Chapter Text
Suits, dresses, joy, and cake. The four components to a wonderful wedding filled with laughter and excitement. From little kids running around the venue to the ones in the chair whispering their excitement for the wedded, everything was filled with anticipation that no one can wait for.
But Dandy.
He could wait.
He wanted it gone, in fact. But alas, he can’t wish the past to rewrite itself or it’d just make life easier for people to handle. You can’t have happiness without its counterpart. And unlucky Dandy…he’s gonna have to live without his.
The moon to his sun. The calm of his storm. The peacefulness of the night to his extravagant excitement of the morning— whatever metaphor you wanna use about counterparts, he’ll use too. His body felt frozen in time, his eyes being witness to the other people using theirs to speed up the inevitable. Something Dandy’s more than fine to ditch. But anything is better than not being with his best friend. Even if he chose someone else. He could hear the doors opening, and his body shook to the core. He looked down at his shoes instead of who was at the front of his vision. He knew if he did, he would be crying— not happy tears. Definitely not. But with the aroma of lavender and honey, his body couldn’t contain his desire. So he looks up. And he wished that he was the groom that day.
His eyes lock onto Astro, who was in a beautiful white dress— the same one he helped Astro look for. His dream dress. And Dandy’s dream husband in front of him. But dreams are dreams for a reason. Next to him is Astro’s soon-to-be. His partner. His one. Walking down the aisle with rose petals and a brown carpet, Astro’s train follows behind him, leading a beautiful pathway to him. God. He looked beautiful. Very very beautiful. Astro eventually made it to his husband, smiling and tearing up when his vision engulfs Sprout. The eyes Astro gave Sprout could never compare to his best friend. Swallow it down, Dandy.
This is his best friend. The one who saw the prettiest and ugliest parts of Dandy. The one who stayed during his highs and lows, and the only one who was able to help him fall asleep at night. Something that isn’t seen as casual, might he add, was apparently casual to Astro. His head buzzed everything out, aside from their vows. How sweet they sounded to each other talking about the loving moments they shared and the caring affection they had for each other, which was so obvious to every toon there. So obvious.
‘It’s fine’ Dandy would say. Or ‘they really deserve each other’ he says. But toons nearby would tell what he’s saying was bull crap. He’s just glad he didn’t say anything, nearly ruining Astro’s mind on who he loves. ‘He didn’t want to overwhelm Astro’ he reasons, ‘Astro needs to be sure’ he explains. But deep down they were just excuses to keep him from confessing. Now they’re a familiar reminder of humility to Dandy— the one never scared of anything, being scared to confess, and thus becoming a hollow flower without his moon. ‘It’s what I deserve’ he would deny. ‘Astro is too good for me’ he lets himself down. Anything to help him move on from the fact that he had a chance that he now blew.
Cheering and clapping could be heard, and Dandy brought his hand to his face to feel hot tears rolling. Shit. He smiles, as if it was upon instinct, and claps. His aching heart weeping and sobbing from despair, but his exterior showcasing excitement and happiness for the newly wedded strawberry and moon. Astro…deserves Sprout. Dandy shouldn’t try to. He watches the weds leaving, probably to get ready for the reception, as the church doors shut leaving him and the other rooms to chat. Cosmo could be seen walking up to Dandy with a beaming grin on his face.
“Dandy! Glad that your best friend got married, eh? Don’t cry! You’re gonna make me cry!” Cosmo jokes. Dandy laughs softly, hiding the pathetic strain on his voice for happiness. Cosmo pats his back before running over to the other toons to talk, leaving Dandy where he’s standing. He looks down at his shaky hands and his blurry vision before looking back up and taking a deep breath in.
He knew he wouldn’t be able to survive the reception. He just knew it. He needed to find an excuse or a way to leave without everyone knowing. God…but he has that speech he prepared with Cosmo to talk about the newly weds. Sorry Cosmo, but he knows if he stayed, he’d say something he’d greatly regret. He walks to the bathroom nearby, shutting and locking the door behind him. He walks to the mirror, looking up at the regretful face he held. He looks so fucking pathetic right now. He traces his face against the mirror, what used to hold a smile on every occasion was now a frown. A subtle hint at what his future looked to be without his one.
…he pulls out his phone, texting Astro swiftly and as quickly as he could.
‘Dear Astro. I feel sick and won’t make it to your reception. Please do enjoy your night, and don’t wait up for me.’ Sent. He looks back up at his reflection and he swore he aged twenty years. Okay. Now to get out of here. He unlocks the bathroom door and looks around, noticing everyone chattering to each other while walking out the door. Perfect. He swiftly falls in line, looking down at the floor while he hugged his body close, scared he might lose his identity within the crowd. When they made it to their cars, he waves them goodbye as each and every car pulled out and onto the road. He was the only one there now.
He didn’t know…what to feel. A buzz was felt against his pocket, bringing attention to his phone hidden inside. When he grabs it, he sees Astro’s text message.
‘Aww Dandy…what happened? Are you okay? Was the smell in there to nauseating? It makes sense. I have medication on me if you need any? I don’t want you missing out on my big day!’ He can’t. Astro’s trying too hard, bringing him to the reception. He can’t say ‘sure I’ll take some and meet you there!’
…he just did. Fuck. Welp, he’s gonna be going to this reception and pushing on.
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The floor was moving, and lights were beaming up and down in the area. The crowd was hustling and bustling, dancing and laughing. Everyone was so happy.
…Dandy wasn’t. It was evident on his face. But every time someone asked if he was okay, he brushed it off. Saying he’s fine and just ‘proud of Astro’. He was, don’t get him wrong. He just isn’t proud of himself. What happened to being brave to do anything and everything? Was confessing just an exception? Yes. It was. The lights dimmed, and the crowd walks off, leaving the couple in the middle. The music started slowing, and their bodies molded together, holding each other closely as if saying ‘I got you’. Dandy leaned back against the wall, watching what could’ve been his future frolic away from him each minute and each second that the song lasted.
He couldn’t stand here and watch them. He knew doing so would hurt him more than needed, and surely if he leaves, Astro would understand, right? So he did. He walks out of the doors, not even going to the bathroom. He’s leaving. Dandy’s gone.
Astro’s doing ten times better already. He has a best friend, his husband. Dandy’s no longer needed anymore. Honestly, it hurts. But it doesn’t hurt as much as what he’s about to do next. Sorry Astro.
‘We’re no longer friends. Don’t contact me. Don’t come to my house. Please.’ He brings his fingers to Astro’s contact, pressing the red button that says ‘block’. He then shuts his phone off and shoves it in his pocket before rushing off to his car, where he felt safe enough to break down sobbing on the road while he listens to the whirring of the car. Sorry Astro. So so sorry.
———————————————————————
Dandy was harsh on himself. Really. When was the last time he ate a ‘full meal’ aside from the wedding reception? Actually, when was the last time he left his house for anything? Everything in his apartment was messy, unorganized, and screamed ‘broken up with’ which wasn’t necessarily wrong. Not really right either. More so right place, wrong time. No. Wrong place wrong time.
He’s been ignoring all the messages the toons sent him, most being concern about his wellbeing, but others ranging to questions about his sudden disappearance. It also didn’t take long for the news of Dandy dumping his best friend on the day of his wedding. Toons were confused, scared, and especially angry for Astro. They had every reason to as well.
Dandy’s hungry. Should he resort to cookies again? Oh but he ran out. Lucky him. It’s either go to the store to buy food, or Uber eats it. In his case, he chooses to Uber eats it. He opens the app and orders some cookies from a random pop up store nearby. He just needed something in his system. In the meantime, he chose to waste time away on his phone, scrolling and liking posts that he related to— not in the degree of ditching your best friend’s wedding reception, but related to. Cat post? He has a dog that he luckily hasn’t forgotten to feed. Eating? Dandy has been lacking in that department. Cleaning? That too. A knock could be heard. Is that his uber? Probably. He decides to finally sit up from his bed rotting to walk a couple feet to his door. He unlocks it and opens it wide. But his eyes widen when he sees who was in front of him.
Astro. In a dress. Smiling. Dandy quickly shuts the door, pressing his back against the frame while gripping his chest tightly. What the fuck is he doing here? Why is he here? Another knock. Gentler, quieter, as if begging as opposed to demanding for answers. Dandy can’t give in now— not when Astro’s out there waiting. It sucks how stubborn Astro could be for answers. No matter. Dandy will just wait it out. He hasn’t eaten a proper meal in days, he can wait a couple hours on no food.
“Dandy please…I wanna talk.” His voice sounded brittle. Sad. Almost pitiful. Dandy shouldn’t open it again. He can’t. Astro chose to not listen to his plea on not coming to his apartment, so Dandy isn’t listening to the gentleness of Astro’s voice begging him for answers he doesn’t need. It’s so obvious already. Dandy left, he shouldn’t interfere more.
“Why did you leave my wedding mid way through? Am I missing some context? Did I hurt you?” Astro’s voice hurt Dandy more than Dandy’s own desire to just die. His body shook and his eyes dart around.
“Why are you here Astro?” He whispered pathetically into his hand. The toon on the other side, according to Dandy’s ears, slid down his door and sat down. “I have a reason to be here if my best friend suddenly just— ditched my wedding and said ‘we’re no longer friends’. I have a completely valid reason.” He argued on the other end with his soft, timid voice. The same one Dandy fell for, and the same one he dreaded to hear. “Now open this door or— I’m…I’m gonna,” he’s stumped. What could he possibly do to Dandy, the one who also helped Astro at his lowest moments?
“I’m gonna call Delilah and tell her what you did on my wedding day.” Time froze. At least for Dandy. His pupils dilate and his breath hitches. What…? He hasn’t picked himself up that quickly in weeks, evident with the sudden dizziness he was hit with. He turns himself around to open the door, showing Astro with the cookies Dandy ordered in hand. So his cookies came in earlier, but the delivery guy didn’t text him shit? Trapped.
“Hi Dandy.” Astro’s voice was loving. Something the flower despised. He looked away from the moon and held his ground, pushing his body between the frame and the door that was open to his size.
“I don’t have a lot of time—“
“You took two weeks off of work for this wedding, I’m sure you have more than enough time.” Astro shot back quickly, the snap in his voice evident to Dandy. It left him shuddering. This is why he’s adamant to keep the door shut when people he doesn’t like come by. If they’re on the other side of this door, he won’t be able to see their expressions or emotions. Simple as that. Isolation has never been easier…if he just held his end of the bargain. But a threat like Delilah was nothing to mess with. Dandy shook his head and huffs. Astro peeks into Dandy’s apartment, his height overwhelming Dandy enough for him to look over the flower toon. His once neat and organized apartment was messy and all over the place. Astro hated when Dandy became careless of his space. He looks back down at Dandy and smiles.
“Mind if I help you?”
“I very much do mind Astro, thanks.” Dandy muttered, to which Astro hums. “What do you want, Astro?” The tone of Dandy’s saddened Astro. His name coming out of Dandy’s mouth was Astro’s favorite part of Dandy’s words. The fact that ‘Astro’ came out like venom from Dandy hurt Astro. Still. He leans against the frame of Dandy’s door and holds his smile.
“Just…wanted to say hi. To just see how you’re doing.” Astro tests him carefully, watching his thoughts formulate a backup plan to get Astro off his apartment. Dandy smiles pathetically, his crossed arms now at his sides. “I’m doing fine. See? Now, off—“
“Do you have my night mask that I let you borrow? I’ve been having trouble sleeping.” Astro watches the flower. His eyes dart around, before eventually meeting Astro’s. He sighs, taking a step back before shutting the door. He turns around to walk to his room where the sleep mask lay, on the night stand next to his photo frame of Astro. He swiftly grabs it and rushes outside. When he did, he stops in his tracks. Astro was in his apartment sitting on his couch. Patient. Looking around the place with grim and guilt. Fuck. Dandy quickly walks over to place the night mask on Astro’s lap. He puts his hands back in its position on his chest, crossed and showing assertiveness— whatever he could muster up in the moment. Astro looks up at Dandy and smiles.
“…so? Aren’t you gonna go?” Dandy demanded more than ask. But the moon shook his head, chuckling at his little plan of deception. Dandy took a deep breath in before choosing to sit a the furthest end of the couch. “Alright, sure. Take your time then.” He muttered sarcastically, confusing Astro. He stood up and crossed his arms.
“Dandy…can you explain why you left my wedding reception?” Astro asked gently, trying to reach over to Dandy. But his hand was slapped away, scaring Astro, but not enough to scream. Dandy seemed to have notice Astro’s shocked expression, because his eyes widen as well, his hands slapping against his mouth as guilt and shame filled his entire soul to the brim. Astro’s brows furrowed, and his hand retracts. “…Dandy—“ the flower chose not to listen any further, instead standing up and rushing to his room, shutting the door and locking it soon after. There goes his dinner. Looks like he’s gonna have to wait this out. Good thing Dandy no longer felt hungry for anything but the desire for Astro to leave. Knocking could be heard from the other end of his door. Not this time Astro. He presses his hands against each side of his ears.
“Fine! You want an answer?! I secretly am in love with you and I’m trying to get over it by completely cutting you off! There! You happy?! Now leave! Leave and don’t come back! Don’t ever check up on me, and don’t ever try to contact me again! I gave you a reason not to anymore, do you need anymore?!” Dandy shrieked as tears dripped from his face and down to his chin. His body curled up near the door and he whined and whimpered, begging Astro to stop the agonizing pain he’s letting him feel. But Astro stayed quiet, as if in disbelief in what Dandy just admitted. So he shrieks until his voice breaks. Until his esophagus burns.
“You love Sprout! You have a husband! You’re in love with Sprout, not me! Stay with him and never speak to me again! Don’t talk, don’t look, don’t even THINK of me! Just forget about me!!” His voice was speaking harmful words to more himself than to Astro. Anything to not hurt Astro. Anything to keep him away, though. Even if it means hurting him. And it sounds like it’s working. Hiccups and shaky breaths could be heard on the other end, but it’s not letting Dandy feel hurt. He deserves this, actually.
He chose to stay silent about his obnoxious crush on Astro, and this was his punishment. He’s choosing to live with these consequences instead of hurting Astro with them. He’s actively choosing to waste away instead of having Astro feel the hurt. Why is Astro only rubbing in the salt in his wounds? Astro’s weeps could finally be heard bursting through the bottom of Dandy’s door. But he’s not gonna let that be his sole reason to let Astro in. He scoffs through the lump in his throat.
“There you go. Now leave me alone…and never come back.” Dandy’s voice didn’t hold the shakiness it did earlier. It instead demanded that Astro leaves him. To leave this pathetic and depressing flower to wilt while he’s enjoying life with his husband.
“Dandy…” he whimpered through his tears. Dandy didn’t budge. So Astro really had no choice, but to leave his best friend to possibly die. With no one watching him either, only Astro. For Dandy to tell Astro to leave him to, at this point, die, was baffling. What happened to his best friend who was so happy? So energetic? What did he become? Astro stood up, pressing his forehead against the door. “I love you Dandy. Don’t ever forget that.” Astro whispers, finally taking his body away from the door of Dandy’s room before taking steps out, shutting the apartment door behind him soon after, leaving Dandy with just himself. Which he was more than fine with, by the way.
…he doesn’t deserve Astro…