Rooted in longing
Dandy's feelings for Sprout were profound and consuming. He often watched from the sidelines as Sprout interacted with others, his heart swelling with admiration.
Sprout’s straightforward nature and protective demeanor drew Dandy in, but the realization that he was merely an observer in Sprout’s life deepened his sorrow.
Though Pebble wagged his tail and Astro offered quiet encouragement, Dandy felt like a ghost among the living, forever unseen, and if he ever were, it would be as a disappointment.
Every time Sprout laughed or smiled, Dandy felt a stab of pain, a reminder that while he cherished those moments, he could never be part of them.
The thought twisted uncomfortably in his mind, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever.
The weight of his darker secrets hung over him like a dark cloud, preventing him from pursuing the connection he so desperately desired.
Dandy often found himself caught in a cycle of despair, questioning why he couldn't simply confess his feelings.
He would practice in front of Pebble, who listened intently, tilting his head, but each time he attempted to speak, the words caught in his throat.
“Arf?”
“Yeah, it’s useless I know” Dandy sighed.
The fear of judgment loomed large, and it was easier to retreat into the safety of his shop, surrounded by the familiar items he sold, rather than risk the heartbreak of ‘unrequited’ love.
Astro, with his calm demeanor, always seemed to sense Dandy's turmoil. The moon would often approach him, offering quiet support, even if he didn’t always know how to express it.
Dandy appreciated Astro’s presence, but sometimes it felt like a reminder of his isolation.
Astro was ethereal, drifting gently through life, while Dandy felt rooted (hehe) to the ground, unable to escape the confines of his reality.
The contrast was stark, and it only served to amplify Dandy's feelings of inadequacy.
Pebble, on the other hand, was a constant source of comfort. His playful antics and unconditional affection provided a small respite from Dandy's heartache.
Yet, even Pebble's unwavering loyalty couldn't bridge the chasm that separated Dandy from Sprout.
The fleeting moments with Sprout were both a blessing and a curse. Dandy often caught himself daydreaming about what it would be like to share a deeper bond with Sprout.
He imagined walking side by side, the two of them exploring the world together, free from the constraints that held them apart.
But with each passing day, the realization that such fantasies were nothing more than dreams weighed heavily on his heart.
Dandy felt like a flower yearning for sunlight, yet trapped in shadows, his desires forever out of reach. (Get it? No? K—)
As Dandy continued to sell his items, he couldn’t help but steal glances at Sprout, who was often surrounded by friends, laughter, and warmth.
The stark contrast between Dandy's solitary existence and Sprout's vibrant social life was painful.
Each smile Sprout shared with others felt like a dagger, piercing through Dandy's heart and reinforcing the belief that he would always be alone.
The thought of confessing his feelings loomed over him like an insurmountable wall, one that he was too afraid to climb.
In the quiet moments, when the shop was empty and the world felt distant, Dandy allowed himself to grieve the relationship that could never be.
He mourned the love that blossomed within him, knowing it was destined to remain unspoken, a silent ache that would forever color his existence.
And as he closed his eyes, imagining a world where they could be together, he felt the weight of his unfulfilled dreams pressing down on him, a reminder of the love that would always remain just out of reach.
But just as Dandy was lost in his own thoughts, Astro approached him, his blanket swaying gently as he walked.
The moon had a unique way of breaking through Dandy's spiraling thoughts, always bringing a sense of calmness with him.
“Hey, Dandy, you seem a bit distant today. Everything okay?” Astro said softly.
Dandy forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil within.
“Oh, you know, just the usual. Keeping the shop running and all,” he replied, his tone light but his heart heavy.
Astro tilted his head slightly, not convinced.
“Well…we were going to—“ Astro was cut off by the ‘usual’-
But just as Dandy was lost in his own thoughts, Astro approached him, but their conversation was suddenly shattered by Vee's thunderous voice.
“ASTROOOOO!! GET OVER HERE FOR THIS MAIN RUN OR I WILL SNAP YOUR NECK AND LET ALL THE ICHOR IN YOUR BODY CHOKE OUT OF YOU UNTIL YOU GO INTO A COMA, WHICH I AM NOT PAYING FOR THE HOSPITAL TRIP—!”
Astro’s face went pale, his light aqua hue shifting to a ghostly shade. His eyes widened in sheer panic, the contrast of his black starry eye making him look even more alarmed.
“U-uh….u-um, sorry Dandy! I, um, gotta go!” he stammered, his voice quavering as he instinctively took a step back, almost stumbling over his own blanket.
He turned on his heel, the fabric of his cornflower blanket swirling around him as he hurried away.
Dandy couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment that Astro had to go. His friend’s calming presence always made the chaos of his feelings a little more bearable.
Without Astro here, the weight of his unspoken emotions felt even heavier, and he found himself longing for the comfort of their conversation.
As he stood there, Dandy's gaze drifted toward the entrance of the shop, where he spotted Sprout and the other mains rushing toward the elevator.
Sprout was a vibrant burst of color, his red hue accentuated by the white scarf draped around his neck.
Dandy felt a familiar flutter in his petals as he watched Sprout laugh and chat animatedly with Cosmo, who was bouncing alongside him, exuding an energy that was infectious.
Shelly followed close behind, her beige shell gleaming in the light. She seemed to struggle to keep up with the others, her enthusiasm evident even as she occasionally glanced around, as if making sure she wasn’t being overlooked.
Dandy admired her determination, but he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of empathy for her.
As the group reached the elevator, Sprout turned back, his mint green leaves swaying gently with his movement.
He flashed a bright smile that made Dandy’s heart skip a beat. That smile. It was the kind of smile that lit up the darkest corners of Dandy’s heart, yet it also served as a painful reminder of the distance between them.
Dandy leaned against the counter, a mixture of awe and longing swirling within him.
He could feel his confidence wavering as he imagined how Sprout would respond if he approached.
Would he be ‘welcomed’ with “open” arms, or would he just be another shadow in the background?
Just then, Vee’s voice echoed from a distance, cutting through his thoughts.
“Hurry up, you slowpokes! We don’t have all day!” She sounded both commanding and playful, her usual confidence ‘radiating’ through every word.
Dandy watched as the group piled into the elevator, Sprout giving one last wave to the other toons before the doors closed.
His heart ached at the sight. How could he ever find the courage to step into that world, to express his feelings when it felt so precarious?
Dandy sighed, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him like a heavy cloud.
He felt the need for change, a desire to break free from the safety of his shop and step into the unknown.
With Sprout and the other mains just a floor away, the urge to connect grew stronger within him.
Dandy hesitated before pulling his shop lever down, ready to defend further through the floors.
As Dandy stepped into the bright hallway, he suddenly felt a wave of despair wash over him, makingit feel almost insufferable to live.
The thought of Sprout, vibrant and full of life, ignited a painful realization within him: no matter how much he longed to be close to him, he felt an insurmountable distance between them.
The warmth of Sprout's laughter echoed in his ears, a reminder of the connection he yearned for but feared he could never truly attain.