#we were never some puppets to start with || dan heng + sampo || starlighttrain

[maskednihilism]

Sampo, as he tenderly strokes his stomach: I am... With child.

Dan Heng: *dropping his tea cup* I beg your fucking pardon?!

Jing Yuan: Stop announcing your adopted son like that! You're doing it on purpose now!

Sampo: Ehe

@starlighttrain @shallliveoninsong @ice-and-lightning

[maskednihilism]

Deadpan expression and tone when Dan Heng asks Sampo a question. ❝Do you know why many fish are smarter than people assume?❞ A brief pause before he answers his own query. ❝They live in schools.❞

~Starlighttrain //He makes no apologies xD

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng!

Despite the deadpan look and dryness of his delivery, it still makes the Fool laugh quite loudly and wholeheartedly. Perhaps it was for those exact reasons Sampo continues to fall for his jokes so easily. As Dan Heng wasn't exactly a physical comedian, nor a two man act. He would say three with the other two trailer blazers but details, details.

Nevertheless, it leaves Sampo breathless, gasping for air as he's holding his stomach and clutching at the nearest wall. While meekly muttering "Because they live in schools!"

[maskednihilism]

💬 for Dan Heng?

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompt! || From Dan Heng!

msg → [Precious Pukkivile]: you've been around the block, what's this plant? Is it edible?

msg → [Precious Pukkivile]: If Jing Yuan texts you something ignore it. Whatever he says is untrue and I'm innocent of all charges!

msg → [Precious Pukkivile]: big brother might not make it this time.

[maskednihilism]

The next Sampo drops by Dan Heng's room he is treated to the sight of his dragon very much being a lizard.

Dan Heng is curled up on the warm rock in a position others might find uncomfortable for the sharp angles digging in but he seems perfectly at home. Long tail drapes over the rest of the rock, tip swishing idly where it hangs. A barely audible rumble can be heard if one focuses on him and not the recorded sound of water. And in his hands is one of his notebooks, half-finished sketch of a Belobog automaton accompanying a photo of it temporarily pasted on the opposite page.

A moment after Sampo enters to this sight Dan Heng stops sketching and sits up to focus on his guest. ❝Ah, shǎgē. I've got the data I mentioned.❞ Sliding off the rock, his tail flicks and vanishes as he heads to his desk to swap notebook for tablet, open to the desired document to hand to Sampo for checking. More transcriptions of pre-Freeze Belobogian literature. He enjoys that they're both still learning about the world. ❝If you give me a moment I can also grab you some treats for your clowder.❞ The proper term for a group of cats.

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng!

The sight is... quite rare indeed. It makes the Fool want to burst out laughing. More out of embarrassment for interrupting such an intimate scene but also from how serene the other seems. And how similar to a lizard Dan Heng appears like! Truly a good investment with that heated rock!

The Fool offers an amused smile as he follows him over towards his desk. "Please, don't rush on my behalf. They could stand to lose a little weight. Especially Jing Nyan." At this, Sampo does lean down, just a bit to whisper into the young Astral Express member something. Afraid someone might overhear them, he cups his hand over his mouth to speak.

"He's getting way too round to walk now. And yet he keeps eating. How?! How does he keep eating?!"

[maskednihilism]

❝The Archives have delicate items; both electronic and paper. It is not the place for fireworks and you know this.❞ Dan Heng sighs. ❝Please don't anger the Conductor further. I don't want to see you kicked off the Express.❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompted from this post! || From Dan Heng! || Muses mentioned @monenblogi 's Welt Yang!

He's being held up like a cat. By the scruff by Mr. Yang. And like a cat, he's being scolded by both men.

"It's not my intention for that!" Sampo pleads with both hands. "But I knew if I went in, she'd blow the place up! At least in Mr. Yang's room it'll be less damage. Kinda."

"That still doesn't answer my question." The older Nameless said. "How did you manage to get into my room?"

Ah. That question. That... question...

"Um.. well... you see... I... Pocket sand!" Without another word, Sampo reaches into his pocket and throws the titular pocket sand at him.

Unfortunately for the Fool, Mr. Yang wears glasses.

[maskednihilism]

ooc. Uwaaaa!!! @starlighttrain sent me a cute little holiday card 🥺 I knew they would, we did discuss this before hand. But it was still a nice surprise!

A sweet sentiment. And wow yeah it has been a whole year! (Technically I remake this blog so the first post on here says dec. but the original account was made some time in November)

I'd have to go back and check for the date properly but it has been like a year since me and Ghostie started writing. And if you're not writing with them or commissioning them, why are you here?? Go!! Go do that!!

Anyways! Thank you Ghostie, I appreciate all the love and feel the same for you fam. May we have many more years of writing and meme-ing 🥺🫡

Read more has photos of the letter and the little gifts inside :>

[maskednihilism]

It's far too cold for his liking and despite having winter gear to assist Dan Heng finds himself leaning into Sampo's personal space anyway. The man's furnace-like body heat soothes in a way layers of clothing lacks, finally bringing his own temperature up to something acceptable with a quiet purr.

~Starlighttrain //Sibling cuddles for a frozen lizard?

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng!

Yet another happy customer for the Koski Cuddles Incorporated! As he is his little brother, Dan Heng was allowed the premium package for free! Yes, you heard that right folks, for free!

This of course meant Sampo had his arms around him, letting the young man wrap around his waist for warmth. Sampo has his own arms around him, with his head leaning onto the Nameless'. The purrs aren't mentioned, but there is a small grin on his face. He's happy to know his heat and cuddles are very much appreciated.

"Better?" He asks, laughing lightly.

[maskednihilism]

❝Excuse me, ah, Mr. 'Cold Feet'?❞ Dan Heng stands before Sampo with a smarmy grin and holding one of the man's recently sold 'curios'; the kind resembling a topological band. ❝Would it be possible to get a refund? This didn't work as advertised for March and my data seems to have crashed it.❞ Of course he's mostly just teasing, curious of the reaction.

~Starlighttrain //Lil' bro is being a lil' shit xD

@starlighttrain || Sampo's shop event! || From Dan Heng!

When little Dan Heng finds him, Sampo is half way through a sandwich he had bought. The man was in midchew when he heard one of his many aliases being spoken. Out loud. Towards his direction. It makes him choke on the Space Italian sub. The sauce trickling down the corner of his lip as he looks for the source of his displeasure.

And it was Dan Heng of course! Looking at him smugly! The thief coughs a few times before swallowing the midday meal as best as he could. In a croaked voice, he said, "N-No refunds! All sales are final!"

A tea drink is grabbed and quickly drunk to soothe his now sore throat. Between the sips, he does say, "I c-can offer an exchange if she would like. But don't you dare scare me like that!" Not everyone knew his secret name.

[maskednihilism]

❝If I ever... don't seem myself... will you promise to pull me back? By any means?❞ —Dan Heng ain't quite ready to admit the Big One™ to his bro just yet but he's definitely gauging it.

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng!

Sampo looked up from his cup of coffee. It was bitter, with no sugar and some milk. His eyes study the Vidyadhara's form. Dan Heng seemed unsure. Nervous. Most likely from the question he proposed and from the eventual answer he'd get. Sampo looked at his coffee once more. Taking note how it was in a perfect light brown color. Which could fool anyone into thinking it could be sweet.

He imagines this is the same for the Nameless standing before him.

"If it's not something you chose to be, then yes." He said softly. "I can't stand in the way of your growth. Growth is important, things can't stay stagnant. But if it's out of your control, not something you chose to be, I will."

And that is his answer on the matter. Of course he couldn't imagine that that's not at all what Dan Heng meant. Personal growth wasn't the problem. But the feeling was all the same there. Should Dan Heng ever clarify things.

[maskednihilism]

The next time Sampo drops by the Express he'll find a new animal in Dan Heng's room. A little tuskpir glances up when the door slides open, and after sniffing the air they wander over to Sampo, making that silly noise as they try to suck on a pant leg.

Dan Heng heads over to retrieve said tuskpir with an, ❝Apologies.❞ before depositing them back on his bed. ❝Caelus insisted I borrow them for now and I didn't feel like arguing.❞ Should he be concerned that Pillow clocked Sampo so quickly given what their appetite is for?

❝It's good to see you again, shǎgē.❞

~Starlighttrain //Have a tuskpir xD

@starlighttrain || discord prompt? (I forgor 💀) || From Dan Heng!

The creature certainly is... a creature. Sampo could only handwave a bit with a strained smile. He didn't have the heart to tell Dan Heng that the tuskpir was one of the ugliest creature he's ever seen! Despite being aware of it's benefits, Sampo couldn't shake that prejudice.

"I know the feeling." It was the same as Ven. Once that man hit him with the sad, puppy look, Sampo could never say no. It's why their home has become a bit of a cat shelter. But he loved the little bastards. As much as he loved the former Stoneheart.

"Just be careful." He warned the youth. "It always starts small, just one or two. Before you know it, your home will be a zoo and even have those funny creatures adopt more funny creatures!"

[maskednihilism]

For his brother's birthday Dan Heng has a small box of cookies shaped like diamonds, the dough colored so half are red and the others blue. ❝I had assistance but I did remember your tips.❞ He didn't mess up on the eggs and flour this time. Much to Pom-Pom's delight. ❝Happy birthday, shǎgē.❞ A soft smile as he hands them over. ❝I also managed to clear some time if you'd like to do anything together.❞ He'd worked rather late to get ahead on his duties for it but that's not what matters here.

❝Ah, one more thing.❞ Handing over a thin stack of notecards with his signature he adds, "Belobog's Fight Club asked me to sign some items a while back. I'm certain the people there will appreciate these.❞ And with a smirk, ❝Don't overcharge them too much.❞

~Starlighttrain //Birthday boy celebration! :D

@starlighttrain || Sampo's Birthmas! || From Dan Heng!

His eyes beam at the box of cookies once he had opened it. Diamonds! Diamond shaped cookies! Taking one of them in between his fingers, Sampo began munching on it. Cheeks became plump as he ate it happily. "Mhm~♪ Cookies and a day with Pikkuveli. It can't get better!"

But it can!

With memorabilia from said Pikkuveli to share with those in the Fight Club. Sampo takes another cookie and laughs. "It's my birthday, I don't work today! Butttttt~" he said with an added wink. "I'm willing to sell them at a reasonable price if that's what Cold Young Dragon wishes."

[maskednihilism]

❝You never did tell me how you and Jing Yuan met.❞ Given what little he knows of the situation Dan Heng is still very curious what idiocy Sampo could've done that sparked it. ❝Its one thing to get arrested, but to have the General himself pardon a stranger is quite a feat.❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng! || Muses mentioned @shallliveoninsong 's Jing Yuan!

"Well it's not like it was easy either." Sampo Koski, while talented, was no miracle worker either! "I simply had a lead to some Sanctus Disciples through one of my schemes. So we collaborated on getting them."

It's then the Fool gives a grim look. "It took us to them. It was... a grisly sight. But through that collaboration, it gave better insight on how they managed to create these monstrosities."

He scratches the back of his head. "After that, I was thrown back in jail. The rest you already know. The tree popped up and those creatures sprung up like weeds."

There was something missing in the conversation. What made the other truly trust the Fool. But that was for the other to speak on. Not on him.

"You should ask Jing Yuan."

[maskednihilism]

❝Inhale when you lower yourself and exhale when you rise. It will help.❞ —Dan Heng. Because he's had the crew join his daily training sessions so why not Sampo? xD

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompt! || From Dan Heng!

Inhale going down, exhale coming up. Simple enough. Down the Fool went, onto his arms and tips of his toes to do push ups. Inhale, his body pushed down. Exhale, his body went up. Slowly he did his a few times under the Nameless' guidance. Dan Heng even counted for him.

It would be a sweet gesture... if he did need help. In truth, Sampo could do pushups just fine on his own. But Dan Heng really looked forward to working out with him. So he does as he always does. Sampo plays a Fool, helpless and in need of guidance.

Perhaps Dan Heng knew better and humored him in turn. But it was fun working out together. Even if he did know how to do this on his own.

[maskednihilism]

The small dragon loops around Dan Heng's neck, played across his shoulders, several times over as if it were a scarf. And with a careful hand raised toward Koski it shifts, moving to loop around his arm until the head floats above his palm.

It's almost like a snake. And that is intentional. He is doing his best to not frighten his brother with it after the last time. Perhaps he shouldn't be trying at all. But he'd quite like for them to reach a point of comfort in Azure's presence.

❝Go ahead.❞ Azure tilts his head in perfect sync with Dan Heng, remaining wrapped around Dan Heng's now wet sleeve, staring up at Sampo and waiting. ❝I've told you before, I won't harm you.❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || discord discussions! || From Dan Heng!

It's not that he doesn't trust Dan Heng. Granted it still sounded s bit complicated to the Fool. Having a spirit that's a part of you but not exactly you wasn't something he had experience with. Regardless, he did want to try as it was important for his little brother. A noodle, as he called it, was small enough to get him used to the idea.

Or it should anyways.

Sampo watched as the little water lizard, dragon thing coils around the Vidyadhara's neck, then arm. Much like a snake would.

"Well.. I'm never going to get used to it if I don't do it, right?" With a slightly scared smile, Sampo chooses to ignore his fear. A hand comes out and slowly lowers itself over the water dragon. With his index finger, he goes down to give it a little rub.

[maskednihilism]

Dan Heng has a tablet in hand and after a quick glance down to the text on it for a refresher, looks up at Sampo with a flat expression. ❝Shǎgē. Why did the orchestra get struck by lightning?❞ Only a beat is given for pause, enough time for Sampo to register the question but not interupt the punchline. ❝It had a conductor.❞

Well his delivery has certainly improved leaps and bounds from his very first attempts with March. But perhaps he could stand to add a bit of 'punch' to the punchline next time.

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || related to this and the bullying of @monenblogi 's Welt Yang! || From Dan Heng!

He's sharing a drink with Shush. Or rather, he's having the drink while Shush made them. Nothing alcoholic as the Fool didn't enjoy those. It was a mocktail and surprisingly, the automaton had nailed it. The two had been sharing jokes, awful ones, back and forth for a while now. Leaving the Fool's face red from laughing so hard.

So when Dan Heng arrives, he is calming himself down, with little bursts of laughs still kicking in him. The laughter abrupts again at the dry delivery and punchline.

One hand is slamming against the countertop while the other was attempting to hold his stomach. "S-Stop!" The Fool says between the laughs. "My stomach can't handle it anymore!"

"𝙴𝚡𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚓𝚘𝚔𝚎, 𝙳𝚊𝚗 𝙷𝚎𝚗𝚐. 𝙸 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚕. 𝙰𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚘𝚙, 𝙼𝚛. 𝙺𝚘𝚜𝚔𝚒." Shush said, beaming with pride.

"Please... I'm dying!" Yes, he's in tears now. This was simply one joke too many for the Fool to handle. It was a good, however. Crying from joy was better than crying from sadness.

[maskednihilism]

[About: Dan Heng] if I didn't already send this in? I can't remember ^^;

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompt! || For Dan Heng!

About Dan Heng: Very serious and not cute at all! Someone should tell him if he keeps scowling, his face will get stuck like that!

About Dan Heng (lvl 80): He's still not cute at all. But when faced with life the way he had, it makes sense why he's like that. He does have his cheeky moments, don't let him fool you.