Red Velvet
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3rd Pov
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The cottage was alive with a symphony of quiet sounds the steady crackle of the fire in the hearth, the rhythmic scratch of Cosmo’s pen as he scribbled notes into his study book, and the gentle rustle of pages as Sprout leafed through one of Cosmo’s many cookbooks. The warmth of the room and the mingling scents of wood smoke and lingering cinnamon made it feel like a safe haven, far removed from the world outside.
Sprout sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor, the cookbook spread open before him. He was completely absorbed, his eyes darting over the vibrant illustrations of intricate desserts. Each page revealed something new towering cakes draped in silky frosting, delicate cookies dusted with sugar, and pies that seemed to glow with the sheen of glazed fruit. It was a treasure trove of sweet possibilities.
“Do you always have this many cookbooks?” Sprout finally asked, breaking the silence. He twisted to glance over his shoulder at Cosmo, who was sprawled on the couch with his book balanced precariously on his chest.
Without looking up, Cosmo replied, “Gigi’s idea.” He turned a page, his ears twitching absently. “She figured if I wasn’t going to be a hunter like the others, I’d better know how to make something worthwhile. Cooking’s a survival skill too, you know.”
Sprout chuckled, returning his attention to the book. “Well, I think it was a great idea. You’ve got some amazing recipes in here.”
Cosmo smirked, his tail flicking lazily over the armrest. “So, what’s caught your eye this time?”
Sprout paused, his fingers tracing the image of a towering red velvet cake. Its crimson layers were separated by thick swirls of creamy white frosting, and a delicate sprinkle of red crumbs adorned the top like freshly fallen snow.
“This,” Sprout said, tilting the book to show Cosmo. “Red velvet cake. It looks… amazing.”
Cosmo perked up, setting his book aside and hopping off the couch in one fluid motion. “Oh, that’s a classic! Gigi loves it. She calls it the ‘fanciest’ thing I know how to make.”
Sprout grinned. “Then teach me. I want to make it.”
“Right now?” Cosmo’s golden eyes gleamed with amusement.
“Why not?” Sprout challenged, shutting the cookbook with a decisive thud. “It’s not like we’ve got anything better to do.”
Cosmo chuckled, shaking his head. “I hate to burst your bubble, but we can’t make it. We’re missing some key ingredients unsweetened cocoa powder and buttermilk.” He sighed, leaning against the counter. “Our village’s trade routes have been delayed for three months. Supplies like that are impossible to get right now.”
Sprout frowned, tilting his head. “Cocoa powder? You mean chocolate, right? Isn’t chocolate, like, bad for wolves? You know, like it is for dogs? No offense!”
Cosmo laughed, his tail wagging slightly. “None taken. And, well, yes and no. Chocolate comes from cacao trees specifically, the beans inside the fruit they produce. It’s a process to turn those beans into chocolate, but cocoa powder is just a part of it.” He leaned closer, a playful grin on his face. “And to answer your question, we’re not exactly dogs. We’re part human, part toon, and fully capable of enjoying chocolate… in moderation, of course.”
The room grew quieter as Sprout’s curiosity lingered, his eyes locked on the vibrant image of the red velvet cake in the cookbook. Something about it felt magical, almost unattainable. He turned back to Cosmo, who was flipping pages absentmindedly, his golden eyes scanning for something they could actually bake.
“That’s so cool,” Sprout repeated, his voice tinged with genuine awe. “So, you can eat chocolate without any problems?”
“Exactly,” Cosmo confirmed, his tail swishing lightly behind him. He shut the cookbook with a soft thud and held it up. “But back to the red velvet cake since we can’t make it today, maybe we can try something else?”
Sprout let out a dramatic sigh, his small shoulders sagging in exaggerated defeat. “Fine,” he muttered, glancing toward the window. The forest outside was fading into twilight, the soft glow of the setting sun replaced by the shadows of approaching night. A pang of guilt struck him as he realized how late it was getting. “Actually, I should really go home. It’s getting dark, and my parents are probably wondering where I am.”
Cosmo nodded understandingly, his usual grin softening into something more thoughtful. “That makes sense. Want to bring some of the puff pastry apple tart we made earlier? It’d make a nice snack for the walk back.”
Sprout brightened at the suggestion. “Yeah, that’d be great!”
Without hesitation, Cosmo stood and padded toward the kitchen, leaving Sprout alone with the cookbook. The boy’s gaze drifted back to the page with the red velvet cake. Something inside him stirred an unshakable desire to create something as magnificent as the dessert in the picture. But as quickly as the thought came, he dismissed it. He was just a kid, after all. Cooking or baking was still a daunting challenge for him, a skill he admired in Cosmo but didn’t think he could match.
Unless…
Sprout’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the book’s glossy cover as a plan began to take shape. The idea excited him he didn’t have to figure out everything on his own. He could learn one step at a time using the cookbook as his guide. Or better yet, maybe he could convince someone else to help him bake the red velvet cake. Either way, the dream didn’t feel as impossible anymore.
Cosmo’s footsteps echoed softly as he returned from the kitchen, carrying the woven basket lined with a neatly folded cloth. The sweet scent of apple tart still lingered faintly in the air. “Here you go,” Cosmo said, handing it over with his usual warm smile. “Now, let’s get you back before it gets too dark.”
Sprout hesitated, clutching the cookbook tightly to his chest. The words tumbled out of him before he could overthink them. “Hey, Cosmo… can I borrow this?” He lifted the book slightly, clarifying what he meant.
Cosmo stopped, his golden eyes widening in mild surprise. His tail, which had been lazily swaying behind him, stilled. Then his face broke into a grin, genuine and full of approval. “Really? You want to borrow the book?”
Sprout nodded eagerly. “Yeah! If it’s okay with you, I mean. I’d love to try making some of the recipes.”
Cosmo chuckled, clearly impressed by Sprout’s sudden enthusiasm. “Sure! Why not? Just take care of it, alright? That’s Gigi’s favorite book, and if it comes back with so much as a scratch, she’ll have my tail.”
Sprout laughed, the sound light and full of excitement. “I promise I’ll take good care of it.” Carefully, he slid the hefty cookbook into the basket beside the neatly wrapped slices of apple tart.
But before they could head out, a distant howl cut through the evening air. Low and haunting, it echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down Sprout’s spine.
The air seemed to thicken, every sound outside the cottage suddenly amplified the rustle of leaves, the distant snap of a branch, and then, another low howl that sent a chill racing down Sprout’s spine.
Cosmo froze mid-step, his ears twitching as his golden eyes darted toward the window. His entire body tensed like a coiled spring, ready to snap into action. “Okay,” he said, his voice dropping to a grave tone. “We need to move. Now.”
Sprout clutched the basket tighter, his knuckles whitening. “What’s going on?”
Cosmo’s gaze flicked to Sprout, his tail stiff behind him. “They’re back,” he muttered, his words clipped. “That’s their call. We need to get you out of here before they pick up your scent.”
Sprout’s stomach dropped, his earlier excitement fading into unease. “Who are they?”
Cosmo didn’t answer directly. He simply grabbed Sprout’s hand and led him briskly toward the back door. “There’s no time to explain. Just trust me.”
As they stepped into the cool night air, the forest loomed ahead, its shadows stretching unnaturally in the moonlight. The faint rustling of leaves seemed to whisper of unseen dangers, and the once-inviting woods now felt like a maze of dark secrets.
Cosmo’s ears remained alert, swiveling at every sound. His usually relaxed demeanor was replaced by sharp focus, his movements quick and deliberate. “Stay close,” he ordered, his voice barely above a whisper.
They reached the edge of the garden, and Cosmo knelt down, motioning for Sprout to climb onto his back. “Hop on,” he said firmly, his tail flicking in agitation. “We’ll move faster this way.”
Sprout hesitated, his heart thudding in his chest. “Are you sure?”
“Just do it,” Cosmo urged, glancing over his shoulder. His golden eyes caught the faint moonlight, glowing like embers. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Trusting him, Sprout slung the basket over his shoulder and clambered onto Cosmo’s back. He wrapped his arms tightly around the wolf’s shoulders, feeling the taut strength of the muscles beneath the fur.
“Hold on,” Cosmo said, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.
And then they were off.
Cosmo’s powerful strides carried them swiftly through the forest, his paws barely making a sound against the soft earth. The trees blurred past in a chaotic dance of shadows and moonlight. Sprout clung tightly, his face pressed against Cosmo’s shoulder as the wind rushed past, carrying with it the faint but unmistakable sound of another howl.
“Are they… following us?” Sprout asked, his voice trembling.
Cosmo didn’t slow, his ears twitching. “Not yet, but they’re close. Don’t worry I know this forest better than they do. We’ll lose them.”
Sprout’s heart pounded in his chest, each thud echoing the urgency of their escape. Yet, even amidst the fear, he felt a strange sense of security. Cosmo’s movements were deliberate and confident, every step calculated. It was as though he and the forest were one, the trees parting for him, the ground yielding to his speed.
The howls grew fainter as they moved deeper into the woods, the distant calls swallowed by the rustling canopy above. The only sounds now were the steady rhythm of Cosmo’s breathing and the occasional crunch of leaves underfoot.
Finally, the forest began to thin, and the faint, golden lights of Sprout’s village came into view. Cosmo slowed his pace, his breathing still steady despite the exertion.
“This is as far as I go,” Cosmo said, lowering himself so Sprout could climb down. He set the boy gently on the ground, his eyes scanning the trees behind them for any signs of pursuit.
Sprout adjusted the basket on his shoulder, his hands still trembling slightly. “What about you? Aren’t you coming with me?”
Cosmo shook his head, his gaze sharp and watchful. “I’ll stay here and make sure they don’t follow you. Go straight home, and don’t stop for anything.”
Sprout hesitated, his chest tightening with gratitude and worry. “Thanks, Cosmo. For everything.”
Cosmo’s expression softened into a small smile, the tension in his posture easing slightly. “Anytime, Sprout. Now hurry. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With one last glance at his friend, Sprout turned and began walking toward the village. The warm glow of the lights grew brighter with each step, a beacon of safety amidst the shadows.
As he reached the edge of the village, Sprout glanced back. Cosmo stood silhouetted against the trees.
Sprout clutched the basket against his chest, the weight of the cookbook and the apple tart a comforting anchor to his thoughts. The faint sounds of the forest behind him faded as the warm glow of the village came into view. He breathed a sigh of relief.
One day, he thought with a small, determined smile, I’ll make that red velvet cake and Cosmo will be the first to try it.
As he stepped into the cobblestone square, he spotted his friends, Vee, Shelly, Astro, and Dandy, gathered near the fountain. They were deep in conversation, their animated gestures lit by the faint flicker of lanterns. Sprout waved at them, forcing a casual smile, though he could feel the exhaustion tugging at his limbs.
“Sprout!” Shelly’s sharp voice cut through the chatter as she noticed him. Her concerned eyes widened as she rushed toward him. “Are you okay? You look… I don’t even know what happened to you?”
“Yeah, Seedly,” Vee chimed in, smirking as she crossed her arms. “You look like you’ve been chased by a pack of wild wolves or something. Did you run two villages over and back?”
“Vee!” Shelly shot her a glare before turning back to Sprout. “But seriously, what happened?”
Astro, ever calm and collected, took a step closer, his smooth voice laced with concern. “She’s not wrong, though. You’re all scratched up, and your clothes are a mess. Care to explain, Sprout?”
Sprout adjusted the basket nervously, his fingers brushing the worn edge of the cookbook inside. “I’m fine,” he said quickly, plastering on a smile. “Really. I just… I was exploring the forest, that’s all. Got a little carried away.”
Dandy, quiet as usual, tilted his head and observed him with a curious expression. “The forest? Alone? That’s not like you, Sprout.”
Sprout shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I wanted to see what it was like. You know, find out if all those scary stories are true. Turns out, they’re not.”
“Not scary?” Shelly’s hands went to her hips. “Sprout, do you have any idea how dangerous that place is? You could’ve gotten hurt or worse!”
“I didn’t, though,” Sprout said defensively. “I’m here, aren’t I? And look, I even brought back some apple tart.”
“Apple tart?” Vee raised an eyebrow, eyeing the basket suspiciously. “That doesn’t explain why you look like you wrestled a bramble bush.”
“I tripped, okay?” Sprout said, the words spilling out too fast. “I tripped and fell. That’s all. No big deal.”
Astro sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not exactly convincing, Sprout. If something happened, you should just tell us. We’re your friends.”
Sprout hesitated, his grip on the basket tightening. He couldn’t tell them about Cosmo not yet. They wouldn’t understand, not after everything they’d been taught about wolves. “Nothing happened,” he said firmly. “I just wanted to try something new, that’s all.”
Shelly frowned but didn’t press further, though her gaze lingered on Sprout with a mixture of concern and suspicion. “Fine. But promise me you won’t go out there alone again, okay? It’s dangerous, Sprout. Seriously.”
“Yeah,” Vee chimed in, her smirk softening into something more genuine. “Especially if you’re going to come back looking like you rolled through every thorn bush in the forest. Not your best look, Seedly.”
Sprout chuckled nervously, eager to steer the conversation away from himself. “I’ll be careful, I promise. But enough about that do you guys want some tart or not?”
The group exchanged skeptical glances before Shelly relented with a sigh. “Alright, fine. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Sprout knelt and carefully opened the basket. Inside, the puff pastry apple tart Cosmo had packed was neatly wrapped in cloth. The rich, golden brown crust glistened faintly, and the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon wafted into the cool night air.
“Whoa…” Shelly leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “You made this?”
“Yeah, kind of,” Sprout said, hesitating briefly as he handed her a piece. “Just give it a try.”
One by one, the others took slices, their expressions ranging from skepticism to mild interest. Vee, as usual, had a teasing grin as she bit into her piece. But the moment the flavors hit her tongue, her expression froze in surprise.
“Whoa!” Vee exclaimed, her usual sarcastic tone replaced by genuine amazement. “This is… this is amazing! Like, actually amazing. Did you secretly turn into some master baker or something, Seedly?”
Shelly took a bite, her eyes widening. “Sprout, this is incredible! Where did you learn to make something like this?”
Astro, ever calm and collected, savored his piece in silence, a satisfied hum escaping his lips as he leaned back. “I’ll admit,” he said after swallowing, “this is impressive, Sprout. Not what I expected from you, but definitely a good surprise.”
Dandy, who rarely spoke, nodded enthusiastically as he took another bite, his normally neutral face lighting up with quiet joy.
Sprout felt a swell of pride but also a small pang of guilt. He shifted awkwardly. “I just… I’ve been experimenting a little, you know? Trying new things.”
“Experimenting?” Vee raised an eyebrow. “What, did you stumble across some secret recipe stash in the woods or something?”
“Something like that,” Sprout said with a nervous laugh, quickly changing the subject. “I’m glad you guys like it, though.”
Shelly finished her slice and glanced at him again, her expression softening. “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep it up. But seriously, Sprout, if you ever need help with… whatever it is you’re doing, just tell us, okay?”
Sprout nodded, appreciating her concern even though he couldn’t bring himself to reveal the truth. “I will. Thanks, Shelly.”
As the group’s laughter dwindled and the conversation shifted to playful suggestions about what Sprout should bake next, his mind kept drifting back to the forest. The trees, now shrouded in darkness, stood tall and still against the faint light of the moon. Though they appeared quiet, Sprout knew better beneath the surface of that stillness lay secrets he couldn’t yet share, not even with his closest friends.
When the town bell rang, its deep chime echoing through the village, everyone instinctively quieted. The bell was the town’s signal for curfew, a reminder to all to return to the safety of their homes before full night settled in.
“Well, that’s our cue,” Shelly said, stretching as she stood. “See you tomorrow, Sprout.”
“Yeah, and don’t forget to experiment with something chocolatey next time,” Vee added with a teasing grin.
Astro gave a small wave, his calm demeanor unchanged. “Good night, Sprout. Get some rest.”
Dandy simply nodded, his usual silence accompanied by a warm smile as the group began to disperse.
“Good night, guys,” Sprout called after them, his voice tinged with both relief and guilt. He clutched the basket tightly, the edges of the cookbook pressing into his side.
As the others faded into the village streets, Sprout turned toward home. The warm glow of lanterns dotted the path, casting flickering light on the cobblestone. His heart felt heavy, the weight of the night’s events lingering in his mind. Cosmo’s serious warning, the distant howls of the other wolves, and the thrill of the red velvet cake all swirled in his thoughts.
When his house came into view, he spotted his parents standing on the porch. They appeared to be deep in conversation, their expressions a mix of worry and weariness. The sight made Sprout hesitate, his steps faltering. Were they talking about him?
Gathering his courage, Sprout approached, putting on his most innocent smile. “Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.”
His parents turned, their expressions shifting to a mixture of relief and mild reproach. His mother, a kind-faced toon with bright eyes, stepped forward first. “Sprout! Where have you been? Do you know how late it is?”
“I… I was with my friends,” Sprout said quickly, holding up the basket. “We shared some apple tart I made. See? Nothing bad happened.”
His father, a tall, serious toon with fur that had started to gray at the edges, crossed his arms. “You’ve been spending a lot of time out lately. It’s not safe near the forest, Sprout. You know that.”
Sprout shifted uncomfortably, trying to keep his tone light. “I wasn’t near the forest, Dad. I stayed in the village, I promise.”
His mother studied him closely, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s in the basket?”
“Just some pastry!” Sprout said, lifting it for them to see. “You can have some if you want. It turned out really good.”
His mother took the basket and peeked inside, her expression softening slightly at the sight of the neatly wrapped pastries. “This does smell wonderful,” she admitted. “Did Shelly’s mother help you with this?”
“Uh, not exactly,” Sprout said, avoiding her gaze. “I just… experimented a little. Got lucky, I guess.”
His father’s eyes lingered on him, sharp and probing. “You’d better not be lying to us, Sprout. We only want you to be safe. You know how dangerous it can be out there.”
“I know, Dad,” Sprout said quietly. “I’m being careful. Promise.”
His mother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice softer now. “Alright, but we mean it, Sprout. No more wandering off or staying out late. We just worry about you.”
"Hey Mom, can I we do something tomorrow?" Sprout asked looking at his mother.
"Yes what is it Sprout?" His mom looked at Sprout.
"Well, a friend of mine gave me this cook book, since I was wondering if it's okay for us to bake a red velvet cake together! " Sprout asked
His mother raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden request. “A cookbook? From a friend? That’s… unexpected. Since when were you interested in baking, Sprout?”
Sprout shrugged, trying to appear casual while excitement bubbled beneath the surface. “I don’t know. I just think it’d be fun. And I figured we could try something new together.”
His father, still watching him closely, interjected. “What friend are we talking about, Sprout? Someone from the village?”
Sprout froze for a moment, quickly adjusting his tone. “Yeah, uh, someone new I met recently. They’re really good at baking and thought I might like to try it too.”
His mother exchanged a glance with his father, her expression softening again. “Well, I think that’s a lovely idea. But a red velvet cake? That sounds pretty advanced. Are you sure you want to start with that?”
Sprout nodded eagerly, his hands gripping the edge of the basket. “Absolutely! It looks amazing in the book. I can handle it with your help, of course.”
His mother smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Alright, if that’s what you want, we’ll try. But you’ll be doing most of the work. Baking’s a lot of responsibility, you know.”
“I can do it!” Sprout said, his enthusiasm spilling over. “It’ll be great, you’ll see.”
His father finally spoke again, his voice softer but still serious. “If this keeps you out of the forest, I’m all for it. Just remember, Sprout, we don’t want you getting hurt. Stay close to home, alright?”
“I will,” Sprout promised, his voice firm. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom.”
His mother’s smile grew, and she patted his shoulder. “Alright then. Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll see just how much of a baker you are.”
Sprout grinned as he headed toward his room, the cookbook tucked under his arm. As he opened the door, he could already picture the cake its vibrant red layers and creamy frosting. He thought of Cosmo’s delighted face when he finally shared it with him.
But as he placed the book on his nightstand and climbed into bed, his thoughts drifted back to his parents’ concerned expressions. He would need to be careful. His friendship with Cosmo and the secrets of the forest were his to protect.
Tomorrow, he would bake a cake, but tonight, he would dream of the forest, of Cosmo’s laughter, and of the adventures waiting for him just beyond the trees.
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The next Moring
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Sprout woke to the cheerful chirping of birds and golden sunlight streaming through his window. Today wasn’t just any day today, he would bake a red velvet cake. Not just any cake, though. This one was special. This was for Cosmo, his way of saying thank you for saving him and for the apple tart adventure they had shared.
Springing out of bed, Sprout grabbed the cookbook from his nightstand and flipped straight to the red velvet cake recipe. The illustration of the towering layers of deep crimson and creamy frosting looked almost magical. Tracing the picture with his finger, he whispered, “This is going to be perfect.”
“Sprout! Breakfast is ready!” his mother called from downstairs.
Clutching the cookbook, he raced down the stairs, nearly tripping over his own feet in excitement.
In the kitchen, the scent of scrambled eggs and freshly baked bread greeted him warmly. His mother was setting the table while his father sipped coffee and read the newspaper.
“You’re up early,” his father said, raising an eyebrow. “What’s the rush?”
“We’ve got a big project today!” Sprout announced proudly, placing the cookbook on the table. “We’re baking a cake, remember?”
His mother paused, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Baking a cake? Why are you so excited about it?” she asked, her tone playful but curious.
Sprout hesitated, his cheeks tinged pink. “It’s… for a friend. I promised I’d make something special,” he said, fidgeting slightly. He wasn’t ready to share too much about Cosmo just yet.
“A friend, huh?” his father mused, peering over the rim of his coffee cup. “Must be someone important.”
Sprout nodded quickly, eager to steer the conversation back to the cake. “It’s going to be amazing! We just need to make sure we have everything.”
“Well, eat first,” his mother said, setting a plate of eggs, toast, and tomatoes in front of him. “You’ll need energy if you’re going to tackle that recipe. Baking isn’t as simple as you think.”
Sprout scarfed down his breakfast, barely tasting the food in his excitement. As soon as his plate was cleared, he opened the cookbook to the red velvet recipe and read aloud, “Flour, sugar, cocoa powder…”
His mother scanned the pantry as he read. “We’ve got most of it, but we’re out of buttermilk and low on cocoa powder.”
Sprout’s face fell. “Oh no! What do we do?”
His mother thought for a moment before snapping her fingers. “We can head to the market to grab what we’re missing. But,” she added, eyeing him pointedly, “you need to take a bath and change first. No one’s going anywhere until you’re cleaned up, mister.”
Sprout groaned but relented. “Fine. I’ll hurry!” He darted upstairs, his excitement barely dampened.
By the time he came back down, freshly bathed and dressed, his mother had the shopping list ready. Together, they headed out to the village market, the cookbook tucked under Sprout’s arm.
The market was bustling with life. Vendors called out their wares, the scent of fresh produce mingling with the aroma of baked goods and spices. Sprout’s eyes lit up as they found the ingredients they needed.
“Here’s the cocoa powder,” his mother said, holding up a tin.
“And the buttermilk!” Sprout exclaimed, grabbing a carton.
With their supplies in hand, they made their way back home, Sprout practically bouncing with every step.
“Alright, let’s get started,” his mother said as they unpacked the groceries.
Sprout tied on an apron, the cookbook open on the counter. “This is going to be awesome,” he said, grinning.
His mother smiled warmly. “Just remember to follow the steps carefully. Baking is a science, not just an art.”
“Remember to level off the flour,” she reminded him.
“I know, I know,” he said, though his first scoop ended up with a small pile of flour on the counter.
As they sifted flour, measured sugar, and mixed the cocoa powder with food coloring, Sprout’s excitement only grew. The batter turned a rich, velvety red, just like in the picture.
“Wow,” he breathed, stirring gently. “It’s perfect.”
“Almost,” his mother corrected, placing the pans on the counter. “Now pour the batter in, and we’ll see how it bakes.”
As the cake layers baked, the sweet aroma filled the house. Sprout couldn’t resist peeking through the oven window every few minutes, his heart pounding with anticipation.
“It smells so good!” Sprout exclaimed, bouncing on his toes.
“It’ll taste even better,” his mother promised, setting a timer.
When the cakes finally came out of the oven, their tops golden and fragrant, Sprout couldn’t stop smiling.
“Now for the frosting,” his mother said, handing him a whisk. “You’re in charge of making it smooth and creamy.”
Sprout worked diligently, his hands moving carefully as he smoothed the frosting over each layer of the cake. The rich, velvety red stood out vividly against the creamy white frosting, and with every pass of the spatula, the cake grew taller and more elegant. By the time they finished, it looked like it belonged in the pages of the cookbook.
Sprout stepped back, a mix of pride and awe in his voice as he whispered, “It’s perfect.”
His mother stood beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder. “It’s wonderful, Sprout. Whoever this is for, they’re going to love it.”
Sprout smiled, his mind already picturing Cosmo’s surprised expression. He could almost hear Cosmo’s laughter and see his wagging tail as he opened the box.
His mother noticed the faraway look in his eyes and gave him a curious smile. “This friend of yours must be very special,” she remarked. “It’s not every day you put this much effort into something.”
Sprout hesitated, his fingers brushing the edge of the countertop. “He… is special. He helped me a lot recently, and I just wanted to say thank you.”
His mother nodded, her warm expression showing she wouldn’t pry further. “Well, let’s take a taste and see how it turned out,” she said, walking toward the cabinet to grab a plate and knife.
Sprout’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward. “Wait! Can… can we not taste it, please?”
His mother stopped mid-step, turning to him with a puzzled look. “Why not, dear?”
“I want the first slice to be with my friend,” Sprout said softly, looking down at his hands. “It’s for him, and it feels… important.”
Her expression softened, though there was a brief flicker of disappointment. She sighed lightly but smiled. “Alright, Sprout. I understand. Just make sure to tell me how it turns out, okay?”
“Thanks, Mom,” Sprout said, relief washing over him.
She ruffled his hair gently. “Just don’t tell your father. He’ll be grumpy if he doesn’t get a slice first.” She giggled, her laugh light and teasing, and Sprout couldn’t help but chuckle in return.
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The Afternoon
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As the afternoon came, Sprout carefully placed the red velvet cake into a sturdy box, the lid tied with a neat ribbon. He checked and double-checked that it was secure, not wanting anything to happen to it before he reached the forest.
At the western edge of the woods, Sprout stood under the shade of a large oak tree, the sturdy box cradled in his arms like a precious treasure. His fingers gripped the ribbon tightly, the nervous energy making his heart pound. The woods seemed quieter than usual, the rustling leaves and occasional bird calls only amplifying the anticipation in his chest.
He glanced toward the dense greenery, half-wondering if Cosmo had forgotten their plan. But then, a faint rustle in the bushes nearby made his ears perk up. Sprout turned toward the sound, his breath hitching.
The bushes swayed, and then a familiar voice broke through the stillness. “Sprout?”
Relief and excitement washed over him as a wide grin spread across his face. “Cosmo!” he called, watching as the large, friendly wolf stepped out of the shadows.
Cosmo’s golden eyes lit up when he saw Sprout, and his tail began to wag enthusiastically. “Hey there, buddy! What’s in the box?” he asked, tilting his head with curiosity, the eagerness in his voice impossible to miss.
Sprout hugged the box closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “It’s a surprise! You’ll find out soon enough.”
Cosmo’s head tilted further, his ears flicking as if trying to figure out the secret. After a moment, he chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll wait. So, how about we go back to our spot from yesterday?”
Sprout nodded eagerly. “Perfect idea!”
The two set off together, weaving through the familiar path they had taken just the day before. The towering trees seemed less daunting today, their shadows no longer threatening but instead comforting, like old friends. As they walked, Sprout couldn’t help but remember how Cosmo had saved him from danger, how his sharp instincts and calming presence had turned a terrifying situation into the start of an unlikely friendship.
When they reached the clearing, the spot was just as they’d left it the cozy patch of soft grass nestled between trees, with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Cosmo plopped down onto the grass, his tail swishing as he glanced expectantly at the box in Sprout’s hands.
“Alright,” Sprout said, his voice full of excitement as he knelt down. “Close your eyes!”
Cosmo raised a brow, amused. “Really? You’re going to make me wait even longer?”
“Yes!” Sprout laughed. “No peeking.”
With an exaggerated sigh, Cosmo shut his eyes, though his wagging tail gave away his excitement. Sprout untied the ribbon carefully, lifting the lid to reveal the red velvet cake. The vibrant crimson layers and creamy white frosting looked even better out here, framed by the natural beauty of the forest.
“Okay, you can open your eyes now,” Sprout said, grinning.
Cosmo’s eyes snapped open, and his jaw dropped. “Whoa… Is that…?”
“Red velvet cake,” Sprout confirmed, beaming with pride. “I made it for you!"
Cosmo stared at the cake, his expression a mix of wonder and disbelief. “You made this for me?”
Sprout nodded. “My mom helped a little, but yeah. I wanted to do something special for you, like how you shared that apple tart with me yesterday.”
Cosmo’s tail wagged furiously as he broke into a wide, toothy grin. “Sprout, this is amazing. No one’s ever done anything like this for me before.”
“Well, you deserve it,” Sprout said shyly, his cheeks reddening. “I’m just glad you like it.”
Cosmo chuckled, nudging him playfully with his paw. “Like it? I haven’t even tasted it yet! Come on, let’s dig in!”
The two shared a laugh as Sprout carefully cut into the cake, revealing the rich, velvety layers inside. As they ate, Cosmo’s delighted hums and exaggerated compliments filled the clearing.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” Cosmo exclaimed between bites.
“Really?” Sprout asked, his chest swelling with pride.
“Absolutely,” Cosmo said, licking a bit of frosting off his nose.
As they continued to enjoy the cake, the bond between them grew stronger. The clearing, once a mere patch of grass, now felt like their spot a place where friendship, laughter, and shared adventures would always find a home.