Chapter Text
The sun had started to settle, slowly stopping to provide its sunlight into Gardenview.
It was past working hours and even the toon-handlers were starting to head out. All the kids long gone, leaving the toons to freely act that peaceful time out.
In the Lobby the sunshine was gold-like, reflecting the soft edges of the open room. Small talk could be heard in the background. It only added more to the calm of that space, occasionally being slightly broken by laughter of some Toons.
All of this only coming of as ambience to the pair sitting deeper in the Lobby. Settled against the big tree in the middle Vee and Sprout were having a causal conversation.
Maybe to the descent person it seemed weird, uncanny even, but they were talking with each other. Not their usual bickering, nor did they call each other nicknames. They were just happy to be with each other.
Even if Vee never seemed like someone for physical touch, but she did indeed enjoy it. Oftentimes it was just unexpected or straight up unwanted, with Sprout though it was fine.
He always treated her like something fragile, never daring to press harder than needed.
No wonder, he does love her to the very core of his existence. Everything about her is exactly what he ever lounged for, she filled everything he never thought was missing.
Like a puzzle, with pieces made to fit with each other, just that these pieces were two ever loving main Toons. As if destined for each other.
Funny how both of them wouldn't have thought that, haven't they been interacting with each other from the start, -their very creation.
Vee was last to be made, quite a strange toon and a concept never thought able enough to be brought to life. But here she is, defining all odds.
Sometimes Sprout questiones, if her very being was ever a nuisance to other toons or even herself.
Was it hard to weight logic from emotions?
Was her not being able to eat or get in touch with water ever a problem? I mean, neither did his or any other Toon had to necessarily consume them, just indulging in the action felt nice.
Did the others even know she wasn't able to cry, unless she broke her systems to an extent?? No wonder the others don't think she cares enough..., oh, but she's so compassionate, caring for everyone!
Not just that, but her systems were also extremely fragile and weak! Just a push could cause her insides to get scrambled, either needing a moment or worse, repairs. Wich she very much dispises. He knows she can't help around Gardenview like the other Toons, oftentimes hiding away in her personal space, her floor, mostly out of shame.
She has so much she has to watch out for, thank Veeronica for doing so for her a lot as well.
But would it ever prevent her from being herself and always giving her best?
Sprout would never believe that.
Because even with all this she was strong, holding up and exceeding in things she can do!
She's joyful, humorous, funny, cute, super inelegant, full of care for everyone and really compassionate. He would never trade all that, -her, away for anything!
She was his and he was hers, and nothing could change that, ever!!
They're conversation has long stopped and Sprout only looked at her, her face, that beautiful face. Those sparkling eyes full of passion were staring right back at him, until she turned her head to face another direction, than back at him.
She looked different, softer, the outside corners of her eyes had slightly lowered in height, drooping even.
The corners of her mouth hung a little lower, her usually plastered smiled didn't seem all that plastered anymore, but actually more subdued.
It was cute even, at least for him. She always is.
"What would you think of me, if I changed with no explanation, forever, and I mean it in the sense of my personality, my sense, thought process and if my memories were lost?," Vee asked in her mostly monotone voice.
"Huh!.. You mean like if you became a different person?," Sprout asked in return, slight concern showing in his voice and the way his eyebrows deformed worriedly.
"Yes"
What a simple and straightforward response.
If only the complection of what she was implying wasn't this complicated... Was this one of those 'If I was a worm questions' girlfriends always tend to ask, or maybe was she implying something?? How could he know, especially when she was so direct and coded at the same time.
Would a simple 'Yes' or 'Of course' be enough of an answer or does she want him to analyse every aspect of it to the ground? Honestly, he didn't know, it seemed to him like he already knew everything of her, but apparently there was still something to uncover.
"Sprout?," she once again spoke, having slight concern slip out of her in the minimum.
"...Well, I love you for whoever you are, would that be a roach or a worm," he started. " But for me the only thing that matters is you, of course." Sprout smiled at her.
Vee looked down to the grass that was actively touching her rubber skin. It felt like nothing, she could only guess. Was it soft or harsh?
She'll probably never know, at least not without that update.
Whenever Veronica had tried to ask Delilah about details of the update and if it could not take place ever, she was either met with silence or little to no new information.
For Vee it seemed to be invadable, a truth she'll sooner or later have to face.
They assured her that she would be fine, that they would just touch on some code and try to make her have more senses.
Was she really something that could be tempered with?
And now they started luring her in with the possibility of her maybe feeling more like a real Toon, even being more like one.
This is so messed up!
She does want to be more Toon, just as much as she knows she isn't at the moment. Finally being able to experience Sprout to the fullest and give him the love he deserves.
If only she could do that just like every Toon could.
Vee would do it, all this for her possibly losing herself, forever.
Maybe walking in a never ending limbo, having forgotten about herself, Veronica .. Sprout.
It would be fine, if Srout was okay with that, though he had to answer straight and not having him take the question as a metaphor.
Exactly what he wasn't doing this fresh conversation.
Honestly, Vee would've run for it, if it went after her, but exactly in this regard she had to be this illogical.
Leaving Sprout here would never be an option, actually everytoon in Gardenview really, him especially.
What would they do without her, even if she was mostly hidden away and didn't partake in most activities they would?
"That didn't answer my question. Besides, I did not mean it metaphorically," she finally spoke, looking up at Sprout again.
"I'm not sure if I understood your question, Vee," answered Sprout shortly after, not really dwelling much on it.
"No, I mean everything that you know of me would be different, or changed in some way, but my core concept would still stand," she clarified.
Vees eyes drifted off to look at nothing in particular, thinking.
Would Sprout even understand after she tried to explain to him what she means?
She couldn't shake of that weighed feeling that came after todays meet and greet and her Gameshow.
The usually magical feelings of happy children faded, thanks to the ever so growing worry about her update date gradually nearing itself.
A hand of a specific and very special berry made its way to the side of her head, forming a smile on his lips. Though the eyebrows changed to an unsure, confusion striking position.
"Vee?," he asked softly, as if knowing she was deeply in thought, as well as adding;
"Did something happen?"
"You know, you can tell me?"
She felt sick to her non-existent bones, she didn't want to drag Sprout in it and definitely not worry him.
She was meant to be independent.
Made to be flawless, perfect even...
Now she couldn't even achieve that.......
This was so very sickening, making her head feel sticky inside, like, as if someone dragged some gum all across the inside walls and decided to add cotton candy to the mix.
She preformed so bad today, worse than weeks prior.
Kids were never scared of her, most just to shy to approach. There were always enough around her to concern Veronica about her safety and capacity to handle things.
All Vee noticed was that the smiles and the sparks of the children seemed to disappear with each meeting.
I guess she wasn't entertaining enough or it was, just like Delillah said, her emotions.
Sure she isn't the most emotionally available Toon, but she tries, hard.
Was that not enough?
"Vee??," Sprout said once again, now more confused and slightly flustered.
She had glided down head first into his lap.
No warnings, no nothing, Sprout could only think.
"HUH.. Vee, what is this about?," he shortly after being caught of guard, tried to enquire.
To his dismay Vee didn't answer, irritating him even more.
Vee would always answer, even if she was being a little pauty.
So he gave himself permission to lift her back up, even if he was a bit unsure.
Maybe she was just playing cute, trying out something different.
She'd often talk to him about her needing to change, something to appeal more to the children. Maybe that's her motivation at this moment?
Either way, they were in the middle of a pretty important conversation. At least to him.
He gently touched Vees back, starting to give it small shakes. "Vee, I know I am probably just so irresistible, but we were kinda having an important conversation here. You can't just leave me alone with my thoughts on this and whatever is bothering you, we can work through it. Together. I assure you," Sprout affectionately started. "You do remember that, right?"
Silence
Is she kidding? That is not in any way cutesie or endearing! This has to stop now.
"I guess I have no choice, I've gotta tickle you out of this!," he says playfully, while preparing to turn her around.
He braces himself, counting down in his head.
3
2
1
And whoosh he turns her around in a fast but still tender way.
"HAHAhahA I gotcha!," he now almost shouted, closing his eyes and grinning widely.
"Playing hard to get or wha-," his face turned blank.
She was still in the position he just changed, lying there limp on his knees. Her face now facing the direction of the ceiling instead.
There was no display, no eyes, no symbols, no nothing, it was blank. Just blank.
Sprout tensed, this isn't right.
This is not fine, not normal.
Panic
Wait wait wait, she doesn't usually do that.
This is something he never saw happen, not naturally. Not at all.
"Vee?," he questioned saddened and already worked up. "Vee? VEE, VEEE? PLEASE what is happening??!"
Sprout shot his head up, eyes darting through the lobby. He was searching for something, someone. Where could Sam be? Are they already out of the house?
Lifting Vee up once again, he carefully put her against the tree. Making sure she wouldn't drop onto the grass from the sitting position.
She was surprisingly a pretty lightweighted toon, unlike them she never could consume anything. Lacking those extra organs toons have specifically for that.
After spotting Sam, Sprout practically sprung up sprinting to them. Now all that was left at the tree were Vee and the gust Sprout just had created and left behind.
"SAAAAM, SAM!! sammmmm!," he shouted running out of breath there. He didn't care what the other toons thought. He is pretty important, meaning he would have his reasons for whatever actions after all.
Sam looked to their back, turning a little in the process. Their face showing concern, even more than usually.
Sprout never acts like this, unless something really important was up. That was the lesses thing they knew about their toon.
"Sprout, what happened??!," they spoke in an alerted amd a tad bit distressed tone.
Even if they are really tired, they couldn't just turn around and not say anything.
It was always a hard job to take care for the safety of Gardenview and a toon who keeps destroying things in the kitchen. Yes, not just a burning oven once per while, but tons of other electrical stuff.
Though, ever since he started to interact with Vee more, he became much more attentive. Maybe he learned something from that girl, she was a Tv after all.
Now he wouldn't run to them for every oh so small issue, Sprout learned that at least. Plus he looked very roughed up right now, wich only happened when something couldn't wait.
It felt a little empty looking at Sprout alone too, sure there were Toons all around the lobby, but no one directly with him and that was always the case.
He would always surround himself with other toons, wanting to help and make them feel safe, welcomed even, as much as he could.
"It's Vee," right, Vee, she's almost always with him in the after hours, at least that's what Sam cought glimpses of. Maybe they've grown fond of each other? "Sh-she just went black out if no where and isn't responding, not at all!," Sprout shouted, in full on panic mode.
Toons around them started to look worried, not matching Sprouts level though.
Whispering, they probably didn't understand Sprout actually, being more concerned about his volume.
Not surprising, he did get worked up a lot, whenever something almost unnoticeable was happening to some toon.
Shock hit Sam, no Toon should just drop dead, even in Vees case. This is something really concerning and couldn't be simply moved over until the next day. So Sam genuinely asked: ,"where is she, Sprout?"
"At the tree in here, follow me!," Sprout replied, tugging at Sams arm and sprinting to the back of the lobby, where the tree would peacefully grow.
Sam and Sprout both ran up to Vee, trying to check up on her. How did she work, was this even normal?
Dread was all that met Sams face, not only was this frustrating, but horrifying as well.
Sprout looked at his toonhandler and losing at least some shades of color on his face.
"She's gonna be alright, right? You can fix this, right? You always do," with now slightly teary eyes Sprout, ramble like asks. His only hope would be Sam, since he didn't know about Vees functions specifically in the slightest.
The redheaded Handler stood up, phone in hand. They typed something into it, a ringtone sound starting to play after doing so. With a now more calmer look Sam send their gaze down on Sprout, stating: " I dialled up Vees handler, Veronica. Calm down now Sprout, I'll make sure your little robotic friend gets to be alright. We'll find a way. Don't worry."
Sam sounded so sincere as hope sparked up in them, when Veronica picked up.
Veeronica on the other hand was confused, Sam never called her at this time before.
"We need your help in Gardenview, it's urgent," Sam started, shooting straight to the point.
"What? What happened? You never call this late. Why are you still in there, shouldn't you be long gone for the day?," questions kept flooding out of Sams line, they were Veronicas. This was probably the most anyone would ever hear her talk.
One could almost feel the shock in Veronicas reaction after Sam announced that something was wrong with Vee.
As they explained, Veronicas quite ecstatic behaviour seemed to to be soothed down a little.
"I'll be there in 15 minutes, stay with her, please," was the last thing Veronca said before hanging up and seemingly heading out. She was going to check up on Vee and solve the issue, like always.
Looking up from the now hung up phone, Sam looked over to Sprout. He was already nestled against the tree again, holding Vee by the head, that was specifically placed on his lap.
Maybe they didn't quite grasp what this position could possibly imply, even though it was not all that secret.
Sprout looked up, his big eyes locking onto Sams. "What did Veronica tell you?," he asked after a moment.
"She'll be here soon, Sprout. Don't worry," they only answered. Truly, they didn't know if Veronica knows what happened, nor did her first reaction reassure that it was something that happened often.
Could there be more, could there be something really bad happening?
Maybe Veronica knew something from behind the scenes that they didn't, being the reason for this situation to even happen in the first place. Or not, how could they know...
The gaze, after drifting to the exit from time to time, would grace over Sprout again.
This time his hand was caressing Vees side, while looking down at her. A serious look on his face, his usual smile gone, replaced by a frown. Eyes adding the sense for care to it.
Was he always like that? At least with her? He did care for the toons openly.
So loving... wait. It can't be, was he... were they, ...a thing?
No way...
Sam was sure of it, or were they...
For the longest time no one even dared to question if toons could even feel something towards each other, something more than friendship.
Especially in Vees case.
Closed of, same as emotionally and full of herself. That's Vee, not someone who's capable for more. Right?
"Sprout," Sam started.
"Hm?"
"I don't think you should do that now...," by that Sprout freezes up, shock evident.
Pupils have grown to small dots in less than a second.
He didn't even thought about it, the handlers might need to report this and would deem it inappropriate. This would be the end of their not so secret, secret love thing.
"I mean she's pretty much not looking all to good, I don't think it would help anyway," Sam clarified, giving Sprout a thoughtful look.
It came across as almost a wink, the kind that says you are safe, at least for now and specifically with me.
"Oh, of course... I just- I just thought of it in a sense of comfort," he replied, being obviously taken aback.
"For who? You or Vee? Because it seems to me like someone is very anxious. I assure you though, when Veronica touches technology it almost fixes itself," Sam now teased," I wonder how she manages tha-."
Cut of by an oblivious Veronica:," I manage what?"
"EVERYTHING, though limited to technology," they in a kind of enthusiastically manner replied, being momentarily shoked by the sudden appearance.
"How very flattering, I do try my best. What's the issue with Vee though?," Veronica slightly giggled before returning to a focused and serious tone.
Veronica didn't need an answer though, already heading to the tree and leaning down to where Vee was placed on Sprout.
Her gaze slid over to Sprout for a split second, pricing through him in a suspicious way.
Sam, Sprouts handler was speechless for a second, watching her already act without a clue on what is going on.
"Vee isn't responding and turned of without a warning. That's not normal, isn't that so?," they explained, after finally gaining back their line of thought.
"I'll have to take her to her room, the game show floor," Vees handler spoke up after what seemed to be an unnecessary long intensive glare at her toon.
She than came closer, carefully picking Vee up. Who still laid at the same spot as before, Sprouts lab. Getting Vee to a more stable gripped position than before, walking up to one of the elevators. Setting foot inside, she turned around and signed to us that ,both Sam and Sprout, should join.
Sprout looked up to Veronica, as sparkles wash over into his big black eyes, looking like they got flushed in. Wasting no time, he stood up and joined Veronica and Sam.
While they all got carried to the game show floor, he couldn't quite stop throwing worried looks at her, Vee. Her screen was off, her limbs kept dangling lifeless, while her tail was retracted and her antennas bobbed at every little movement.
Truly, he was worried for her, not only felt something off, but also Veronicas occasional more than worried expressions were only feeding the feeling.
Sprout looked at Veronica, the moment she noticed she tensed up, small sweatbeads building up on her face.
That shouldn't be normal, she's always kinda anxious, but never to this extend.
At least that is what he thought, as the elevator door finally opens to reveal the game show hostess floor.
All three didn't waste time to get out and as Sprout was waiting for the continuation of the plan, the two Toonhandlers already sprinted out and going to a staff only area.
"Sprout please stay out of this, at least for now," a look of concern plastered across Sams face. It is evident enough that something was going on, something he apparently couldn't be part of.
No way in the world could they just leave him out of this, this is about his friend,- no, most loved one. Wouldn't they want to know the full truth about what was happening to their partner too, if they ever were to be in such situation.
With a huff he plopped on the floor against a wall next to him, while Veronica and Sam had their private talk behind closed doors.
If it weren't for that continues clicking and beeping of technology in the background, he'd think that he was waiting for hours.
Sam finally came out, their face almost blank even as they spoke;" Hey Sprout, whatever will happen to Vee in there is not your fault."
Suspicious. . .
He stayed quiet, not interrupting. Wanting to know more.
"You know just how she always is, kind of slower and rougher nowadays and whatever would happen in there has been influenced by that," they explained, now holding a rather sympathetic look.
What could they mean by that?
Time went on and on, seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours and so on. Some toons once or even twice peeked in or stayed for a short while out of curiosity, leaving once they got bored or didn't get any information on Vees state.
All of them empty handed and unknowledgeable.
Even he didn't and he is one if not the closest someone to her.
His handler was rather frantically running around, holding calls and doing whatever there was to do. They did get some blankets and pillows at some point and gave them to Sprout.
After they drove away for period of time they came back, holding some food and a bag in hand. Sitting down with a more exhausted look than ever before they started:"Hey Sprout."
"Hmm?,"
"Me and Veronica are going to stay here for the night. Even if I might be just as confused on this matter as you, Veronica seems to have a plan. Before I left to get some food she had told me about some internal damage, something about Vee needing some stronger fixes," Sam followed, a bit confused and unsure of their own words.
A sigh could be heard from Sprout, looking at the ground and than again at Sam. Hope evident in his eyes:" So she'll be fine? You said Veronica is good at fixing electronics. That's the same with Vee, right?"
"Yes, surely. Now get some rest! I know you care, but you cannot neglect yourself like that. You have kids to entertain," a speech in this teaching manner, exactly how Sam does it with the children.
"Vee won't die just because you weren't there, me and Veronica are here after all. So nothing to worry about, besides about maybe having good sleep. Now go, sho," Sam means it in a good way, sounding a bit hostile though.
Sprout would've added something, fought back, state his opinion and thoughts, but he didn't. He knew exactly that he had just as much work to do, just as mostly any other toon.
Even if it scared him, leaving Vee alone, especially in such a vulnerable state.
Morning arose as he expected children running in at that time, some half tired, while others ran around with sparkles in their eyes and big, warm smiles plastered on them.
Toons were made to operate in such hours without problem, lacking this humanity. They would thrive in interactions, practically feeding on it.
That was not of importance for Sprout though, he has been long deferment to get to check up on Vee.
Thoughts such as; " Vee probably is confused, maybe conflicted, especially with him not around," would resurface.
On his way back to her themed floor he was met with other Toons, cheerfully walking, as if they weren't there at the incident yesterday or they simply didn't care.
Faint shouts and an apperant argument could be heard right outside of the staff only room. The persons seemingly tired and worn off started debating and panicking over something. Most likely Vee, as it appears that she's still in there.
Wait WHAT!!?
She shouldn't be there.
She should be repaired, standing and running, just like she always does.
No
It can't be right...
Sprout began to sprint.
No way was she still in there
And someone's arguing.
Great
Just great.
Unlike he usually would, he threw the door open. So fast even glass could've shattered if there were to be a plate or two just leaning against it.
The cheer wildness made both handlers inside the room flinch and while Veronica looked traumatised, as if being cought in a horrible act, Sam looked more conflicted, as if they could snap at any moment or cower in shame.
Tears were forming in Veronicas eyes as Sam came up to Sprout. Looking him dead in the eye and putting a hand in his shoulder they would only say:" I'm sorry Sprout."
"Sam," he would chuckle, concern rising up by the millisecond;" What do you have to be sorry for?"
Veronica stepped closer, " I don't think I can help this time, I am so sorry Sprout."
"She's gone Sprout,"
"What? Nononono no...," a silent panic rose in Sprout.
"Don't you understand?" Sam looked away, before followed by Veronica:" I tried everything, but nothing seems to work."
She looked ashamed, as if she failed someone, maybe even lied to them, broke a promise.
Sprout looked to the back of the room, an unmoving Vee lies there. She didn't look at peace, nor like she was in distress, just quiet, to quiet. Empty, like every bazass that made her, well, be her, was gone. Flushed dead like a flame, spark all gone.
Despicable how he hadn't done anything, leaving her. For what? A little rest. As if he could be any help in performing for the children if he was with her anyway.
He came closer, eyes dry, as if his body hadn't accepted the reality of the sight in front of him.
Was she really gone?
What would happen now??