychain of a fool's mask attached. ]
My branch.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-04 01:43 pm (UTC)It was the look first. He's ever seen those looks on Sampo's face. Truth be told, Sampo never presented him with such realism before. He got to watch genuine feelings cross his expression and how the lines of his face showed contemplation. It was sad in a way that hurt.
It only got worse as he watches the tears well up and fall. Hugo sits up straighter, watching the other and his display of emotions, that pain squeezing at his chest. The gesture was supposed to be one of kindness and burying the hatchet as they say, now he wondered if he should have done something else, or if he was underestimating his feelings.
And being called flawless had it's own feeling to accompany it. Hugo was far from flawless. Things like this were a gamble. A game of chance uplifted by experience.
But this motherfucker's branch.
He dares to kowtow to Hugo's now seemingly meager offering, speaking kind words about how much better he was than him at this... only to turn around and present Hugo with was he can only assume is property?! He dared to make it seem like asking Hugo out, wining and dining him, taking care of the bill, and then presenting him with real estate wasn't A FLEX?!
He was being beaten at his own game! He hasn't even courted Harumasa this hard!! This Blueberry Bitch!!!
Calmly. Hugo lifts the envelope, leveling a questioning look. Keep it together, Hugo. ]
Your branch is a whole house?
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Date: 2025-10-05 04:21 am (UTC)maybe to hugo his offer seemed 'meager'. But to Sampo, being forgiven like that--offered the olive branch he'd been struggling to find the moment to offer--it was worth more to him than some house he'd gotten by pure luck.
Sampo stops mid-snack when the other looks at him accusingly--offering that one sentence, and its only in THAT moment that Sampo realises maybe he'd made a mistake. A Gil-Sized mistake.
He remembers back to when he'd gone shopping with the king. 'How quaint. People actually considering prices before deciding on brands. Clever marketing to change the look and dress of a package to make you pay more.'
'What do you mean it's overkill to give you 50 dollars to go out to buy bread'?
He slowly puts half an eaten onion ring down. Take a drink of his wine. ]
Wwwwwell. You plan on sticking around a little while longer, yeah? I figured you could use it more than I could. I got my own place and I LOVE my chaos house. [ he's derailing. clear his throat. AN-Y-WAY. ] I just. Figured it was fair compensation. For almost getting you killed or worse. More than once.
If you don't want it you could just. Pass it onto someone who does.
It's not a huge place. A two-bedroom flat with a basement, and a small attic. [ as if that makes the 'branch' any less. ]
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Date: 2025-10-12 03:35 pm (UTC)As someone who came from old money, [ He was a vampire. What other kind of money is there at that point? ] Even I most point out that you must live extravagantly now for that to sound humble.
Regardless. I have use for a place like this. I will accept your humble gift and the meaning behind it. Consider the hatchet buried until your next offense.
[ It would only be a matter of time, honestly. Twirling the key one more time, he placed it back in the envelope and tucked it all away. He would investigate the property later. ]
And yes, I do plan on sticking around for a big longer. I've run into others I know and I have found myself not quite the uncaring wanderer as one would think. Hopefully future business will remain separated or friendly.
[ Or else they will go back for round two, but he really didn't want to test what the playing field was these days. ]
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Date: 2025-10-20 01:52 am (UTC)Even if he's currently feeling a bit self-concious about Hugo's reaction. Maybe he should have started with a box of flowers, or something. ]
Yes! Good. Take my humble gift. Hatchet done, hatchet gone. And for shame--I won't offend again! I'm a redeemed man! [ he isn't. he still falls into bad habits. he's just. more self-aware of the people he might be hurting now that he's. You know. free of fearing for his life. ]
We can totally get along in the future--no, we can even collaborate! You know. Like pals.
Consider me someone you can call on speed dial and ol' Sampo will answer before the third ring.
[ maybe. probably. ]
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Date: 2025-10-23 03:18 pm (UTC)He really needs to stop making promises to apparent traitors. Oh well. The point of this one is to change that. ]
...Yes. I may not hold you to that, but I understand the sentiment. Then ... 'pals' it is. I've already promised Lycaon I won't take on jobs until the new year, so if there's anything you're going to get up to, know I won't be there to get in your way.
[ That wasn't entirely true, but it was mostly true. ]