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Sprout was left with the mess of his actions. Like the stupid strawberry he was, he baked a massive batch of cakes. Now, Sprout stared down the mess, and it seemed to stare back at him. He started to cry, he was exhausted and his legs felt wobbly. He tried to stop his sobbing as he wiped down the counter. The white splattered everywhere, flour pasted like a ghost. Salt mixed with soap as he started to feel his lip tremble. He continued to push through the emotion. Eventually the counters were wiped clean with a few sniffles. He looked at the mountain of dishes. Crusty, gross, dishes.
He wants to cry, don’t cry, don't cry, don't cry. You're a big strawberry. He tried to think of some good thoughts, positive thoughts. Cosmo, maybe if he does the dishes, Cosmo will be so proud, he’ll let Sprout on his comfy bed. The one with puffy blankets, full of plushies, and had a smell of vanilla cookies.
“Sprout..?” He knew that voice
“Cosmo..?” No no.. he’s not done yet.. he’s not done!
Gentle hands caressed his face, “you’re crying..” Cosmo spoke, he wiped his friends' tears and gently rubbed the back of his neck. “What's the matter..?”
“The kitchen is messy.. and.. I didn’t want people to see…”he half muttered half sobbed. Cosmo looks around the space only to see it fairly spotless minus the dishes
“The kitchen looks fine,” he reassured
“But the dishes-“
“Dishes can wait,” he interrupted, putting a finger to Sprout’s mouth. “You’re tired, Tisha can handle it” Sprout frowned,
“But that’s mean…” he pouts. Cosmo chuckles, Sprout still tries to be the caretaker, even when regressed.
“I don’t think so,” he spoke soothingly , rubbing his neck and back like a calm parent. Sprout grimaces more at the thought of not cleaning his mess. “ Will you let go of that responsibility if I let you on my bed?” That perks him up, the sink and dishes immediately forgotten
“Bed!” He leaps up wanting to go now,
“Ok ok I’m coming,” he grabs Sprout’s hand, acting like a guide. Sprout followed Cosmo obediently, nuzzling his arm with affection. Cosmo smiled with admiration “such a good kiddo,” he praises “a very very good boy”
“Imma good boy..” he copied.
“Mhm, yes,” Cosmo continued “you know what good boys get?”
“Bed!” He chattered excitedly, he really wanted that bed. Eventually Cosmo’s bedroom door opened, Sprout immediately ran in and hopped in the puffy blankets. The warm cookie smell was practically sewn into the fabric. He rubbed his face into it, grabbing a plush to hold. Cosmo crawled into the bed with the snuggled main. Sprout immediately held onto his caregiver, tucked into him.
“Awww Sprout,” Cosmo coos “such a baby “ the strawberry hummed in response, pulling a plush out to show Cosmo, he nodded and smiled “yes very cute,” Sprout smiled at the validation and continued to play with the toy, still cuddled against the pastry. “Having fun?”
“Mhm…” he nodded and yawned
“Aww getting sleepy?” Cosmo muttered, “Is it time for a nap?”
“Nooo..” he whined,
“Yessss,” he mumbled “bed for little berries,” Cosmo lifted up Sprout out of the bed to adjust the sheets and get him tucked in
“No! You stay!” He demanded.
“Yes yes, hold your horses,” he said before laying down next to his baby. Sprout immediately quieted down as Cosmo made his presence clear, he’s staying.