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Sprout can hear the sound of Cosmo giggling— it truly makes his heart swell. He walks into the kitchen, with a soft smile.
However it falls flat. He stared at Cosmo and the other toon with him, Boxten. He remember a few days ago when Cosmo asked if he can teach Boxten how to bake.
Sprout thought they were going to bake together, but he is wrong. So wrong.
He’s happy Cosmo is making friends, but he feels an emotion he never felt before— sure, he may of experienced it a few times, but never to this extent.
He’s never seen Cosmo so..happy with another toon. It aches his heart. He wants to be the one who’s causing the other toon to be giggling like that— his laugh is so adorable.
“Sprout?”
He stares down— oh. It was Cosmo. “Hi, Cosmo!”
Cosmo giggles, grabbing Sprout’s hand. “I’ve been calling your name for the past minute! How are you?”
Sprout smiles softly at Cosmo. He glances down at their hands— he doesn’t know why, but the littlest touch from Cosmo can set him aflame. “No, no, how are you?” Sprout almost screams— he gets too excited.
Cosmo pouts, moving his hand away from Sprout’s. “Come on! I asked you first.”
“I asked you louder!” Sprout argues back. He holds Cosmo’s face, gently placing his thumbs on the top two stars.
Cosmo stares at Sprout, then he looks away. “Fine— I’m doing okay!” He smiles, looking back over at Sprout.
Sprout stares into his eyes for a moment— even if every toon had them, Cosmo’s own were special. He swears they dilate when he’s looking at Sprout.
“I—uh—I’m doing okay too.” Sprout mutters, looking away from Cosmo. Just the site of Cosmo is enough to make his day.
“..Hi sprout.” Boxten waves to him. “I um..do you want to help us make a cake? It’s um..a heart cake!”
Sprout’s gaze returns to Cosmo. A heart cake? That couldn’t mean anything, right? Or maybe it does. He’s been hopelessly in love with Cosmo for years — he only ever tried that once. The fact it was a heart seems to fly over his head, so maybe it means nothing. He shouldn’t worry— after all, his best friend wouldn’t abandon him.
“…Sure.” Sprout looks over at Boxten, narrowing his eyes at him. He sounded uncertain— and he’s pretty sure both of them caught on.
“You—you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Boxten fidgets with his fingers. “I just thought you would um..want to bond!”
Cosmo giggles, glancing up at Sprout. “It’s your favorite!”
Sprout looks back down to Cosmo— his eyes soften instantly. “..Fine.”
Cosmo grabs Sprout’s hand and drags him over to the cake. He grabs a pan and hands it to Sprout. Sprout stares at the cake— Red velvet.
“Cosmo, I thought you didn’t like Red Velvet.” Sprout looks over to Cosmo.
“I don’t, but um..I was planning on giving this to you!” Cosmo smiles. “You work late hours— it’s the least I can do.”
“Working until eleven isn’t late.” Sprout mutters, placing the pan down onto the countertop.
“It is late! I um..worry for—“
“I..um..I’m sorry, but when are we placing the cake into the oven? I want to decorate a cake..” Boxten walks up behind them.
Sprout looks over to him. He looks embarrassed, then again, he always does. He still wanted to know what Cosmo said. Maybe Boxten really is trying to—
“Right now!” Cosmo picks up the pan. He walks over to the oven and opens it.
Boxten looks up at Sprout. “Are..you okay?”
“I’m..decent.” Sprout sighs, looking away. “I would’ve been better if I..” He shouldn’t finish that sentence. It’s too mean.
Boxten tilts his head. “If?” Sprout glances over at Cosmo.
“..Nothing. I just want the cake.” He whispers, looking back over to Boxten. He has a slight frown on his face.
The musical box nods, then he walks over to Cosmo. It’s his best friend. Even if Cosmo didn’t feel the same way back. He doesn’t know if Cosmo does, but it’s highly unlikely.
Sprout looks away. He shouldn’t be feeling this type of emotion over a friend of Cosmo— it’s bad. Boxten did nothing wrong, so why does it pain him when he talks to Cosmo?
He doesn’t know. He stares down at the ground— is he afraid of Cosmo replacing him? That could be it.
He knows Cosmo though, better than anyone else here. Cosmo knows Sprout better than anyone else too. He wouldn’t replace him, right? They promised each other multiple times that they would never leave each other. Cosmo is sweet— very sweet. He’s a kind soul who is nice to many people, even if he can be awkward at times.
It’s what drawn Sprout to him—
“Sprout! The cake is done!”
That fast? Sprout looks over to Cosmo, walking over with the cake. “Do you want to help decorate it?”
“Yeah.” Sprout whispers, looking down it. Maybe he should make a Swiss roll themed heart cake, or would that be too much? “You can choose the theme.”
“We already did! It’s strawberries! This cake is based off of you, you know!” Cosmo giggles, placing the cake down onto the countertop.
Ah. He forgot about that. The idea of Cosmo making him a heart cake is giving him false hope— or maybe it’s a sign? He doesn’t know. He walks over to Cosmo, grabbing some frosting.
Sprout grabs the chocolate chips, pouring them into the batter. He hums to himself as he pulls the bag away. He grabs a wooden spoon and starts slowly spinning it around the bowl.
He likes making stuff for Cosmo, if it isn’t obvious already. Right now he’s making Cosmo’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies. He glances down at the bowl. He still needs to stir— just for a few more minutes. Should he check the time? Probably.
Sprout looks over to the clock— it’s almost three am. Maybe he should go to bed, but he can’t . Every time he tries to, he has a nightmare. The same nightmare. What hurts him the most is the fear on Cosmo’s face.
He would never hurt him. Never in a million years would he even think of it. It breaks his heart to see him in just a little bit of pain.
So why does it keep happening? He tried reaching out to Astro, but he’s too busy talking to Dandy. He asked him multiple times and all he got was short responses like, “I’ll try,” or “Soon.”
That’s all Astro says, then he leaves. Is he even trying? That dream— even if he is trying, it’s not working. That god awful dream.
Sprout stopped in his thoughts as he heard a soft sound of something breaking. He looks down and frowns. Maybe he shouldn’t use a wooden spoon when he’s having these thoughts.
Sprout pulls out the top half of the spoon. He has to try again— he wants perfection. Cosmo doesn’t deserve any less. He slowly removes the bottom half of the spoon, then he places it on the counter.
Sprout lets out an aggravated sigh as he grabs another bowl— it’s fine. He can give those cookies to the other toons. He pauses, then glances over to the batter. Cosmo doesn’t seem to mind though. He eats almost anything Sprout gives him.
And Sprout does the same. Would Cosmo want him to retry? Probably not. He slowly puts the other bowl back into the cabinet. He then steps over to the trays, grabbing one. He walks over to the bowl filled with batter, humming. He pours the batter onto the tray.
Sprout puts the bowl down, then he grabs a cookie cutter. He starts cutting them into stars— Cosmo’s favorite shape. He puts the cookie cutter back on the counter. He was about to grab the tray, when he heard a faint yawn.
“..Sprout? Why are you up so late?”
Sprout turns his head to look at the familiar voice— it’s Boxten. He’s missing his bandana. How unfortunate for him. His eyes narrow at the other toon. He’s Cosmo’s friend, he shouldn’t be feeling such hatred towards him. Is it hatred? Probably not— that’s too far. Sprout wouldn’t hate another toon.
“Why are you up so late?” Sprout mumbles, walking over to the oven. He remembered to pre-heat it, like always. Sprout opens the oven, then he slides the tray inside of the oven. “Why are you in the kitchen of all places? You do know we don’t serve people this late.” He turns back around.
“No..need to be rude.” Boxten mutters, fidgeting with his hands. He stares down at the ground.
“I’m not being rude. It’s unsafe for you to be out this late.” Sprout mutters, walking over to Boxten. Maybe he was being rude on purpose— he shouldn’t though. Boxten might tell Cosmo and Cosmo will be upset with him. That’s the last thing he wants. Sprout does care for Boxten, but sometimes he can irritate him.
Boxten looks away. “Of—of.. course I’m aware!” He stammers, glancing around the room. “I uh..went to sleep early and I..um.. remembered I left something here!”
Sprout glances around the room. He looks back over to Boxten, with an uninterested look. “..Well, I don’t see —“
“..I see it.” Boxten walks over, grabbing his blue bandana. He ties it back on. He fidgets with the end of his bandana mindlessly.
Sprout frowns at the other toon. “You should go back to bed, Boxten. You need it.”
Boxten glances up at Sprout. “You—you um..you should get some sleep too! Cosmo worries a lot about you.”
Sprout stares at Boxten in response. Of course he knows Cosmo worries about him, but he never knew Cosmo told other people. It makes his chest flutter— just a tiny bit. It makes him wonder what else Cosmo says about him. “..I will.” Sprout gives Boxten a smile. “Best for you to go to sleep now.”
Boxten nods, walking out of the kitchen. Sprout lets out a sigh of relief— he doesn’t hate Boxten, but he hates how sometimes Boxten can consume most of his best friend’s time. He hates that feeling— he knows Boxten is sweet and caring, but Sprout still gets upset for some stupid, stupid reason, That stupid reason being he’s in love with his best friend.
Sprout turns his head to the oven— it’s done. Sprout walks over, turning off the oven. He pulls down the Oven door. He inhales the scent—
Nothing can be the smell of fresh cookies. It reminds him of when he first taught Cosmo how to bake. He remembers putting some batter on Cosmo’s face and Cosmo did the same back, then it became a routine. When it’s just them baking for each other, that is. Maybe he should’ve waited.
He walks over to a jar and pours the cookies in. Hopefully someone doesn’t steal them like they always do. By someone, he means Goob. It can be irritating when he tries to steal the cookies, but Sprout tries his best to keep his composure.
Sprout walks out of the kitchen. Even if his dream is that same disturbing nightmare, at least he’s getting sleep. He gets to see Cosmo and the rest of the toons once he wakes up.
“Toodles!” Rodger yells, crossing his arms. He lets out a sigh, looking over to Cosmo. “I apologize for her poor behavior. How ever can I make it up to you?”
Those are the first few sentences Sprout heard as he walked back into the kitchen.
“It’s fine, Rodger. She can have a cookie..or five.” Cosmo mutters, looking ofer to at Toodles. “You don’t have to do anything..”
Rodger lets out an aggravated sigh, walking over to Toodles. He picks her up and places the cookie Jar on a shelf. “Me and Toodles will be leaving now. We wish you both the best.” Rodger walks past Cosmo, then he looks over to Sprout. “And good afternoon to you, sir.
“..Good afternoon to you too?” Sprout whispers, watching Rodger leave. He looks over to the cookie jar— most of it was missing. He’ll bake another batch. “Hi Cosmo!” He smiles walking over to the other toon. “How is my best friend in the whole wide world?” Sprout whispers, pulling Cosmo in for a hug.
“I’m doing good, Sprout!” Cosmo giggles, hugging Sprout back. “Although I’m a bit stressed, it’s rush hour and—“
Sprout pulls away from the hug. He instead grabs Cosmo’s hands. “If you need to, have a break! I’m doing good too!”
“..That would be nice, but then it would be just you and Boxten.” Cosmo whispers, interlocking their fingers. Sprout’s eyes dart down— to say he is having a malfunction would be an understatement.
“…Boxten is here?” Sprout grumbles, tilts his head— that could mean a lot of things. What if he’s losing his best friend to him?
“Yeah! He’s doing a great job! I’m sure you would be proud.” Cosmo giggles, moving his hands away from Sprout’s own.
“..So proud.” Sprout forces a soft smile, then he watches Cosmo walk away.
“Oh..um..Hi Sprout!” Boxten waves to Sprout. “How—um..how did you sleep?” Boxten whispers, placing the tray down on the counter.
“..I slept fine.” Sprout mutters, staring at the orders. “What about you?” He looks back over to Boxten, practically glaring daggers into the other toon.
“..Um..I uh..slept good..” Boxten whispers. He glances over at the door. “I..I have to take this out..”
Sprout walks past Boxten and gently grabs an order. A poppy pop and a Cosmo brownie. Why is Boxten working here? He doesn’t get it— every time Sprout is gone, Boxten is with Cosmo. It’s like a curse. “..Boxten.”
Boxten stops at the door and looks over at Sprout. “..Yes?” A barely audible yes at that.
“..You can leave after this. I don’t want the stress to get to you.” Sprout mutters, looking over to Boxten. And maybe it’s also because he wants some time with Cosmo alone, or as alone as they can get.
“Oh..um..okay.” Boxten whispers, rushing out of the room.
Sprout walks over to the sodas. He grabs a cup and he puts it under the machine. He starts pouring poppy pop.
After it fills up to the top, then he sits it on the side. He puts a lid onto the cup. He glances over the room— his eyes immediately landing on Cosmo. Sometimes he feels the same emotion he did when he first saw him. He remembers that day like it was yesterday.
Oh.
His soft gaze turned into a glare as he sees Boxten approach him. Sprout grabs the cup and walks over to them. Why does Boxten have to be anywhere Cosmo is? It’s annoying. What if something terrible happens and Cosmo gets injured? Boxten can’t help.
He slams the drink onto the counter, sighing. Their eyes are probably on him, but he doesn’t care. He’s getting Cosmo’s attention, at least. Sometimes he regrets telling Cosmo to help Boxten bake— maybe things would’ve been different.
He grabs a cosmo brownie— did they bake it together? He places it on a plate. As much as he wanted to crush it, he can’t. Sprout leaves the kitchen and places it on the counter. He watches as one of the waiters takes it away.
He turns back around, sighing. Only so much longer until—
“Boxy!” Someone screamed. A voice he’s some-what familiar with.
He turns around and it was Glisten. “Sprout! Is Boxy here? I’ve been looking for him everywhere!” The toon cried, walking next to him. “I have to ask him if my makeup looks perfect.”
“If you’re crying, then it isn’t perfect.” Sprout mutters, looking over to Glisten.
“It was an act! Gosh, I can’t expect nothing less from —“
“You have a few cracks, Glisten. I don’t think that act is paying off well. ” Sprout mutters, walking into the kitchen.
“I do?” Glisten cries, trying to look at himself. He glances over to the Kitchen. He cries, walking over to hm. “ Boxy ! Do I have any cracks?” Glisten frowns, crossing his arms. He points over to Sprout. “That overgrown berry said I do!”
Boxten turns around, looking up at Glisten. He stares for a few moments, before answering “No..um..you—you don’t.” He fidgets with his hand. “And your—“
“Are you lying to me?” Glisten frowns, moving his hands to his own hips. “Because I—“
“Huh? No..no um..I do mean it.” Boxten interrupts the other toon, glancing away. “You..um you look um.. very—very, very…pretty.”
Sprout stares at them. Most of those worries seemed to wash away. He glances over to Cosmo, who was already looking at him. He makes a motion over to the orders.
Glisten blinks at Boxten. “You what?” He mutters, crossing his arms. “I mean— I know I do! Thank you for acknowledging that!” Glisten glances away.
“You’re um…you’re welcome. I always think you’re uh..um… you’re beautiful.” Boxten stammers. Glisten makes a cough and turns away. “Well—I..I think we should get going! Come on!” Glisten grabs Boxten’s hand.
“What—“
“No questions. We’re getting matching clothes!” Glisten says, dragging Boxten out of the kitchen. “It’s my thanks, because you basically admitted I’m the best!”
Cosmo makes a soft giggle, looking up at Sprout. “They’re so in love, aren’t they?” He nudges Sprout.
Sprout glances down at Cosmo. Boxten is in love with Glisten? Was he blind the whole time? “..Yeah.” He mutters, leaning against the counter. “..You’re okay?”
Cosmo makes a confused noise, looking up at Sprout. “Yes? I said I’m good! Even better now that you’re here.” Cosmo hugs Sprout from the side.
“..You don’t like Boxten right?” Sprout mutters under his breath. Fuck. He just slipped up—
“Huh? What did you say?” Cosmo moves off of Sprout
“..Nothing, nothing. Let’s get back to baking.” Sprout sighs, turning around. “I’m just glad you’re okay— I worry about you the most out of everyone, you know.”
Cosmo smiles softly at Sprout. “..I do know. Is that why you act weird whenever Boxten or someone I’m close to is around?”
Oh. He noticed. “Your safety— I know I can trust them, but sometimes..I don’t know..I get—“
“..Jealous?” Cosmo tilts his head.
Sprout goes silent. Was that the feeling? “I think so. I don’t want to you, ever. If you did, a piece of me— most of me will be missing too. I..I don’t know what I could do without you.”
“..I don’t want to ever lose you either! You’re my best friend after all.” Cosmo giggles, hugging Sprout.
Sprout stares down at Cosmo. Yeah, best friends. He goes silent, hugging cosmo back. Maybe if he was someone different they could be more than friends.
What if Cosmo likes someone else? Wouldn’t Cosmo tell Sprout about the crush? Maybe he doesn’t trust him enough—or maybe he’s overthinking everything.
Why does it matter so much to him who Cosmo likes— they’re best friends and that’s all what they’ll ever be. Maybe sprout wants more, but he knows deep down Cosmo would never feel the same way.