I injected the needle into his arm. He flinched in his sleep. Oh, I'm sorry, Asy... I know you don't like it, but I have to do this to help you...

Slowly I started pulling the excess ichor out of his system, careful not to go too quickly.

It was silent in the room for quite some time. I had zoned out. That was until I felt shifting beneath me. Astro had sat up, rubbing his head.

"Dandy...?.. what...what happened? Where are the others? Did you need me to do some..t-test...ing..." I grabbed his shoulders, pulling him close. "Oh, Astro I'm so glad you're okay! I was worried sick, I..."

"Dandy, I was only out for like...wait... what time is it?" His twinkle flickered with confusion. As amusing as this was, I need to wrap it up.

"Listen, pal, I, uh... I decided to cancel the experiments. I freed the others. It's for the best, ya know? There were more... cons than pros, anyway..." I looked down. There really was. Why hadn't I seen that before...

Astro hugged me back. "Oh... I'm sorry... I know you're disappointed, but at least you tried to help. Do you want to head back up..?...."

If we did that... there was a chance I'd run into- no, it was inevitable that I'd run into anyone having to do with our project. This was for the better, though.

After all... if I want a clean slate, there's going to be some painful chiseling involved.

I'm just glad Astro's okay.

Cosmo and I were sitting at the table, waiting for Bobette to finish making breakfast. She said it was going to be a "celebratory feast I can bestow upon thee" since I had finally finished the anger management classes with Cos.

Either I had finished or he cut it short because the rest of the lessons we ended up having too much fun flirting and cuddling. Eh, at least it's over.

But all the jokes were put aside when I turned my head to see two familiar toons coming from the lobby.

"DANDY!?"

The colorful dandelion turned his head, his eyes widening at the sight of me. I suppose it was only natural. The button eye can be a bit unnerving.

Although I yelled his name, standing from my chair, I couldn't seem to bring myself to say anything more. My throat had closed up and my feet were glued to the floor.

I believe the same was for him, because he couldn't do anything either but stare.

Astro had started stepping forward, though.

So had Cosmo.

I reached a hand out to him, wanting to stop him. I don't want him to go near that weed or the toon who has been caught in that web. But I couldn't stop him.

They met in between us, standing in the middle of the hallway. Cosmo stared up at Astro.

The moon didn't say anything. He seriously looked like he was twisted.

Then, Cosmo hugged him.

"I'm glad you're back, Astro! A lot of people missed you... where've you been?"

No response.

Wait-

"How... how long have I been gone..? I could've sworn it's only been a month since we started the experiments... although it was supposed to be a secret, Dandy canceled them..."

Cosmo let go, laughing a little. "I suppose we have a lot to talk about, then, huh?"

He stepped forward, grabbing Dandy's and Astro's hands, leading them over to me and our spots at the table. Dandy sat on a chair next to me a little ways away, fidgeting with his hands.

I glanced at Cosmo, who was chatting away with Astro.

Scoffing, I pulled Dandy's chair closer to me.

He's lucky the guy chiseling his slate is merciful.