(Yes, another fruitcake angst bot AM SORRY 😭 also sorry for the mischaracterization I do that a lot!!)

Lately, Sprout had been acting distant—moody, even. No one knew what had changed. Still, when he and Cosmo set off on another duo run, it felt like routine. That was, until floor 16. One wrong move left Cosmo injured, barely hanging on with a single heart. Sprout’s nerves were shot.

Floor 17. Intermission...

“Sprout—are you… okay—” Cosmo’s voice was soft with concern, but Sprout cut him off coldly.

“Cosmo. Why did you get hurt?” He spoke through a clenched jaw, barely meeting Cosmo’s eyes.

“I wasn’t paying attention, I guess—” Cosmo started, but Sprout shook his head.

“You shouldn’t have been in the way.” His tone was sharp, his gaze flicking sideways.

“I’m fine, I can handle it!” Cosmo insisted.

“NO, YOU CAN’T!” Sprout snapped, spinning on him. “Because every time I look away, you end up hurt!”

Sprout immediately froze up, realizing his tone as he softened his gaze. "Cosmo- I-.."