Red Apples
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Sprout’s POV
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I froze in place, my hand on the doorframe. It didn’t move. She was likely busy baking or tending to something inside. Still, guilt tugged at my chest. Sneaking away wasn’t exactly brave or smart. But as I stood there, staring at the forest, Cosmo’s promise echoed in my mind:
"MEET ME ON THE WEST EDGE TOMORROW AT NOON! WE CAN PLAY THERE!”
The words felt like a dare, a whisper of adventure I’d never been allowed to chase. The pull of the unknown, of Cosmo’s infectious excitement, was stronger than my fear of punishment or the danger my parents warned me about.
I tightened my grip on the basket of apples, its familiar weight grounding me. Taking a deep breath, the kind that fills your lungs and pushes away hesitation, I stepped off the porch. The gravel path crunched underfoot, but as I neared the treeline, the sound faded into the soft hush of grass.
The trees towered above, their branches tangling like old secrets, their trunks thick with age and moss. In the daylight, the forest seemed different less threatening than it had under the silver light of the moon. But it still held an air of mystery. Shadows danced in the sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the earthy scent of damp moss filled the air.
Each step brought me closer to the meeting spot, my heart hammering with anticipation. What if Cosmo wasn’t there? What if it had all been a strange dream? Or worse what if the wolves from last night were waiting instead?
“Sprout!”
The voice jolted me from my thoughts, and I nearly dropped the basket. Cosmo bounded into view, his floppy ears bouncing with each step, his tail wagging furiously like a flag in the wind.
“You came!” he exclaimed, his wide grin stretching from ear to ear. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t!”
“I… I brought apples,” I stammered, lifting the basket as if it were proof of my commitment.
Cosmo’s golden eyes lit up, his excitement almost childlike. “Apples? Really? Wow, thanks! Gigi loves apples! She’s gonna be so jealous!” He reached for one, his claws glinting faintly in the sunlight. Despite their sharpness, his touch was gentle as he cradled the shiny fruit, examining it like it was treasure. “You’re the best, Sprout!”
His words sent a warm flush to my cheeks. “It’s just apples,” I mumbled, fiddling with the basket strap.
“Toons love snacks,” Cosmo said with a playful wink before taking a huge bite. The crunch echoed in the quiet forest, followed by his satisfied hum. “Mmm, this is so good!” He finished the bite, then turned to me, his eyes alight with mischief. “Okay, now that we’ve got snacks, wanna play?”
“Play?” I echoed, unsure. “I thought… I thought we were going to talk about the forest… or, you know, the wolves?”
Cosmo’s laugh was rich and carefree, his tail wagging faster. “Talking’s boring, Sprout! Come on, I’ll show you something really cool!”
Before I could respond, he grabbed my hand. His paw was warm, its pads soft against my skin, though the claws pressed lightly. He tugged me forward, his energy a force of nature.
The forest shifted as we moved deeper. The quiet that had felt ominous before now seemed alive, humming with life. Birds called in the distance, leaves rustled overhead, and somewhere, the faint trickle of water reached my ears.
“You’ll love this spot,” Cosmo said over his shoulder, his voice bright with excitement.
Despite my lingering unease, I found myself smiling. Maybe the forest wasn’t as dangerous as my parents had always said. Maybe Cosmo was right there was more to this place than I’d ever imagined.
For now, I decided to trust him. After all, what could possibly go wrong?
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3rd POV
Cosmo’s paw held Sprout’s hand firmly but gently as he led him through the winding paths of the forest. His tail wagged, brushing against bushes and leaves as he walked, his excitement barely contained.
Sprout glanced around nervously, his free hand clutching the basket of apples tightly. The trees felt taller now, their shadows stretching like watchful sentinels. The further they went, the more the air seemed to change, growing cooler, with a faint scent of water and flowers lingering on the breeze.
“Where are we going?” Sprout asked hesitantly, his voice soft against the forest’s natural symphony.
Cosmo grinned, glancing back at him. “You’ll see. It’s a secret spot. Only the coolest toons know about it.”
As they rounded a corner, the dense trees opened into a clearing bathed in golden sunlight. A small brook cut through the center, its water sparkling like glass as it cascaded over smooth stones. Wildflowers in shades of violet, yellow, and white dotted the grassy clearing, swaying gently in the breeze.
Cosmo released Sprout’s hand and bounded ahead, spinning in circles as he laughed. “Tada! What do you think?”
Sprout stared, his eyes wide. “It’s… beautiful,” he admitted, his voice filled with awe. He set the basket down carefully, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility of the space.
Cosmo flopped onto the grass, his arms stretched behind his head as he gazed at the sky. “Told ya the forest wasn’t so bad.”
Sprout sat beside him, still clutching the hem of his shirt nervously. “But… what about the wolves? Aren’t they dangerous?”
Cosmo turned his head toward Sprout, his golden eyes meeting his gaze with a steady warmth that seemed to dissolve the chill lingering in the air. “Not all wolves are bad,” he said softly, his tone sincere and unguarded, like he wanted Sprout to truly believe it. Then, with a playful grin that softened the moment, he added, “Besides, you’ve got me! I’d never let anything happen to you.”
Sprout’s chest eased slightly, the knot of fear and doubt loosening. Cosmo’s words, though simple, carried a weight that Sprout wasn’t used to hearing. For the first time since stepping into the forest, a small flicker of comfort began to take root. Maybe, just maybe, Cosmo was right.
The clearing around them seemed to respond to the shift in mood. The gentle trickle of a brook weaving through mossy stones filled the air, underscored by the delicate hum of insects and the distant rustle of leaves. Wildflowers, vivid shades of blue and yellow, swayed as bees drifted lazily from bloom to bloom. Above them, the sun filtered through the canopy, dappling the ground with shifting patches of golden light.
Suddenly, Cosmo sprang to his feet, his ears perking up like he’d just remembered something important. “Wait here!” he exclaimed, bounding off with an excited energy that left Sprout momentarily stunned.
Sprout blinked, unsure what to expect, as Cosmo returned moments later, his arms full of books. The sight was so unexpected that Sprout rubbed his eyes, half-convinced he was imagining things. With a triumphant grin, Cosmo dropped the stack onto the grass between them.
“Uh…” Sprout tilted his head, staring at the books as if they might explain themselves. “What are you doing with these books?”
Cosmo flopped back onto the grass, his tail wagging with uncontainable energy. “Well,” he began, puffing his chest out dramatically, “I’m supposed to be studying! But since you wanted to hang out, I thought I’d bring my learning books with me. You can read them too if you want!”
Sprout leaned forward, peering at the worn covers. Wolves… studying? The thought was so bizarre he almost laughed. “You… study?”
“Of course I do!” Cosmo said, grabbing one of the books and flipping it open. The pages were covered in colorful drawings, their corners creased and claw-marked from use. “This one’s about forest herbs!” He held it up for Sprout to see, pointing at a detailed illustration of a green, leafy plant. “See? This tells you which plants are good for cuts, which berries you can eat, and which ones to avoid unless you really like tummy aches.”
Sprout leaned closer, his curiosity overpowering his doubt. The drawings were intricate, almost lifelike, with scribbled notes scrawled in the margins. “You learn about herbs… like a healer?”
Cosmo nodded, his ears twitching with pride. “Sort of! My family’s full of healers and bakers. I like baking the most, but as our Alpha always says, ‘Everyone’s supposed to know the basics. You never know when you’ll need it.’” He flipped to another page, pointing to a cluster of red berries. “These ones? Super sweet. My sister Gigi says they’re like nature’s candy.”
Sprout raised an eyebrow. “Gigi?”
Cosmo’s grin widened. “My big sister. She’s really smart knows, like, everything. She’s the one who makes me study so I don’t goof off too much. But don’t worry, she’s nice! You’d like her. She’d probably like you too.”
Sprout chuckled softly, finding Cosmo’s enthusiasm infectious. “She sounds… interesting.”
“Oh, she is,” Cosmo said, leaning in like he was sharing a secret. “She’s kind of bossy, though. Always telling me to ‘focus’ and ‘be responsible.’ But she means well, I guess.”
Sprout’s smile grew. “Sounds like my mom. Always telling me not to do stuff, but… she’s just worried, I think.”
“Exactly!” Cosmo said, his tail wagging even harder. “See? We’ve all got someone like that.”
Cosmo grabbed another book from the pile, this one thicker and bound in faded leather. “Here, this one’s about forest animals. Did you know some only come out at night? Like owls, bats, and fireflies!” His eyes gleamed as he added, “Fireflies are my favorite. They remind me of the stars they’re like little bits of the sky that came down to play.”
Sprout opened the book, his fingers brushing the textured pages. Inside were vivid illustrations of animals, their colors leaping off the paper. “This is… amazing,” he said quietly, his awe clear.
“Told you!” Cosmo said, leaning back with a satisfied smile. “See? Studying’s not so boring when it’s about cool stuff. And when you’ve got snacks!” He grabbed another apple from the basket, taking a loud, crunching bite.
The two of them sat there for a while, flipping through the books, exchanging thoughts, and sharing small stories. The forest seemed alive with their energy the rustling leaves above seemed to echo their laughter, and the soft calls of birds blended with the rhythm of their conversation.
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Sprout’s POV
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I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so… free. Sitting here, surrounded by sunlight and laughter, it was as though the forest wasn’t dangerous or forbidden at all. Cosmo had a way of making everything feel lighter, like the weight of my parents’ warnings and my own fear couldn’t quite reach me here.
The books he’d brought were fascinating. One was filled with detailed maps of the forest, each page marked with scribbles and notes. Cosmo explained them with a casual confidence, pointing out secret trails, streams, and even dens where certain animals liked to rest.
“And this,” he said, his paw brushing over a particularly large circle, “is where the fireflies come out at night. It’s the best spot to see them it’s like the stars come down to dance with you.” His eyes sparkled as he spoke, his grin infectious.
“Do you come here often?” I asked, glancing up at the tall trees that framed the clearing.
“All the time!” Cosmo replied, leaning back on his elbows. “This is my favorite place. It’s where I come to think… or hide from Gigi when she’s being too bossy.”
I chuckled. “She sounds like she cares a lot about you.”
“She does,” Cosmo admitted, his grin softening. “Even when she’s nagging me, I know she just wants me to be safe. She’d probably freak out if she knew I was hanging out with a toon.” He paused, his ears twitching slightly. “But I think she’d like you. You’re not scared of me anymore, are you?”
I hesitated, my fingers trailing along the edge of the open book in my lap. “I guess not. I mean… you’re not like the stories my parents told me. You’re… different.”
Cosmo tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing slightly in mock suspicion. “Different how?”
I laughed nervously. “I don’t know. You’re just… nice. And kind of funny.”
“Kind of funny?” Cosmo gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “Sprout, you wound me!”
I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound surprising even me. It was the kind of laugh that felt real and unguarded, something I hadn’t done in a long time.
Cosmo’s grin spread even wider, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. “See? Told you hanging out with a wolf isn’t so bad.”
The forest seemed to hum in agreement, its natural symphony swelling around us. Birds flitted between branches, their chirping notes carrying through the canopy. The brook nearby danced over rocks, its soothing gurgle punctuated by the occasional splash of water. A butterfly, delicate and impossibly vivid, floated lazily past. It hovered near Cosmo for a moment before landing squarely on his nose.
His eyes crossed as he tried to focus on the tiny creature. "Huh… I guess I’ve got one of those 'butterfly faces,'" he quipped.
The butterfly lingered for a heartbeat longer before flitting away, and Cosmo sneezed, the force of it nearly knocking him backward. His startled expression sent me into a fit of laughter, the kind that left my sides aching and my chest light.
Cosmo rubbed his nose, grinning sheepishly. “You’re not used to wolves being funny, are you?”
I smirked, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye. “Funny? More like clumsy. But no, I’m not used to laughing like this at all. Most of the time, it’s just… serious stuff back home.”
He tilted his head, curiosity softening his features. “Serious stuff? Like what?”
I hesitated. How could I explain the weight of expectations, the constant warnings about danger, and the fear of venturing beyond the boundaries of my little world? “You know,” I said finally, trying to sound casual, “rules, chores, keeping out of trouble. The usual toon stuff.”
Cosmo raised an eyebrow, his tail flicking thoughtfully. “Sounds boring. No wonder you dared to come out here.”
I chuckled nervously, but before I could respond, Cosmo leaned closer, his gaze suddenly intent. “But you’re different, Sprout. You don’t scare easy, do you?”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “I don’t know. I was pretty scared when I first saw you.”
“Fair,” he admitted, his ears twitching. “But you didn’t run. And even after what happened with those other wolves, you came back. That’s… brave.”
The word hung in the air, heavy with sincerity. I felt my cheeks warm, and I looked down at the basket of apples in my lap, suddenly unable to meet his gaze. “I’m not sure I’d call it brave. Maybe just… reckless.”
Cosmo shook his head firmly. “Nah, it’s bravery. Reckless would be if you hadn’t thought about the risks. But you knew, and you still came. That’s guts, Sprout.”
The earnestness in his voice made my chest tighten. I wanted to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I gripped the basket a little tighter, the apples shifting under my fingers.
Cosmo broke the silence with a grin, leaning back on his hands. “Speaking of apples, have you ever tried something called a puff pastry apple tart?”
The abrupt shift caught me off guard. “A puff pastry what?”
“A puff pastry apple tart!” His tail thumped against the ground as he spoke, the excitement in his voice infectious. “It’s this amazing dessert. I started making it when we had too many apples lying around. Gigi she’s my older sister said I should learn to cook for myself since I’m a ‘growing wolf cub’ and all.” He rolled his eyes, but there was an unmistakable fondness in his tone. “Anyway, it’s this flaky, buttery pastry topped with thin slices of apple. You sprinkle on some sugar, maybe a little cinnamon or nutmeg, and bake it until it’s golden and perfect. Oh! And the best part? You glaze it with apricot jam to make it all shiny and sweet.”
My mouth watered as he described it, the vivid picture of the tart forming in my mind. “That… sounds incredible.”
“It is,” Cosmo said, nodding enthusiastically. “And you know what? I think we should make one. Right now.”
I blinked, caught off guard again. “In the middle of the forest? How? We don’t exactly have an oven hiding behind a tree.”
Cosmo grinned slyly, hopping to his feet and brushing off his fur. “No, but I’ve got one at home. You’ll love it it’s all set up for baking. Plus, I have the puff pastry dough ready to go!”
He crouched low, motioning for me to get on his back. “Hop on! I’ll get us there in no time.”
I hesitated, glancing at him uncertainly. “You really want me to ride you?”
Cosmo’s grin widened as he leaned forward, his tail wagging furiously. "C'mon, Sprout! You trusted me enough to come out here, didn’t you? A quick ride to my place is nothing!"
I hesitated, glancing at the basket of apples in my lap and then back at him. "Are you sure? I mean… I’m not that heavy, but "
Cosmo rolled his eyes dramatically, cutting me off. "Please, Sprout. I carry entire logs back to our den when Gigi's on one of her ‘build something useful’ kicks. You're, like, what? Half a log? Maybe a quarter?"
I couldn’t help but laugh at his exaggerated tone, but the idea of riding on his back made my stomach flutter. It wasn’t just about the physical act it was the trust it implied. This wasn’t just any wolf. He was a werewolf, and in every story I’d heard, wolves were dangerous and unpredictable. But Cosmo wasn’t like any story.
"Alright," I said finally, standing and brushing off my clothes. "But if you drop me, I’m blaming you for every bruise."
He gasped, clutching his chest as though I’d wounded him. "Drop you? Me? Sprout, I’m offended you’d even think I’d let something happen to my new favorite toon!"
Rolling my eyes, I slung the basket over my arm and carefully climbed onto his back. His fur was soft and warm, a stark contrast to the cool air of the forest.
"Hold on tight," he said, his voice softening for a moment. "I’ll make sure you’re safe, I promise."
I tightened my grip, feeling the muscles in his back shift as he crouched low to the ground. And then, in a blur of motion, we were off.
The world transformed into a rush of colors and sounds. The wind whipped past my face, carrying with it the scent of pine and wildflowers. The forest blurred around us, the trees becoming streaks of green and brown.
Cosmo’s movements were fluid, almost impossibly graceful for someone moving so fast. He leapt over fallen logs and dodged low-hanging branches with ease, his paws barely making a sound as they touched the ground.
“You okay back there?” he called, his voice carried effortlessly over the rush of wind.
"Yeah!" I shouted back, the thrill of the ride replacing my earlier nerves. "This is… incredible!"
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. "Told you! Wolves are way cooler than anyone gives us credit for."
As we raced deeper into the forest, I noticed small details I’d missed before the way the sunlight dappled the ground in patches, the distant hum of insects, the occasional burst of color from a wildflower blooming among the underbrush. It was like the forest was alive, pulsing with energy.
After what felt like both seconds and hours, Cosmo began to slow, his breathing steady despite the effort. We emerged into a clearing, and my breath caught at the sight before me.
Nestled among the trees was a cozy-looking cottage built from logs and stone, its roof thatched with moss and wildflowers. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the sound of bubbling water came from somewhere nearby.
"Home sweet home," Cosmo announced, letting me slide off his back.
“It’s… beautiful,” I said, staring in awe.
Cosmo beamed with pride, his tail wagging as he gestured toward the cozy cottage. “Glad you like it! Over there is the Wolf Village, where me and Gigi usually sell the pastries we make.”
I squinted, catching sight of a few more homes tucked discreetly among the trees. Smoke puffed from several chimneys, and the faint hum of life laughter, distant chatter, the occasional bark drifted through the clearing. The village was almost hidden by the dense forest, blending so seamlessly with its surroundings that it felt more like a natural part of the woods than a settlement.
“You sell pastries?” I asked, surprised.
“Of course!” Cosmo replied, puffing his chest out. “Gigi runs the stall most of the time, but I’m her top chef well, her only chef, since well I’m the only one who can cook and bake in our family! I’m telling you, Sprout, wolves have more than just sharp teeth and scary howls. We’ve got talents too.”
I grinned, adjusting the basket on my arm. “Alright, Chef Cosmo. Let’s see if you can back up that claim.”
Cosmo laughed, motioning for me to follow him toward the cottage. As we approached, the scents of earth, pine, and faint traces of something sweet filled the air. The cottage itself was enchanting, with flower boxes brimming with colorful blooms and a small wooden wind chime tinkling softly in the breeze.
He pushed open the door, revealing a warm, inviting space. The walls were lined with shelves cluttered with jars of spices, bunches of dried herbs, and stacks of baking supplies. A large table in the center of the room was scattered with bowls, rolling pins, and scraps of paper filled with handwritten recipes.
“Make yourself at home,” Cosmo said, setting the basket of apples on the table. “I’ll grab the dough from the ice chest.”
I wandered around the room, my fingers brushing over the polished wood of the table and the neatly labeled jars. It felt so… lived-in, like every corner held a story.
Cosmo returned moments later with a round of puff pastry dough wrapped in cloth. “Alright, first step: slicing these apples. You up for it, Sprout?”
I nodded eagerly. “Hand me the knife.”
Together, we worked in a rhythm me slicing the apples as thinly as I could manage while Cosmo mixed sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. His movements were quick and precise, and I found myself stealing glances at him, amazed at how focused he could be.
“What’s it like?” I asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Cosmo looked up, his ears twitching. “What’s what like?”
“Living here. In the forest. With your village and your family. It’s so different from my world.”
Cosmo paused, his tail stilling as he considered my question. “It’s… freeing,” he said at last. “Out here, we’re part of the forest, not just visitors. We hunt, we gather, we build, we have communities, everything we do connects us to this place. It’s not always easy, but it’s home.”
I nodded, his words painting a vivid picture in my mind. “It sounds… amazing.”
“It is,” he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “But it’s not perfect. There are rules here too, and dangers. Wolves who don’t trust toons. Toons who don’t trust wolves. That’s why meeting you was such a big deal for me.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you didn’t run,” he said simply. “You stayed. You gave me a chance. That’s more than most toons ever do.”
The scent of apples and cinnamon wrapped around me like a warm embrace, making the cottage feel even cozier. I leaned against the counter, letting the aroma transport me to a place of comfort and joy. It was a stark contrast to the apprehension I had felt earlier in the forest.
Cosmo clapped his hands together, startling me out of my thoughts. His golden eyes sparkled with mischief, and his tail wagged behind him like an excited pup. “Alright, Sprout! Enough standing around. Let’s dig in and see if this tart is as good as it smells!”
I chuckled, watching as he moved with surprising grace to a wooden chair near a cabinet. He dragged it across the room, the legs scraping against the wooden floor, and climbed onto it with the ease of someone who’d done this a thousand times. His claws clicked softly against the cabinet as he opened it and reached inside.
“Gotcha,” he said triumphantly, pulling out two mismatched plates. One was chipped along the edge, the other adorned with faded floral patterns, but they both seemed to hold a sense of history. Cosmo hopped down from the chair with a playful bounce, setting the plates on the counter with a flourish.
“Sprout,” he said, pointing toward a small drawer near the table, “can you grab the forks and knives? They’re in there. I’d do it myself, but…” He gestured to his paws with a sheepish grin.
I nodded, giving him a small smile as I walked over to the drawer. It was slightly sticky, and I had to tug it a bit before it slid open. Inside, a mix of cutlery lay scattered, some gleaming and others worn with age. I picked out two forks and two knives, their mismatched handles adding to the charm of Cosmo’s home.
Turning back, I handed them to Cosmo, who set them neatly beside the plates. He gave me an approving nod. “Nice work, Sous-Chef Sprout. Now, let’s see if the forest’s best apple tart is ready to meet its adoring fans.”
He crouched by the stone oven, carefully opening its small iron door. A wave of heat and the rich, buttery aroma of baked pastry wafted out, making my stomach growl audibly. Cosmo laughed, glancing over his shoulder. “Sounds like someone’s ready to eat.”
I crossed my arms, feigning indignation. “Blame the tart! It’s impossible not to be hungry with that smell filling the room.”
Cosmo grabbed a thick cloth from the counter and pulled the tart out with practiced ease. The golden pastry glistened with a thin layer of apricot glaze, and the apples on top were perfectly caramelized, their edges curling slightly.
“Ta-da!” he said, setting the tart on a wooden trivet. “Forest-famous apple tart, hot and ready.”
“It looks amazing,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Wait till you taste it,” Cosmo replied, his grin widening. He grabbed a small knife and began slicing the tart with care, his claws lightly tapping the table as he worked.
Once he had two generous slices, he slid them onto the plates and handed one to me. I took it hesitantly, the warmth of the plate seeping into my hands.
“Go on, Sprout,” Cosmo said, his tail wagging again. “First bite’s yours.”
I picked up my fork and cut into the tart, the pastry flaking perfectly under the pressure. A hint of steam rose from the slice as I lifted it to my mouth. The moment the tart hit my tongue, my eyes widened.
The sweetness of the apples melded with the buttery, flaky crust, while the cinnamon and nutmeg added just the right amount of warmth. The glaze tied everything together with a subtle, fruity tang. It was like tasting a piece of the forest itself rich, comforting, and alive with flavor.
“This is…” I paused, searching for the right word. “Incredible. Cosmo, this might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
His ears perked up, and he practically beamed. “Im glad you liked it!