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How this creature ended up on the Express, Dan Heng had no idea. So of course his natural reaction led him to question Stelle about it.
“Oh, this little guy? I visited the Space Station recently and noticed these little creations roaming about.”
That caught Dan Heng’s attention. “Creations?”
“Yeah, they’re considered somewhat failed experiments according to Ruan Mei. Although I would never call them something like that.”
Dan Heng’s gaze went down to his feet. The critter’s abyss sunken eyes scanned him up and down, almost wonderlike. It also was glued to his side everywhere he went on the Express. Not that its presence was entirely unwelcome, but between the bandaged tail, red gold irises, and its strikingly similar color palette he couldn't help but make the comparison to a certain someone. Even if he and Ren had made a temporary truce, all those years of the endless chases and constant nightmares would not be erased so easily.
“Surely the Space Station has the resources and staff to house these so-called creations.” He pointed out.
“You would think so, but their creator has been negligent in taking care of these guys, not to mention everyone else at the Station is too preoccupied with their own work to spare them a glance. I know Sesame Cake reminds you of a certain someone, but wouldn’t his presence put you more at ease the next time you see that man? You can just picture Sesame’s face, like basically imagining Ren in his underwear but this time he’ll be no more scary than a cute critter.”
Dan Heng felt his face heat up. “Thank you for that generous analogy, Stelle. I admit my plate is rather full with updating the archives, but if.. ahem, Sesame truly has no where to go then I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to look after him while we find him a permanent home.”
“Sweet! Look at that, he’s so chummy with you already.” Dan Heng looked down at his feet once more, only to see Sesame look almost… hurt? Almost as if he did not like the insinuation that he wouldn’t get to stay permanently.
“Munya…” Dan Heng wasn’t really much of an animal person, or just familiar with the concept of social cues in general. He certainly did not know the process of comforting an apparently intelligent critter that bore a striking resemblance to the bane of his existence for most of his life.
“I’m sorry Sesame, I didn’t mean that you were a burden. Please don’t cry.” Dan Heng pathetically tried to comfort the critter. Come to think of it, could Ren even produce tears anymore?
“Munya!” Sesame brightened up immediately, evidenced by his tail wagging and overall happier demeanor. Although with eyes like that it was impossible to tell for sure.
“Let’s go back to the archives. Your bandages look like they need to be changed.”
Sesame happily obliged as he bolted towards the archive door without needing to follow Dan Heng. Interesting, Dan Heng pondered. Maybe the mini creations would be a welcome addition to the Data Bank given their intelligence.
As she watched the two retire into the Archives, a certain trailblazer could not help but laugh into her hand.