Chapter Text
Sprout sat in the bright green grass, the wind blew through the grass and he ran his fingers through the soft green beneath him. Pretty flowers grew out from the dirt, and the sun shone bright upon him. He looks to his side, seeing his best friend Cosmo next to him.
Cosmo turned from his gaze on the clouds to meet his gaze with Sprout, he smiles softly as he waves at Sprout.
“The sky is so pretty today!”
Sprout huffs, “it is, isn’t it?”
The silence following is comfortable, two best friends sitting in the grass together. Sprout felt a sense of peace wash over him at the scenery before him and he sighs in relief. All of the horrors of gardenview disappear from his mind at this moment.
Sprout suddenly feels a hand brush against his, and he turns to Cosmo in confusion, yet his friend has a flustered smile on his face.
“Uh.. cos?”
“..is this okay, Sprout..?”
Uh, no.. Sprout had reminded him this crush on him was not something he reciprocated multiple times.
“Uh.. cosmo. We talked about this.”
“I know, but- just let me try.”
“I…”
Sprout feels slightly uncomfortable, allowing Cosmo to hold his hand yet not tightening his fingers around Cosmos. Cosmo leans towards him, his gaze to his lips.
“Uh.. cosmo.”
The sky flushes a dark black, taking the ground out from beneath him as Sprout feels his stomach drop. He falls down into a deep neverending hole, Cosmo nowhere in sight.
_
Astro sits up from his bed, panting out short breaths. How could he do such a thing ?? Sure, he didn’t exactly mean to, he just felt so strongly it took over the entire dream. Is it wrong to want to check up on an old friend..? I mean, he.. he looked uncomfortable. He really needs to get control of his powers.
Astro sighs deeply as he runs a hand down his stressed face, a frown across his features as the guilt causes him to wrap two arms around himself. Surely he couldn’t apologize to Sprout, maybe if he said nothing Sprout would think it was of his own imagination.
He slowly stands up, seeing the sun peeking through the windows. They had another run to go on today, and of course Sprout and Cosmo were coming - the most awkward duo to be around at the moment.
He grabs his blanket as he wraps it around himself, using his magic to open his door and stroll out with his head pointed downwards.
Astro takes a seat at the cafeteria, seeing the clear avoidance of him from many toons. Brightney takes a seat next to him.
“Hey, Astro!” She beams, “You’re not gonna get something to eat..?” She looks down at the empty spot in front of him.
“Ah.. it’s a bit early for me.” He explains, a polite smile decorating his face.
A plate slams on the table in front of him, and he flinches, looking up to see Sprout with wide eyes.
“Eat something.” He demands with a stern expression, tired of Astro not being fully focused each time they’re on runs, “I need you focused.”
He doesn’t wait for a response, just turns away. His tone is always cold and distant, ever since the Ichor operation it has been.. and the guilt of it all plagues Astro every day.
Astro wants to tell him thank you, but his back is turned and he’s already heading to sit with Cosmo. The weight of unspoken words between them is heavy, his lips curving into a frown as he begins to pick at his food with his fork.
“Astro.. you okay?” Brightney places a hand on his back, a worried smile. It was inviting.. too inviting. Too much.
“..fine. I’m.. gonna eat in my room. I’ll see you tonight.” She watches him with concern as he takes the plate of food with him to his room.
“Uh.. see you, Astro.”
She’s no stranger to his distance. Astro had always been somewhat elusive, though opening up when around those he truly trusts. Ever since the Ichor operation, it was difficult to connect with Astro. If he didn’t want to be found, he wouldn’t be. He’d disappear on a whim, leaving his friends worrying yet making no effort to disturb him.
He shuts the door behind him, placing the food on his dresser. Truly, he wanted to eat but his stomach was full of butterflies, unable to handle even the scent of the food.
He sighs, his brain plagued with thoughts. The ichor operation hadn’t been his idea, no, but he agreed with Dandy. Dandy had told him it would help, and he had nodded along, unsure of how to handle his friend's spiral into madness. He tried to help him understand, but Dandy was set on it. Now Astro has lost the trust of friends he grew up with..
He should have stopped him.
Astro feels the shiver through his body, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, body trembling with the thought.. but he sucks in a deep breath, steadying himself against the dresser.
Get it together..