Chapter Text
Ever since Boxten started his baking lessons with Cosmo, he couldn’t help noticing he liked looking for new ways to spend his time. Listening to the different toons around him describe their hobbies had always been pleasant to him, and for the better part of a the past few months, he began wanting to join in the different interests his fellow toons shared.
He’d admit he wasn’t the best at baking, no matter how much Cosmo encouraged the music box. He liked the strict structure it provided. Less anxiety, unlike normal cooking, especially when it came to guessing the amount of what ever spice he was using for what ever he was making. Boxten sighed, remembering the black brick of rice he made with the microwave. Sprout had kicked him out for a week after that…
Boxten had decided to try and get into the crafts side of the hobby, trying out making crochet chains with Brightney, to origami with Scraps.
He felt too clumsy, and a bit clunky for it, but his friends were encouraging him to keep practicing, and overall he felt happy.
One day however, Astro came to him with a proposal.
“Would I what-?” Boxten asked, still not over the jumpscare from Astro’s silent approach taking him by surprise.
“Oh um..” Astro averted his eyes for a second, looking away in hesitation, “I had heard you were trying out new activities, and was wondering if you’d like to help me with my own. I’m currently in need of a toon to organize some items I have for a short time…” his voice trailed off a bit as Boxten stared, wide eyed.
“Oh-! Um, sure Astro! Of course! I can try my best!” Boxten chuckled nervously, he honestly still thought Astro disliked him for everything that happened with his nightmare problems, but seeing Astro come to him asking for help released some of that anxiety built up within.
Astro gave him a small smiled, head raising up from its slouched form, “Oh thank you! I really do appreciate it Boxten, please meet me later tonight by the Lobby Tree,”
“Alright! Any time in particular?”
“Hmmm.. I’d say get some sleep now, and meet me at 11pm. I think that’ll be a good time to start”
“11?” His eyebrows raise, and Astro responds nodding, “Yes, most of what my projects are have to be done during nightfall, if you’re okay with that, I can explain more about the situation then.”
“Yeah, that’s alright, it makes sense all things considered,” Boxten awkwardly says, rubbing his arm, “I’ll see you then tonight!”
Astro smiles softly, nods, and turns away, heading back down the hallway, his hat tail swinging side to side like a tail happily. As Boxten watches him go, he can’t help but wonder what Astro had in store for him. With that closing thought, he turns to go to his own room to get that request for sleep in, willing his heart to calm down from its nervous rhythm.
TBC