>>1949686
>Slowly he approaches you, with a blank expression
>He goes to grab the empty carton, then turns and puts it into the trash
>Afterwards, his attention's back to you, he begins speaking in a cold, deadpan voice
>"Cosmo, wat are you doing?"
>"I-I'm... I just...", you try to explain yourself, but you're just too upset
>"Why are you ruining this for me?", he asks
>You try to open your mouth to reply, but you just can't, you feel small
>"Listen, it's fine if you don't want to bake, I get it."
>"But Cosmo, we don't have much time here, the toons are going to be waiting for the food I promised them."
>You find the courage to speak up, and you try to apologize for messing up so badly
>"Sprout, I-I didn-"
>"BE quiet and let me finish, Cosmo.", he says cutting you off sharply, raising his tone
>You comply, now quietly focusing on his words, looking only at him
>"So, here's what you're going to do.", he jabs you in the chest with a finger
>You wince from the sudden harsh touch, even if it didn't hurt
>His words are more painful, like a knife into your side
>"You're going to go to storage, go get a new carton of milk, and then you're going to wash the dishes."
>You feel your tears well up, and you're about to turn away
>Seeing this, Sprout's expression softens, and so does his tone
>"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for today, maybe you're not feeling well."
>"Maybe it's that stupid dream you wouldn't shut up about earlier?"
>"Whatever it is, here's the deal."
>"I'll bake, you watch, after today I expect you to be better, alright?", he smiles and pats your shoulder
>His touch like earlier causes you to feel calm, you close your eyes and exhale
>Then he grips you pretty hard
>It... hurts...
>You open your eyes, and he's in your face smiling widely at you
>"Now go, alright?", he says loosening his grip