#really it's just an excuse to dump headcannons and have Sampo have deep conversation with Gepard and maybe Seele

[sorrinslays]

(I'm the anon who asked for more sampo headcanons) Ooh I love those!! Thank u very much :] If u have any further thoughts on Sampo and the Moles interactions I'd love to hear those as well, I'm a sucker for the idea that he's really good with kids lol

Hi again anon!!! And yes, I do have some thoughts on Sampo babysitting the Moles, of course I do! Sampo is their dad after all /hj

Okay so this is getting into fanfic territory about something I'm working on, but I like to think that he helps them get better at negotiating and sneaking around by playing games with them. Hide and seek is a big one with them which is why when we (Astral Express) meet Hook and the other Moles they insist on playing that game.

More specifically, he promises that if even one of them wins against him, either as the seekers or as the ones hiding, they'll get a big prize (the bestest!!!!!). So far, they haven't won yet, but they're getting better, they are sure of it!!!!!!

Additionally, I'm a fan of the idea that Sampo taught them basic shit that you learn in kindergarten and stuff so that when they get the chance to go to school they won't be bullied by their lack of knowledge. He was sure that the 'ban' of the Underworld would be lifted before they are of the age to go to elementary school which is why he was insisted on teaching them the basics. Seele called his insistence stupid at some point but who has the bragging rights for being correct now?

Generally, Sampo is very touch starved and avoids it because it leaves an itchy feeling behind that makes him very uncomfortable but he was surprised to learn that he doesn't have the same problem with kids. Sure, if they hug him for long periods of time he gets uncomfortable but aside from that shit like pulling his pant leg to get his attention, using him as a monkey bar or dragging him around by his wrist when they want to show him something cool they found doesn't bother all that much.

Is on pretty good terms with Fersman (Hook's dad), surprisingly so. At first Fersman was very suspicious of Sampo but after a few months, he started feeling more comfortable around Sampo as they ended up being pretty good friends. Not close ones, but if Fersman needs help with something, especially if it concerns Hook and Natasha is unavailable or busy, he goes to Sampo.

They have this game where they have to sneak up on Sampo and as a reward they get 5 candies instead of the one he gives when he sees them. So far it hasn't worked but when they get close to doing so he gives them an extra one.

If Sampo is missing for more than a day or two (his usual) the first to notice are the moles and they ask (pester) Natasha where he is. Most of the time her answer is either that he is busy or, if he's missing for a week or so, she tells he's out gathering medicine and other supplies. Each time he returns from his medicine gathering the Moles insist to come with him so he can get back home faster and each time he tells them "maybe next time".

He always has candy in his pockets for the Moles.

Whenever Seele insults Sampo in front of Hook, she instantly defends him. It's hard to count how many times Seele wanted to insult that man but couldn't because Hook was in the room and would've been defensive over him. Anytime they do "fight" Natasha is quick to break it off.

Speaking of Natasha, whenever she sees Sampo not doing anything/he annoys her, she just send him off to look after the Moles. She says it's because he's the only one they somewhat listen to without the need to threaten punishment or chores but really she just eliminates two headaches that way.

Out of all the Moles, Julian is probably the most attached to Sampo due to being an orphan and Sampo being the biggest father figure in his life, which is why whenever he isn't playing with the moles and spots Sampo he follows him around like a lost puppy. Sampo noticed it pretty early on so he taught him a few tricks, like whatever the hell he did in the main quest where Julian turned himself into an adult.