Another Dawn, Another pastry
The morning sun rose, marking the start of the week. And another early morning for those at Gâteau et Fraise.
“Boxten? Would you mind grabbing the phone quickly for me? I’m in the middle of taking out the macarons!” Cosmo yells across the kitchen, from the oven.
The Music box hurriedly moved across the cafe, past the tables and Poppy's bar and all the plants and decor, to where the other’s phone was placed on top of the clear pastry display, quickly sliding the bar to answer the call.
“Cosmo?”
“Ah no, Boxten actually! Cosmo’s taking some pastries out of the oven. Sorry about that.” Boxten nervously laughed. “But I can relay the message!” Boxten quickly chipped in.
“Ah yes. No big deal. It’s me Sprout.”
“Sprout? Oh what’s up? Any last-minute changes to plans?”
“Not any bad ones! I was just thinking of popping to town earlier to hang out more with the others. I was wondering if I could bother you and Cosmo if I could stay at your guys’ place during that time.” The strawberry said across the phone.
“Oh uhm… I’ll ask Cosmo about it. We already said we’d host Bobette and Ginger… but I’m sure we can do something.”
“Oh no worries if you can’t! I can always book a hotel or anything.” Sprout quickly added in. “Don’t wanna bother you guys.”
“Oh no! I believe Cosmo would be upset if his ‘Best friend’ couldn’t stay with him!”
Sprout paused. “Yes… uh, get back to me when you can, just can’t wait.” Sprout mumbled across the phone quickly before cutting the call.
“Oh,” Boxten says as he puts down the phone.
Cosmo came into the dining area, around the register and dusting flour off his apron. “So, who was it?”
“Sprout…”
“Oh Sprout! What did he want?” The Roulade beamed, his smile wide.
“Uh, He didn’t want to bother us too much, but he wanted to come around a little earlier, but he didn’t know we were already taking Bob and Ginger… So our guest room’s full.”
Cosmo blinked. “That’s no problem… Sprout can sleep with me! Like old times!”
Boxten fidgeted with the hems of his sleeves. “Yeah sure! Uhm yeah I’ll leave you to text Sprout about it. He didn’t seem to be very happy over the call with me.” He gave a weak smile. “I’ll get started on decorating. You take your time.”
Cosmo offered a weak smile back “Thanks Boxten.”
“No problem.”
Boxten left toward the kitchen, muttering things to himself; Cosmo was left to his own devices (literally).
Sprout hadn’t been back in a while. He’d been too busy as a famous cooking icon now. He was even amazed he’d made space in his schedule to visit for such a long time with a world-wide live cooking contest series coming up.
Cosmo felt a bit embarrassed with the small bakery he’d be left in charge after Sprout’s departure. Cosmo had made a few upgrades here and there, but most of the changes were of recipe tweaking. He and Boxten could proudly say that (at least) they had the best pastries in the whole of Weivnedarg. They’d also started selling some drinks, Poppy had come up with, adding another entire section to the bakery… it was more a café.
But… the three held a little pride with what had become of Gâteau et Fraise. Being a favourite in the cozy town: Praise showering down from anyone who had a single bite of their food.
Boxten, Poppy & Cosmo.
Sprout will be surprised at the upgrades in the bakery! He’d sure love them! And Cosmo can’t wait till they can bake or cook together again!
Cosmo was wrung out of his daydreaming to his phone vibrating, a few notifications popping up.
Ginger: We’ll be there in an hour! Bob brought Coal… hope you don’t mind :)
Cosmo quickly typed back a reply
Cosmo: ofc! Coal is such a treat to have! How has the drive been?
Ginger: alright so far! Bob’s a lil tired of driving tho
Cosmo: We’ll have to set aside some stuff for you guys!
Ginger: We’ll make it up to you guys! I have some recipes! Maybe we can sell them at the bakery to make it up to you.
Cosmo: There’s no need! You guys are great… but I’d love to see what you’ve come up with :D
Ginger: I can’t wait to see your creations too! >0<
Cosmo’s attention was dragged away from his phone to hear a shout and clatter from the kitchen.
Cosmo placed the phone down on the register to race over to see the commotion.
… to where the Music-box was covered in a rainbow smoothie; In front of Boxten, was Poppy, beside her on the floor: an assortment of glasses.
“Uhm… Poppy?” Boxten said, taking off his glasses to expect the damage.
“OMG… I’m really sorry! I honestly didn’t see you Boxten!” Poppy said panicked, pulling a handkerchief from her apron and quickly dabbing the mess off him.
“No it’s fine…” Boxten said, a little flustered.
“No it’s not! That was completely on me for not looking! A drink on me! Blue-Lemon soda is your favourite, right?”
“Uhm, yeah. That’d be nice…”
Poppy threw the handkerchief at Boxten and ran off in the direction of the bar.
Cosmo had to stifle some giggles threatening to erupt from his lips.
“You alright there?”
“Well, I have all my limbs intact… I think.”
Cosmo started laughing.
“The spare uniforms are over in the storage; You know where the bathroom is. You took a head start for me, so I’ll work on this while you get changed.”
Boxten gave a sigh of relief.
“Thanks Cosmo. You’re the best.”
“No worries for my friend.” Cosmo smiled at Boxten. “On another note… we do open soon so hurry if you can.”
“Oh no…”
Sprout looked at his phone, anxiously awaiting some sort of text or sign from his dearly beloved friend.
It’d been a bit. He’d been constantly checking his mobile throughout meetings and all sorts of things his manager had prepared for him that day.
But… This was very last second, he couldn’t just expect them to welcome him with open arms.
He threw himself back on his armchair, hand ruffling through his leaves.
He was so stupid. Originally, he was only going to be there for the picnic and leave the minute it ended anyway. Why should he be mad, he can’t stay a lil longer? More time to work on his career?
…but he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
Slamming his phone on the table. Scuffing up his leaves and biting his finger, he turned his head toward the window. His room gave him a view of the entirety of the city. The lights beamed from the city, the night view was pretty.
Not as pretty as the view of the stars in Weivnedarg.
He did really miss the solitude there.
Damn it.
Grimacing, he flicked open his schedule, flicking through the events coming up.
An Interview on Tuesday, followed by a photo shoot. After that was a meeting he had with some of the crew for the show he was doing soon.
After that, he was taking the flight back to Weivnedarg, a little earlier than expected, as he had been able to make the time.
He was quite glad Cosmo had rambled to him about it just as his manager was about to book him that week. He’d be rather disappointed if he’d been unable to go.
It had been too long.
He'd booked the week off… but he wanted to spend more time.
he sighed.
Sprout exited his calendar app and opened his photos, looking through the albums till he found one labelled ‘Dandy’s World’.
He looked through it, feeling the nostalgia running through him.
Poppy is drinking a can of pop alongside Boxten
Razzle & Dazzle, Astro and Brightney smiling, all with books in hand, just before a book club scene.
Shelly napping, clutching onto a dinosaur plush, meanwhile Tisha tucks her in.
Vee and Glisten checking their microphones.
Teagan’s tea party, with Rodger and Toodles.
Yatta, Blot and Looey performing at a birthday party.
Gigi, Flutter and Connie giggling at a sleepover.
Finn and Shrimpo laughing together (well… maybe not Shrimpo…).
Dandy and Pebble playing in the lobby
Bobbette, Ginger, Coal and Rudie doing the preparations for Christmas
and… Cosmo.
His face beaming as he held a bowl of batter, his face covered in flour and chocolate.
Sprouts lips betrayed him, forming a small smile.
He couldn’t wait till the picnic came.
And Until then. He could… no, would hold out.
Then maybe… just maybe… he could take a break and go back to how things were before all this.
Hopefully.
Cosmo: No worries! come around anyway! We'll just share my room. just like old times :D
Sprout must be favoured by the gods
He sent his reply with a thumbs up
Sprout: I'll be over on Wednesday
How lucky he was.
He can't wait to see them all.
... he really couldn't.
“Ms Vee?”
“Yes?”
“I heard there’s an opening in your schedule for the coming Sunday?”
“I’m busy that day.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll be in Weivdarg attending to some personal business.”
“Personal Business?”
“Uh. Well yes.”
“Are you sure you can’t put it off? The next launch is coming soon and we do need your help.”
“I’m sure you can manage without me.”
“No we really can’t-“
The coffee was slammed onto the desk.
“Look, I don’t want to go to this as much as you do, but I must. So, knock it off,” Vee snarled at her assistant.
“I uh. Apologies.”
the assistant hurriedly left, leaving Vee with her thoughts.
tsk.
This was a terrible time for her.
But… things must be done.
For everyone’s sake.
For her sake.
Vee turned her attention to the wall. A picture of all the mains on it.
she’d do it.
And she won't make a single mistake.
Everything will go perfectly.
It must.
And it will.
After all,
She’s Vee.
And she never cedes to get what she wants.