Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sprout awoke to an alarm clock ringing in his ears and a tongue to the face.

"A-Ah, hey..!" He laughed, arms shooting out to gently swat Pebble away as he sat up with a yawn. "Who even let you in here, huh, bud?" He raised an eyebrow, moving his head and spying his ajar bedroom door.

"Sorry!" He heard Tisha call out from the hallway, and he assumed she was doing her daily rounds of sweeping. She must've seen Pebble whining to be let in and opened the door for the poor thing. Oh well.

Rubbing his eyes, Sprout shoved the covers off of him and scooped Pebble into his grasp, the rock's tail wagging excitedly as he kept licking his cheek.

"Alright, alright, you're happy to see me..." Sprout chuckled, wiping the saliva with his hand. "Gross, Peb... What time is it even?" His eyes drifted over to the still ringing alarm clock, frowning in annoyance from the ear-grating sound. He slammed his fist over the snooze button, his eyes slightly widening once he noticed the time. 9:45!

The supply runs today started at 10! He knew who was going thanks to the schedule in the main hall, and while he wasn't truly happy about today's runners, there was nothing he could really do about it.

Sprout patted Pebble's head, petting him gratefully. "Thanks, bud..! You didn't want me to miss my chance, huh?" Pebble barked happily, jumping out of his grip and darting down the hallway. "What a fast dog..." Sprout remarked to himself as he stood up and threw on his favourite pink-and-white scarf, messily tying it around his neck.

Cosmo, Sprout's "bestest friend in the whole world", was part of the team gathered for today's supply runs. In all honesty, Sprout wasn't even sure why they were required. They had enough supplies to last at least a few days, and he considered these to be needlessly dangerous. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't completely freaking out over his best friend headed out on a life-threatening mission. Without him! He wasn't sure he could trust the teammates Cosmo would be with, either, especially considering some were Gigi, Poppy, and Vee. Rodger and Brightney insisted that the two can't always be together because healers were important and should be ready to treat the injured when they return. Sprout scoffed just thinking about it -- first off, Ginger existed, and second, who put those two stick-in-the-muds in charge anyway?!

Anyway... Sprout didn't want to miss out on wishing Cosmo luck, so he had better copy Pebble and sprint over to the elevators.

Exiting his room, Sprout dashed through the hall, almost running into poor Boxten.

"Sorry!" He called out to the stunned music box. Glisten, who was standing beside Boxten, scoffed and cupped his hands to his mouth.

"Watch it!" He shouted back, "I get you wanna see your boyfriend and all, but you almost messed up my pristine make up!"

Sprout rolled his eyes. Glisten was so conceited at times. Besides, Cosmo wasn't his boyfriend! It's not weird to be worried about your closest friend... not at all!

One of the bedroom doors opened right as he passed it, and Sprout dashed out of the way with eyes. "Woah--!" He exclaimed, though he didn't look back, not wanting to run out of time.

A sparkling star popping into his view forced him to, however. He froze in slight shock before turning back and huffing.

"Sorry..." Astro apologized after seeing the look on his face. Sprout guessed he had sprinted right past (and almost into) Astro just then. He sighed.

"It's alright... I'm just trying to say bye to Cosmo before he leaves to gather supplies!" Sprout explained, and Astro's "hand" disappated.

"I see..." He nodded, "S-Sorry to interrupt, then. I was a little confused, and didn't want you getting hurt."

"It's fine. Thanks," Sprout replied, "Cya later?"

"O-Oh! Yeah, sure..!" Astro smiled shyly, biding him goodbye with a nod before he turned and headed the opposite direction. The kitchen? That's interesting.

Sprout had no time for that, though. Off he goes! He picked up the pace and sprinted down the hallway.

He skidded to a stop once he arrived in the main room of the center. Dandy sat at his shop like usual, his ever present grin also just as creepy as any other day. He noticed Sprout and his smile widened, his chipperness radiating off him in waves.

"Morning, Sprout!" Dandy greeted him, "You're in a hurry. Lemme guess... off to say goodbye to today's runners?"

"Yeah, yeah..." Sprout nodded, not really listening to him. He searched the center, trying to find Cosmo among the crowd that's gathered by the right elevator. He glanced back at Dandy, "Hey, how come you never go on these things..?"

Dandy looked at him in surpise, before leaning against the counter with a smile. "Who's going to sell you all items if I'm out on the field?"

"We could take turns..." Sprout grumbled.

Dandy's eyebrows furrowed and he gently tilted his head, "Mmm, maybe, but I doubt you guys know how to run a shop..." He then stood up, looking past Sprout with a smirk. "Ooh, is that Cosmo over there? He's looking around nervously. Too bad his best friend overslept..."

Sprout spun around, "What?! Wait, wait, I'm coming!" He exclaimed, forgetting whatever lame shit he was discussing and sprinting off in that direction. Dandy chuckled, his gaze drifting to some leftover tapes on the counter.

Pushing through the crowd (Sorry, Scraps & Finn!), Sprout made his way to the front. The 8 runners of the day were standing next to the elevator, getting ready to climb in as the clock ticked near 10.

While some of those about to decend the elevator looked confident, like Gigi and Connie, some seemed more nervous, like Poppy and Shelly. Sprout couldn't blame them.

And standing beside Vee, who was smugly basking in all the attention, stood Cosmo. His hands were shoved into his pockets and he looked way shyer than usual. It made Sprout's heart ache; he must be so nervous! It wasn't often Cosmo was chosen for these runs, instead he was usually found in the kitchen creating heals for the toons injured by the twisteds.

Twisteds... just what were those, exactly..? They looked like friends... but definitely didn't behave like them. They were deadly, as some toons have found out. Sprout didn't like to think about the ones they've lost.

Wait, now's not the time to get distracted! Sprout shook those depressing thoughts away and finally waved his arms around.

"Cosmo!" He called out, and watched as his best friend's face lit up as he spotted him.

"Sprout!" Cosmo replied happily, barely able to take a step before he was pulled into a tight hug. Sprout buried his face into his shoulder, letting out a quiet sigh.

"S-Sorry, I overslept..." He apologized, "Thank goodness Pebble woke me up. I'd never forgive myself if you had to go without a goodbye hug from me!"

Cosmo laughed softly, patting his back. "It's alright..! I'm just glad you're here..."

"Pfft..." Vee snickered, "Berry boy is acting like Cosmo's off to war. It's just a supply run, and Cosmo never even sees the twisteds! He just stands around doing nothing." She rolled her eyes.

"Hey!" Sprout lifted his head up to glare at her.

"She's kinda right..." Cosmo mumbled sheepishly, "I'm not very good at those machines. It's hard to twist the valve..!"

"Heey, untrue!" Connie suddenly piped in, "Cosmo's a swell teammate! You're the annoying one, Vee, always slowly getting in the way of the distractors," She chuckled, gesturing in Looey's direction.

"Plus..!" The mentioned balloon grinned, "Cosmo doesn't heal me unless I ask! He's super useful!"

Vee crossed her arms, scoffing and turning away.

"R-Right... everyone has their own place on every team! So let's do our bests!" Shelly exclaimed, though it was weaker than normal. Sprout could tell she was nervous.

Cosmo gently pulled out of the hug, smiling up shyly at Sprout. "Don't worry about me, alright..? I'll be fine."

"Promise?" Sprout asked, holding up his arm, presenting his friendship bracelet to the other. Cosmo copied his action, their bracelets clinking together and forming a flower.

"Promise!" He nodded, and Sprout felt a surge of fondness rush through him. With a heavy sigh, he pinched the pastry's cheek lightly.

"Oof..! Heeyy..!" Cosmo whined playfully, swatting his hand away and taking a step back, "How about... when I come back, we bake something together?"

Sprout let his hands fall to his sides. "Hmm... like what?"

Cosmo thought for a moment, before giving a small shrug. "I'm not sure..! You come up with something by the time I return, okay?" He grinned, "That way... you won't be so distracted and nervous!"

"Yeah, it's just embarrassing when he gets like that..." Gigi covered her laugh with her sleeve, "Can you imagine if Finn behaved that way every time I went down there? Hahaha!"

"Don't act like you wouldn't like that..." Connie teased, floating beside her and poking her cheek.

Sprout ignored them both. They just don't get it.

"Right... I'll think of something," He agreed, his mind already wandering with some incredible desserts he and Cosmo could spend all day making for everyone after the run. Then, anyone who got hurt could chow down and feel better. That sounds nice!

"Great..!" Cosmo replied.

"But... I'll still miss you," Sprout admitted, feeling his cheeks burn slightly. Huh. He must be embarrassed to say it out loud...

Cosmo pouted before sighing and shaking his head, "...Yeah, I'll miss you too. One more hug?"

"Yeah!" Sprout scooped him back up into his arms, squeezing Cosmo tightly and holding him to his chest.

Cosmo squeaked, not expecting to be lifted entirely off the ground, but wrapped his arms around Sprout after a brief pause regardless.

"Ahem," Somebody cleared their throat. Sprout opened his eyes to see Rodger staring at the two of em, his eye unimpressed. "Cosmo, it's 10 o'clock. Time to enter the elevator... You don't mind letting go, Sprout?" Rodger then turned off to join the others, who were slowly getting inside the elevator.

Sprout glared at him, but hesitantly let go. He couldn't help his nerves... while it was true nothing usually went wrong, it was still dangerous..!

"Bye..." He mumbled as Cosmo slowly took a few steps away from him.

"Goodbye! Don't forget to think up of something, alright..? I know it'll be awesome if it came from you!" Cosmo replied, before hearing Poppy and Shelly call for him and he dashed off to join his team members.

Sprout watched Cosmo standing with the others until the elevator doors closed and he couldn't see him anymore. Still, he stood there as it descended. Down to the danger...

"I hope they're alright," He heard Tisha fret.

"Don't worry, everybody! I'm shore they'll be totally fin!" Finn joked, making a few others nearby groan and leave the area. Sprout frowned, turning to face him.

"You aren't worried about Gigi, or anything..?" He asked, remembering her earlier words, "A-Aren't you dating her?"

Finn gave him a knowing look. "Yeah, but... What can I say? I be-reef in her!" He quipped, laughing at himself, before moving closer and slapping a hand onto Sprout's shoulder. "You oughta believe in Cosmo, too. He's no small fry, Sprout!"

With that, Finn patted his shoulder once more before heading off to who-knows-where. Sprout frowned in confusion, his eyebrows furrowing. Who said he didn't believe in Cosmo..?

He trusts him and all, but he's allowed to worry about his safety! Finn should sea-- see that too.

Sprout shook his head. Who cared what that fishbowl thought. He had other things to do. For example... thinking up of an amazing recipe for later today!

Turning for the kitchen, Sprout went to leave, ready to wrack his brain to come up with something as incredible as Cosmo seemed to think he could. Deep down, Sprout knew anything he decided on would be enough for Cosmo, but it had to be good enough to please himself, too.

A gentle tap on his shoulder disrupted him from his thoughts.

"Huh..?" He turned his head.

Boxten waved shyly, yet his expression looked determined. "...Um, hey, Sprout... I heard what Cosmo said, and well... I can help..?"

Sprout blinked. Oh yeah. Boxten's a baker in training. Cosmo was the one who was helping him, though, so Sprout forgets about that sometimes.

"Help..?"

Boxten nodded, "Yeah... I mean..! I won't bother you two when he returns, but as for now... why don't we bake something together to g-get some inspiration..?" He asked.

"Well, that's one way to pass the time..." Sprout mumbled, before grinning and nodding. "Alright, I've decided! Let's go make something, Boxten!" He announced, already speeding toward the kitchen. His longer legs made it easy to travel fast!

"Hey, w-wait up..!" Boxten stammered, rushing after him.

As Sprout ran, he passed by Dandy, who was sitting at the counter, still smiling. Sprout huffed. How was he not bored? Whatever, he's a weird creep anyway.

As much as he likes to voice that opinion, so far, only two other toons have agreed with him. Vee -- that was a no-brainer--, and Astro, which was definitely more surprising. After all, weren't the two best friends?

Though, when Sprout thinks hard on it... he remembers Astro venturing on a solo run once to quickly find meds when they ran out and Boxten had gotten badly hurt on a earlier run that day. He recalled overhearing Astro mumbling something about not buying anything from the shop, whatever that meant. Regardless, after that day, Astro seemed to agree with him.

Oh well! Dandy definitely deserved the name-calling. He's lazy and doesn't help at all. The least he could do is hand out med kits more often.

Sprout slowed down once he heard Boxten call his name meekly for the third time, letting him join his side and hearing Boxten pant heavily. He didn't think he was that fast.

When they entered the kitchen, ready to wash their hands and tie on aprons, they were surprised to see they weren't alone.

Astro was hunched over a nearby counter, muttering inaudibly to himself. 'Welp-- that's concerning!' Sprout thought. He remembered Astro going this direction earlier.

Recently, he'd noticed Astro spending more and more time in random places he'd never normally be in, like the kitchen or museum. Either that or he'd lock himself away in his room. Of course, that wasn't as unusual, but still strange. He was anti-social, but not that anti-social.

"Astro..?" Boxten said, his voice laced with surprise.

Astro tensed up and quickly turned to face the duo, relaxing once he realized it was just Sprout and Boxten.

"Oh..." He sighed, "Have you two come to cook..? Want to join me?" He offered, gesturing to the counter.

Sprout eyed what was there: it looked like ingredients to bake a cake. Vanilla, maybe? His suspicions were confirmed when he spotted a small box of cake mix on the counter. Sure, it wasn't as good as making it themselves, but everyone knew it was better to save supplies when necessary.

"Sure. Baking a cake sounds fun," Sprout shrugged. This would be a good warm up for later. Maybe he could think of a good cake-related idea this way..?

"Okay... but keep in mind I'm not very good yet," Boxten muttered. Astro smiled softly.

"It's okay, neither am I," He replied. Sprout moved in to help, reaching for a whisk. He never considered Astro to pick up an interest in baking, but it might actually be pretty fun to help him learn. Cosmo was teaching Boxten... he could be a mentor to Astro! Though, Sprout didn't think he was a good teacher.

"No, don't do it like that," He rolled his eyes every time one of the two messed up, "Do it like this!" He snatched whatever they were doing to show them how it was done. Completely unaware to the fact Boxten looked intimidated and Astro looked irritated by the pushiness.

"Look, Sprout, we're trying our best..." Astro eventually spoke up as Sprout stole the egg he was holding to break it himself, "So can you please be a little more patient with us?"

Sprout's eyebrows raised in surprise and he finally noticed their faces. "O-Oh? Um..." He glanced at the egg. "...Fine! Here, take it back. Hold it over the bowl and break it in... Boxten, can you add the flour?"

Sprout tried his best to be as patient as he could, keeping down the urge to boss them around while he did so. He found himself more surprised by them than he'd admit. Boxten was pretty good at baking once his nerves went away, and though Astro was obviously a beginner, he was good at following instructions and performing well.

When they were finished, they took the vanilla cake out of the oven, all three smiling at the sight.

"Smells delicious..." Boxten commented, eyeing the cake with desire. Sprout noticed Astro looked excited as well, and laughed. Those two were such sweet tooths...

"I've got it!" Sprout suddenly announced, catching their attention as everyone was cleaning up and waiting for the cake to cool, "Cosmo and I should bake cakes in the shape of you two!" He beamed.

"What?!" Astro recoiled, "And I thought the cookies were embarrassing enough..."

"N-No way..! If anyone saw that..." Boxten shuddered.

Sprout pouted, crossing his arms. "Come on, guys! It's my way to thank you, and also to make up for being kind of a jerk at first..." He rubbed his neck.

He watched as the two shared a glance before Astro seemed to relent, slumping and nodding shyly.

"Well, okay..! But no teasing..." Boxten quickly replied, giving in immediately after Astro did. Sprout flashed them both a wide smile, wrapping an arm around each of their shoulders.

"Great!" He exclaimed, his eyes drifting upwards to the clock on the wall. "Hey, do you think that run is finished by now..?"

"Oh, right..." Astro replied, shifting in his blanket uncomfortably. He didn't seem to like whenever those runs were brought up. "Um... I think so? Maybe?" He answered, sounding unsure.

"We can go check..?" Boxten tilted his head, "T-The runs usually don't last very long. Just enough to grab a few supplies..." He glanced at the cake resting on the counter. "Plus, our cake will be done cooling by the time we return. And Cosmo can have a bite..!"

"Good idea!" Sprout grinned. He hoped Cosmo would like it. Then, he'd surprise him with the idea he came up with! It'd be a lot of fun to try and decorate the cakes to look like Astro and Boxten. Maybe they could even rope in Ginger to help out!

"...I'll stay here and wait," Astro muttered. Sprout raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Astro is avoiding the main area, but he shouldn't prod and ask why just yet. Maybe he's just traumatized by the elevators after that solo run. Who knows.

"Okay..!" Boxten replied, slipping his apron off and folding it away. He stared at Sprout expectantly, ready to follow.

"Right! Cya in a few, Astro!" Sprout grinned, waving goodbye before he rushed out of the kitchen, letting Boxten match his pace.

The two hurried down the hall, both visibly excited to present their cake to the tired toons returning from their long run.

Sprout even ignored Dandy this time, his gaze instead falling to the large crowd that gathered. It seemed like every single (alive) toon was there, and Sprout searched for his best friend with a wide smile.

He couldn't wait to greet his best buddy!

When Sprout and Boxten walked in together, the air seemed to shift. He raised an eyebrow, noticing how everyone was staring at him with looks ranging from pity to shock. With every step he took, the crowd parted for him, easily letting him get to the front. Boxten hurried behind, just as confused, holding his hands to his head nervously.

When Sprout and Boxten made it to the front, it seemed dead silent. This was weird. Everyone was usually happily chatting and cheering on the team as they returned.

Vee was the first to come up to them, barely acknowledging Boxten but staring at Sprout with an expression he'd never seen her make before. She looked genuinely upset when she often tried to mask similar feelings.

"Vee? What's wrong?" Sprout questioned, his smile fading. He didn't necessarily like Vee that much, but he didn't like seeing her sad, either.

"Sprout..." She muttered, her eyes side. She opened her mouth to speak before shaking her head and walking away. "...Nope. Can't..." She mumbled under her breath, going to stand beside Shelly, who was visibly shaking.

"W-What's going on..?!" Boxten exclaimed, beginning to freak out, "The last time this happened, it was when Goob..."

Sprout paused, remembering the way everyone treated Scraps as she rushed to the crowd to see her brother. He was part of the crowd that day. This was... kind of similar. He turned and spotted Scraps staring at him, and she looked just as anxious as she did that day... like she was thinking of the same thing he was.

He also remembered Brightney having to tell Scraps her brother died.

...

Sprout peered past Vee and Shelly, trying to find his best friend. But he could only count 7 of the team members in the circle. Did Cosmo go off ahead already..?

Boxten tensed up next to him, seeming to notice what Sprout had too. Surprisingly, he marched right up to Poppy, grabbing her arm. She gasped and spun around. Like the others, she looked upset and scared, her confident smile she usually had when returning nowhere to be seen.

"Boxten... Sprout," She greeted softly, but her words felt empty. Even her tone wasn't filled with any emotion. Sprout raised an eyebrow.

"Poppy, what's going on? Why is it so quiet?" He frowned, beginning to feel dread settling in his stomach. What is this feeling..? His heart is racing...

"Tell us... Please," Boxten pleaded. Poppy frowned, staring at them with guilt evident in her eyes.

"I-I..!" She tried to think of something, clutching her dress with a great force. Then, a soft clearing of the throat saved her, and Poppy took the chance and ran off.

"What the..." Boxten mumbled, shrugging at Sprout, who was already turning to meet Rodger.

Just like all the others, Rodger also looked saddened by something. "As the leader of the run..." He started, "I'll be the one to tell you." Rodger looked troubled by his own words, like he didn't want to be saddled with whatever he had to say.

"...What." Sprout said, "Where's Cosmo?"

The crowd seemed to disperse after hearing that, leaving only a few toons left, like Scraps, Tisha, and Glisten. The last-mentioned called Boxten over, and with a confused shrug to Sprout, Boxten hurried over to him.

"Yes..." Rodger began, his eye staring at the ground. He placed his hands behind his back, "During our run, Looey got cornered by twisted Pebble, and Cosmo rushed in to help him..."

Sprout's eyes widened, and the death glare he sent to Looey had the poor balloon whimpering in shame. When he glanced back at Rodger, he noticed Brightney rushing over to join him, her hand landing on his shoulder in support.

This was beginning to look too familar.

"...Did... Did he get hurt..?" Sprout inquired softly, trying to hear them over the sound of his heart beating in his ears.

He heard Shelly break down into tears in the background. He heard Tisha and Gigi try to comfort her. Why was she crying? That's unlike her...

"W-Well..." Brightney bit her lip, "Yes... Looey was saved, but Cosmo used his last strength to give him that fighting chance..."

Sprout balled up his fists. "...Last strength?? What the fuck does that mean, Brightney?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Boxten's eyes widening in shock, his hands slapping over his mouth as Glisten whispered something to him. Boxten's expression then matched the rest of the dwindling crowd's. Somber. And filled with pity.

'Are those looks... for me?'

"I-It means... Cosmo passed away, Sprout." Rodger finished, crossing his arms. Brightney frowned at his bluntness.

"I wanted to be the one to break it to him..." She mumbled, and he looked at her in frustration. The two seemed to break into a little argument, but Sprout wasn't listening. Their words faded away, and he could only hear silence.

What?

He wasn't sure if he spoke that out loud or not.

Oh.

He blinked once. Twice...

It can't be true.

Cosmo, his closest friend... he wouldn't... he couldn't...

He shoves the two away, pushing past them desperately. "N-No!" He hears himself scream, his voice breaking, "He's not..! He didn't..!"

Ignoring Brightney's protests, he searches for Cosmo. He's here somewhere. He has to be.

He ignores Connie rushing over to him, trying to calm him down. He ignores the way Looey refuses to look at him. He ignores Vee's sullen expression.

But he doesn't ignore Shelly.

He stops once he registers her crying.

Right... She was friends with him too. (He ignores the fact he said was.)

But she isn't as close with him as he is... she couldn't understand. Why is she crying like that, anyway..?

Sprout touches his face, feeling his own tears running down his cheeks. He shakes his head. This can't be happening.

What was he supposed to do without his best friend..?!

"Is he gonna pass out..?!" He hears Poppy gasp, and he registers how light he's feeling, how dizzy the room is...

Sprout clutches his chest, shaking, breathing heavily... anything. It can't be real... Cosmo would never... they still have those cakes to bake! He has to tell him his idea. It would be so much fun!

...

All these eyes on him... like he's pathetic... he can't stand it.

He rudely shoves Poppy out of his way, ignoring the regret he feels as he hears her gasp along with Shelly's worried cries.

"Sprout, that's enough..!" Brightney exclaimed sternly, taking a step toward him. "We understand, but--"

He has to get out of here.

He sprinted past her, going somewhere. Anywhere. Just not here... he didn't want to see any of them right now.

"Sprout!" Dandy called out, his smile oblivious to everything going on. It finally faded once he noticed the tears, however. "Wh-- Hey, what's wrong..?"

Sprout barely even heard him, not even bothering to give him a glance. He hated Dandy, he hated the runs, he hated everyone except Cosmo...

And now he's gone.

Back in the hallway, Sprout slammed into Astro, too distracted and caught up inside his own head to notice the other. The moon tumbled to the ground, letting out a surprised gasp.

"S-Sprout?!" Astro pushed himself up, "What happened..?! What's wrong..?!"

Sprout paused to recollect himself, before continuing to run away from all his friends. He can't look at Astro... not right now. Cosmo would never get to see what they made, or hear what he came up with... never.

The vanilla cake can expire and be tossed into the trash for all he cared.

"H-Hey..! Wait, please..!" Astro jumped to his feet, a star forming from thin air and reaching out for him.

Astro did try to follow after him, but he was simply too fast for the tired toon to keep up with. Sprout looked behind him for a second, seeing Astro stare after him with a stoic expression. He locked himself in his bedroom, slumping against the door and burying his face into his hands.

None of this felt real.

Cosmo never said he wouldn't come back!

Sprout was seething. Blaming Rodger and Brightney for not letting him accompany Cosmo, blaming Looey for getting badly hurt, blaming the others for not doing anything... and blaming himself not being there.

He should've insisted on going... so he could've been the one to heal Looey. Cosmo was always too generous, putting others before himself. Sprout tried to tell him how much that made him worry, but there was no stopping Cosmo and his selflessness...

...

Sprout falls to the floor, pulling his knees to his chest.

He never imagined a life without Cosmo in it after they first met. Shelly introduced them, and he knew they'd be as close as can be. Sprout wondered how Cosmo would act in this situation. Would he feel as distraught..? Sprout can't imagine dying and leaving him all alone.

He hears knocks on the door from his friends. They all sound sad too. He knows he's being selfish, acting like he was Cosmo's only friend, but sometimes he really felt like he was..! No one understood Cosmo like he did.

Feeling faint and a deep sadness settling into his chest (Sprout isn't sure it'll ever go away), he decides to take a rest on the floor. Sprout doubts he has the strength to stand up and flop onto the bed anyway. His eyes shut tight. Maybe tomorrow morning, Astro and Boxten would coax him out of his bedroom, and encourage him to teach them some more. They'll even ask to become his new best friend, because that position is open now.

...

The thought makes him feel sick.

...

Sprout wondered how Cosmo died. Was it painful? Rodger said Twisted Pebble was the culprit... an evil clone of the lovable dog who happily woke up this morning to see Cosmo one last time. How cruel.

He knew it definitely wouldn't be healthy to keep imagining how his closest friend died. Sprout also knew how the other toons treated the ones who mourned.

Scraps was treated as though she were made of glass, fragile and about to shatter at any time. Everyone walked on eggshells around her. She eventually snapped and had to shout for everyone to just treat her like normal again. She didn't want to be known as "the girl with the dead brother". Sprout wasn't sure if she ever got better.

Brightney encouraged her therapy, though she obviously wasn't actually qualified to give it. Scraps apparently told Poppy it helped, however. Sprout didn't think it would help him.

Of course, Scraps wasn't the only toon who suffered a loss. But considering how close she was to Goob, that was the one where everyone was worried for her sanity.

Sprout scoffed, wiping his eyes. He wasn't looking forward to being treated like she was. He didn't want Brightney's stupid therapy, or sympathy from his friends. That won't bring Cosmo back. He's gone. For good.

...

He's sure one day he might be able to become as fine as Scraps is. Not happy, but surviving.

But for now, he just wanted to sleep.

Chapter Text

Sprout awoke to an alarm clock ringing in his ears and a tongue to the face.

"Wh..." He frowned. How did Pebble get in? He was sure he locked himself in here so no one could bother him. He rolls his eyes. If Tisha unlocked it, he'd be sure to have a talk with her later. He's not in the mood.

He raised a hand to swat Pebble away as he sat up with a frown. "What are you doing in here..? Can't you see I don't want to be bothered..?" He scolded the rock, pushing Pebble off of him. Sprout looked past him and spotted a slightly ajar door. So she did..!

"Tisha!" He yelled out, "Did you open my door?!" He bit back anger. Come on, he's just trying to grieve alone. He doesn't need her bothering him like this.

"Sorry!" He heard Tisha call out from the hallway. She's cleaning again? That didn't mean she had to bother him. He scowled, wiping his eyes, assuming there were dried tears on his cheeks. He found his face to be completely clean, however, and he blinked in confusion.

And, wait a second... didn't he sleep on the floor?

Sprout shoved the covers off of himself in shock, moving away as Pebble tried to lick him again excitedly. "How'd I get into bed..?" He muttered to himself, getting a confused bark in reply. Pebble tried to lick him again, and he frowned.

"That's enough, Peb," He grumbled, "...Please, leave me alone..." His eyes felt watery. He appreciated the dog trying to cheer him up, but it wasn't working. Cosmo was still gone. He wouldn't be happy until he saw him again...

Pebble whined again, rushing off his bed and bumping his nightstand with his tail. Sprout raised an eyebrow. 9:46...

He scowled, "I don't care about the runs today." He moved away, grabbing one of his pillows and putting it over his head, "Leave me alone. I mean it..."

He could care less about today's runners. None of them would be Cosmo. They can make their own desserts, he's not going out there. Even if he's on the list today. Surely they can find a replacement. Ginger would agree. She's just... as selfless as Cosmo was.

Pebble jumped back onto the bed, relentlessly pushing his head into Sprout's side, whining sadly and barking. Sprout sat back up, glaring at him.

"What..?!" He snapped, and he swore Pebble rolled his eyes, "Fine..! If I follow you, or whatever, will you finally just let me rest..?!" His voice sounded hoarse, he noted. Must be from the crying.

Pebble nodded and barked happily, jumping off the bed and darting down the hallway. Come on, surely the dog had at least some self-awareness...

"Fast as ever..." Sprout grumbled in annoyance, standing up. He almost forgot his scarf, snatching it off a nearby chair and draping it around his neck. That's strange. He didn't remember ever taking it off.

"Who the hell came inside my room last night? Wasn't my body blocking the door?" Sprout thought, frowning grimly from the idea of being found while in such a pathetic state. Why couldn't anyone just let him mourn alone?

He slowly exited his bedroom, finding Pebble sitting and waiting for him down the hallway. Sprout tensed once he noticed Boxten and Glisten in the halls. He knew Boxten would probably bring up yesterday, or maybe tell him his opinion on how the cake tasted... he liked acting with a sense of normalcy in terrible situations. But this wasn't something he could just sweep under the rug.

He trudged by the duo, ignoring Pebble's barks that probably meant "hurry up!".

"Um? Are you okay..?" Boxten asked, tilting his head. Sprout paused. The absolute audacity...

"Does it look like I'm okay, Boxten?!" He turned around to glare at the boy, who stepped back in shock. Boxten looked flustered, like he hadn't expected that reaction. How could he not expect Sprout to be upset after what just happened?!

Glisten frowned, also visibly taken aback, but not liking the way he was treating Boxten.

"Hey, no need to be snappy!" He huffed, "I get you wanna see your boyfriend and all, but poor Boxy was just asking a question!"

Sprout scoffed and rolled his eyes. Both were jerks. Then Glisten's other words registered. What..?

"...How could you say that?" He stared at Glisten, hurt. Also, that was exactly what Glisten said yesterday. He was sure the mirror had gotten the memo. He was among the crowd that gathered...

Glisten's expression softened, and now it was his turn to look worried. "Huh? D-Did you two have a lover's quarrel or something?" He could barely get the words out before Sprout stormed away from him, following Pebble and trying to stop himself from crying.

He never expected Glisten to mock him like this. He knew Glisten could be an asshole sometimes, but not anything so cruel to those mourning. He treated Scraps like she was his favorite blush, for God's sake!

One of the bedroom doors opened right before Sprout passed by, and he stopped, realizing it was Astro's bedroom door. Astro leaves at the same time everyday? Sprout didn't know he was so organized. Also, he didn't want to talk to him.

He tried to just walk by and keep his head down, continuing his slow pace after Pebble, but was stopped by a glittering star. He froze in slight shock before turning back and raising his gaze to meet Astro's.

"Sorry..." Astro apologized after seeing the look on his face. Sprout frowned. This again? "But... you just looked so down. It's not like you... What's wrong, Sprout?" Astro asked, looking worried.

Sprout's eyes widened. "Really..? You too..?" He muttered, feeling more tears build up in his eyes. He thought of Astro as a friend. Not someone to mock him like this. He should've stayed in bed.

Though... he wasn't sure Astro ever found out about Cosmo's passing. Maybe it's just an innocent question. He sighed deeply.

"...Just... following Pebble. He wants me to, for some reason." Sprout shrugged, "Guess I better get going..."

"I see..." Astro nodded, "S-Sorry to interrupt, then. But... I hope you feel better soon, Sprout. I've never seen you so down..." He fretted, and his expression did appear genuine. It made Sprout feel a little confused.

"Uh... thanks," Sprout replied quietly, "Bye." He turned off, noticing how impatient Pebble was getting, repeatedly barking at him every time he stopped. He picked up the pace a bit.

"Goodbye..!" Astro called after him. Sprout glanced back and noticed him once again walking toward the direction of the kitchen. He's spending all his time there, it seems... but this all feels a little too familar.

Sprout shook off the strange feelings of deja vu and hurried after Pebble, who had began sprinting. And wow, he's really fast..!

He skidded to a stop once Pebble did as they arrived in the main room of the center. Dandy was still sat at his shop, smiling as wide as ever. Hmph. Of course he'd feel unaffected. He noticed Sprout and surprisingly his smile fell for a moment. Sprout noticed Dandy glance toward the crowd of today's runners for a moment before he smiled again.

"...M-Morning, Sprout!" Dandy greeted him, stammering as if he went off script, "You're in a hurry. Lemme guess... off to say goodbye to today's runners?" He tilted his head.

"What..? No," Sprout shook his head, making Pebble growl and bite the end of his scarf, making him frown. "Hey..!" Pebble started tugging him away toward the bustling crowd. Sprout really didn't want to deal with so many people right now. What, are they planning an intervention to get him some therapy? He scoffed from the mere thought of it.

Dandy looked at him in surpise, before leaning against the counter with a smile. "No? I think you've forgotten who's on the list today..." He chuckled.

"Who, me..?" Sprout asked, realizing just how much he hoped that wasn't the case. He'll have to run and hide if so. No way they'll make him work today, right..?

Dandy's eyebrows furrowed and he looked confused for a second, "Um, no... What's with you today, Sprout? You're acting off..." He then stood up, looking past Sprout with a smirk. "...Ooh, is that Cosmo over there? He's looking around nervously. Too bad his best friend forgot about him entirely..."

What?

Sprout froze and spun around. If this were a trick, he would never forgive the flower. Could it be..?

"W-What?! Where..?!" He felt desperate, knew he definitely sounded it as he felt Pebble tugging on his scarf lightly toward the crowd. "I don't... what..?" But how..? Did Cosmo somehow survive and return through the night..?! Why the fuck is he going on another run if so?! No no no. Sprout wouldn't allow this.

He took off, leaving Pebble spinning around in confusion behind him. He's sure his scarf ripped a little, but who cares?! He heard Dandy sigh and paid it no mind as he sprinted to where everyone is. Why didn't they tell him?!

Pushing through the crowd and shoving Scraps and Finn out of his way, Sprout made it to the front. He glanced at the nearby clock, it was almost 10. He had to stop this. But it makes no sense. How could Cosmo be alive? Was... was yesterday all a crazy dream? Were Glisten and Astro genuinely confused because it never happened..?

His heart raced. Please let that be the truth. It was just a realistic dream..! That's all... that explains the sense of deja vu... just a dream...

Sprout searched, seeing each runner standing by the elevator. ...They were the exact same toons as yesterday, and were standing in the same positions, too. Gigi and Connie still looked confident, and Poppy and Shelly still seemed nervous. Everything's... replaying out the same way?

And standing beside Vee, just like yesterday, stood Cosmo. Sprout gasped and felt dizzy. Dandy wasn't lying or pulling a terrible prank on him. He's right there.

His hands were shoved in his pockets and he looked timid surrounded by so many people. It made Sprout's heart ache more than it had ever before. He's alive... alive.

It really was all a dream! No, a nightmare! He'll interrogate Astro about that for sure. Though he's confident the moon could never come up with something so cruel...

No getting distracted. His best friend is there, and actively searching for him. Plus, he's got something to say.

Sprout moved closer, but then froze.

Wait... everything was replaying the exact same way as his dream. Did that mean... on this run... was Cosmo going to die for real?

No... no.

He didn't care if it were paranoid. He wasn't taking any chances. There's no way he's letting Cosmo on this run alone. He's coming. Poppy... Gigi... hell, even Rodger... one of them can sit out. He's coming!

This could be his only chance to save his best friend from a brutal fate... he can't live life like it were in that dream. He felt so empty... even this morning. That feeling can't return.

"Cosmo..!" He called out desperately, half expecting him to fade away. He watched as his best friend's face lit up in joy from the sound of his voice, even pushing Vee gently out of the way to see him.

"Sprout!" Cosmo replied happily, only to stop in surprise from how fast Sprout was running at him. Sprout engulfed him into a crushing hug, accidentally sending him flying to the ground. Cosmo let out a grunt, but didn't seem irritated, wrapping his arms around Sprout's waist with a chuckle.

"Woah..!" Cosmo giggled, "Don't worry, Sprout, you didn't miss me! We're not going down just yet..!"

"Pfft..." Vee snickered from beside them, "Berry boy is acting like Cosmo's off to war. It's just a supply run, and Cosmo never even sees the twisteds! He just stands around doing nothing." She rolled her eyes.

"Shut up," Sprout lifted his head up to glare at her, serious. He didn't want to deal with her right now. Plus, he knew she'd eat those words later. At least, in the dream, she did.

...

R-Right, because Cosmo won't die here.

He feels himself squeeze Cosmo tighter, his grip probably painful. If it is, though, Cosmo doesn't say anything.

"She's kinda right..." Cosmo mumbled sheepishly, agreeing with Vee, "I'm not very good at those machines. It's hard to twist the valve..!"

"Heey, untrue!" Connie suddenly piped in, floating above the two on the ground happily, "Cosmo's a swell teammate! You're the annoying one, Vee, always getting in the way of the distractors, slowpoke," She chuckled, gesturing in Looey's direction.

"Plus..!" The mentioned balloon grinned, "Cosmo doesn't heal me unless I ask! He's super useful!" Sprout didn't want to hear his voice. Even though it wasn't Looey's fault at all... he knew that. He pushed his head into Cosmo's shoulder, trying to prevent any anger from seeping through.

"Geez, Sprout, you okay..?" Cosmo asked, sounding just as worried as the others from earlier. His hands gently rubbed up and down Sprout's back. "Tell me if something's wrong."

Vee glared at Looey and Connie, before smirking again. "He's fine. He just doesn't want to be away from his "sweetums" for longer than a few seconds." She snickered, before frowning in boredom when neither replied. Sprout didn't want to entertain her. He didn't care what she thought, anyway.

"Um... everyone has their own place on every team! So let's do our bests!" Shelly exclaimed weakly, pushing Vee away from them before she could open her mouth, and then running to say bye to Tisha.

Cosmo gently pulled out of the hug, "Can you let me stand?" He asked softly, and Sprout quickly nodded, climbing off of him. He hoped he wasn't crushing him... "Don't worry about me, alright..? I'll be fine."

Sprout glanced down at the friendship bracelet on his wrist. It would forever be one half that couldn't be filled if Cosmo went on that run alone...

He shook his head.

"No," He said, his expression hardened. Cosmo seemed surprised by his sudden seriousness. "I'm coming. You're not going alone."

"What..?" Cosmo replied, shaking his head, "Sprout, I get you're worried, but you remember what the others--"

"I don't give a shit about what they say..!" Sprout exclaimed, cussing with no second thought. He gripped Cosmo's arms tightly, pulling him closer. "I... I can't lose you!"

"What..?! I'm not going to die..!" Cosmo chuckled in disbelief, "Hey, you're hurting me a bit..." He sighed in relief when Sprout loosened his grip.

"Please... let me help you. You're my best friend..." Sprout pleaded. He can't lose his chance... what if the nightmare really came true..? "You're not going without me."

Cosmo frowned with worry. "What's going on? Is something disturbing you..?"

Sprout shook his head. If he explained, everyone would assume he's crazy. "L-Listen, I've got a really... bad feeling about this run. Let me come!" He exclaimed, grabbing the attention of the others.

"Sprout..." Poppy chimed in, "You know we need you to stay back and prepare heals for us..!"

Cosmo nodded, "Yeah... that's important too, Sprout." He held up his arm, the bracelet shining in the light. "Come on, I promise I'll be okay!"

He couldn't trust in that... Sprout shook his head. He's sure only he could be the one to save Cosmo.

"No..! I'm sorry, but I have to come!" He shouted, shutting Poppy up. Vee stepped in again, irritated.

"The hell's wrong with you, Berry?" Vee shook her head, "Are the leaves on your head blocking your brain? You can't come!"

"I don't care! I can!" Sprout yelled back at her, and Cosmo glanced between them in worry. It seemed things were about to escalate when Rodger stepped in with a stern expression.

He sighed, "That's enough, Sprout. Look, if we promise to have someone stay by Cosmo, will you let it go..?" He bargained, but Sprout couldn't. Not when Cosmo's life is on the line.

"No..!" He said weakly, "Please... Let me come..." His voice broke despite how he was trying to hide his panic. Cosmo took a step forward but Gigi grabbed his hood and yanked him back. Rodger's eye looked just as worried as everyone else now.

"Maybe we should get you to see Brightney... This is quite unlike you," He replied, and the crowd murmured words of agreement. Sprout clenched his fists. Goddamnit, even here, where Cosmo is still alive, they want to give him therapy?!

"I'll stick by ol' Cozzie here," Gigi volunteered, raising a hand up. Rodger nodded.

"Good... I hope this eases your worries, Sprout," With a nod, Rodger tried to dismiss him. Sprout knew it was futile, he couldn't just force himself onto the elevator...

"Sprout..." Cosmo mumbled, and then Sprout's heart sank. He looked so worried. But... if he understood why Sprout was acting this way, then he'd be grateful..!

"...Looey," Sprout muttered, the mentioned's ears raising, "Don't you dare get too cocky. If you see twisted Pebble... for God's sake, be careful..!"

"Hey, hey, relax..!" Looey chuckled, "He's rare to find, and besides, I'm always careful! I got this, Sprout-sy." He beamed, but quickly scampered off when met with only a glare in reply.

Sprout felt a hand on his arm. Scraps. She smiled reassuringly at him, but it didn't make him feel any better.

"If you need to talk--" Sprout yanked his arm away before she could even finish, leaving everyone behind. He heard Cosmo shout his name, and maybe he did feel guilty for making him so anxious, but he was furious.

Furious he was so... helpless.

There was nothing he could do.

He stormed past Dandy's shop, barely registering the playful "Come again" as he left the room, feeling troubled. It didn't work. Things are going to play out the same way. Cosmo's still going to sacrifice himself, no matter how much Gigi sticks to him or how careful Looey is with Pebble...

Maybe... he needs help.

But who?

Sprout thinks over his options. It might be too late... but what if this isn't a dream, and it's something much stranger..?

The thought gives him hope. If he can replay everything again... he could have another chance..!

He just needs to find out for sure if this was a dream or not.

And he knows where to find the toon that specializes in dreams.

Feeling rejuvenated, Sprout dashes to the kitchen as fast as his legs can take him. He should be there... if everything truly is the same.

Sure enough, he finds Astro inside the kitchen, practicing his apparent new hobby. He knocks on the wall next to the entrance quickly, making the other jump in shock, turning around to see him.

"Sprout..! You surprised me..." Astro sighed in relief, only to once again tense up once Sprout runs right at him.

"Astro!" He called out, "You... Did you give me any strange dream yesterday?!" He asked, panting softly, "Well, it was more so a nightmare..."

Astro pursed his lips. "No... I'd never give you a nightmare," He muttered, "...Well, without a reason, of course."

Sprout reminds himself to not get on Astro's bad side.

"Right... okay," Sprout sighed. So this wasn't some sort of dream..? "Did you see me having a nightmare, or anything..?"

Astro knitted his brows in confusion, but shook his head. "No, I did check, of course... so I could make it better, but you seemed to be having a dreamless night."

Sprout nodded, that checked out. He wasn't really the type to dream. Or at least, he never remembered them. But if all this wasn't a dream, then... what could this be?

"...Astro," He started slowly, "Are you baking a vanilla cake?"

"Wh--" Astro looked surprised. "How did you know..?!"

Everything's playing out exactly the same way... Sprout leans against the counter, trying to comprehend whatever's going on. Cosmo... alive again, but probably going to die in just a few hours... he needs to somehow stop this, and maybe he's trapped in an endless loop of... dreams to do so..?? No, that can't be it, or Astro would know...

He briefly considered that perhaps Astro was lying, but crossed that out upon seeing his genuine confusion.

"Because I've been feeling weird deja vu all day... I swear I already lived through this day, and soon something terrible will happen..." Sprout explained, his eyes pleading to be believed.

Astro, however, only seemed to pout. "...That's not funny, Sprout. And that's impossible..." He sighed, "You probably just smelled the vanilla..."

"No..!" Sprout protested, moving closer, "Believe me, c'mon!"

Astro looked annoyed for a second, before tilting his head. "I'll... entertain you," He murmurs, "What is this 'something terrible', exactly?"

Sprout didn't want to say it, to admit it ever happened, but...

"...Cosmo dies on the supply run today," He said grimly, blinking away tears he feels beginning to form. No need to cry right now.

Astro's mouth fell agape, before he appeared appalled. "Sprout..! That's not--!"

"Does it look like I'm joking?!" Sprout cut him off, his chest tightening with exasperation, "Think about earlier in the hallway..! I looked so distraught because I thought Cosmo was still dead! But it seems the day somehow... repeated."

Astro searched his eyes to find the truth, before giving in with a loud sigh. "You did look pretty upset..." He bit his lip, "So... the day's repeating..? That's..." Astro cut himself off, "...Nothing. I-Is it a one time thing, or...?" He questioned.

"I don't know... I really hope not." Sprout said, feeling panic rise up from the thought. That... wouldn't be good, especially since he's pretty sure his attempt to save Cosmo failed. Rodger and Brightney and their stupid rules.

Astro summoned a star to pat his shoulder. "Let's... say it isn't, then." He glances back at the ingredients he's set up, "...I'll continue that later. Um... why did you tell me all of this?"

"I wanted to make sure that everything I went through wasn't some dream. I-I really don't want to go through the loss again, I really hope nothing goes wrong..." Sprout takes a deep breath, fighting down his anxiety.

"We should think of some ideas to solve this problem..." Astro replied, "I don't want Cosmo to... die... either." Sprout noticed how soft his voice went when mentioning the death. He appreciated it, but it still hurt to think about nonetheless.

"Right..." Sprout nodded slowly, "How about asking Dandy? Maybe he could end the run entirely... though he'd be hard to contact since he's probably down in the elevator shop..."

"No-!" Astro cried out, before catching himself and laughing nervously. "I-I mean... no, he'd probably be too hard to reach... we can't just go down there ourselves, after all..."

...

Good idea, Astro. Sprout is definitely going to do so one day. If he gets another chance after this, that is...

"How about your room, then..?" He instead asked, choosing to hide any future plans of that nature for himself.

"O-Okay..." Astro agreed easily, and the two left the mess of the kitchen behind, most likely for Boxten to stumble into and end up cleaning. Sorry, Boxten!

When Astro threw open the door to his room, Sprout was thrown for a loop. He forgot how large it was, even compared to his own. It's not like he went in here often (or ever), so it was easy to forget.

"So..." Sprout said, flopping onto the bed and getting comfortable, "I still think we should talk to Dandy."

"Maybe... you should do that if the day repeats again..." Astro suggested, "You can catch him in the morning while he's still at his shop."

"Good idea. Thanks for believing me, by the way," Sprout smiled. He wasn't sure he could go to anyone else about this sort of thing-- he was grateful Astro was even playing along. Sprout himself wasn't too sure on what was happening, but one more repeat should confirm a loop or destroy his hopes and dreams.

"I have a few questions..." Astro began, ready to get down to business, "...Will I remember that any of this happened?"

Sprout paused. He thought about how everyone else seemed oblivious to Cosmo's death, including Astro. Things had played out almost exactly the same. "I doubt it."

"Oh..." Astro sighed, "That's a shame. I also want to know... what did you try earlier today to attempt to prevent Cosmo's fate..?" He tilted his head.

"Attempt." It better had worked.

"I tried to force myself onto the run, but they didn't listen... instead Gigi volunteered to watch Cosmo while Looey said he'd be more careful," Sprout grumbled. That sounded pathetic now that he said it out loud.

"They do tend to be quite stubborn," Astro replied, appearing just as frustrated, "...I'm sorry if this is hard to hear, but I don't think that'll work. Cosmo tends to be... self-sacrificing."

"I know..!" Sprout groaned, feeling the urge to tug on his leaves and give up. He instead pulled on his scarf anxiously. "I won't be able to stand the stupid pitiful looks on their faces when they return again."

Sprout wasn't sure he could stand reliving the reveal that Cosmo was -- most likely -- brutally killed. It already made him feel sick once. He felt embarrassed, almost thinking of himself as dramatic before realizing that, no, it was a reasonable reaction to finding out your closest friend-- your companion, has died.

He sat up suddenly, "Astro. You can put people to sleep, right? Can you??" He questioned with wide eyes.

Astro raised an eyebrow. "As well as anyone else can... I can replenish stamina, Sprout, not take it all away..." He chuckled, shaking his head. "What, you want me to sing a lullaby..?"

"I'll go to the lobby to check if I've saved Cosmo, and if he's not there... you put me to sleep!" Sprout nodded, taking the joke seriously, "That way, I can get started on my next plan immediately!"

Astro blushed, flustered. "W--Wait, I'm not really a good singer..! I..." He stammered, trying to think of an excuse to no avail. "W-Wait..? You have a new plan already?" Sprout noticed the 'smooth' attempt to change the topic and went along with it to spare Astro.

"Yep," He nodded. "At least... I think I do? I haven't entirely planned it in my head just yet." Honestly? Sprout was coming up with shit on the fly. But he hoped Astro would agree to help. He could really use a partner throughout all of this.

"...Mind telling me?" Astro prodded, gesturing for him to continue. Oh yeah.

"Next up, of course, is talking to Dandy. I can reinform you of all of this if you want. But if you don't want to help beyond this, that's fine." Sprout began, deciding not to bring up Astro's hesitance around... Dandy? He's pretty sure that's the problem now. "Regardless, I'm going on a run to meet him so he has to talk to me. If I go fast enough, I might be able to get to Cosmo's floor!" He grinned, and Astro looked horrified.

"What..?! Sprout, no! That's so dangerous! A solo run..?!" He shook his head, disapproval visible.

Sprout huffed. "Astro, I know you of all people have done it, and you're still alive!"

"B-But..." Astro stuttered, before taking a deep breath. "O-Okay... I'm coming. Nobody should do a run alone. It's not... good." Sprout didn't understand, but hey, he was down. Extra help means they could get there faster.

"And you're alright with talking to Dandy?" Sprout reiterated, watching Astro's expression.

Astro shifted uncomfortably under his blanket, avoiding eye contact. "Y-Yeah, why wouldn't I be..?"

"Right..." Sprout muttered. "I really hope the plan works. Having to remind you of everything will be annoying, though."

"Sorry... I wish I could keep my memories," Astro apologized softly, and Sprout waved him off.

"Ah, it's really whatever. I'm just glad you're agreeing to help me. I'm really grateful for you, I mean it," Sprout replied, mustering up a wide smile. Sprout would do anything for Cosmo, and it's nice to know others would help him do so.

"Just... let me go get Boxten," Astro suddenly spoke after a few moments of silence, standing up and heading for the door.

"For what reason?" Sprout blinked.

"...His music... I hope he agrees... Maybe he will if I mention it's for you." With that, Astro leaves. Sprout knows the two aren't on the best of terms. Right... their little cake-baking adventure never happened here. Boxten and Astro were really starting to get along there. It makes him feel a little guilty, but then again, he'd rather save Cosmo's life than spend the entire day baking a cake.

Boxten's music box tunes should be able to lull him to sleep pretty fast. Sprout has never heard Astro sing, but he doubts it'll be hilariously awful. Anything is better than hearing what happened to Cosmo again, though. Sprout clutches the bracelet around his wrist nervously from the thought.

Sitting alone in Astro's room, his nosiness gets the better of him. Now that he thinks about it, Astro has some nerve hiding his true feelings about Dandy to him. He should tell Sprout why he's uncomfortable around the creep so Sprout can finally have a reason to hate him! That, and the fact that Sprout feels protective over all his friends and wants to ease their worries.

Maybe Astro even knows something about what's going on. Maybe it's related to Dandy.

He knows he shouldn't be suspicious of someone who's helping him, but at the same time, he could take this chance alone in Astro's bedroom to search for any clues leading to Astro's sudden discomfort around Dandy. Seriously, what could be so awful on a solo run? Did the two break out into an argument over tapes? Dandy is weirdly obsessed with those...

Despite the guilt he feels, Sprout steels his nerves and leaves the comfort of Astro's bed to explore his bedroom.

There's nothing really of interest to his cause, unsurprisingly. Sprout finds more of the exact same blanket Astro always wears, and also a large book collection in his closet, the titles none of which he recognizes.

It isn't until he decides to sneak a peek at Astro's desk where he notices a loose piece of paper halfway out of the desk drawer. Huh. Sprout knew a lot of toons wrote down random things whenever they felt like it, and had always questioned that behavior. But if Astro wrote anything similar to what Glisten did (which Sprout discovered while trying to deliver lunch to him one day), it could have some useful information.

He's sure Astro won't return in the time it takes him to read this.

"Dazzle told me to jot down my feelings recently, instead of bottling them all up like I always do. I know I'll never voice these out loud, but I suppose writing is kinda fun? I dunno yet.

Boxten is nervous around me. I know he's usually like that, but I think he assumes I'm the cause of all his nightmares. I wish he'd believe me. I'm trying to help.

I'm afraid of Dandy.

I feel complex feelings around Sprout. It kinda hurts sometimes, especially considering whenever I see him with Cosmo, but I can't help myself. Not sure on what exactly is bugging me, though. I initially thought I disliked him, but I can't bring myself to ignore him. He's nice, I guess. Is he in a relationship with Cosmo? I like Cosmo likes him.

I don't have any book recommendations prepared for the next book club meeting. I'll have to tell Dazzle I did this instead and hope Brightney understands..."

...

Interesting.

So these are Astro's inner thoughts.

Sprout hadn't expected to see his own name here, and didn't know what to make of it. Astro thought that he disliked Cosmo? Who could ever hate Cosmo??? Thank God Astro didn't actually dislike him. There's no way they'd be able to get along if he did.

He didn't understand why Astro said it hurt when he saw them together, however.

He supposes Astro is jealous of just how close he is Cosmo. That's natural, though, it's unlikely to have somebody you're as close to as Sprout is with Cosmo. He felt his heart jump in his chest when he read the 'in a relationship' part.

He's not dating Cosmo! Was Glisten seriously not joking earlier, and he actually meant it..?

People just can't let friends be friends nowadays..!

...

It wouldn't be terrible having Cosmo as a partner, though.

Sprout dropped the paper, shaking his head. Oh man, what was he thinking?? Astro was just confusing him with his stupid paper. Maybe he shouldn't have read it.

Actually, no... it did help, somewhat.

Astro is afraid of Dandy. He knows that for sure now. That explains the avoidances

But why? What did Dandy do?

Sure, he's annoying and creepy with all the smiling, but not straight-up scary. Astro is pretty timid, but not enough to the point he'll find a brightly coloured flower terrifying.

Looks like he'll have to find out... to at least be able to comfort Astro.

The door opened, and Sprout pounced onto the bed, laying there in the most casual, unsuspecting pose he could think of.

Astro sent him an odd look, so he went back to sitting like a normal person.

"Sup, man," Sprout greeted (as calm and cool as ever). Boxten walked in behind Astro, looking around in amazement before collecting himself.

"Sprout! Y-You want to go to sleep?" Boxten tilted his head, "Astro didn't tell me why, but I'm fine with helping... Think of it as a favor for upsetting you earlier." If Astro was interested in that statement, he didn't show it. Sprout grimaced, remembering how he yelled at Boxten earlier. Whoops.

"Not yet!" Sprout replied sheepishly, jumping up, "Actually... what time is it?"

"About time." Astro sighed. Sprout could guess what he was thinking.

'I'm not going to remember any of this...'

He smiled at Astro, trying to reassure him. He did say they'd go on that run together... he just has to hope this truly is something more than a fluke. If it repeats again...

But first, checking to see if Cosmo survived. If stupid Rodger let him come along, it'd be a certain yes, but now he just has to hope Gigi managed to prevent Cosmo from rushing in to save Looey.

(He tries to ignore how that might mean Looey died instead.)

"I'll be right back," Sprout tells them, slipping out of the room while Astro tries to stall Boxten with small talk about the weather.

Astro's letter was right, Boxten really was uncomfortable around him. He wasn't aware of the nightmare thing, though. It makes Sprout curious... Nightmares Astro can't fix. Huh.

Maybe they'll be able to talk it out while he leaves them in there.

Doubtful, Sprout runs down the hallway, which is beginning to become a normal thing for him to do. Thankfully, he was able to slip past Finn and Tisha easily, neither bothering to say anything. They must've seen him earlier. Probably convinced he needs help, too...

Rolling his eyes, Sprout stepped into the main room and saw the exact same scene as yesterday. Though he knew what was coming, it still made him dizzy, all eyes on him as the crowd expected him to run forward and call out for Cosmo, who wouldn't come.

This time, however, Gigi appeared more troubled, while Looey looked very guilty. Sprout knew what that meant: the two had failed, and so had he. He bet they regretted not letting him come along now...

Sprout stayed long enough for Vee to come up to him to try and be the one to break the news to him again, but he didn't even spare her a second glance. Time to get out of here.

'Please... please... don't let this be a one-time thing...'

The last thing he hears before sprinting away is Shelly's cries and Brightney calling out for him. He doesn't even check if Dandy's at his shop, he can't stay in there any longer.

Replaying that moment of discovery over and over in his head was enough. He didn't have to see it all play out again too.

Sprout threw open the door to Astro's bedroom, making the two toons inside jolt in surprise.

"...Alright, I'm ready," Sprout mumbled, closing his eyes. He heard Astro softly gasp, knowing what that must've meant.

"I-I really hope this works..." Astro mutters, saddened, patting the bed lightly. Sprout laid down, sighing as a melody started to play from Boxten's head.

"Hope what works?" Boxten questioned, obviously still confused. Astro was successful in stalling, it appeared.

"Uh..! My voice! I'm gonna sing..." Astro quickly replied, "...Don't say anything about it, okay?"

"Y-Yeah, I'll keep it a secret!" Boxten stammered with wide eyes. Sprout chuckled to himself. Poor guy probably thinks he'd be given more nightmares if he didn't.

"Sprout..?" Astro glanced down at him, "You don't say anything either."

"Yeah, yeah, got it," Sprout grinned, presenting him with a thumbs-up.

"Okay then... Nap time..." Astro sighed, and hummed (tch, cheater) in the same rhythm as the song Boxten was playing. Surprisingly enough, Sprout did feel himself getting tired.

He let the music lull him into sleep, his head beginning to pound with a dull ache and his stomach flipping right before he slipped out of consciousness.

...If the day were to repeat... perhaps it was having more of an effect on him than he thought.

"Please..." He thought desperately, "Give me another chance." He swore he could feel a burning sensation on his wrist.

Another chance... Just one... that's all he needed. He'll definitely be able to save Cosmo this time, with the plan he came up with. He's sure of it.

And so he slept.

Chapter Text

Sprout awoke to an alarm clock ringing in his ears and a tongue to the face.

"A-Ah, woah, hey..!" Sprout instantly sat up, feeling giddy as he looks around and sees his own bedroom. Not Astro's. Which meant... it's really true.. Time really is repeating.

He should probably be freaked out and terrified, but he's glad. Grateful he can save Cosmo. And he's even got the plan for it! Maybe, with a lot of convincing, Dandy will even leave the shop and help for once!

Sprout scooped Pebble up into his arms happily, not even minding the tedious licks causing saliva all over his face. He wiped his cheek with his arm, sighing. "Good boy, Peb. Thanks for waking me up."

Pebble barked happily, jumping out of Sprout's arms and back out the open door. Sprout knew Tisha left it open, and chuckled to himself.

He stood up and rubbed his eyes, peeking at the alarm clock on his nightstand. 9:44. Hey, one minute early!

Good. That gives him slightly more time to wait outside Astro's bedroom door.

Sprout reached for his scarf (which was no longer ripped at the end, that's nice) and dashed out the door after tying it loosely around his neck. There's no time to stand by and do nothing!

Once again, he nearly crashed into Boxten and Glisten, forgetting the two slowpokes walked down this hallway. Whoops.

"Sorry!" He called out, willing to let everything replay the same as before this time. Glisten, who was standing beside Boxten, scoffed and cupped his hands to his mouth as Sprout got further and further away from them.

"Watch it!" He shouted, "I get you wanna see your boyfriend and all, but you almost messed up my pristine make up!"

Sprout rolled his eyes. Glisten was so totally wrong right now. It's true he did want to go check and see if Cosmo was actually alive again, but he had a plan to keep him alive. That's what mattered.

Sprout stood at a certain door until it opened after what felt like an eternity. It was his turn to surprise Astro, immediately stepping into the doorway and making the other recoil in shock.

"S-Sprout..?! What are you doing here..?" Astro exclaimed, clutching his blanket tighter. Sprout gently pushed him back inside his bedroom. That vanilla cake would have to wait for another day.

It didn't take long for Sprout to catch Astro up to speed, proving himself by saying exactly what Astro had planned for the day, stunning him into believing.

"So you're telling me..." Astro mumbled, trying to grasp everything, "...I agreed to go on a duo run with you to stop Cosmo from dying?"

"Yep!" Sprout grinned. "You can't back out of it now, man. I'll be really disappointed..." He then pouted, giving Astro the saddest eyes he could muster.

Astro's face flushed and he shook his head before letting out a loud sigh, his resolve crumbling. "O-Okay... okay. I just..." He trailed off, unsure of himself.

Sprout could guess what this was about.

"Is it because you're afraid of Dandy?" He tilted his head, remembering his earlier invasion of privacy, and Astro froze up in shock.

"Wh--What..?!" Astro exclaimed, obviously not expecting Sprout to be aware of this, "I-I really told you that..?" Astro hid his face, embarrassed.

Right. Told... he definitely didn't read about it! Well, Astro didn't need to know about that anyway.

Sprout instead nodded. "Yeah, but it's not a big deal, don't worry!" He tried to reassure his friend, "I mean, I guess Dandy is a little unsettling? His thing with tapes? Now that's just weird."

"Hehe, yeah..." Astro chuckled, seeming to feel better. He smiled sincerely at Sprout, looking grateful. "...Thanks."

"It's nothing!" Sprout replied. Honestly, he himself was surprised by how chipper he felt. It's just... he had another chance to save Cosmo..! He was overjoyed.

He had no idea why this was happening, but he'd do anything to make sure it continued until Cosmo was safely back from the run and in his arms. For the tightest hug ever, of course.

("My hero!" Cosmo would say, and Sprout would have never felt cooler.)

"That run is starting soon..." Astro dragged Sprout from his thoughts, "Why don't we just go there and tell everyone to delay the run for another day?"

Huh. Wait, that... isn't the worst idea. Also, Astro willing to head to the main hall? Was knowing somebody else knew of and understood his fear really that soothing to him?

"I'd like for it to be that easy..." Sprout replied, thinking over it, "But you know how everyone gets. They'd be insistent, not wanting their 'schedule' to go to waste. It's like lives don't matter anymore..." He grumbled, still feeling bitter over "yesterday".

Astro sighed. "Maybe they're growing numb after all the losses... all of us know what it's like to lose a friend. Some more than others..." Astro turned away then, the mood turning somber.

"R-Right," is all Sprout could reply.

He knew he was being selfish, only really caring this much about Cosmo. And when discovering he died... loathing everyone else for "letting" it happen. Nobody else had a second chance like this. Why was he special..? He wasn't sure, but...

That only solidified his determination. He was dead set on saving Cosmo, no matter what it took. He can't imagine spending the rest of his days without him. It hurt too much to even think about.

He knew Scraps had lost Goob. He knew Gigi had lost Flutter. He knew Astro had lost RND...

Nobody else needed to lose somebody dear to them.

"I'm sorry, Astro..." Sprout spoke up again, "I know I wasn't... there, for you, but I hope you've been healing."

Astro smiled softly, "Thank you." He then closed his eyes, "...It's nice to see you so determined to do good. I should've known the lengths you'd go to for Cosmo, since you like him so much."

Sprout paused. Not this again...

He thought back to how Astro assumed they were in a relationship. They didn't act that way... did they?

Come on, just because Sprout loved hugging him and holding his hand, was a little protective of him at times, and always insisted on doing everything with him didn't mean he had a crush on Cosmo!

...

Wait a second.

"L-Like him..?" Sprout stammered, and he felt his cheeks turn hot. He usually just took that for embarrassment, but...

Ugh, there's no way he's been this oblivious.

"Don't you..?" Astro asked, now appearing confused, "I thought..."

"I don't... I don't know!" Sprout admitted, now feeling conflicted over his own heart. Romantic relationships weren't very common in Gardenview. Sprout wasn't at all experienced with that sort of thing! The lucky ones who knew what love felt like... would he have to ask them for confirmation? That sounded like an awful time. Shouldn't your heart just know!?

Astro giggled to himself. "I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually, then," He took a deep breath, the outline of a star fading into existence and landing on the door knob, "...Ready to go?"

Okay, screw it. He'll just over examine the entire conversation with Cosmo for confirmation. And maybe squeeze him extra tight out of happiness he's alive.

Don't worry, Cosmo, you won't suffer any pain this time..! Not with Astro helping him catch up to your stupid supply run!

"Yeah, quickly. It's almost 10..!" Sprout grimaced once he noticed the time. Shoot. Cosmo was probably so worried, and without his reassurance... he'd be a nervous wreck!

Astro frowned. "Alright, let's go..." His expression turned bashful, "You, um... Can I stick close to you while we're there? I'd rather not see... well, you know."

Sprout wonders how serious this situation between Astro and Dandy really is, but agrees with a nod anyway. Astro sighed in relief, and the two left his bedroom together.

Sprout could tell Astro wasn't one for running. They had barely made it down the hall and already the moon was panting. This was probably far more exertion than he's done in weeks, so... fair, but come on, man. There's more to life than sleeping and reading! After all of this was said and done, Sprout decided he'd hang out with Astro a bit more to show him that.

When they entered the elevator area, Sprout couldn't help but sneak a peek at Dandy as they walked by. Astro seemed completely tense, stress evident in how hard he seemed to be gripping his blanket.

Dandy was resting against the counter, staring at them in interest. He even looked a little surprised, before his gaze drifted over to a nearby clock and he relaxed, leaning back. Weird.

Sprout kind've expected a stronger reaction to seeing Astro finally here if the fight were as serious as he thought. Jeez, what the hell happened on that solo run? Was Dandy already over it?

Whatever. Back to Cosmo.

Sprout shoved his way through the crowd, keeping Astro close behind him. Eventually, he spotted Vee again and sure enough, Cosmo was behind her.

He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as he dashed toward him, despite Astro's quiet protests.

"Cosmo!" He exclaimed loudly, opening his arms instinctively. He couldn't help himself, okay? He wanted that hug. Contact always felt so nice coming from his best friend. It was like they were meant to fit against each other, like the world's sweetest-tasting puzzle pieces.

"Sprout..!" Cosmo cried out, sounding relieved. He was the one to wrap his arms around the other tightly this time, and Sprout almost felt a little bad. He must've really worried Cosmo by almost not showing up.

Astro rushed over to stand beside Sprout, and that was what caught Vee's attention this time.

"Oh? Astro, you seeing this?" She chuckled, "Sprout and Cosmo are acting like one of em's bout to go to war for months. Nothing's even gonna happen, it's a supply run!" She laughed, frowning once Astro didn't join in. Sprout couldn't stop the smug grin spreading over his face.

"Nobody cares, Vee. Let us hug," He replied, and she simply scoffed, turning to yap to Connie about something instead. That was easy.

"I almost thought you weren't coming..." Cosmo admitted sheepishly, shaking his head, "That was stupid of me."

"I'm sorry!" Sprout frowned, "I, um... got distracted by something. But I'm here now..." Staring at him like this was hard. Knowing there was nothing he could do to make him stay as time ticked down. "I wish you wouldn't go..."

"And I'm glad!" Cosmo smiled, glancing down at his wrist before raising his hand happily. "...I promise I'll be completely fine, Sprout!"

Sprout raised his hand up so their bracelets clinked together, his heart aching longingly when the shape of a flower came into view.

...Okay. Maybe he has a little crush.

"Ah..." He heard Astro mumble from behind him, his voice sounding slightly shaky. Maybe he's coming down with something.

...

"I'll hold you to it," Sprout muttered fondly, though when Cosmo lowered his arm and smiled wider, he only felt his heart breaking. Please, let this day be the one he saves him.

"Ahhh, I think I see a worried wife over here!" Gigi smirked as she stepped in between them, wrapping an arm around each of their shoulders.

"Which one's the wife, exactly..?" Astro replied, raising an eyebrow and looking rather uncomfortable. Right. He's kinda a third wheel right now.

Sprout coughed, sending Gigi a glare and taking a step back. Cosmo just chuckled like she'd told a joke.

"But seriously," Gigi placed her arms behind her head, "There's nothin' to worry about. Little Cosmo here is in good hands!"

Though Sprout did want to trust Gigi here, he thought about how things went when she was supposed to be accompanying him. He knew Cosmo probably rushed in before Gigi could react, but still.

"Gigi's right," Cosmo agreed, "How about... when I come back, you and I bake something together, Sprout?" He asked, "I'm not sure what yet..."

Sprout knew what to make. He did say he would to Boxten and Astro, after all... not that either of them remember that ever happening.

"Oh..!" Astro exclaimed, looking relieved, most likely glad to be able to add to the conversation, "I was planning on making a vanilla cake. How about that..?"

That... works too, he supposes.

"We could even get Boxten to help, too," Sprout grinned, not missing how Astro seemed to freeze from the mention of him. Those two really need to clear things up...

Cosmo lit up, nodding quickly, "Yes! That's perfect, hehe! I can't wait to get back now..!"

"Heeey, we haven't even gone yet!" Connie, who must've overheard (or she was just being nosy), laughed.

"It is time that we do go, though," Rodger cut in, catching everyone off guard. "Well..?" He gestured toward the elevator.

One by one, the same team Sprout had gotten used to seeing climbed into the elevator until Cosmo was the last one.

"I'll see you after the run, Sprout!" Cosmo waved, beaming at him before turning and hurrying over to stand beside Poppy.

...

They'll be seeing each other a lot sooner than that.

The crowd of toons filtered out until most had left to go do their own thing until the supply team had returned. Sprout did a quick scan of the area, and realized the only other toon besides him and Astro still present was Dandy. He never left that spot in the shop, though. So that was normal.

"How are we going to get into an elevator without Dandy noticing us..?" Astro frowned, troubled.

"Easy," Sprout nudged him gently and then pointed, "The furthest elevator, the one behind the tree. He can't even see us there."

Astro followed his finger and smiled, "Oh... good idea."

The two waited until Dandy was distracted to sneak around the circle, darting behind the tree as soon as they could.

"This is a pretty garden..." Astro mumbled absent-mindly, a shimmering star gently stroking a nearby flower. Sprout rolled his eyes and stiffled a chuckle.

"Come on, astronaut," He teased, "Let's g--"

"Whatcha guys doing?" Finn interrupted, sitting on a bench in front of them with that stupid grin plastered onto his face.

Astro jolted up and Sprout screamed in surprise before quickly covering his mouth with his hands.

"Finn..!" They both exclaimed, neither one expecting him to be right there. Hadn't he left with the crowd..?!

"Don't mind me!" Finn waved, his head turned to stare at them, "Just resting my legs. I've got a long day of fishing ahead of me!" He announced, leaning back on the bench with a sigh.

...

The bench that was facing right toward the elevator they were planning on heading into. Great.

Astro and Sprout eyed each other with worried frowns. What were they gonna do..? Everybody knew the rules: One run at a time. It's "safer" that way. Finn was surely going to snitch to Brightney, and then this day's plan would be foiled! And Sprout would return to see everyone staring at him in pity... ready to tell him his best friend just died.

...

"Well?" Finn broke the silence, confusing the other two, "Aren't you guys going somewhere?" He gestured toward the elevator, and then chuckled to himself. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me!" He winked.

...Finn is cooler than Sprout thought.

"Really..?! Thank you..!" Sprout smiled, his heart racing. The plan wasn't foiled. They just needed to hurry.

"Hey, the things we do for love," Finn shrugged, and Astro slumped over with a quiet sigh, "I'm confident Cosmo can hold his own, but I'm also confident in the fact you're always there to make sure he can. I won't stand in your way!"

Love...

Sprout huffed, ignoring Finn's laughter and the obvious blush on his cheeks as he hurried over to the elevator, crossing his arms. Astro quickly joined him.

"I'm nervous... I've never done a duo run before..." Astro whispered from beside him. Sprout couldn't say he had either.

"Hey, maybe it'll be fun..? I believe we can do it," He grinned. With that (and a goodbye wave from Finn!), the doors slammed shut and the elevator began to descend.

The jolly tone of the elevator music really didn't fit the mood.

Astro looked stressed beyond belief, and Sprout? Well, he was freaking out on the inside. They'd have to get through these floors fast to try and find the one Cosmo's on before anyone gets hurt. There, he can just... take him back! Sure, Rodger would be upset, but Sprout would take the punishment for breaking the rules over the loss of Cosmo's life any day.

"So, uh..." Sprout started, wanting to make conversation, "...What did you bring with you?"

Astro glanced at him and shifted underneath his blanket, "There really wasn't any time to prepare..." One arm slipped out and revealed a wrench in his fist. "Um, but... I do have this."

Sprout raised an eyebrow, "Right. So uh, how often do you just carry a wrench around, exactly?" He teased, met with only a frown in response.

"...What about you?"

Oh- right. Sprout raised his arm up, showing off his friendship bracelet in all its glory. "I've got this!" He smiled, "And it's all I need..." He didn't always like staring at the bracelet, it was a reminder of what he had to lose, but it also filled him with confidence, at least while Cosmo was still alive.

With a small ding, the elevator came to a stop and the doors parted with a quiet whoosh.

Floor 1 was always easy enough; Sprout and Astro both had experience with runs so they wouldn't need a distractor. However, Sprout did feel a little worried since Astro hadn't gone on one in a while. He'll be extra watchful to ensure he's alright.

The two split up with each sporting a nervous smile. Sprout kept his eyes on Astro until he was out of sight, then focused on a nearby machine. He wasn't the fastest, they were tricky to fill, but he could handle it.

Slowly filling up the machine with ichor, Sprout was beginning to wish he had maybe stolen Rodger's magnifying glass or Shelly's little trophy. He doubted they'd have to retry this (because it was definitely going to work), but if somehow they did... he'd plan for that to happen.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a twisted sweeping the floor nearby.

He quickly turned his head. Oh, so Twisted Tisha was one of the two on this floor. She's pretty easy for the most part... He can outwalk her, even.

He hoped Astro was fine... after all, Sprout had no idea who the second twisted is. Maybe Boxten or Poppy. That would be easiest...

Sprout's machine turned green with a small ding, and he ducked behind a nearby corner until "Tisha" had decided the floor was clean enough and strolled off, ironically leaving more ichor on the ground than there had been in the first place.

He took off, spotting the next machine in the hallway over. Sprout heard another ding in the background. Astro must've finished a machine as well, which means... there were only 2 left.

Sprout quickly began extracting ichor on the next machine. They need to hurry. Who knows what floor Cosmo's team is on right now? No time can be wasted.

"Come on, come on..." Sprout grumbled impatiently as he glared at the ichor in hopes that would speed it along a little.

At the halfway mark, and Sprout tapping his foot in annoyance, a small growl came from behind him. Sprout let go of the machine and his heart dropped.

He'd been seen.

Damn it, how annoying!

Sprout turned to quickly glare at the twisted just so they knew how annoying they were, but instead froze. His knees instantly shook, threatening to drop him to the floor.

The other twisted was... Cosmo.

...Okay, well... Sprout knew it wasn't actually Cosmo. Not the real one.

But to even see him like this now, when he could very well never see his real best friend again... knowing he might succumb to one of these monsters... At least he can see "Cosmo" this way.

He couldn't bring himself to run away.

Sprout backed up into the machine as the twisted sprinted closer. For a moment, he wished this one would somehow "snap out of it" and behave like his best friend would, but he knew he was being ridiculous.

"H-Hey, uh..." Sprout eyed the nearest exit, but twisted Cosmo was closing in on him fast. God, why did he have to be so stupid?! "How about... not killing me? Huh?" He smiled, only to immediately be pounced on by the snarling monster.

Sprout fell to the ground with a thud, letting out a small yell of surprise.

In the distance, he could hear another soft ding.

"Cosmo's" ichor-covered hand tried to reach for his face as he pinned Sprout down, staring at him with wide eyes and visibly sharp teeth. He's doomed.

Sprout kicked him in the chest, struggling to break free, severely regretting his past choice to stand still like a deer in headlights, only for the twisted to barely be phased by the defensive attack.

Sprout cried out in pain as Twisted Cosmo bit into his arm, his sharp claw-like hand ripping into his scarf, barely missing his neck. He watched the ichor pour out of the wound, and knew he most likely wouldn't be able to take another hit.

He never thought he'd be the one to end up dying.

...If Astro discovered this, would he head up in time to fearfully tell Brightney what happened? Would she call off the run in time, saving Cosmo..?

Is his death what it took..?

Of course, Sprout would sacrifice himself for his best friend. Cosmo meant everything to him. Maybe it wasn't entirely platonic, but even if it was, he was sure of that. He'd die for him, he'd die so Cosmo could live.

Sprout had considered that eventually happening, anyway. He knew he was too selfish to not be the one to die first - even if he knew Cosmo would be no better at handling it than he was. He'd be able to get over it though, even if he never understood why Sprout was on this run in the first place. Surely...

Closing his eyes, Sprout tried to smile. "Cosmo's" growling quieted down, but he felt the sharp nails on his scarf dig in further regardless.

He expected to feel some sort of pain, bracing himself for the final attack, and when a clank rang through the hallway, he let out a small gasp.

But he wasn't the one hurt.

When Sprout opened his eyes, he blinked in surprise as Astro stood over him, one arm out of the blanket and clutching the wrench in his fist tightly.

Astro eyed the halfway-filled machine and then Sprout on the ground, panting in disbelief from his own actions. Sprout quickly turned to see "Cosmo" sitting on the floor with a hand on its face, most definitely stunned from being hit in the head with a wrench.

"...It's floor 1, Sprout. Seriously..?" Astro muttered, his hand slipping back underneath his blanket. A moment later, a different arm emerged and reached out for Sprout to hold onto.

Sprout's face flushed in embarrassment as he took the hand and jumped up. "S-Sorry..! I, uh... wow, that was embarrassing." He replied, not bothering to even explain himself.

Astro took a step toward the machine to finish it off, and Sprout tensed up, expecting "Cosmo" to try and attack him. Remarkably, the twisted didn't even seem to notice him as it stood up, its head twitching as it turned the corner, strolling away like nothing had ever happened.

"...What." Sprout never understood how stealth worked, but he wasn't gonna complain about it.

Astro finished the machine, and as the light turned green, they both heard the sound of the elevator door opening. Finally! That took longer than Sprout would've liked. That was entirely his fault, though...

"Stupid, stupid..!" He seethed, fighting back his urge to tug on his leaves in frustration.

"Let's go..!" Astro proclaimed, his head nodding in the direction of the elevator. Sprout sent him a quick nod and together the pair rushed toward the elevator, not wanting to get stuck on the wrong side when the door slammed shut.

The two stepping inside, the elevator shook slightly as the door came down and began to bring them further below to the next floor.

Sprout only had time to glance at Astro before the hatch in the floor opened up, Dandy and his shop rising up, which the flower had obviously not expected. He was slumped over the counter, leaning on his elbow, and most definitely asleep.

Astro straightened his posture and timidly leaned toward the shop to check out the selection. One of the three items usually available was entirely missing, Dandy must've not swapped the items out from his last appearance. There were only a chocolate bar and gumballs on the counter.

"...He's asleep," Astro muttered the obvious.

Sprout rolled his eyes. Dammit, they didn't have much time. He wasn't gonna just let Dandy snooze the whole time the shop stayed up here. He strolled to the counter and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey, heeeey. Wake up, don't you know that's bad business?" He frowned, narrowing his eyes.

Dandy jolted up, but still seemed half-asleep, moving to rub his eyes in confusion. "H-Hu... wha..?" He blinked away sleep and immediately appeared shocked at the sight of Sprout and Astro.

"Wha-- What are you two doing?!" He exclaimed, before sending a harsh glare their way. Sprout didn't miss the way Astro froze up. "No no no! You shouldn't be out on a run like this!" Dandy reached for the lever. "That's it, I'm sending you two back up!"

"What-? No!" Sprout jumped over the counter, snatching Dandy's hand away. Dandy slowly turned to face him, his expression one of offense.

"You guys can't do this! It's dangerous, don't you know?" Dandy shouted, before catching himself and removing Sprout's hand from his. He leaned over the counter, forcing Sprout to lean backwards. "...I'm just trying to be a good friend! I'm watching out for you, you know?" He beamed.

"Bullshit," Sprout shot back, the smile immediately falling off Dandy's face, "Look, we just... this is important, okay? You wouldn't understand." He sighed. He had to convince Dandy. Somehow...

"I think I would," Dandy replied, before sending Astro a strange look, to which the latter only shrunk down in reply, seemingly finding the floor much more interesting suddenly.

Sprout glanced between them, crossing his arms. He's unaware of something here. He cleared his throat, "I seriously doubt it, Dandy..."

Dandy smiled, but this one was surprisingly smug. Sprout couldn't help but feel a tad unsettled. Was this a glimpse of what Dandy was actually like? That constant on-stage acting of his had to be fake, after all. Sprout was at least certain of that.

"I really think I do..." Dandy said, casually adding a band-aid to the empty item spot on the counter. Sprout quickly fumbled through his pockets for the tapes, but came up short. He scowled. What a dick move...

Astro looked miffed as well, taking a step closer to join Sprout's side. "Explain it, then," He challenged, and Dandy sighed at him.

"Lemme think..." He replied, closing his eyes. Bringing his hand to his chin, Dandy pulled an exaggerated 'thinking' pose before speaking: "You guys are repeating the same day over and over, trying to save Cosmo from an untimely death. This is a desperate effort to catch up to him in time so Sprout can swoop in and save the day?" Dandy grinned, and the other two simply gaped.

"W-Woah, Dandy, have you thought about buying a lottery ticket or something..?" Sprout blurted out like an idiot. It took Dandy's unamused stare for him to catch on. "Wait... you know?! You've been aware of everything this whole time..?!"

"Yep."

Sprout smiled from the excitement - finally, someone who understood the situation completely! Dandy could actually be helpful, here..!

But after a few more moments of thinking, Sprout's smile changed to an angry scowl. He rushed forward to grab at Dandy, but Astro - thankfully - held him back.

"So you... could've done something to save Cosmo this whole time, you knew he was going to die on that run today, and you did NOTHING?" He yelled, clenching his fists. Dandy sighed, pushing away from the counter and sitting back.

"Look, Sprout... I think maybe you need to think about this all a little harder," He rubbed his forehead, sounding almost condescending, "Have you considered perhaps there's nothing to be done? Can you really mess with fate?"

Astro frowned softly. "...What do you mean?"

"So you finally decide to say hello," Dandy grins and waves at him, ignoring how Astro flinches away before adding to his earlier words, "Maybe... the way to end this loop is to just move on. I remember how you acted originally, Sprout, and maybe this whole situation is just trying to help you come to terms with everything." Dandy's tone sounded sympathetic and rather soft, but Sprout only felt more rage boil inside of him.

"How could you say that..?! You want me to let Cosmo die? Just let it all go?" Sprout exclaimed, taken aback. He didn't think that was possible. Even Astro looked offended by Dandy's audacity.

Dandy rolled his eyes, "I get your anger, but this isn't right... You're trapping everyone else in an endless cycle because you're too selfish to let your best friend rest. Is letting him feel constant suffering really the right course of action? Or letting all your friends unknowingly live the same day over and over while you make them worried and confused?"

Was... that really what was happening? Sprout's anger slowly fizzled out.

Selfish... he knew he was being selfish.

"Y-You're just saying that out of your own selfishness..!" Astro shot back, shaking his head. He slipped one arm out to point at Dandy accusedly. "You remember everything, you're the only one actually suffering. But have you considered maybe HELPING would get you out of this loop?!"

Sprout stared at Astro in surprise, his spirit to keep at this returning.

He let out a deep breath, "P-Plus... How do you know this whole thing is my fault? I never asked for a random time loop!"

Dandy pouted and crossed his arms, turning away from them. "You're just going to cause your friends more harm. I can't help with that..."

Sprout's fists shook, but he didn't bother replying. The voice in the back of his head told him Dandy was right; but then again, he wasn't sure how to stop this loop either. Would moving on really end everything..? Dandy couldn't be that much of a know-it-all. If he truly was, he'd know that's not possible. Sprout couldn't just magically get over Cosmo's death.

"Please..." Astro pleaded, "At least just... let us get to the floor they're currently at. Bring us there..." His words made Dandy turn slightly, considering it.

"Look, if I... bring you two there, will... Will you actually talk to me, Astro?" Dandy said quietly, facing them both again. "You won't let me explain myself."

"There's nothing to explain," Astro replied, tense once more, and Sprout was now confident he was definitely unaware of whatever they fought about, "But... fine. Yes... if I remember this."

Dandy sighed, moving to pull the lever, "Well, you better succeed, then."

"We will..!" Sprout exclaimed, trying to ignore how doubtful Dandy looked.

Once Dandy pulled the lever, they felt the elevator drop way faster. How many floors did the supply run get to so quickly..? Sprout almost forgot how much faster full teams are after floor 1 felt like an eternity.

Disappearing back below the floor, Dandy didn't even bother saying his usual chirpy goodbyes. Astro sighed in relief once he left.

"...Thanks," Sprout sent him a smile. The only reason Dandy agreed to do this was because of Astro. He was a huge help, and he wasn't even the one truly aware of the loop.

Astro smiled back.

As the two swiftly moved toward the floor Cosmo's run was currently at, Sprout felt his heart begin to race. He couldn't screw this up. Anything... to protect his best friend. He could only take one more hit, so he'd have to be careful, but that was nothing he couldn't handle.

The elevator door lifted up, and Astro & Sprout were barely out the door before a loud bark made them freeze.

Sprout's heart dropped. No...

"Pebble..!" Astro gasped, sending Sprout a worried look.

This was the floor. There was no time to waste.

Sprout broke out into a sprint, hurriedly searching for Looey. Astro shouted after him, but he left him behind anyway. He'd apologize later.

He ran past Shelly, who was happily extracting on a machine. He heard her let out a quiet gasp as he passed by. She was most definitely confused and would probably tell Rodger... but he couldn't care less right now.

He found Looey distracting Twisted Pebble around a shelf, walking around in circles. However, he appeared a little paranoid, running longer than necessary, and his head was quite small. Sprout winced; Looey couldn't take another hit either.

...He'd have to be more careful than he thought.

He rounded the corner close to the shelf, trying to steal "Pebble" away. He could handle this... even if the twisted easily outspeed him.

Looey noticed him and skidded to a stop, looking shocked. "Huh..?!" He blinked, doing a double take. The twisted chasing him rushed in for the kill, Looey too caught off guard to even notice.

"W-Wait..!" Sprout exclaimed, reaching out for the balloon. Looey turned and jumped back, dashing behind the shelf nervously to continue distracting.

Sprout grinned. He had a few seconds to catch "Pebble's" attention. However, someone stepped out first.

"Looey..!" Cosmo shouted, running toward the shelf, "H-Here, quickly..! Don't worry!" He smiled shakily, throwing out a cookie (Sprout winced; was that from his own body?), which Looey anxiously took and bit down on.

But it was too late.

Sprout watched in horror. "Pebble" barked again, his gaze now set on Cosmo, who froze up before breaking out into a run.

"Oh no you don't..!" Looey shot out to rescue him, but he was slower now...

No.

Sprout finally willed his legs to move and he sprinted toward Cosmo. "Cosmo, please, RUN..!" He screamed out, noticing his best friend beginning to slow down. Hearing the sound of Sprout's voice, Cosmo's head turned and he shook his head in disbelief.

Why wasn't the dog noticing him..?! He wasn't being stealthy, not at all..!

"Can you really mess with fate?"

"Sprout..?!" Cosmo called out in surprise, before reaching out to take his hand. Sprout rushed forward to grab it, to pull him in and instead take the twisted himself, saving the day...

And then Twisted Pebble leaned down and clamped his jaw onto Cosmo's head.

Sprout heard Looey scream, but didn't look away. He heard Astro cry out from  behind him, but couldn't turn around. He never thought he'd have to... see Cosmo's death play out right in front of him.

He silently watched his friend fucking explode into nothing but ichor, staining his hair, face, scarf, body...

Sprout wasn't sure he'd ever be clean again.

He let out a few stammered words, cutting himself off each time. He didn't know what to say.

Finally... someone's words registered.

"Sprout! MOVE!" Astro screamed from behind him.

"Pebble", stunned by his kill, shook his head and growled again, now finally noticing Sprout. Too late.

It didn't make any sense. How..?

Was there really no way to save Cosmo? Was Dandy right after all?

Sprout moved away, but he was too late. Again.

The twisted charged toward him, ready to claim his second kill. Sprout turned toward his friends, watching Connie hold Looey back and Astro pulling out an airhorn.

"Too late, Astro." He thought.

With a sickeningly loud crunch, it all went black.

Chapter Text

Sprout awoke to an alarm clock ringing in his ears and a tongue to the face.

"A-Ah, hey..!" He said softly, gently grabbing onto the dog to end the licking. He let out a small sigh as he stared down at Pebble, petting him softly. The dog's tail wagged happily.

"Good boy..." Sprout mumbled, but his hands shook the longer he touched the rock. He eventually let go, staring anywhere else.

Pebble hopped off his lap and barked as to say "bye!" as he ran out of the bedroom. Sprout turned to face the clock. 9:44.

...

Once he was certain Pebble was gone, he closed the door and sunk to the floor, hiding his face in his hands. Sprout blinked back tears.

It hurt to die.

That's what Cosmo must have felt each time he was forced to die. His suffering could never end... and neither could all his friends'.

Dandy was right.

Seeing how miserable and torn Looey, Connie, and Astro looked right before he died... they don't deserve this.

This loop needs to end.

But Sprout can't let Cosmo go. He can't.

He feels so useless... he's hurting everyone, over and over. Is there really nothing he can do? Why even place him in a loop if fate is going to force Cosmo to die regardless? Whose cruel joke was all this?

There was no point. He's not going to the main hall. He understands Astro better than ever now; he too doesn't want to see Dandy today.

It's wishful thinking, but perhaps Cosmo will be so nervous without Sprout's reassurance, he won't rush in to heal Looey..?

...

No, he's too kind to not put himself in danger to help a friend.

Sprout pulled his hands away from his face, staring down at them with a blank expression. He can only see the ichor that was once inside his best friend on his hands. His arms. And if he looked in the mirror, everywhere else.

He'll never forget that.

He had to get it off.

Sprout left his room, slowly walking through the hall. He passed Glisten and Boxten, who both waved, only to send him worried expressions when he wordlessly strolled by, keeping his eyes on the ground. He could feel them watching him, knew they found his current mood troubling.

Great. He made more of his friends worried.

This time, he just went to the kitchen, heading straight for the sink.

Sprout ran his hands through the warm water, scrubbing them clean. No matter how much soap and water he used, though, he couldn't get the ichor off.

It had permanently stained his hands. In his head, at least.

He scrubbed his hands until they were red and raw. It hurt, stung, but it also didn't feel like it was enough.

There's no use... it'll never go away.

Sprout turned the water off, instead resting his face in his hand against the sink counter. A quick glance up at the clock on the wall told him it was 9:58.

Sorry, Cosmo.

"O-Oh..!" He heard someone say from behind him. "Sprout..? I didn't realize you'd be in here. I thought..." Sprout turned as Astro trailed off. Of course, he assumed Sprout would be sending Cosmo off.

He doesn't remember anything again.

...This time, Sprout will keep it that way.

"I was... just leaving," He replied slowly, but Astro shook his head.

"U-Uh, no, you don't have to..!" Astro assumed incorrectly, "I could use the help, honestly..." He smiled nervously. "I was planning on baking something for myself today."

It seemed like a lifetime ago Sprout had been happily baking a cake with Astro and Boxten, waiting for Cosmo to return from the supply run.

The thought of it only stung now. Especially since neither even remember the moment.

"Sorry, Astro, I'm busy..." Sprout muttered, ignoring the guilt that sparked once he saw Astro's smile fall.

"...Right. I'm sorry, I should've realized," Astro lowered his head, "S-See you around, then."

Sprout pushed himself off the counter and walked by Astro, feeling too guilty to even look at him. Sure, Astro doesn't remember everything they've been through, but he really did too much for Sprout... just for it to all be in vain.

He felt like such a terrible friend. He couldn't face him.

Going back to his room and staying inside all day felt like the best possible option right now.

Unfortunately, Sprout barely left the kitchen before he came face-to-face with the toon he wanted to see the absolute least. Dandy.

Said flower stood there with his hands behind his back. Sprout never realized noticed before, but now that Dandy isn't sitting on his usual box, he can see he's actually quite short. He'd laugh if he weren't in such a terrible state. Eyes rising to check his expression, Sprout noticed Dandy wasn't smiling. Instead, he looked almost... worried?

"Not you too..." Sprout internally facepalmed. He was so tired of this pity.

"Sprout," Dandy greeted, bouncing back and forth on his heels. Sprout didn't reply, instead just glaring at him. Dandy sighed, "It's almost 10! Don't ya wanna see Cosmo?" He smiled, his upbeat energy pouring off him in waves.

Sprout remained silent.

Dandy patiently waited for a response before his smile fell and a frustrated frown spread across his face. "...Okay, okay, I know what happened." He tried again, crossing his arms, "Look, uh... I know I could've done more to help. So... I'm sorry. I haven't been the nicest friend recently."

Wait, what?

"No..." Sprout started, watching Dandy's eyebrows raise up in surprise, "You were right. It is fate. Nothing I can do can change it... I have to accept that." He rubbed his arm, his hand stinging as he did so. "I'm hurting all my friends, I know that now."

Dandy noticed his hands and scowled. "Okay, I was being a jerk, I get it. You shouldn't let someone's words influence you so heavily..."

Sprout laughed bitterly. Dandy was as confusing as ever. He didn't even want to be talking to him. This was torture.

"Listen..." Dandy moved closer, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I'll help you save Cosmo today... I guess. Because I've been thinking, and maybe we can try things your way."

"Huh..?" Sprout could barely believe it.

"If we successfully manage to save him, maybe this loop really will end. But if it doesn't... that means you have to move on." Dandy added, "It'll be hard... but... please don't let me stay trapped and aware forever." His voice lowered, and he whispered that last bit almost pleadingly.

Sprout bit his lip - another toon he had been unknowingly hurting. Even if that toon was Dandy... It didn't make him feel any less terrible.

"Okay," He took a deep breath, "I-I know. But what can we do..?"

Dandy grinned, placing his hands on his hips as he took a few steps back. "Glad you asked! To answer your question..." Dandy's smile somehow widened, "I'm the star of the show, Sprout. What can't we do?"

Sprout rolled his eyes, but played along. "What's your plan?" He questioned, willing to listen to him for once.

It was wild to think he was working together with Dandy. Don't get him wrong, the guy is still a creep. But he's... not that bad. Maybe.

"Let's get to the elevator, quickly. I can take us straight to Cosmo's floor, before their team even manages to see Pebble, and then we can make an excuse for them to come back up! I'm sure they won't fight me." Dandy explains his plan, and Sprout has to give him credit, it's not a bad one.

And Dandy was right: no one would fight him. He's the shopkeeper, for God's sake! If someone did, their runs would be cursed with 3 gumballs in the shop every time. While the thought amuses Sprout, no one would enjoy dealing with that.

"Okay, we can do that..." Sprout agreed. He didn't even have to worry about anyone being at the elevator. Nobody would say anything if he was with Dandy.

Dandy seemed pleased, and turned without another word, speeding toward the main hall. Sprout watched him go in surprise. What the..? Dandy was even faster than him!

He followed after the flower the best he could. Though his heart (and hands) still ached, perhaps this plan would work. He couldn't confidently assure himself it would anymore, not wanting false hope only to crush his dreams yet again, but he'd choose to believe in Dandy for the time being.

Sprout wasn't surprised to see Finn resting on the same bench as last time as they approached the furthest elevator. He even waved to them, apparently having no qualms with what he's witnessing at all.

"Whatcha two doing?" Finn beamed. Sprout waved awkwardly as he stepped into the elevator while Dandy looked a little annoyed by his presence. Guess he hadn't expected anyone to be right there.

"Welcome to my world," Sprout thought, feeling amused.

"Oh, hello, friend!" Dandy smiled, and Sprout had to resist rolling his eyes. So fake.

Finn rested his hands behind his head knowingly, "You two have fun! And hey, the things we do for love," Finn winked, "To be honest, I'm confident Cosmo can hold his own, but I'm also confident in the fact you're always there to make sure he can. I won't stand in your way!"

Of all the things to repeat... why this?!

"Oh?" Dandy turned to face Sprout, "I wasn't aware Sprout felt that way about Cosmo! How interesting!"

Sprout glared at Finn, who didn't even notice. He huffed. Dandy had the most annoying smile in the world. Especially when teasing people.

Finn waved them both a goodbye as the elevator doors shut and with a small jolt they began to descend down to the dangerous floors.

"About that..." Sprout started once they were alone, "It's... Well, I'm still thinking about it, alright?" He frowned, hating how he can feel his cheeks burning. Dandy still looked smug, swaying back and forth with his arms behind his back.

"Well, now that really explains why you're trying so hard," Dandy laughs, definitely amused. Sprout was positive he enjoyed getting underneath people's skin. Yet another reason to dislike him. How could he have thought Dandy wasn't that bad for even a single moment? "You don't want to lose your little crush for good!"

"Ugh... Never mind all that!" Sprout shook his head, clenching his fists before sighing and calming himself down, "There's something I'm curious about that I'd like for you to answer."

"Oh?" Dandy tilted his head, eyes searching for a dead giveaway, but Sprout kept his expression as neutral as he could.

The elevator doors then opened, ready to let them enter the first floor, but Dandy simply scoffed and went to the trapdoor covered with warning signs. He stomped on it until it gave way and he fell through the floor.

"What the fu--?!" Sprout cut himself off as he rushed to glimpse into the darkness, but he couldn't see anything. "Dandy! Killing yourself isn't gonna get you out of helping me!" He called out, his eye twitching with annoyance.

He heard laughter coming from the hole. It got closer and closer, until Dandy was lifted back out of the dark by his shop platform. He sat comfortably on his little box, feet up on the counter. Sprout rolled his eyes seeing the gumballs he had placed for sale.

"Very funny," He grumbled, crossing his arms. He nodded his head toward the lever, "Well? Do your thing."

"So impatient!" Dandy replied, "You already forgot whatever you were planning on asking me!" He cackled, reaching to twist the lever.

Sprout realized he was right, straightening up in surprise. If he hadn't said that, Sprout would've assumed that was Dandy's true intention all along.

He did seem to hate being questioned. Rodger was especially targeted by terrible items for sale whenever he was in a run.

"Oh... right..!" Sprout frowned, upset with himself. He really needs to stay focused. He'd been wondering this for a while. "It's about Astro, actually..."

Dandy's hand froze mid-air, his head turning to face Sprout properly.

"Yeah?" He pressed.

Sprout wasn't one to be intimidated easily. "What were you two fighting about?"

Dandy sent him a glare, though Sprout could spot confusion in his eyes. "I don't think it matters, Sprout. It really doesn't involve you."

"But I want to know..!" Sprout's mind protested, though he knew it really was none of his business. Something was itching at him to press on, however.

He reminded himself of what Astro wrote in that strange letter.

"I'm afraid of Dandy."

He hated being out of the loop.

"You said he didn't let you explain yourself," Sprout began, just spilling out whatever he could think of, "I can explain things for him if you tell me. He'll talk to me. I can get you guys to be friends again."

Dandy's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and Sprout could see his eyes water for a second before the flower leaned over the counter and his ever-present smile widened.

"You've got a deal, friend!" His arm darted out for a handshake, and Sprout begrudgingly shook it, half expecting his soul to fly outta his body or something. "But you've gotta promise me not to freak out..." Dandy trailed off, his tone almost sounding like he was trying to be sinister.

Sprout shrugged, "Um, okay?" Weirdo.

Dandy then hopped up onto the counter and sat down with an arm draped over each knee, acting like he was about to tell Sprout a scary story at a campfire. "Alrighty then! To start, Astro went on a solo run. How dangerous! I should've definitely told him off, but he snuck past me!" Dandy pouted.

"Yeah..." Sprout rubbed his neck, "We needed meds when Boxten was badly hurt, so he opt to go and quickly fetch a few... Huh. Why didn't he ask anyone else to help..?" Sprout frowned just thinking about it. Astro really shouldn't have went alone.

"Who knows? Maybe you should ask him!" Dandy's smile strained, continuing on his story, "I tried my hardest to support him, though! I sold my items like it was any other run, not even snitching to that power-hungry lamp nor the irritating nosy detective! But he was being greedy..."

"Greedy?" Sprout questioned, finding that uncharacteristic of Astro.

"Stop interrupting me, please!" Dandy tried to say politely, before clearing his throat, "He was hoarding all the tapes to himself, refusing to buy even a single item!"

Sprout rolled his eyes, "You probably just sold him crap, dude. And there was no Toodles there to happily buy that stopwatch or gumballs."

Dandy's mouth shut and his smile fell. "Do you want to know or not? Stop jumping in!" He snapped, voice dripping with annoyance.

"Sorry..." Sprout muttered, deciding to keep quiet for his sake. Whatever this is leading to could be important. He doesn't exactly see how just yet, but... he'll trust his gut.

"And, in response to your snappy remark right there, I actually sold him some good items, alright?" Dandy huffed, "Like a smoke bomb, and some boxes of chocolate..!"

"I think he was saving for heals... he needed all the meds he could get," Sprout thought, but surprisingly kept quiet. Making Dandy irritated was fun, but he did actually want (need) the help.

"Anyway, he never bought a thing. It felt like he was ripping me off, and his greed was not him being a good friend, so I got... a little mad..." Dandy trailed off, and seemed sheepish. Sprout was surprised by this- oh? Dandy feeling regret over his actions?

"...What did you do?" Sprout figured it was fine to ask that, even trying to come off as gently encouraging.

"I can't really control myself when I get angry," Dandy admitted, thinking deeply. "He made me angry, so I thought it was only fair to get back at him somehow. He wasn't being a really nice friend, after all... So on the next floor, I decided to remind him of his tapes."

Sprout paused, "Wait-- you went out there??"

"Yes, as one of the twisteds," Dandy answered quite causally.

Wait, huh? Huh?!

"E-Excuse me..?! Y-YOU were a twisted?!" Sprout exclaimed in shock, reaching up to grab Dandy's shoulders. "But... How?! You're right here! And I've never even seen a twisted clone of you!"

"Clone..?" Dandy whispered before quickly replying, "Oh, right..! W-Well, I was so mad I wasn't thinking straight... I guess not buying anything does that to me, alright?" He huffed, "It makes me feel like I need to remind my friends of how to act with another friend."

"So that's what scared Astro..! You tried to kill him!" Sprout felt anger rising inside of him, threatening to reach the surface. He clenched Dandy's shoulders tighter, feeling overprotective of his friend. "What the hell is your problem?!"

"Hey--! That's exactly it, alright..?!" Dandy frowned, swatting at his hands, "I didn't want to kill Astro! Of course not, he's my best friend! But I... just feel emotions way stronger than you do, alright? Call that a byproduct of me being the first toon."

Sprout let go of his shoulders, biting his tongue. How was he supposed to reply to that? Is that why Dandy is always trying to smile? To keep other emotions at bay?

"So, what? You couldn't control yourself? Can you control becoming twisted or not?" He interrogated, sternly placing his hands on his hips.

"Well, yes... But I gave him a few warnings! He had plenty of chances." Dandy grumbled, "Can you really blame me for getting upset?"

Sprout decided to hold back on saying yes.

"...Well, that's what happened. I want Astro to understand me too! Plus, I wasn't really planning on killing him-  just a reminder!" Dandy protested. He jumped back down from the counter, sighing. "So can you please relay all this to Astro when you get the chance?"

"Fine," Sprout nodded. He might as well keep his part of the deal. And hopefully he'd be able to do so with Cosmo by his side. Fingers crossed.

"Thank you," Dandy genuinely smiled, before his hand landed on the lever, ready to yank it down to Cosmo's floor.

Finally. This was it. If they were lucky, and if that conversation didn't take too long, Cosmo wouldn't be on the floor with Twisted Pebble just yet. Dandy would make up a bullshit excuse, and he'd be saved.

But if Pebble were there... what would they be able to do? Sprout failed last time, only being able to catch the dog's attention after watching his best friend die. He shuddered from the memory, feeling guilt creep into his chest. He blinked back tears before taking a deep breath. He doubted Dandy was strong enough to handle any twisted, let alone Pebble. They needed a backup plan.

...Wait.

"Wait!" Sprout shouted out before Dandy could twist the lever.

"What now?" He grumbled, leaning against the counter with a sigh. At least he was willing to hear him out...

"Um... You can control that... form of yours, right?" Sprout asked, feeling a tad nervous from what he was about to ask.

Dandy moved to stand up straight on his box, seeming to catch it. "...Yes... why?"

"...If you used that form to -oh, I dunno- destroy the twisteds... Uh, are you... able to?" Sprout stammered out awkwardly. It was hard to put that plan into words.

Dandy scowled, "What? You want me to show 8 toons that form all willy-nilly? Oh, they're totally gonna trust me after that!" Dandy said sarcastically, "Yeah, because it totally worked out fine with Astro! No way!"

"Please..!" Sprout pleaded, although that was the last thing he ever wanted to do in front of Dandy, "I need your help... you can help me this way. And then the time loop will go away. Everything will be alright..! I'll stick up for you!"

"Right, because you're so credible," Dandy muttered, but Sprout could see it. He was gonna cave. "...Ahem, fine. Just so I don't have to be reliving this any longer! If that's what it takes, so be it!"

With that, he finally twisted the lever, and the elevator plunged, speeding toward the floor Cosmo was currently on. Sprout felt his heart began to race with anticipation. He couldn't wait. Couldn't wait to swoop into his best friend's open arms, and return safely with him. Then, he'd force Astro and Boxten to get along and together they'd bake those cakes Sprout's been waiting to make.

Oh, and maybe he'd invite Dandy, too.

Dandy probably could tell by his expression what he was thinking, beginning to smirk once more. "I bet you just want Cosmo to call you his hero."

Sprout groaned, "You're never going to let this go, aren't you..?"

"Just be grateful it isn't Vee who was there, friend!"

The thought of it makes Sprout grimace. Bullet dodged.

As the elevator came to a stop, Dandy shifted uncomfortably from beside him. Sprout sent him a confused look.

"You go out, I'll... be out in a few moments," Dandy muttered once the doors opened, shoving Sprout out with one hand. "I prefer privacy for this sorta thing, after all!" He beamed.

"Don't you need to be mad or something for it to work? I was just planning on pressing you until you snapped," Sprour admitted, making Dandy glare at him.

"Shockingly, Nope," He replied pointedly, "I have my ways, Sprout! Now off you go!" Dandy waved at him until the elevator door slammed shut, separating the two. Sprout scanned the area- it wasn't the same floor was the one with Pebble.

He felt relief overtake him, his knees feeling weak. He shakily began to move, alone without a partner to back him up this time. It was for the better. Astro didn't deserve to see any more suffering.

Sprout spotted Looey distracting Twisted Gigi and Teagan with a confident stroll, his pace pretty fast for someone who's not running at all. But still, Gigi was a tough twisted at times. He felt worried, but knew Looey could handle it.

He decided to stay out of sight. He couldn't risk scaring Looey and accidentally causing him to get hit.

Sprout's eyes lit up as they finally landed on who he had been looking for. Cosmo stood with a nervous smile on his face, chatting quietly with Shelly, who was happily working on a machine.

He had wanted to lay low, especially since Dandy might take a while and to have "proof" for an excuse to leave he did need the flower there for a scare, but he couldn't help himself. It was a surprise no one had seen him on this open map yet, anyway.

He decided to throw his friendship bracelet from behind the open space leading to the kitchen in the diner. It landed right in front of the opening, on the long brown wooden pathway.

Shelly paid the clanking noise no mind, continuing to fill her machine with ease, yapping about dinosaurs. Cosmo, however, moved his head to take a quick glance, only to freeze up at the sight of the red and green bracelet.

"H-Huh..?" He heard Cosmo stammer, followed by the sound of footsteps and a soft 'excuse me' to Shelly, who simply hummed in reply.

The second Cosmo stepped out to bend down and pick it up with a mix between worry and fear on his face, Sprout strolled into view. Cosmo looked up and froze before rising to stand.

"S-Sprout..?!" Cosmo tried to exclaim, but Sprout quickly shot a hand out to cover his mouth. He heard muffled protests as he yanked Cosmo away to the only private room on this floor. Luckily, there were no machine inside.

"Sorry..." Sprout muttered, "Had to make sure Shelly didn't hear. But don't worry! We'll be able to go back up together soon!" He smiled, gently swiping his friendship bracelet back, slipping it onto his wrist to let it hang there loosely.

Cosmo just softly shook his head, trying to take in everything. He glanced down at the bracelet on Sprout's wrist before his eyes drifted to his matching one. Then he lifted his head to face him, "...Why are you here..? What are you doing? What do you mean, go back up?" He sounded baffled.

"It's dangerous," Sprout speedily explained, trying to make Cosmo understand, "But it's okay! Dandy's gonna--"

"Dandy?" Cosmo cut him off, beginning to frown, "Sprout, you shouldn't be here..! How could you?"

Sprout froze. Now, he didn't expect that.

"What..?" He softly asked, now being the one to feel confused.

"I know it's dangerous..! That's exactly why you shouldn't be here! I was doing just fine, you don't have to break all these rules with the help of DANDY, of all toons, to come and 'save' me..!" Cosmo cried out. "Why can't you just trust that I'll be alright..? Do you really think I'm so weak?"

Sprout wished to tell him about everything, but he was unsure it would even help. "N-No, that's not it, Cosmo..! I just... wanna protect you, that's all!" He smiled, trying to reach out to grab his arm.

Cosmo moved away, his expression shifting from sadness to anger. "I get that you're protective..." He exhaled, "B-But... have you ever considered that I feel protective of you, too?"

"H-Huh?" Sprout couldn't help but voice his first thought to that, completely taken aback.

Cosmo rushed forward to pull him into a hug, though Sprout could tell he was still upset with him. He didn't like whenever Cosmo was mad at him... and with the current situation, he only felt worse.

"Great. I messed up again..."

"S-Stop putting yourself below others! Stop that!" Cosmo arm's clutched him tighter, sounding frustrated. Sprout wanted to yell the same thing right back at him- he was being hypocritical!

"Cosmo, that's exactly what you do all the time..!" Sprout's voice raised in volume, "That's why I worry so much!"

"M-Maybe so, but..!" Cosmo's anger fizzled out after hearing that, but he didn't give up. He pulled back from the hug to face him with a determined pout, "Still..! I want to survive too, you know..? I know when I'm at my limits. But you just always rush out there, and do reckless things like this... now you're going to get in trouble!"

"That doesn't matter..." Sprout replied, feeling desperate again, "Just- Please, come with me, okay?"

Cosmo opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by a loud crash from the main room in the diner. He peeked over Sprout's shoulder. "A-Ah..? What was that..?"

Sprout winced. He had a pretty good idea. "...I'll go check." He turned back to point at Cosmo, "Stay here." He ordered before rushing out, not noticing how the other clenched his fists behind him.

When he left the room, he was surprised by how large Dandy's twisted form was.

The flower was practically unrecognizable from how twisted his body had been, on all fours like an animal. The only reason Sprout could tell it was him was from the rainbow petals... and the tapes all over his body.

"He's obsessed," Sprout thought, rolling his eyes.

When they locked eyes, Sprout did freeze up in fear. He half-expected Dandy to chase after him, unable to control himself as he had claimed earlier.

But he wasn't angry this time. Right.

Dandy casually stomped over to him, and Sprout spied Shelly beginning to notice the loud footsteps and her unsettled expression from the corner of his eye.

"Can you try and be more... quiet?" Sprout hissed at him, receiving a large sharp claw hovering in his face in reply. How rude.

Looey, who was wandering around the floor with 'Gigi' and 'Teagan' in tow, passed by only to immediately freeze up in shock at the sight of Dandy. He didn't even notice Sprout. The only thing that got him moving again was a sharp swipe from Twisted Gigi's ichor hand to his tail, thankfully somehow harmless.

Looey squeaked and began running again, cupping his hands to his mouth. "H-Hey, everyone, be careful! Another twisted just showed up..!"

"What? That's impossible!" Sprout heard Rodger call out from one of the seating rooms.

Anxiously, Sprout tried to usher Dandy away, but there was really nowhere they could hide. Why the hell was there music playing? Did Dandy really need a playlist of his favourite classical tunes right now?

Sprout led him to the second seating area, only to be greeted with Poppy, who was casually working on a machine in front of them. She whistled a familar pop song while she swayed, also seeming to find the valve easy to turn. Sprout huffed; he swore they were tricky!

Dandy seemed unnerved by the sight of Poppy, and tried to retreat back out, spotting Looey running in circles around the fake elevator. Right, it was safer to get rid of the twisteds... surely if everyone saw that, it would be enough of an excuse to go back up.

Unfortunately, Poppy spun around as the machine's light turned green, and immediately screamed her lungs out.

Cosmo was the first to rush in, only to immediately back up at the sight of Sprout with the twisted. "W-Wha..?!" He sent Sprout a hurt look, probably assuming he was trying to save someone again.

"W-Wait, don't be scared!" Sprout tried to assure them both, but Poppy kept screaming. Dandy apparently hated the noise, as it sent him stomping back... right toward Cosmo.

Goddamnit.

Dandy's words of Fate echo back in his mind. No...

Poppy ran out of the room, accidentally shoving Sprout past her. He was thrown into Dandy's side, which made the twisted growl at him in annoyance. He raised a claw to (gently?) swipe him away.

"N-No..!" Cosmo cried out, running to push Sprout out of the way.

Only to run into the claw that wasn't even going to hurt him instead. Both Sprout and Dandy were stunned as immediately, ichor exploded all over the two. The sound made Sprout close his eyes, thankfully, but he could feel the dark liquid covering him once more.

He'd never be able to wash this off...

"B-But... but... he wasn't even hurt..!" Sprout felt himself say, already beginning to cry again.

He was so close... So close.

He bit back his building anger at Poppy, instead having it shift to Dandy instead. He accusingly rose his hand at him, "You..! You did that on purpose..! You killed him instantly-! Did you think killing Cosmo yourself would fix everything?!" He shouted. Dandy could've easily put his hand down... he could've easily moved out of the way... anything! He didn't have to just let Cosmo fucking die there..! Sprout felt blinded by anger, seeing red.

Dandy's actually red eyes widened as he looked at him in offense, beginning to growl again. He took a step forward, daring Sprout to keep accusing him.

"I can't believe I was beginning to trust you!" Sprout turned away, once again ignoring the unmasked hurt on the other's face. He didn't care if it was selfish if it was toward Dandy. He was a fool to even think...

....

No wonder Astro didn't even give him a chance. He was a monster.

He stomped off, seeing how unaware all the others on the run seemed to be of what just happened. Was the loud sound of death not enough for them? Were they just USED to it?

Sprout ignored how he probably should have been used to it. He'd never get used to this... he never wanted to see Cosmo die in front of him again.

A small ding in the background signified the final machine was finished. He heard the elevator doors open, knowing the second they slammed shut he'd be doomed. But it didn't matter.

...He'd just wake up again on the same day.

Unless Dandy's true plan had really worked. His stomach turned. His last moment with Cosmo... is when he was upset and believed Sprout didn't believe in him at all.

Sprout never saw him as weak. He would've protested weeks ago if that were the case, whenever Cosmo went on a run in the past.

He just hadn't wanted him to die.

And this time, it was his fault.

Not Poppy's, not Looey's, not Cosmo's... his. He was the one who brought Dandy, convinced him to use that form, and...

He heard Vee calling out for everyone to get to the elevator, and then he heard loud footsteps coming up to him, but he didn't bother turning back. He saw Looey ditch the twisteds and sprint toward the elevator, barely making it in time as the doors slammed shut behind him.

...

Twisted Teagan turned and spotted him, her red eyes opening wide as she raised her hands, dashing toward him to claim his life.

Sprout didn't run. He sighed, closing his eyes and bracing himself for her swipes. It would hurt, but he couldn't stand to be here any longer.

As he fell to the ground, feeling himself bleeding out on the floor with just one hit, he heard the classical musical get louder as a shadow casted over him. Sprout opened his eyes, staring at his wound with blurry vision. Too late, Dandy.

Though Dandy did raise his clawed hand to swipe at her, Twisted Teagan dove for the kill, and Sprout felt nothing.

Again, everything faded to black, Clair de lune fading out of earshot, and a very familar ringing fading in.

Chapter Text

Sprout awoke to an alarm clock ringing in his ears and a tongue to the face.

"A-Ah, hey..!" He winced from the saliva on his cheek, arms shooting out to gently swat Pebble away as he sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. "Who even let you in here, hm?" He said loudly and gestured toward his open bedroom door, shaking his head in disapproval.

"Sorry!" He heard Tisha call out from the hallway, sweeping once more.

Sprout shoved the covers off himself and hesitantly scooped Pebble into his grasp, the pet rock's tail wagging excitedly as he tried to lick his cheek again.

"Nope," Sprout smiled softly, standing up and placing Pebble down on the ground. His head turned to check the time, seeing 9:45. Huh.

Sprout bent down and patted Pebble's head, trying to please the little guy. "Thanks, bud..! Lemme guess, you wanted me to have the chance to say goodbye to Cosmo?" He guessed, the double-meaning lingering in his mind. Pebble barked happily before doing a little spin and darting out of the bedroom.

Sprout slipped on his white and pink scarf, no longer stained with both his and Cosmo's blood. There was no use in excessively washing his hands, he'd feel it all over him forever.

He waited until he was certain Pebble was gone to collapse to the ground (which felt familar), feeling a dull pain in his chest. Right. It probably isn't good to die repeatedly. He coughed, expecting ichor to appear on his arm as he covered it, but thankfully, there was none there just yet.

Today had to be the day.

He was going to save Cosmo. By himself.

No more burdening his friend. No more trying to trust an enemy.

He'd do this alone. And he had a plan.

His own injuries don't matter. In fact, they're key. But he'll think more about that later. He's trying to avoid thinking about that part of his plan. If he distracts himself long enough, maybe he'll forget how impactful it'll be.

Sprout stayed on the ground for a few moments later, watching the clock as time ticked by.

...

No time to lose... right.

He shot up, despite really just wanting to get back into bed and sleep the day away.

Sprout left his bedroom, not walking too much further than usual before he was able to pass by Boxten and Glisten, who were slowly walking like they had been any other day.

"Good morning, Sprout..." Boxten smiled as he walked by. "You look a little tired, are you alright..?" Sprout controlled his urge to grimace as Boxten began worrying about him. It's really been taking a toll.

"Yep. I'm fine, thanks, though." He smiled, easing Boxten's worries.

"Yeesh," Glisten gave him a once-over, "You should go back to bed. You definitely need some beauty sleep." He chuckled while he crossed his arms, and Sprout decided to graciously ignore that comment. "Oh, wait... you want to see your boyfriend before he goes off on that run, don't you?" Glisten raised an eyebrow, his tone not coming across as teasing at all.

Sprout was beginning to think Glisten seriously thought he and Cosmo were actually dating. Did it really look that way, even before he came to the conclusion he had a small crush on him?

"Glisten..!" Boxten elbowed him gently, making the other scoff.

"What-? I'm just saying..!" He replied, staring at his nails in disinterest.

Sprout sighed, "You know what? Yeah, I do want to see him. So see you guys around." He gave up on trying to defend it. Sure. He'll just play along.

Glisten nodded, unbothered, while Boxten's jaw practically dropped. Sprout chuckled to himself as Glisten dragged Boxten away, the poor thing looking absolutely gobsmacked.

That was kinda funny. It felt good to laugh for once.

Sprout walked over to the door marked M-002, and waited. Once the door slowly opened, he watched as Astro quietly slipped out, not turning around as a small star went to close the door behind him. He strolled toward the kitchen, never even noticing the toon standing beside his bedroom door.

Sprout swatted at the star, which immediately disappated. He looked through the hall, seeing no one, and took that chance to sneak inside of Astro's room.

"Where is it..." He muttered aloud, beginning to search through the bedroom. He should've seen it the first time he was looking for clues in here, honestly. Unless Astro really did carry it everywhere...

When his eyes fell upon the piece of paper he'd read what felt like an eternity ago, he couldn't fight the guilt settling in his stomach. He was a terrible friend.

...He should've trusted Astro more.

But at the same time, it did help... for a while.

Shaking that mini-debate away, Sprout tore his eyes away from the stupid letter and found it.

Sticking out from underneath Astro's comfy-looking bed was the wrench. Sprout was still a little confused on why Astro felt like having the tool in his room, but it worked out in his favour, so he couldn't complain.

He bent down and snatched it, glancing at the clock on the wall. He still had time. He needed to hurry.

He sprinted as fast as he could out of Astro's bedroom, leaving the door wide open. Sorry, Astro! Hopefully no nosy toon decides to further peek in and find anything embarrassing.

He sped through the hallway, feeling grateful for his incredible stamina. It was coming in handy often these days...

Running past the shop, he didn't even spare Dandy a glance. He didn't want to speak to him. Not after what he did.

Even if it was his fault...

...

He pushed past the crowd that had gathered and spotted who he was looking for. Perfect.

Sprout noticed Cosmo's eyes light up as they landed on him, and felt his stomach twist. It was cute, yes... but he couldn't let himself get distracted.

...He ran right past his best friend, leaving him behind looking dazed and confused. As he did, he snatched someone else's arm instead, pulling them away. He panted as he came to a stop, hearing her annoyed scoff as a mic slapped him softly in the back.

"What's your problem..?? Way to jumpscare someone, Seedly," Vee frowned, crossing her arms impatiently. She then glanced over his shoulder and smirked, "Aw, poor Cosmo looks heart-broken. Have you chosen little ol' me over him?" She laughed, finding the mere idea of it hilarious.

Sprout held back nasty words. It was difficult, especially given the usage of his last name, but he mustered up a forced smile anyway.

"Vee! I'm glad I caught you in time!" He exclaimed once he caught his breath, "Whew..! Would've been bad if I missed ya!"

That grabbed Vee's attention. Her mic behind her swayed with interest. "...Oh? What happened?" Her eyes softened slightly. Sprout begrudgingly placed his hand on her shoulder, his fingers digging in a little bit too roughly. She didn't say anything, however, instead narrowing her eyes at him.

"That remote of yours... I heard Glisten mumbling earlier that he broke it trying to be like you, since he admires you so much," Sprout answered, before sighing, "It'd be a shame if you had to go on such a dangerous run with a broken trinket."

Vee looked alarmed, searching for Glisten through the crowd with an angry scowl. "What?! Ugh, that annoying little..!" She attempted to push past Sprout to give him a piece of her mind, but he quickly intercepted her actions.

"Wait-! You can do that later. There's no time right now," He said, and Vee seemed to consider his words. Sprout then showed her the wrench in his hand. "Here, I got this for you. It should basically be the same. I'll try and get Brightney to fix the veemote for you while you're gone."

Vee glanced at what he was holding and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you helping me? Last I checked, you dislike me." She stared at him suspiciously.

"Because you're on this run with Cosmo, and I want it to go smoothly. Alright?" Sprout held her gaze, looking as serious as he could. He wasn't lying, there.

Vee scoffed, "You're acting like he's going off to war..." She facepalmed, before snatching the wrench out of his hand and replacing it with her veemote. "There. When I get back up, I want it fixed. Alright?" She grumbled, before muttering some mean words to Glisten under her breath.

Sprout nodded, his fingers closing over the remote. "Yep, it'll be fixed."

He turned to leave, but was stopped by a metal hand grabbing his wrist.

"...Thanks," He heard Vee mutter quietly.

Huh. He almost felt bad for tricking her.

Sprout was tempted to tease her and pretend he didn't hear, but he was surprised to even receive any word of gratitude. He glanced back at her with a small smile, "You're welcome."

Great. Now he feels guilty for that, too.

By the time he had finished that conversation with Vee, it was 10 o'clock. The runners for the day all shuffled onto the elevator, and he had missed his chance to talk with Cosmo.

That hadn't gone unnoticed by both the crowd and those on the supply run. Some in the crowd like Finn and Boxten looked confused on why he had went to talk to Vee of all toons. Meanwhile, Sprout noticed Shelly trying to talk to Cosmo about something, most likely attempting to cheer him up.

...Sprout had never not wished Cosmo good luck before he went on a run. He was always there on time, ready to give him a big hug and ease his anxiousness.

But this time, he had ran to Vee instead.

The robot was even smug about it... She definitely exaggerated Cosmo looking "heartbroken". Right..?

...Why is everything making him feel more and more guilty..? He's doing this for a good reason. Cosmo will understand.

Sprout ignored the eyes of everyone in the crowd, but couldn't help but look toward Dandy.

Ugh. Why does he have to be so... caring? Or whatever the word was... He couldn't care less about Dandy right now. Or ever. Yet he still didn't want to see him upset. At least not because of his own actions.

Surprisingly, though, Dandy was sitting at his shop like it was like any other day. It was like he didn't remember a thing. When Sprout strolled by, he half expected a playful remark to leave his mouth.

But there was nothing. Dandy had ignored him entirely.

Oh. So he's angry. Or sad? Sprout couldn't tell. He was smiling, and it seemed like the usual one.

...

Sprout may be furious with him, but he did make a deal. He's not one to back out of them, either. Stubbornness is damning.

Sprout checks the time. It's alright, he'll be fine... especially with this remote by his side.

When he was sure he was out of sight from Dandy, he ran as fast as he could toward the kitchen. No time to spare calmly walking around.

Every minute is important.

Inside the kitchen, Astro was hunched over a nearby counter, muttering inaudibly to himself. He was surrounded by familar ingredients.

"Astro," Sprout greeted, startling the moon into snapping out of whatever he was doing.

("Still concerning," Sprout thought.)

"S-Sprout..?" Astro spun around to face him, his eye wide with surprise. He then sighed in relief, appearing happy to see him. "O-Oh, good, I could use the help, actually..."

No time to bake a vanilla cake.

"I-I wanna talk to you about something real quick. It's important, and then I've gotta go," Sprout changed the topic, catching Astro off guard.

He shifted underneath his blanket, realizing it was serious. "U-Um... What is it?"

"It's about Dandy," Sprout noticed how Astro flinched once his name was brought up, "I know what happened between you two. And I wanna say... he's sorry, alright?"

Astro blinked in surprise before a small frown spread across his face. "...He can say that himself... if he truly is."

"You're not letting him," Sprout replied, rolling his eyes, "Just talk to him. Talk things out. Because losing a best friend isn't worth it. Dandy didn't want to hurt you, he never did. Just try and see things from his... weird, twisted point of view." Sprout finished with that, understanding it might be hard for Astro to do so. He couldn't, either.

He was speaking from the heart, there, even though it was hard to do so for Dandy's sake. Their friendship was important to both of them, however, and he didn't want Astro to feel anything close to what he's been through.

Astro seemed oddly touched, and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Wow..." He eventually spoke up, his face slightly red, "Y-Yeah... Okay, I'll talk to him... I don't want to lose my best friend." He then gave Sprout a small smile, though he did look obviously nervous.

"I promise it'll be alright," Sprout reached out and squeezed his shoulder. Astro nodded gently, comforted by the action.

"Thank you..." Astro replied, glancing back at all the ingredients on the counter before sheepishly chuckling. "Well, now I feel silly. I don't wanna bake anymore..."

Ah. A distraction... that's what it was. Sprout feels silly, himself, for not realizing.

"You don't have to. I'll clean it up later," Sprout brushed it off. "But right now, I've gotta go."

Astro frowned with disappointment, but made no complaint. "Alright... Later, Sprout."

Sprout simply nodded and off he went, back toward the elevators. Finally, something completed without any guilt bothering him. He actually feels kinda good about that...

But there's no time for him to tell Dandy what he's done. Not that either of them want to talk to each other, anyway. He's gotta get to the elevators.

Sprout dashes over to the same one as the past few days, not bothered by Finn's presence. Finn smiles and waves at him, and he copies the action.

As he steps inside the elevator, he hears Finn chuckle.

"Ooh, so that's why you didn't bother talking to Cosmo," Finn said, leaning further back against the bench, "I get ya. Hey, I'm pretty confident he can handle himself, but I won't stop you if you want to help out."

"Y-Yeah..." Sprout muttered in reply, a little confused on why Finn didn't make any love comments. Did he really only do that to tease him when he's with someone else..?

Finn simply smiled knowingly. "Hmm... catch!" He suddenly cried out, throwing something directly at Sprout. Startled, Sprout held his arms out and a small plush landed in them.

He recognized it as the little stuffed dog Toodles used to always carry around. She claimed she grew out of it one day, though, then allowing others to hold onto it every now and then.

"T-Thanks..?" Sprout called out back, and Finn gave him a thumbs up.

"Hey, you're whalecome!" Finn snickered. Right before the doors closed, he spoke up again. "Good luck!"

Sprout decided to slip the plush into his scarf as he descended, unsure of where else to put it. Also, for some reason, he felt a little faster. Huh.

With the plush and the remote, he felt pretty confident in himself. He'd have to thank Finn with some treats later... or maybe he'd ask Cosmo to do it for him as a favour.

...

Sprout stood in silence until the doors opened, letting him enter the first floor. This should be much faster than his previous attempt.

He spotted the twisteds pretty easily, and almost laughed out loud. Twisted Connie and Yatta? He was fine. An easy first floor to start things off.

Thanks to the Veemote, the first machine was finished. He was able to find the other three pretty quickly, and while he still filled machines at an annoyingly slow pace, it wasn't as bad since 1 was out of the way.

'Yatta' rarely bothered him, and when she did catch him once, he was able to easily run away and hide until she lost him. Sprout even thought he might be able to outwalk here. It felt good to have an advantage.

He slipped back inside the elevator without any injuries and feeling confident. He'd be there soon, Cosmo. His best friend wouldn't die today.

But now comes the part he was dreading...

Sprout braces himself as he expects to hear the sound of the trap door opening and letting Dandy rise up with his awful items for sale.

...But it never comes?

Sprout watches the trap door the entire time, not even hearing the usual music from Dandy's little radio.

Eventually, the elevator doors open, letting him onto floor 2.

...Dandy didn't show up. Sprout feels relief before it turns to annoyance. So, great. He's not going to be able to buy any items. What's even the point of picking up tapes on this solo run, then?

He decides to pick them up anyway. If he had them the previous times, he would've been able to heal Cosmo... well, if he had his sweets with him.

Maybe he should've woken up early and prepared cupcakes so he could heal. But he doubted he could just will himself to wake up early in this loop... it wasn't fair.

He'll definitely have to tell Cosmo this so if the same situation somehow ever happened to him, he'd be prepared. Yeah.

Now that he knew he wasn't going to be able to buy items, Sprout began searching the ground for any laying around. They were useful, at times.

He decided to hold onto as many extraction speed candies as he could find, even though they didn't taste all that great.

With those boosts and the Veemote, he began climbing the floors faster and faster.

Yet not a single time did he come across Dandy. Sprout felt a little confused. Did Dandy really decide to skip work altogether just to avoid him? He can't just correctly predict every time whether the elevator he'd be going up to is Sprout's or the supply run's... can he?

Sprout wouldn't actually be all that surprised if he has cameras of every floor down wherever his shop goes. The thought pisses him off.

"I have to almost be there..." Sprout sighed. He had the advantage here. He'd been dealing with less machines and less twisteds to bother him every floor. The more people there are, the more to deal with. So he should be climbing at roughly the same speed, or maybe even faster...

Not to mention, getting only common and uncommon twisteds had been a nice and easy bonus too. He only faltered slightly when noticing Twisted Cosmo. The real one was more important. He couldn't just get distracted and attacked again. Astro wasn't here to save him this time.

The next floor greeted Sprout with an aggressive bark, sending chills down his spine. This was it.

This was the floor. Twisted Pebble was back.

He's made it to Cosmo's floor. He can't afford to mess this up again. He's unsure he'll be able to withstand another death- it might leave him unable to move until it's too late.

Sprout grimaced when he was met with another coughing fit. His heart picked up every time, still expecting the sight of ichor. He let out an audible sigh of relief seeing he was still alright.

Sprout rushed over to the familar shelf, seeing Looey running around it with large paranoid steps, looking panicked. 'Pebble' was right on his tail, and was gaining quickly.

Sprout inched closer to the area, trying to steal the twisteds attention without Looey noticing him. The second Looey turned the corner, he stepped out, expecting the bark.

Somehow, Looey had noticed him and quickly halted in place, staring at Sprout in bewilderment. He quickly stepped back out into the open and 'Pebble' continued to chase after him, completely disregarding Sprout. Ugh, screw Looey's bright colors!

Looey ran faster, and Sprout could hear him beginning to pant. He was low on stamina, off his game from Sprout's sudden entrance. This was his chance, though he knew he couldn't just run up there. Looey was close to death... and sacrificing him would be too much guilt to bear.

Sprout moved back behind, ready to wait until Looey was fully exhausted to jump in and steal Twisted Pebble's attention once the balloon managed to turn the corner. He walked pretty fast, he should be able to manage...

Once again, however, he was beaten to the punch.

"Looey..!" Cosmo shouted, anxiously running into the danger, "H-Here, quickly..! Don't worry!" He smiled shakily, once again throwing a cookie out for Looey to save himself with. Sprout frowned. What was he doing..? Looey doesn't need those right now, he's fine..!

He watched Looey nervously bite into it, before realizing his sudden slowness and ducking behind the shelf in an attempt to get away. Sprout steadied his nerves: this is his moment.

Twisted Pebble's head snapped toward Cosmo, though Sprout was prepared this time. Cosmo gasped and turned to get away, running down the open space to try and find a hiding spot. Looey called out after him, but shakily stayed put, trying to catch his breath.

Sprout knew Cosmo was pretty stealthy. Stealthier than him. Perhaps this time... things will work out.

Fate might try to stop him, but he has a plan for that, too.

If a life taken in this moment is what fate wants...

Sprout pushed himself from the corner he was hiding behind, sprinting as fast as he could, unwrapping a speed candy and chomping down. Now, he was certain he outsped the dangerous dog.

"H-HEY!" He shouted, ignoring the tremor in his voice. He can't back out now.

'Pebble' barked again, his snarls growing louder as he spotted Sprout, completely forgetting about the shaking pastry hiding behind the small stack of boxes.

"S-Sprout..?!" He heard Cosmo call out, his voice changing from panic to terror. He took a step out from where he was hiding. "W-What are you doing here..? R-RUN..!" He shouted once Twisted Pebble began charging in Sprout's direction, mouth opening wide for the kill.

Rooted in place, Sprout stared down the wide open jaw of the twisted, the sharp teeth leaking of ichor from previous victims. He winced, feeling fear, but willed himself to stay put.

"W-What is he doing?! Move, man..!" He heard Looey call out, and then came a few protests from the other toons as they took notice of the current situation.

No.

Sprout closed his eyes, bracing himself for this attack. Cosmo will survive... just without Sprout by his side. If that's what it takes... then he'll do it.

If fate truly does need a victim here, he'll simply swap the roles. Maybe then, everything will end.

The time loop will go away, everyone's suffering will go away, and the guilt will too. Because he won't be around to be entirely smothered by its pull anymore.

Instead of sharp teeth around his head, Sprout instead feels somebody slam their body directly into his, knocking the air from his lungs and sending both parties crashing to the floor. Twisted Pebble managed to get close enough to snag his arm, however. A tooth scraped across his skin, slicing it open.

Sprout hissed as his eyes flew open, staring at the wound which would surely scar. If he survived, that is.

On top of him, Cosmo grabs his shoulders and shakes him with a force Sprout had never expected. He was stronger than he thought...

"What do you think you're doing..?!" Cosmo shouted, ignoring the stunned twisted behind them. Pebble got a hit on Sprout, leaving him satisfied for a few short moments. They barely had any time, but maybe he'd be able to tell him... "First, you show up here with no warning after not talking to me earlier, and now y-you... try to kill yourself..?!" Cosmo continued, sounding hurt and confused, his lip beginning to tremble as he fought back tears.

...

Sprout gave him a soft smile, quickly reaching out to pull Cosmo's hands away, holding onto them, his thumbs swiping over his palms, rubbing them gently.

"I can't... I don't want you to die again, Cosmo. Because I really care about you,"

Cosmo only looked more worried, shaking his head as though he wasn't listening at all. "What are you even talking about, Sprout..?! Some b-bad dream?!"

With a sigh, Sprout shoved him away, instead placing himself in front of the now refocused Twisted, who was hovering over them with unblinking red eyes. The monster held no remorse or grief, only thinking about a meal. Sprout found it disgusting. How dare it pretend to be the loveable yet playful pet rock who cares so much?

Cosmo fell off of him with a small grunt, only to immediately look up at him with watering eyes.

He wouldn't understand, but that's alright.

Sprout just didn't have the time to explain it right now. Maybe eventually, Dandy will for him.

"I really care about you..." He repeated again, his face most likely redder than usual. It was a little embarrassing to admit feelings like this, especially in front of so many other toons.

'Pebble' attacked his shoulder this time, causing Cosmo to scream out for somebody's help. Nobody moved, unsurprisingly. Looey did inch forward, but was forced backward by Vee.

"Don't go trying to sacrifice yourself too," She had said sternly, though her voice was shaking with barely-masked fear.

Sprout felt sick thinking about how they were all going to witness this. As if his friends hadn't been through enough trauma.

He full further down, strangely feeling his friendship bracelet tingling around his wrist. He never thought he would survive that hit... but at least he gets to speak again. Ichor drips from the twisteds jaw above him, droplets landing on and coloring his leaves black, leaking down his face. It felt similar to the caramel he had once covered an eye with to match with his best friend -- to match with Cosmo.

He clutched his shoulder, covering it with his hand. He was unwilling to look at the obvious deep bite wound, instead blankly watching the ichor leak from the gaps in his fingers.

"In fact, I care about you so much I think I..." He paused, closing his eyes to avoid seeing anyone's reaction, "I-I think I love you..?" Even he sounded unsure, and it came out weakly.

"...P-Please, move..!" Cosmo shouted back, much louder. Sprout could tell he was surprised, and his chest hurt from not having an actual response to those embarrassing words.

When he opened his eyes again, he found Cosmo standing in front of him, bravely eyeing down the much larger twisted. But it was though 'Pebble' didn't even see him, instead pushing Cosmo away with its head and getting ready to attack Sprout again, back out of its temporarily stunned trance.

"Cosmo, just go..!" Sprout heard Gigi call out, and he nodded the best he could, agreeing with her. It wasn't safe, and it wasn't worth his life to try and pull Sprout away. He wouldn't have much time to run after his death. Twisted Pebble wouldn't be satisfied, and would want another snack.

"No!" Sprout felt arms quickly snake around his neck, Cosmo watching the damaged shoulder cautiously. "I'm out of h-heals... but I can't let you go..!" He cried, and Sprout finally broke.

He began to sniffle, the guilt overflowing from his eyes. He knew exactly what it felt like to be unable to let go. That's the only reason he were here, after all.

Sprout moved his ichor-covered hand away, ignoring how Cosmo let out a small gasp, and went to intertwine their hands together. Cosmo didn't even complain about the disgusting liquid now staining his own hand.

"They're both going to die..!" Shelly sobbed, covering her face with her hands.

"This is disastrous..." Rodger announced, stating the obvious. He sounded troubled, and was definitely out of it himself from the scene unfolding in front of him. Losing two healers in one run is unheard of.

...Sprout couldn't let Ginger be too busy without any help. And she should never have to lose her only family.

He tried to shove Cosmo away, letting go of his hand, but Cosmo's grip only tightened around him, shaking his head stubbornly.

Twisted Pebble looked a little... confused by the obstacle blocking his target. It sniffed, before snarling again and ultimately deciding to just go for both.

"Cosmo, please... just let me go," Sprout found himself saying, trying to move toward the twisted.

"N-No!" Cosmo shook his head, relentles and unwilling, holding him back. Sprout was surprised by his stubbornness, but then again... Cosmo had never been a pushover. "If you go... I'm going too..!"

Sprout really didn't want to hear that. But what could he do..?

Twisted Pebble charged, ready to attack and kill them both. Sprout felt Cosmo shake in his arms, and his mind went blank.

It was all for nothing.

Now they're both going to die. It was impossible to change this fate.

Sprout isn't even sure he'll survive this death. As if he wasn't in enough pain.

It's over.

It's-

The blaring of a nearby airhorn pulled him from his resigned and dissociated state, startling Cosmo in his arms, too.

When... when was the last time Sprout heard an airhorn here..?

But... it can't be...

Feeling dazzed, Sprout stammered out whatever he could, his mind foggy.
"A...As...t-"

A small chuckle greeted him, cutting him off.

"Wrong toon, friend!" A chirpy voice rang throughout the room, another airhorn sending Twisted Pebble into a rage, whimpering as its ears were assaulted by the loud noise.

...?

"Pebble, bad dog!" Dandy wagged his finger at him with a disappointed pout on his face. "Trying to kill innocent toons is seriously bad behavior!"

...

Wha..?

"I don't have to die?"

"D-Dandy..?!" Sprout choked out, the haze in his head beginning to fade away. What was Dandy doing here..?! Isn't he furious with him..? The hands wrapped around him gripped him tighter for a moment before suddenly leaving him entirely.

Cosmo instead clasped onto Sprout's hand and yanked him up with him, the two now both on their feet. Cosmo glanced at him anxiously, eyes analyzing his injuries with worry. "A-Are you alright standing..?"

"I have to be..." Sprout replied, wincing slightly from his aching shoulder. God, it hurt. But he was strong, he'd prevail.

"RUN, MORONS!!" Gigi screamed from the crowd of hiding toons.

...No time to talk! Pebble is chasing Dandy around in circles, but not for long!

"The machine!" Sprout managed to scream out, "Someone finish it, please..!" He panted, sliding behind the nearest shelf to stay out of Pebble's line of sight. Cosmo wasn't far behind, trying to catch his breath as the other toons on the supply run jolted back to work.

"W-Where is it..?!" Poppy cried out, sounding frazzled.

Looey began hopping around anxiously, "I-I'll distract the other twisteds so Dandy isn't all alone..!" He ran (though not as fast as earlier) over to the common twisteds littering the floor, making sure to steer clear from Twisted Pebble.

Another airhorn going off told Sprout and Cosmo it wasn't long before Dandy's stealth would kick in...

"Where's the elevator? Which one are we going in..?!" Sprout asked, peeking around the shelf. He wasn't sure if it were the one he entered or not; every floor had two.

Which one did Dandy come from..? And why was that guy suddenly helping him? Sprout felt a tinge of anger inside of him, but it quickly smothered out. He was just projecting... he couldn't really blame Dandy, as much as he wanted to...

He decides to just shrug it off. No need to feel even more guilt.

Cosmo then pointed to the elevator across the room. Great. "It's that one..!"

Sprout could see Connie, Gigi and Shelly standing by the elevator, waiting for someone who was out there to complete the final machine so they could quickly slip inside.

Shelly caught their gaze and her signature comforting smile widened, her arms outstretched to gesture for them to come over.

But it was so far... If they stepped out, Twisted Pebble could switch from Dandy to... Sprout, most likely. He was the least stealthy between the three. And another attack would definitely be enough to finish him off.

Sensing this, Cosmo clutched onto his arm, pulling him closer to his body protectively.

"Ah..?" Sprout sent him a quizzical look.

"I won't let you try and sacrifice yourself again..." Cosmo muttered under his breath, "How dare you even do that..! I don't even understand what you were talking about..."

"I-It's not the time to talk about that. I'll tell you when we get back up."

"We better get back up. Both of us," Cosmo said firmly, his fingers gently digging into Sprout's arm. He didn't complain, knowing the other was perhaps a little justified in his anger.

"R-Right." He said instead.

Just then, a small ding was heard, followed by the 'wooosh' of an elevator door sliding up.

"Woah-! I better speed up!" Dandy exclaimed from the middle of the map, beginning to sprint as Twisted Pebble grew even faster.

Sprout watched the others file into the elevator quickly, naming each one in his head to ensure everyone was safe and alive.

Gigi... Shelly... Connie...

Rodger... Vee... Poppy...

Looey then dives in, the common twisteds following him pausing and shaking their heads in frustration before scampering off in the opposite direction. Thank God they didn't stick around.

Sprout felt himself smile from the relieved grin on Looey's face. The distractor didn't have to die, either.

Now all that's left is himself, Dandy and... Cosmo.

He's alive...

Sprout wished to fall to his knees from the sheer joy, but he knew he shouldn't let himself feel so happy and celebrate his victory just yet. They still had to get there. Before time ran out... sticking around here is certain death.

And now, he doesn't want to die.

"Let's go..!" Cosmo softly whispered from beside him, tugging onto Sprout's hand and pulling him forward. Sprout glanced down at their joined hands, watching their matching bracelets subtly form the symbol of the flower who was currently saving their asses.

The second Sprout and Cosmo began to run toward the elevator, Dandy ditched his post and joined them, evidently low on stamina.

It didn't help that Sprout and Cosmo were exhausted, too.

Twisted Pebble hadn't given up. Damn that dog's resilience.

Another loud bark signifying a new target sent all three jolting in surprise. Dandy reached for a pop can on the ground and slid from there toward the elevator, reaching it easily with the boosted stamina.

But now Twisted Pebble was charging right for Sprout, hungry for a proper kill.

"Wh--Wha...?! Why would he..?!" Sprout could barely hear Cosmo exclaim in disbelief over the sound of ichor pumping in his ears. No... they're so close.

Please, not again...

"I've changed my mind, fate..!" Sprout thought desperately. He normally had so much stamina, he was so fast... why were his legs slowing down..? "I don't want to die! Not now!"

Was this Dandy's revenge? To let him get so close for survival just for Cosmo to witness him dying to Twisted Pebble this time..? Sprout would still rather it be him than his best friend, but... if he had to pick, he'd choose the secret option of neither.

Cosmo pushed forward, but froze once he noticed Sprout's pace shifting into a walk. "S-Sprout..!" He shook, the twisted looming over them getting ever closer.

A sweet humming filled the room, followed by the sound of a small celestial woosh as a gust of air re-energized Sprout completely. He let out a gasp as he picked up speed again, blowing right by Cosmo, making the pastry cry out as now he was the one being dragged.

With a quick glance back, his eyes lit up. "Astro..!"

So that's why Dandy wasn't in the shop. He never thought Astro would take his advice so fast.

Astro rushed after them, giving Sprout a  little smirk. "I would've shown myself sooner, but I was working on the last machine..."

Sprout's heart fluttered. His friends... had come together to help him. He guessed Dandy had even told Astro of everything concerning the loop himself. That's right... The guilt and stress wasn't entirely his to carry...

Sprout ran as fast as his long legs could take him to the elevator, which was now so close, the seconds ticking down in his head. They were going to make it. He almost felt like he were dreaming.

He'd almost ask Cosmo to pinch him if they weren't running for their lives right now.

Sprout let out a small shaky breath as he stepped inside the elevator. It didn't feel real... he did it. By his side, was Cosmo, his greatest friend (and maybe his something else now?), panting and sweating, but alive!

Astro was slower than Sprout, but he wasn't far behind. Though Twisted Pebble tried, narrowly missing nabbing the moon's blanket by inches, Dandy hopped behind the counter and pulled out a smoke bomb. A quick well-aimed throw sent the rock into a frozen trance, letting Astro easily walk inside the elevator, now low on stamina himself.

Behind him, the elevator doors slammed shut.

...

Sprout let out small chuckles at first before they eventually shifted into relieved loud laughter. Tears came to his eyes, and he wasn't sure if it was from joy or from the near-death experience.

A few of the toons in the elevator with him (and ESPECIALLY Vee) looked at him like he was insane,

And if his heart hadn't gone through enough, Cosmo only joined him in the laughter.

Once Sprout finally calmed himself down enough, he stared at the bracelet on Cosmo's wrist, its colours matching the little stars on his cheeks. He smiled softly.

"...Once we get back up, I think we should talk about some of the things said in the heat of the moment..." Sprout said, remembering his earlier statement.

"Oh, definitely," Cosmo giggled, before his eyes lit up and he snapped his fingers, "Ah-! Sprout..! Do you want to bake something when we get back up..? I-I actually wanted to ask you this morning, but, uh..."

Sprout felt his face flush, feeling Vee glare daggers on his back. Hehe, right...

He chuckled sheepishly, "Y-Yeah, I'm down..!"

Cosmo smiled happily, but it almost immediately shifted into a pout. "Oh, but... I'm not sure what we should make."

"I've got an idea," Sprout replied without missing a beat, "How about some cake? Astro can help us. Right?" He turns to the tired moon expectedly.

Astro, who had been lost in thought, straightened up and looked a little surprised. "H-Huh..? Oh..! Oh... Y-Yeah, sure..! Sounds fun..."

"I'll invite Boxten, too!" Cosmo pitched in, and Sprout smiled warmly.

"Perfect," He said, and it were the truth. That afternoon that felt like forever ago could be recreated... with the best difference, after all. Cosmo being present.

Astro looked a little nervous over the mention of Boxten, but didn't shy away or complain. Sprout appreciated how he was trying. He'd compliment him later on that.

But, he had more pressing matters to tend to right now...

He leaned in closer to Cosmo, gently nudging him in the side, ignoring the stinging pain in his shoulder.

"Hey, I never heard you saying it back, earlier..." Sprout whispered, noticing how his voice made the other shudder. It was barely noticeable, but he picked up on it. Of course he did- he'd notice anything Cosmo did.

Cosmo blushed, the sight more pleasing than Sprout expected. "O-Oh... well... Excuse me for being so focused on you almost dying..!" Cosmo slapped his shoulder lightly, his tone playful yet relieved.

Sprout flushed. Oh yeah, he forgot about that.

"Well..? Now's the time..." He prodded, leaning down to move closer to his face.

"Alright, alright..!" Cosmo laughed, giving in. His expression turned more sincere as he pushed himself up to gently pressed his lips onto Sprout's. "I love you too..."

Oh-! Sprout hadn't expected that, but he wasn't going to complain!

Vee wrinkled her nose, clearing her throat loudly to send them flying apart from each other. "Please don't start making out in the elevator. I've had enough misery and suffering for one day."

"Vee! Such a downer, as usual!" Dandy replied, back behind his shop, relaxing against his little box. His smile only widened when he saw Vee's pissed glare.

"Oh no, I owe Glisten ten dollars..." Gigi scowled, otherwise unphased by this new development.

Sprout rolled his eyes. Some things would never change, even if his and Cosmo's relationship status did.

Beside him, Cosmo laughed again. Sprout couldn't believe he almost thought he'd never hear it again.

"I'll tell you everything when we're finally safe," Sprout murmured softly, making Cosmo nod. "Though, don't blame me if you start crying." He teased, reaching out to gently pinch his cheek.

"Hey-!" Cosmo scoffed, "As if..!"

"We'll see," Sprout smiled.

With that, the conversation lulled off, and they decided to wordlessly stare into each other's eyes.

This, of course, lead to Vee making another remark, only to get into an argument with Dandy. Which then lead to Astro and Shelly trying to have them break it up. Sprout couldn't care less, of course.

...Though, he'd definitely have to thank Astro and Dandy later.

As the elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened to reveal

Everything would be okay.

When Sprout went to bed, he'd wake up with Cosmo by his side. Well, if Cosmo agreed to sleep next to him tonight. Hopefully he does.

He'd wake up with his still very much alive boyfriend ready to start the next day. A day Sprout never thought he'd get to see.

"I'll go get Boxten," Cosmo said as he stepped out of the elevator with the other toons who were shuffling to the crowd that had gathered, ready to talk about the crazy run. Cosmo leaned over and kissed Sprout on the cheek, giggling when he saw the red on his face deepen, "You tell me everything when I return, alright?"

"Of course," Sprout nodded quickly, watching Cosmo until his figure eventually blended into the crowd, off to pick out the music box from it.

Just then, he felt a small nudge to his side. He spun around, expecting Dandy or Astro, only to be met with Rodger instead.

Oh, right.

"H-Hey, man," Sprout waved awkwardly, expecting a scolding or a punishment for breaking one of the stupid rules.

"Dandy told me that you came on his orders," Rodger started, "...I don't know exactly what he asked of you, but it ended up working in our favour. Don't worry about any repercussions." He looked... pleased?

Sprout felt relief wash over him, and he turned to send Dandy a small smile. The flower returned it with an aloof one his own.

Once Rodger left, he strolled over to Dandy.

"...Thank you for everything," He muttered, ashamed of his previous actions and words.

"You helped me make up with my friend," Dandy replied, his eyes on Astro, "...Consider it fair, now."

Sprout stayed silent, before he decided to suck it up. He stuck out his hand, making Dandy stare at it in confusion.

"...Friends?"

Sprout tried to not laugh at how Dandy's lip trembled before a jolly smile spread across his face.

Dandy took his hand, "Hey, when were we never not friends in the first place?"

Right, right.

Once their handshake was over, Dandy pulled his hand away and instead placed it on his chin. "Hmm... Do you think the loop is finally gone, now?"

Sprout quickly nodded. There's no way he'd wake up just to find himself all alone with Pebble on his lap and Tisha sweeping the halls again, right..? Not with Cosmo right here.

"I... I think so."

Dandy smiled, "Good. Because I think so too, friend." He winked, before strolling away.

Huh? What was that all about..?

"Sprout! Astro!" Came Cosmo from the crowd, waving his hands up in the air beside Boxten, who shyly waved as well.

"Coming!" Sprout replied, butterflies forming in his stomach. He sent a quick glance back at Astro, who smiled softly. "Ready?"

Astro nodded gently, "Y-Yep..." He let out a small sigh, "...I'm glad everything seems like it's back to normal."

Sprout smiled, "Yeah, me too! Let's go, bud." He dashed off to Cosmo's side, Astro following behind him.

Everything was finally the way it should be. Sprout was happy, Cosmo was here, and he's made friends with those he'd never thought he would.

Now? He's gonna make the best fucking cakes anytoon in all of Gardenview has ever tasted.

He's sure of it.

♡

"It's just so hard to believe, ahaha..." Astro trailed off as he shifted back and forth in the descending elevator.

Soon, they'd be at the floor Cosmo had met his unfortunate end at. Sprout is most likely there by now, too. They'd come in to save their lives and make sure that terrible fate is finally thrown away.

If they made it in time, that is.

Dandy bit his lip. He really wasn't looking forward to stumbling across Sprout or Cosmo being torn to pieces. He'd seen enough death for one day!

With the three airhorns in his inventory, surely everything would play out fine... Once again, his supply comes in clutch! He bet the toons who never bought whenever he sold airhorns were regretting it now.

Dandy wonders how they did without him in the shop. Did they even notice? Oh well.

"Is it, now?" He replies, tilting his head. He leans against the counter of his shop, watching Astro lower his head with a conflicted expression.

"O-Of course. It's a time loop, after all..."

"But it shouldn't be hard for you to understand, Astro!" Dandy blinked innocently, "You're very good at creating those, aren't you?" His cheerful smile dropped to a scowl, revealing how he truly felt about all of this.

Finally, a chance to talk to Astro.

And a chance to confront him.

Astro stiffened, his mouth opening to protest. He choked on his words, stammering and stuttering before shutting his mouth. "...How..?" He eventually decides on asking.

"...Because you couldn't bring yourself to include me in the loop," Dandy sighed, "You didn't want to see me as confused and trapped as every other toon."

Astro didn't reply, so he continued.

"But, I do believe you even made yourself unaware of it..." He nodded, "Though you realized I was telling the truth as well as the cause of it as soon as I told you about the loop. You're the only one who would give Sprout another chance, yet for some reason, I get to stay aware too, despite being completely unrelated?"

Astro tried to smile, but he was clearly embarrassed. His smile fell, and he looked away. "S-Sorry... It was just hard for me to comprehend why I would even do something like that. I guess Cosmo really did die..."

Dandy nodded, confirming it. He remembered that day, after all. But something was bothering him.

"But... Why, Astro?" He asked, "I mean, you've seen our other friends lose loved ones, yet you never gave them so many chances to save them. Even when RND... Ahem. Why did you pick Sprout..?" 

"I-I just couldn't handle the... U-Uh... I mean... S-Sprout's sadness..!" Astro exclaimed, flinching from his own volume.

Dandy hadn't really wanted to confront this, but at the same time, he had to know. "Is it because... You really care about him?" He softly questioned.

When he received a nod in reply, he could only offer a sympathetic smile. He had considered that. But he wasn't sure it was the true reason, though he didn't doubt Astro's feelings.

"Or... was it because of guilt? Longing?"

Astro winced, freezing up with wide eyes. He didn't want to talk about it.

Dandy never did either, but sometimes they had to.

"Do you not want them to... again?" He whispered out, holding back one word to spare his best friend's feelings, "Our friends?"

"I-I can't take it anymore..." Astro mumbled, "A-After I saw what happened to you with your strong emotions, I thought I was all alone... left alone to rot and... become like them from guilt..." He shook, and Dandy felt like an even worse friend. "I'm guessing when I saw... Sprout look so disturbed... I was reminded of myself? I just had to help him... that must be the cause."

"I'm sorry, Astro..." He frowned, "I never should have done that. I... I'll never worry you like that again."

He stayed quiet before quickly deciding to lighten the mood. "But don't worry. It won't happen again. That loop of yours gave Cosmo another chance." He gently held his hand out, "Let's go save them. You know what to do, yeah?"

Astro's blanket lowered to let his hands free, and two of them grabbed onto Dandy's. "Y-Yes, I know."

As the elevator came to their destination, Dandy pulled out an airhorn with a smile. "Ready when you are, my friend."