Chapter Text
Since they were young, Astro and Sprout always had cared about each other deeply, despite not being as close. Sprout always had something for Astro too, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint what this feeling exactly was. He always felt a warm fuzzy feeling when he was around the other toon, something about him made Sprout calm and at home. Sprout would even consider Astro one of his closest friends after Cosmo and Ginger. Sure, they were almost polar opposite - Sprout being the extroverted toon, confident and always being able to speak whats on his mind. On the other hand, Astro was a more quiet and reserved toon, not really confident in speaking up or about himself in general. Despite being polar opposite in personality, both toons shared a lot of similarities! They both had a funny side, however, for Astro it was once you got to know him more. They liked similar things and liked each other’s company. Astro always kept a secret from Sprout and every other toon that he actually KNOWS how to cook and can cook great meals. The main reason why he never said anything was out of fear of other toons thinking he was trying to make himself ‘better’ than all the chefs and bakers in Gardenview - he is an over thinker after all.
As they grew up, Astro and Sprouts friendship remained the same. They both had feelings for each other and it was undeniable. Astro was too much of a coward to confront Sprout about his feelings since he was scared of being rejected. Sprout was also terrified, despite being a confident toon and being able to speak whats on his mind all of the time, he could never bring himself to open up to Astro about his romantic feelings for him. He feared too much about ruining their great friendship they’ve shared for many years.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
As the days grew shorter and the air became cooler, some toons started to notice that Astro has not been coming out of his room and not showing himself more often as he used to. Sprout noticed first out of every toon. He practically knew Astro’s whole routine from when he woke up to what times he would usually go to sleep. It was strange as the moon usually kept to his usual schedule, he would love spending time with his friends from time to time during the day and sometimes spend time by himself either in his room or another safe place the toon had. Sprout started to get more concerned about his whereabouts when the moon didn’t eventually show up in the kitchen by 11am. Sprout thought to himself that maybe he had overslept more, or just wasn’t in the mood for food.. Astro felt sick after he woke up anyways and would usually eat something small anyways. He was trying hard to get on with his day and trying not to think about it too much. He wanted to go and check up on Astro but he knew Astro might be wanting some time alone. Sprout’s concern about Astro’s whereabouts only grew stronger after Brightney asked him if he’s seen Astro. Astro..? Not coming to book club? Now that was something to be worried about. The moon never missed a single book club meet up. Now not only Sprout was confused and concerned, many other toon’s started wondering where Astro was after a few days. Its like he disappeared into thin air.
Sprout tried once to go into Astros room, though it was locked. When he eventually got Astro to open the door, Astro looked like a completely different toon. Of course, it was still Astro but he looked more drained than ever - it’s as if his energy was completely gone. Not to mention the dark circles under his eyes and the slight puffiness in his eyes. There was something wrong but Astro kept pushing every toon away from him, even Sprout. This carried on for a few months, any toon who tried to help or talk to Astro would be pushed away, or the subject would change quick. Astro showed himself less. Sprout dedicated himself to bring food to Astro everyday to which he would only eat a little or not eat at all. Though despite whatever Astro was going through, many toons said that he was still out there and caring for every toon. He would give toons good dreams every night. Sprout had changed a lot too, he was more quiet but still tried to keep a positive attitude towards all other toons. He was just worried sick about Astro, he just wished Astro would open up to him.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
Astro felt horrible for distancing himself from every toon and for not letting any toon know what was going on. He needed help but also didn’t want it at the same time. His room felt like a safe place for him, though he was in a continuous battle with his thoughts. It was like his brain split sides and one of them was telling him horrible things about himself and the other was pleading with him to get help. He felt like every toon hated him anyways, it was useless to him at this point.
The moons head hurt so bad to the point he felt nauseous. He decided to call it a night and sleep it off. Maybe just maybe he would feel better when he woke up. Astro passed out the minute he closed his eyes, being constantly drained and the headache making him unable to keep his eyes open anyways. He seemed to wake up in a dimly lit warehouse, he wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or not - it all felt too real. His head was still hurting but less… and there seemed to be a lump in his throat as if he couldn’t speak. He walked around the warehouse for a while before he heard something crashing to the floor. He practically whipped his head around to a room next to an elevator. From the shadows, he could see a figure emerging from the room. Astro backed away while keeping his eye on the figure. As the figure came into the dimmed light above it, Astro froze in confusion. It was him.. but taller and scarier..? The moon stood there looking at the other moon infront of him. He could feel his heart rate pick up. Without thinking, Astro just decided to book it. He didn’t want anything to do with whatever THAT was. His heart practically froze as he heard heavy footsteps running right behind him, he knew that the thing that looked like him was chasing him now. He started running faster, unsure of where to go or how to even lose sight of the creature tailing him.
Astro crashed to the floor with a loud yelp from pain as he tripped over something hard. He tried to scramble back up again and run but it was no use. The twisted version of him had cornered him, blocking the only path for him to escape. “Stop running from me.” the creature snarled as it looked down at Astro. The moon backed up to the wall as he was still sat on the floor, trying to cover himself with his four arms as his blanket was no where to be seen… ever since he woke up in this nightmare. “You keep running away from all your problems. You’re friends are worried for you.” Astro couldn’t speak at all. Only the twisted counter part was speaking. By now, Astro knew he wasn’t in danger. This version of him had a point, but why was he a twisted?
“Wake up Astro.”
After Astros twisted counterpart said that, it was like whatever happened was actually real. Astro woke up back in his bed, the headache still being there. He sat up in bed and just pondered over everything that just happened. Wake up… wake up? He understood now. Without thinking twice, he finally got up from his bed and stretched, for the first time in what seemed like forever. He decided to go and change his clothes finally, into something clean and comfy. He’d worry about cleaning his room and doing the laundry later.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
It was around 11am, most of the toons finished their breakfasts and Sprout and Cosmo were cleaning up with the help of Tisha. Sprout still hadn’t eaten since he woke up, being too worried about the others not eating and of course, Astro. Cosmo handed the strawberry a bowl of cereal to which he indicated that he ate while he helped Tisha with the cleaning. Sprout ate - but slower. His movements were sluggish and he looked like he was deep in though.
“SPROUT?!”
Sprout practically jumped as Cosmo yelled his name. He saw Tisha looking at him confused too as he simply replied with a “Hm?”
“Sprout, I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes! Are you okay?” The cake roll was practically all up in his face.
Sprout still kept a hold on his bowl of cereal “Mhmmm… im okay.”
“C’mon! I know when you’re feeling down! We’re best friends. And you barely touched your food.” Cosmo crossed his arms, studying Sprout alongside Tisha.
“Uh well… I guess im just thinking about Astro. I havent really seen him in about two weeks. Im just worried.” Sprout puts his bowl of cereal down on the table next to him and takes off his apron, avoiding eye contact with Cosmo or Tisha.
“Oh… every toons thinking about Astro and whats going on with him..” Tisha finally speaks up as she leans on her broom, being finished with sweeping the floor.
“I was thinking about him the other day actually.” Cosmo says as he leans against the wall. He knew Sprout cared about Astro a lot, and he could definitely feel Sprout had feelings for Astro since Sprout never was really this concerned about another toon.
“I’ve heard he still is appearing in dreams, which means he still is here.” Tisha says as she puts her broom away into a closet that was in the kitchen.
“I know but its just every time I knock on his door, its always dead silent. I just wish he could talk to me, or even Dandy for that matter. Just anything to make him finally break through and reach out for help.” Sprout kept rambling on and on about Astro and how he was concerned about his whereabouts. It wasn’t long before both Tisha and Cosmo noticed some toon lurking behind one of the wooden pillars, scanning the area to see if they were safe walking into the kitchen. It was Astro. Cosmo practically shook Sprout and pointed Astro out without making it obvious to Astro, who was already aware that the three of them were in the kitchen.
Astro was a stealthy toon, other toons didn't notice him as much usually. He noticed Sprout, Cosmo and Tisha, to which he didn’t mind at all. He knew the three toons well enough to be comfortable with them asking him about where he was and so on. He wanted help after all, maybe one of them could help him in some way. Astro could float too, which was no shocker. He didn’t use this ability often but this was one of those days where he felt like the ground was skining beneath his feet and his head was spinning - still from his headache prior last night. The moon floated slowly to a coffee machine, just to wake himself up a little and get a kick starter to cleaning his room later. He just hoped he could get some pain killers for his headache too.
On the other hand, the three toons watched Astro float too the kitchen and towards the coffee machine. They all smiled and waved, knowing he might want some space. The moon waved back and exchanged a small smile which made Sprouts heart skip a few beats. It wasn’t usual for the moon to smile back, not at his current state for the past few months at least. Cosmo leaned in closer to Sprout and urged him to go talk to Astro, judging by his behaviour so far, maybe the moon was up for a chat? Cosmo pushed Sprout lightly towards Astro, giving him a small head start to talk to him. Sprout swallowed hard and took a deep breath before making his way towards Astro. The moon was already working on the coffee machine, making himself a normal black coffee as the aroma started to mix in with the sweet and savoury smells of the kitchen. Astro looked to his side, noticing Sprout now standing next to him, awaiting the strawberry to speak.
“Hey… Astro.” Sprout started talking as he sounded like he was holding his breath, curious and eager to see if Astro would actually reply to him or sleepily shake his head and go away like usual, letting him know he wasn’t in the mood to talk.
To Sprouts surprise, Astro looked at him with a slight smile and actually replied with a simple and soft: “Hey.”
The breath he was holding in for so long finally escaped him as he smiled back without even knowing. He watched as Astro finished making his coffee and set it aside, to cool off a little bit as he kept looking at Sprout to see what else he had to say.
“How are you… feeling?” The strawberry muttered under his breath while playing with his scarf, hoping Astro felt better and actually opened up this time. He knew something was wrong for a long time but didnt want to barge in and make Astro feel uncomfortable if he didn’t want to talk. He just prayed that Astro would finally open up to him and not keep things to himself.
“Im okay. You?” Astro looked away as Sprout asked him that, he knew he wanted to get help and open up and get any sort of help but it felt like the things he was going through were not much of a big deal and he was overreacting. He felt embarrassed in some ways. Though he had to open up to some toon, any toon… right?
“Ehh.. I’m okay! I was just worried about you- I mean!- We all are..” Sprout started fumbling with his words, Astro didn’t say anything in some sort of fear he was holding. He picked up his coffee cup with his star magic and tested it to see if it was cooler enough to drink, but still hot enough to enjoy.
“Do you want some food?” Sprout asked again after about ten seconds of no reply from Astro. Astro actually paused for a minute considering it. He was feeling sick, like usual though so he wasn’t up for food.
“No.. no thanks. Im not hungry. Though, it would be appreciated if you could give me some painkillers, my heads killing-“ Astro couldn’t even finish his words before Sprout practically jumped and fumbled through the kitchen to the medicine cabinet to find painkillers for Astro.
“Oh, yeah yeah, of course!” Sprout said almost in an instant, not letting Astro finish his sentence. Astro looked a bit skinnier than usual but Sprout told himself he’d get Astro to eat later anyways. That is, if he got the chance of course. However he told himself that he would, weather that meant he would invade Astros privacy or not. Astro had a small smile on his face again, watching Sprout looking frantically look through the cabinet for painkillers for him. He noticed Cosmo and Tisha, sitting at one of the tables and just talking amongst themselves. He thought to himself that maybe this was his chance to finally speak, even just about anything. Maybe it would make him feel better.
Astro made his way over to the table where Cosmo and Tisha were sat, coffee mug still floating with him. Sprout found the painkillers and saw Astro taking a seat at the table, making his jaw almost drop but inside he was beaming with happiness that this was really happening. Astro? He was finally opening up again! Cosmo and Tisha were surprised too, they were used to Astro entering the kitchen and leaving as fast as he came in for the past few months. They smile and say hi to him, to which Astro replies back to them and smiles back shyly too. Sprout joins at the table, handing Astro his painkillers. The four of them exchanged a heartfelt and wholesome conversation for about 30 minutes, all of them forgetting about whats been going on with Astro for the past few months. The conversation mainly consisted of the three toons catching up Astro on what he missed, trying not to make him too uncomfortable by saying how much every toon has missed him. To everyone’s surprise, Astro actually opened up towards the end of the conversation. He claimed he was stupid and how sorry he was for pushing every toon away from him. His insecurities just got the better of him and he felt like absolutely everything in the universe hated him, and so he shut away from everytoon. Sprout, Cosmo and Tisha listened and exchanged a few words with Astro after he opened up a little, saying how they’re sorry he was going through that and that they’re proud of him for finally speaking up. Cosmo offered Astro food again, not knowing Sprout asked that moments ago earlier - Astro denied again but he promised he would eat later. He just felt too sick and dizzy to eat at the moment. Astro smiled as the three offered him more help in cleaning his room or anything else to which he denied again. It felt good to finally be able to open up. He was glad he had such good friends and he just cursed himself for not speaking up earlier.
Even though Astro finally felt happy after talking to the three all together, he finished his coffee and he noticed his headache go away, to which he thanked Sprout for giving him the painkillers. Astro knew he had to go back to his room and clean it, he was already dreaming about fresh and clean bed sheets and a clean room. The moon wished of a bath too. After a few more minutes, Astro finally excused himself and thanked the three for talking to him, he explained he wanted to clean his room. Sprout offered to go with him and help him, Astro thought about it for a second and agreed. It wouldn’t be so bad to have company after all. Though he knew he didn’t need help in cleaning - he could use his star magic to clean his room in the matter of seconds. Sprouts heart felt warm, he loved seeing Astro be able to smile and laugh again, even if it was subtle. It was a huge improvement from the past few months.
All the four toons got up, Tisha and Cosmo going somewhere else into Gardenview, leaving Astro and Sprout alone. Both toons started to walk towards Astro’s room while Sprout was talking about more things that happened in Gardenview while Astro wasn’t really around. As they walked, they were stopped by Poppy and Yatta. Both Poppy and Yatta were more louder and confident toons. As they saw Astro, they almost both gasped and started saying their hello’s and how it was good to see him again. Astro was a little taken aback - he wasn’t angry or sad that Yatta and Poppy were so eager to talk to him, and he didn’t push them away. He just stood there and tried to make words come out but… nothing. Was he too used to ignoring others and not talking? Was he drained? No… he felt okay… why couldn’t he get any words out? He felt like an idiot for just standing there and looking at the two as they both kept chatting away to him, noticing how he wasn’t running away or hiding. Astro knew they had good intentions, just maybe they were a little TOO loud for his liking. Sprout noticed that Astro was having trouble talking, so he decided to step in. He only wanted to calm the situation down for Astro.
“Hey… I know you’re excited to see Astro again after a while but… give him a little space, okay?” Sprout stood next to Astro as he gave a gentle smile to the two.
“Oh yeah, of course! Sorry we kinda barged into ya, Astro.” Poppy calmed down as she apologised, followed by Yatta. For a second, they completely forgot Astro was more quiet like some other toons they were friends with.
“No… don’t worry, its fine, genuinely. And I’m okay. I just got taken aback, Im sorry.” Astro finally spoke up as he smiled a little.
“Don’t worry. And don’t apologise. Great to see you again, Astro!” Yatta smiled as she and Poppy walked away.
It was just Sprout and Astro left in the quiet corridor again. Sprout looked down at Astro and gave him a small smile. He was happy that Astro was feeling better after a while. Astro gave him a small smile back again and they started walking slowly again. They were quiet for a bit before they entered Astro’s room. As Sprout walked in, he was a little shocked to see how Astro trashed his room over this time, it was like Shrimpo had walked in there. Though he understood how it could have gotten to this state, due to how Astro mentioned he would get anger outbursts from his melancholy. Sprout wasn’t a toon to judge. He was just worried on how they would get this all clean.
“What do you want me to start cleaning first-“
Before Sprout could finish what he was saying, Astro used his star magic and cleaned his room quickly cleaned his room, changing the sheets, piling the dirty clothes and sheets into one corner and putting all the trash into the bin in the matter of seconds. He turned to Sprout and could see his mouth slightly ajar as he was in a state of pure awe. He knew Astro had his star magic but he never knew he could pull off something like this. Astro started giggling at the sight of Sprouts shocked face.
“I wish you could see yourself right now- pfft-“ Astro covered his mouth with his blanket as he let out a small laugh.
“I… you..” Sprout tried to snap out of it as Astro kept giggling. He tuned to Astro and started laughing himself a little. “So why did you tell me I could help cleaning your room with you?” The strawberry asked in a jokingly manner.
“Well you seemed so eager.. plus it didn’t hurt to have some company to get here. Im sorry I brought you here. I should have said. But you did save me from Yatta and Poppy I guess. I mean I was at a complete loss of words there.” Astro stopped giggling, he felt a bit bad for making Sprout come all the way here just for him not to do anything. Sprout quickly swatted the thoughts away from Astro.
“Astro, don’t be sorry. I didn’t mind coming here. In fact, I enjoyed it and im glad you feel better and its just… nice seeing you again. I’ve missed you.” Sprout looked Astro in the eyes as he said this, making sure that Astro knew and felt that what he was saying was straight from his heart and he meant it.
Astro paused for a moment, feeling a slight blush creeping up onto his cheeks. “Ah.. mm i’ve missed you too. Thank you, really. I thought every toon would be mad at me or hate me-“
Sprout shook his head, he hated seeing Astro still blaming himself after everything. He puts a hand on Astros shoulder.
“Astro… don’t say that. No toon could ever hate you. I could never hate you. And please don’t blame yourself. Its not your fault. And what you said, earlier… I know you said it in brief but I wish I could have helped you earlier. You’re making the first steps to get better and I’m so happy you are.”
Astro let out a sigh, looking at Sprout “Now don’t you go blaming yourself. Its not your fault either. I was in a bad place and had a different mindset. I didnt want to go insane. Its nice you care so much…” Astro smiled a little.
Sprout could feel himself smiling too, feeling a warm feeling at Astros words. He took his had off Astros shoulder.
“I get that… I will always care about you.”
They were both blushing but neither of them wanted to speak up about their true feelings. Sprout spoke up again after a few seconds of silence.
“Hey.. I’ll let you have some time for yourself, you mentioned you wanted to take a bath right? I’ll come check up on you later, if thats okay with you. I need to collect some deliveries from Dyle today anyways.”
“Sprout- you don’t have to- I’ll be okay I promise.” Astro looked away a little shyly. He never really had anyone say that to him. He thought it was nice that Sprout was so caring though.
“Astro, seriously. I just want you to feel better.” Sprout crossed his arms as he looked at Astro with a look or sympathy in his eyes. “Please… don’t deny the help… I promise I’ll talk later about getting you actual help.”
Astro sighs, he knew it was the right thing to do. He couldn’t rely on himself or any of his friends to make his melancholy go away. “Hmm.. okay. I just don’t want you to think im using you for my own benefit.”
“Astro… you’re not using me. Im here to help you. Besides you’ve helped me so many times in the past… weather we were kids, teens or adults. It feels like I never helped you with anything. Let me return the favour - please?” Sprout just wanted to hug Astro but he held back… for now at least.
“Okay… only if you’re sure.” Astro looked at Sprout again, a moment of silence filling the room again before Sprout reached out to hug him.
“Im sure. See you later, okay?” Sprout hugged Astro for a while too long, Astro did hug him back, appreciating his help. He just hoped he wasn’t lying.
Both toons exchanged their goodbyes and Sprout left Astro alone for a bit. Astro felt happy, he forgot how caring Sprout was.
Astro looked over to his bathroom and sighed. He felt calm being able to take a bath after a while. The moon made his way to the bathroom and made himself one of the best and most relaxing bubble baths he’s had in a while, savouring every moment of the hot water and the aromas of all the scented oils and bubble bath he put in the water. If one thing was for certain, it was that this toon LOVED baths.