Chapter Text
Cosmo has already started packing up most of his things. There were just too many to count. Luckily, his friends would come by and help. Shelly and Astro were already packed since they didn't have that big of a stash compared to Cosmo. He had an entire room to pack! He just had too many items and trinkets for him to leave behind! There was no such thing as "let it go" for Cosmo. He needed to feel comfortable at his new dorm, and to do so, was bring everything he owned into the dorm. He just couldn't leave without them.
The door rang emphatically until Cosmo answered the door.
"Shelly, Astro! Thanks a ton for agreeing on this! I really couldn't do it alone... "
"I still don't get why your cousin isn't here to help. " Astro argued. He didn't mean it in an annoyed way. He was just curious why Cosmos only relative wasn't helping out.
"She's at an interview right now. She's just been busy, busy, busy since she got all her schoolwork done! " Cosmo let Shelly and Astro in. "Anyway... Let's get to my room! "
"Hey, Cosmo? " Shelly interrupted. Cosmo turned around with an ambiguous look. "Astro offered someone else to help, if that's okay with you. "
"Well, it depends on who. " Cosmo looked at Astro. He had a proud yet nervous expression on his face. Astro stepped outside and dragged someone in.
"Astro, what are you-" before Cosmo could finish, he saw red skin, green leaves, small yellow freckles and an amber glare.
"You gotta be kidding me. " Cosmo dug his face into his hands and shook his head.
"ASTRO!? I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE BRINGING SPROUT?! "
"What? Am I not supposed to? " Shelly grabbed Astro by his collar and shook him back and forth.
"NO!!!! YOU'RE NOT!!!!! " Shelly cried out. Sprout rolled his eyes and came up to Cosmo.
"Sup, star. Heard you needed help. " Cosmo lifted his head and tilted it.
"Star...? "
"Yeah! Cause of those dumb stars on your cheeks! What are they, anyway? Are they pimple patches? " Sprout poked at Cosmos' cheek, which resulted in his hand getting slapped away.
"They're FRECKLES. "
"Oooh! So they're natural! Do you have them anywhere else on your body? " Cosmo was wearing his usual hoodie, shorts and thigh-high socks. His thighs were covered by the bottom of his hoodie. He looked down and blinked slowly in consideration. Cosmo lifted his hoodie slightly so his star-freckled thighs were revealed. He swore he could see Sprout drooling. Making him blush slightly.
"I have them in other places too, but I'm not showing you where they all are... "
Sprout reverted his gaze to Cosmos face. "Y-yeah. Maybe you'll show me all of them someday... " Sprout teased.
Shelly suddenly pushed Sprout to the ground and launched at Cosmo. She grabbed his shoulders tightly in place.
"I'M SO SORRYYWAHHH!!! " Shelly was bawling her eyes out. Cosmo looked at Astro, who was in the back. He shrugged his shoulders, concerned.
"Shelly! It's fine! Just tell him to leave-"
"LEAVE, YOU FILTHY TRASH!! " Shelly kicked Sprout aggressively, who was still on the floor. Sprout groaned, which made Shelly realize what she was doing. Cosmo snickered at the sight. Seeing Sprout in agony brought satisfaction to him. He deserved every last kick.
"OH! SORRY SPROUT!! " Shelly kneeled and shook Sprout. She could barely notice he was still alive.
"I think you broke one of my ribs... " Sprout moaned and rubbed the side of his chest. Sitting himself up, he looked at Cosmo. Cosmo could see an idea form in his eyes. It made him shudder.
"OUGHHH, COSMO!!!! I NEED HELP!!! " Sprout dramatically flopped around the ground and held his rib in pain. "I NEED SO MUCH REST NOW!!! OHH COSMO!!! "
"I'm not falling for that. " Cosmo crossed his arms.
"HELP PLEASE!! GET ME TO A BED NOW!!! " Sprout clenched his fingers on Cosmos socks. Face first into the floor.
Cosmo rolled his eyes and groaned. "Okay, okay! Fine! " Cosmo picked Sprout up surprisingly easily. Sprout was a bit stunned since he didn't expect Cosmo to carry him. Although it seemed he was enjoying it. Shelly and Astro looked at each other. They laughed quietly and left to sit on the couch. Cosmo walked down the empty hall to his cousin's unoccupied room. Cosmo kicked the door open and threw Sprout on the bed. This was actually going to be better for him. At least Sprout wouldn't be in the way of their packing.
Sprout shifted and squirmed under the pink bed covers. It was honestly funny seeing him in a girly bed. Sprout took a calm sigh and smiled. Cosmo was a bit grossed out. Sprout, being in his cousin's bed, didn't feel right. But it was better than leaving him in his bedroom, which he was packing in. Besides, he didn't want his room to smell like a strawberry scent. He had to admit, Sprout smelled sweet. But God, why did it have to be him?
"Couldn't you pick a more... 𝘠𝘰𝘶 themed room...?" Sprout smirked. Cosmo knew that Sprout just wanted to mess with him. Cosmo harshly glared at him and shut the door. His worries washed away with every step he took away from that room. 'Finally, peace,' Cosmo thought.
Shelly and Astro were both arguing over which character would win in a fight. Astro, who previously sat on the couch, was now standing up and moving his hands swiftly. Shelly was on the verge of ripping her head off.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN NARUTO WOULD WIN?? KIRBY IS RIGHT THERE! "
"NARUTO LITERALLY CAN GET HELP FROM THE GODS! HE'S THE ULTIMATE OPPONENT! " It was all back and forth until Cosmo came in, flowers sparkling around him as all his troubles disappeared. Shelly and Astro paused their conversation. Shelly stood up and stretched.
"Sorry for bringing Sprout, Cosmo... " said Astro, ashamed. He hooded his eyes and hid his mouth with his palm.
"It's alright, Astro! Just please don't let that maniac in my house again. " Cosmo nervously laughed and patted Astro's back. "Now, we have work to do! "
The room was a mess. Cosmo had to get everything out of the closets and drawers before packing, so everything was just... Well, everywhere. The three didn't know where to start. Cosmo knew what he wanted to bring; he put the ones he didn't need in their usual places. It didn't make much of a difference because he wanted to bring most of his things with him.
"I think I might have to go through what I want to bring again... There is no way we're packing all this before midnight! " Cosmo complained. Opening his arms in front of the piles. Shelly comforted Cosmo by moving her hand to his shoulder. Giving it a small pet.
"We can wait! It's good to redo things sometimes! "
"Yeah, Shelly and I can wait in the living room while you go through all your things, if that's okay? " Astro leaned against the door frame.
"Yeah, thanks, guys... I'll tell you when I'm done! " Cosmo grasped his fingers together and smiled responsively.
The room felt empty when Astro and Shelly left. Cosmo felt useless for not gathering up his things correctly. He was saddened when he thought of doing it all over again.
Cosmo went on and started with his duties. One by one, he put back some things in their usual spot. If only Cosmo had thought of doing this beforehand... Oh well, nothing he can do about it now. His movements flowed. Nothing in the way to annoy him-
A small rubber ball had mysteriously rolled beside him. It then stopped exactly by Cosmos' bed. Cosmo squinted his eyes and went forward to grab the ball. But as soon as he bent down to grab it...
𝘚𝘓𝘈𝘗!
Cosmo hissed in pain. Did he just get slapped... On his butt??? Cosmo rubbed his bottom as he turned around.
"SPROUT?! WHAT THE FUCK?! "
"LANGUAGE, Cosmo! "
Cosmo went forward to choke the living hell out of Sprout. Sprout quickly grabbed Cosmos' arm as soon as it approached him.
"Look, I'm sorry, Star! It was an honest mistake! "
"Mistake?? Slapping my ass was a mistake?? "
"Exactly, answered Sprout arrogantly.
"What are you doing out of bed?! "
"I lied about my rib hurting..."
Cosmo rolled his eyes. "Shocker... "
Before Sprout let go of Cosmos wrist, he softly kissed Cosmos ring finger. Cosmos' face burned and steamed.
"Hey, you're burning up. "
"Whatever, just leave, Sprout. I know you hate me, and I hate you too. So, fuck off. " Cosmo turned around. He held his hand as if it were infected. Infected by Sprouts' teasing. Infected by Sprouts' "love".
Infected by Sprouts' filth.
That's all Sprout ever was.
Sprout is nothing to Cosmo.
He'll never be.
...
Cosmo hoped.
" Star, you feeling alright? " Sprout snapped Cosmos daze. Cosmo didn't even notice Sprout was still in the room. And he was more worried than usual.
"Yeah. Don't worry. Please, just go back to bed. "
Sprout paused. Thought about it. And opened his mouth.
"Okay."
"Okay, guys! I'm done! You can come in now! "
Cosmo had finally gotten everything unnecessary out of the way. It looked much easier on the eyes.
"You really outdid yourself, Cosmo! " Shelly spun with open arms and smiled. "So much cleaner! "
"Yeah, Cosmo. Good job! " Astro already started calculating where everything would go.
Cosmo felt accomplished.
" Cosmo? "
Cosmo saw Shelly have a weird expression.
"Yeah? What's up? "
"I heard Sprout was in here. Are you alright? "
Cosmos' brain went blank. He nearly forgot that the house didn't have such soundproof walls. Cosmo covered his troubles with a laugh.
"It's fine, Shelly! Don't worry! " Cosmo gave a thumbs up. Winking at her.
It wasn't fine.
"...Let's get to packing! " Shelly held Cosmos' hand. Trying to get through Cosmo better. He quickly pushed her away without a second thought. Cosmo gasped when he realized just what he did.
"O-oh god, Shelly! Are you alright? "
"I think... We need to talk, Cosmo. "
Astro waited in Cosmo's bedroom whilst Cosmo and Shelly welcomed themselves to the living room once again. Cosmo sat down on a nearby seat, and Shelly sat on the couch.
"Cosmo, tell me what's wrong. You're not yourself right now. " Shelly rested her face on her hand.
"I-uhm." Cosmo choked out.
"It's Sprout. And not because he's being rude. I-it's almost like he 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 to be complicated. He's nice one second and rude the next. I try so hard to befriend him, but he just always ruins it by being blunt! I want to hate him, b-but I can't! Not like I forgive him for being the way he is, but I want to help him. He keeps pushing me away, and I have no idea what to do. " Cosmos head hurt. It felt like he wanted to cry, but didn't at the same time. He could only stare gloomily at the ground.
"I know what you mean. He's... Changed. He was really cheerful and friendly, but well... " Shelly paused. Her concern just made Cosmo even more curious.
"Well...? " Cosmo said eagerly.
"It's not something I should talk to you about. This is just how Sprout acts now. Trust me, I tried to help with whatever is wrong with him. I just learned to ignore it. " Cosmo shot up
"Well, maybe 𝘸𝘦 can help! Whatever this strawberry is going through, I'm sure we can try-"
"It's not just as simple as that. Cosmo, you should stay out of it. I only told you because it's the explanation as to why he acts how he acts. "
"But we can try! Shelly, cmon! " Shelly didn't look tempted. She usually would agree with everything Cosmo thought of. Not this time. This time was different.
"I'm sorry, Cosmo. I don't want to get into Sprouts business again. "
"But why?! "
Shelly looked afraid. Too afraid for someone who's always positive. She was already clearly uncomfortable. She had had enough of whatever Cosmo talked about.
"Sorry for pushing you, Shelly... " Cosmo apologized. Shelly stood up and left without a word. God, he really messed up this time. Cosmo swore under his breath and left to pack.
Shelly didn't look at Cosmo, not even once. Even when she left with Astro, she just walked away without a word.
"Dang, what did you tell her, Cosmo? " Astro was uneasy about the entire thing. He wasn't very informed about what happened between them.
"It's fine, Astro. You should go. Shelly's waiting. " Astro nodded and stepped onto the front porch.
"Are you sure you'll be safe home alone this late at night? "
"I'm sure, Astro. Don't worry about me," Cosmo smiled, and Astro smiled back. He waved goodbye and closed the door.
With everything ready and done, Cosmo can finally-
Cosmo turned around to walk towards his room, only to bump into something.
"Whoa, Star..." Cosmo had walked face-first into Sprout's chest. Cosmo stumbled backwards and mumbled in his hoodie.
"Why are 𝘠𝘖𝘜 still here? Leave. "
"Sheesh... I don't think I can... Too late to drive home now... "
"Are you SERIOUS?! " Cosmo stomped. "THERE'S NO WAY YOU'RE STAYING HERE! GINGER WILL KILL ME AND YOU IF YOU DON'T LEAVE RIGHT NOW! "
"I can hide... My parents won't notice either. I'm always out late at night anyway. Please Cosmo...? I promise I'll be careful..." Sprout pleaded. He had big puppy eyes that collected as much light as possible to seem cute. Cosmo furrowed his eyebrows, then rested them again.
"Fine, but if you're gonna stay the night, you better be kind. Capeesh? " Sprout squeezed Cosmo in a tight hug.
"Yes, sir! "
'𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦. 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵... 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵? 𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘮𝘰! '
Before Cosmo could say anything, the front door was starting to unlock.
"Shit! Ginger is home! Get to my room! Now! "
"But I don't know where it is-"
"Down the hallway, then left! It'll have a bunch of stars on the door! Quick, before she sees you! " Sprout ran down the hallway and into Cosmos' bedroom. In that moment, Ginger came inside.
"HEY, GINGER! " Ginger got startled. She closed the door behind her and waved to him.
"Hey, Cosmo... What are you doing up so late? It's five minutes until midnight..! Also, why are you so suddenly in front of the door? "
Cosmo started stammering like it made anything he said more believable.
"W-well! I just wanted to watch TV! And s-since the living room is kind of close to the door, it wasn't too hard to get over here! Haha... " Ginger looked at him. Then at the Hall.
"Oookayy... I'll go to my room now... Make sure to get to bed on time! " Ginger said and threw off her jacket. Cosmo watched as Ginger closed her bedroom door and sighed.
When Cosmo went into his own room after brushing his teeth, Sprout was already under the sheets.
"What? No brushing your teeth? "
"Do you want me to use 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 toothbrush? "
"Fair point. "
Cosmo took out his pajamas he was going to change into. Sprout watched eagerly, which made Cosmo blush.
"C-can you look away when I dress up? "
"O-oh, right, sorry." Sprout covered his eyes with his hands.
"Don't peek, you perv! "
"I'm not! " Sprout argued. Cosmo chuckled and continued to change.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now! You sure you're comfortable sleeping in those clothes? I can lend you some, if you want?"
"Nah, no need. Sprout uncovered his eyes and landed on his back. "I'm good. "
Cosmo layed down next to Sprout. He had a generously sized bed. Enough to fit two toons.
"Are you done already? Awh... I was hoping to talk to you more... "
"Shush... You're gonna get me in trouble... " Sprout's face went bold. He wrapped his arms around Cosmos chunky waist, which made him face the other. Cosmo jerked. Sprout was really close. And came closer and closer the longer he held him.
"Oh? You think 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 is troublesome? " Sprout took one of his hands off Cosmos gut and instead started trailing it down to his abdomen.
'𝘖𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘰𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘰𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵? '
"Is it okay if I continue? " Sprout asked politely.
Before Cosmo could mutter out a yes, Ginger suddenly opened the door. Sprout immediately shot downward under the covers to hide himself. Cosmo turned around to the door.
"Cosmo, do you know why my room smells like strawberries? "
"Nope! Hah! It must just be a perfume or something! " Cosmo was sweating. Luckily, it wasn't visible under the dark light.
"Ah... Okay... " Ginger was straight forward to leaving and shut the door.
"That was close, " Cosmo whispered. Sprout came back up. He was no longer holding Cosmos' waist. Which somehow really upset Cosmo.
"Too close. Goodnight Cosmo. " Sprout turned his back on Cosmo. He stared into the window across the room.
"Goodnight."