#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]

💬 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]

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]

❝I appreciate your answer about pulling me back. It wasn't quite the direction I intended but... thank you nonetheless.❞ Koski's words had meant a lot. The willingness to help reinforce his choice in matters. But he should clarify. As warm as that answer was, he needs to know with the proper context. And while he can make an educated guess he... needs to hear it from them. A low hum as arms cross before he appends, ❝This stays between us, but... you aren't the only one with... Aeonic troubles.❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || continued from here! || From Dan Heng!

It seems like his words aren't appropriate for the situation. But taken gladly regardless, even if he was wrong in his assessment. The question of what he meant is quickly answered. Though quietly and low, only loud enough for the two of them to hear.

"I see..."

The cup is placed back down to the saucer. Aeons... Sampo only met one intimately. Namely, his own as he chose to walk the path of Elation. THEY were one of the few who walked alongside with mortals.

Akivili being another, though THEY were silent for some time now. Aside from those two, he was at a complete lost as to who would want to stir issues with mortals. There were plenty of others, mindless and who are sound of mind who might want to play with humans. But none came to mind.

And given Dan Heng's decision not to name THEM by name means he wants to keep it on a low profile. "Then I accept." After all, what's another Aeon to defy against?

[maskednihilism]

❝Two questions, I suppose.❞ Dan Heng starts. ❝ Can you keep a secret if someone's life depends on it?❞ And perhaps less heavy although no less complex, ❝And... is trying to sway you toward the light a futile endeavor?❞ He knows Koski could lie to him. But he's curious how they'll narrow down their answers. What the final choices will be.

~Starlighttrain

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

The first question is fairly easy. At least for him it is. "Yes." While people might think he would sell them out, he has some level of loyalty to those he feels deserve it or have earned it. And for the young Vidyadhara, he certainly has earned it.

The second question is much harder to answer. Under these circumstances. It's not that he doesn't want the light. He has felt it. It feels warm. Like a home after returning from a blistering cold winter's day. Where the heat warms up from head to toe. But this is the life he has known.

It's the life he's allowed to have. If not his fears, THEY stood behind him. THEY granted him this ability to continue. THEY are in control.

When THEY feel he's no longer of use?

It can be taken all away. Like a noblesse worm.

So to that answer, Sampo doesn't respond.

[maskednihilism]

❝Do you have a favorite season, shǎgē?❞ A maple leaf is slowly twirled between Dan Heng's fingers, steady gaze on it far more than his brother. Is it your imagination or is there something sad there? ❝I'm aware you're used to winter. I mean for worlds that do change.❞ A low hum as breeze threatens to steal away leaf. ❝I've always felt a connection with autumn.❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || unprompted! || From Dan Heng

Sampo rubs his chin. Brows frowning as he thinks on this question. "A season I like... I don't think I put much thought on that." As most planets he's been to the weather is under control or where the people lived was sheltered from it.

Or under unique circumstances. Like a city encased under the sea.

After much thought, Sampo shrugs. "I like all of them. There's always something nice in each one." He leans back a bit, now the Fool is staring up at they sky above the. "Take spring for example. People don't like the rain showers it brings. For me that's the best time to sing. Then there's summer. It's sweltering heat melts people, but as long as I'm near a pool with a cold drink, I love being under the sun!"

Autumn wasn't left out either. Nor was winter. "There's a planet where if you go just at the right time, you can see the leaves change in real time. From beautiful luscious greens to reds to oranges and lovely gold. And on Kalevala, the first snow always brings anticipation for the holiday season."

So really, he couldn't decide. "If the day is rainy, you'll feel sad. If the day is sunny, you'll be happy. That's the perception we're told to view. But what if rain brings joy? What if the sun's rays burns a painful memory? It's all a matter of perception."

[maskednihilism]

❝Can... we talk? Alone, preferably.❞ Dan Heng has nothing against Aventurine even if some of his fellow Nameless might hold a grudge, but the topic that won't stop circling his thoughts is not meant for them. Just for his brother. ❝There's... something that came up recently and...❞

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || discord prompt / 2.5! || From Dan Heng! || Muses slightly mentioned @aluckiicoin 's Aventurine!

Sampo looked up at his gemstone. A small pleading look for some privacy. Though he didn't have to give it. Ven understood that this seemed too personal. Something that didn't require his presence. "I'll go see Zhongshan. She did say she wanted to drop off some dumplings for us."

Filled with joy, Sampo kisses his precious gemstone's hand. "Thank you, Kulta. Give Zhongshan my love."

"I will."

The two kiss each other on the cheek. Dan Heng did not need to see how frisky they got! No sir! After that gentle kiss, Aventurine gave a small wave and a smile to the Nameless. Before exiting the hospital room.

There was a bit of silence after the door closed. Sampo didn't want to rush his pikkuveli. Whatever it was, it was deemed important for only the thief's ears. Which was a surprise. Normally one should keep such matters away from thieves and Masked Fools. But the trust between them had grown.

It was nurtured, like a small flower in a garden. The fruits of this nurture was coming to full bloom now. With the two of them alone, Sampo clears his throat. His gaze is calm, his body shifts so he's sitting up right on the bed. A small space on it is patted down for the other to come and sit. "Let's talk."

[maskednihilism]

//Am very late but have a meme!

[hold my muse’s hand to stop them from leaving] —From Dan Heng?

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompt! || From Dan Heng

Sampo stops in his tracks immediately. The hand that held him was trembling. Pleading with him.

"Don't go, Shagē."

The Fool is silent for a moment. Thoughts racing all over in both an attempt to rationalize what he's about to do and what he was doing to the Vidyadhara. Yet no words could ever encapsulate why he was doing this. Perhaps it was never meant to have words for it.

"I'm not going there to die, Dan Heng." was all he could offer. "I'm going there to see if I'm truly alive."

His hand was pulled away, severing the ties between them. Perhaps for the last time ever. Sampo made his choice. Now it was Dan Heng who had to chose for himself.

[maskednihilism]

Sampo if you bite Dan Heng's dad with those fangs then Dan Heng will use his own to bite you in return.

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompted by this! || From Dan Heng! || Muses mentioned @dasniichts 's Welt Yang!

"I'm innocent! Blame him for putting the idea in my head first!" You can't tell a Masked Fool not to do something. Otherwise they'll simply want to do it more. And evidently, the more he was being told no, the more he wanted to cross that line.

[maskednihilism]

✏️ //For whichever of my boys you want xD

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || prompt! || For Dan Heng and Caelus :>

Sampo, with a headache: Advil me up, daddy. Dan Heng: I will short out the language centre of your brain if you say anything like that ever again.

Caelus: on the phone with Sampo I can’t talk right now, I’m doing hot girl boy shit. Sampo: You’re pulling Oreos apart and saving off the frosting to make a mega Oreo, aren’t you. Caelus: Maybe.

[maskednihilism]

✔️? ~Starlighttrain

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

Explore the cosmos in some fashion

2. Have him meet Auntie Zhongshan not Sparkle, she is too mean

3. Indulge in Kalevalan foods

4. Present him to the old friends he used to have

[maskednihilism]

ooc. I'm genuinely sick, for some reason the middle image wouldn't upload on tumblr so I had to send it to Mewther BUT FUCK IT WE BALL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @starlighttrain ILYSM

November-December-ish will be a full year of us knowing each other and this year has been nothing but a delight. I appreciate having you in my life. May you have many more birthdays and may they be kind to you.

mwuah mwuah.

Context for the picture, Sampo lifted Dan Heng and Dan Heng is upset by this. He tries to turn the tables but oop. Sampo doesn't seem to mind it xD

[maskednihilism]

A familiar hand gently ruffles through Sampo's hair, though it does require floating a bit due to the height difference. ❝'Tis alright child, you've done well.❞ This one may not be his creation but as with Bailu, Long is laying claim all the same. The Puppetmaster knows not how to parent.

~Starlighttrain

@starlighttrain || continued from here! || From Long!

While he won't deny it felt nice, it feels like Sampo has crossed a line somewhere. Whether it's a good line or a bad line, only time will tell.

"Thanks... I guess?"