Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Branch jumped out of bed, super excited to hang out with the Snack Pack. Poppy had a lot of fun things planned for today, and he couldn’t wait to join them. Getting his classic vest and shorts on, and putting Gary in his holster, he ran to the elevator and left his lair.

The walk to town was peaceful, with barely any animals to bother him. Not that there usually were anyway. He walked through town, garnering a few weird looks along the way. Some trolls were still wary of him, even after he regained his colors.

“Hey, Branch.” Creek waved as he approached.

“Creek.” Branch rolled his eyes. His good mood was immediately soured.

“I wasn't expecting to see you out here, since you normally stay in that cluttered little bunker of yours.”

“Well, it's not like I'm out to see you. I just have plans with the Snack Pack today.”

“And you're going in that?” Creek gave a disgusted look at Branch's clothes, making Branch cross his arms, subtly trying to draw attention away from his outfit.

“Well, yeah. I wear this everyday.”

Creek snickered under his breath. “It really suits you.”

“I have to go, Creek.” Branch was already walking away, embarrassed by Creek's critical comments. His clothes didn't look that bad, right? He just had a signature look. Not everyone could pull off the survivalist aesthetic.

“There you are, Branch! We were starting to worry about you.” Poppy greets Branch with a hug.

“He's finally here! I've been super hyped to learn photography from Biggie. I can't wait any longer!” Satin and Chenille jumped up and down.

“I know, right? Mr. Dinkles is such an icon.”

“Wait, photography?” Branch had no idea what they were talking about.

“Yeah! Were you not listening?”

“I was. I just thought we were going to the beach today.”

“That's next week.”

“Oh.” That's weird. He could've sworn they were going to the beach.

“Come on! Biggie is waiting for us.”

Everyone follows Poppy to Biggie's pod as Branch fidgeted with his vest along the way. He wasn't photogenic whatsoever and on top of that, he wasn't dressed up at all! He looked horrible. Or maybe Creek just made him think he looked horrible. Maybe he doesn't look as bad as he thinks.

“Hey, Poppy? Are my clothes okay?”

“What? Yeah, you look fine.”

“What about my hair?”

“It looks fine. Why?” Poppy raised a brow. Branch never really cared about his appearance before.

“No reason.”

“Okay?”

The group of trolls arrived at Biggie's pod, ecstatic. Inside the pod was a semicircle of chairs, as if they were in a classroom.

“Hey guys! I'm so glad you could make it!” Biggie gave everyone a group hug before sitting down on his chair. “Have a seat.”

As everyone got situated, Branch sat next to Poppy. He was really nervous, but sitting next to her made him feel a little better.

“Photography is all about the pose, the attitude, and most importantly, the clothes. Take Mr. Dinkles for example.” Mr. Dinkles was sitting next to Biggie, wearing a fedora with a suit and tie. Such an icon. “The tie, the fedora, everything is coordinated perfectly. Every piece of the outfit counts.”

As Biggie continued his spell, Branch couldn't help but feel more insecure about his outfit. He tried folding his arms to cover the vest, but then his shorts would show. He put his arms on his lap, but then his vest would show.

“Alright, now that that's over with, we can start taking pictures! Everyone, find a partner and a good spot. Come back here once you're done so I can critique your work!”

Poppy looked over at Branch.

“Wanna be partners?”

“Sure, but before we go, are you sure that my outfit is okay?”

“Yeah. You wear it everyday. Why are you being so weird about it?”

“Well, Creek said it looked bad.”

“He doesn't know what he's talking about! Just ignore him.”

“But what if it's true? Should I change?”

“Trust me, you look fine!”

“Okay.” Poppy's right. He shouldn't let Creek get to him. Maybe he really did look fine the way he was. But why can't he stop thinking about it? He almost felt embarrassed just by being there. He stood out.

“Now, come on! let's go find a spot to take some pictures!” Poppy grabbed a camera and rushed outside to look for a nice spot.

“So I was thinking we could find a spot near some water or maybe some flowers? Ooh! We should go to that flower field!”

Poppy pulled Branch along to the open flower field to take some pictures. Poppy was way more excited about this than Branch was. He just wanted to go home.

“Do you want to go first or should I?”

“I guess I'll take pictures of you first.” Branch grabs the camera from Poppy as she gets ready to pose. He snaps a few pictures of her before she runs over to look at them.

“Wow, Branch! These are really good! I had no idea you were good at taking photos.” Branch smiled at her praise. Maybe today won't be so bad after all. “Okay, now it's my turn! Go stand over there.”

Branch walks away from Poppy and awkwardly poses with the flowers.

“Maybe scooch over to the right? Oh, no back to the left? Okay, go back a few steps and… there! Stay right there!” Poppy takes a few pictures of Branch. He walks back over to check them out.

“I mean, it's not the worst I've seen. You did well, but my eyes are closed in that one.”

“Well, not all of us are good at photography, I guess. We should go back to Biggie's pod.”

They walk back to the pod. Branch was starting to get even more nervous. What if they did really bad? Or what if they did too well and everyone got jealous and didn't want to be their friends anymore?

“Welcome back, everyone! Turn in your photos, please.”

Once everyone gave Biggie their photos, he put them on the projector so everyone could see.

“Ooh! Very good Satin and Chenille! Your outfits work perfectly in this setting! And I absolutely love the lighting! Very well done!” The twins smiled proudly and gave each other a high five. They both did really well. Branch and Poppy couldn't compare.

“I love this unique vision, DJ Suki! It's very vintage. Very cool setting as well. Good job!” DJ Suki almost looked shocked at the feedback. Maybe Branch is also better than he thought?

“Poppy! These pictures of you are absolutely stunning! You look so cute in this flower field. Branch did a really good job capturing the scenery.” Biggie's smile turned into a look of concern as he looked at the pictures of Branch. “Um, these ones are very interesting! I have a few critiques. I personally wouldn't go for this outfit. It's a little, um, harsh on the eyes? If you really wanted to do this outfit though, I would suggest picking a different scenery to match. Maybe something like a forest would be good. You could really pull off that, how do you put it, loner survivalist aesthetic?”

Branch looked at the ground as Poppy put her hand on his back. Creek was right. He looked horrible and Biggie knew it. What if his friends felt the same way? He held back tears as he thought about it. He really wanted to go home.

Biggie finished going through everyone's pictures. It was finally time for everyone to go home.

“Bye guys! We should do this again sometime!”

“Thanks for having us, Biggie!”

“Yeah! It was a lot of fun!”

Branch walked ahead of everyone else. He didn't want to be seen by anyone. He just wanted to be in the comfort of his bunker.

“Branch?” Poppy sped up to walk next to him.

“Yeah?”

“I'm sorry about what happened.”

“It's not your fault. It just turns out that everything is better when I'm not in it.”

“That's not true! You may not be the most photogenic troll ever, but that doesn't mean you aren't good at other things. The pictures you took of me turned out great!”

“I guess, but I still wasn't expecting to get insulted.”

“I know. Biggie was wrong for that.” Poppy looks over at Branch. He was still really upset. “You wanna know what I think? I think that you're really handsome.”

“You do?”

“Yeah! You look super adorable in that little vest, I could just die!”

Branch couldn't hide his smile. He never heard anyone say that to him before. It felt really… nice.

“Well, uh, I gotta go now. It's past Gary's bed time.”

“Okay. I'll see you later!”

“See ya.”

Chapter Text

It’s been a week since the photography incident, and Branch was no longer stressing over his outfit. He had way bigger things to worry about. He was already running late to help Poppy set up her party. He struggled to catch a full breath as he arrived at her pod.

“Sorry I'm late.” He pumped his fists a few times, shifting his eyes away from Poppy’s as she came out of the kitchen to greet him.

“Oh, it's okay, Branch. Creek is helping me out, so don't worry about it.” He felt dread pool at the bottom of his stomach. Why did Creek have to be there?

“Oh, good.” Branch crossed his arms to try and quell his anxious movements. He didn’t want to look stupid in front of Poppy. “What can I do to help?”

“Can you help me set up the welcome banner? It should be on the counter.”

“Sure thing!”

“Don’t forget to grab the ladder to hang it up! I want it on my living room wall, above the couch.” She gestures to make sure Branch knows exactly where to put it. Knowing him, he’d probably over think where it should be placed.

“Okay!” Branch grabs the banner and ladder, going to the living room to set them up. He pins the banner to the wall, making sure to put it exactly where Poppy told him.

“Be careful!”

Branch’s heart drops as he sways a bit on the ladder. He really didn't like heights, but he’d do anything for Poppy. His hands shook a little as he stepped off the ladder. He inhales, and calms.

“Is there anything else you need, Queen Poppy?” Branch bows. He was such a dork.

“There is but another thing, my humble servant. I need you to set out the beverages.” Poppy’s laughter is the best melody Branch has ever heard.

“At your service.” He lazily saluted, giving her a goofy looking grin.

Creek rolled his eyes. What a show off.

Creek smirked as he looked over at Branch, making sure he could hear him. “Is there anything for me to do, my queen?” Creek was swimming in dangerous waters.

“Why, you can go take care of the lights.” Poppy put a pile of lights in Creek's arms. “I have faith in you.”

Branch’s jaw hurt from how hard he was gritting his teeth. He threw down the last of the beverages before beelining for Poppy.

“I did what you asked. Is there anything else?”

“No, I think Creek is taking care of the rest of it.”

“But-”

“I'm done, Queen Poppy!” Creek strutted back into the room. Maybe if Branch punched him hard enough, it would rearrange his face to be more appealing.

“Good! And now, we wait.” Poppy let gravity take her as she flopped onto the couch, bouncing a bit before rearranging herself to be more comfortable. Branch and Creek both sat next to her. The tension in the room was palpable. Branch was honestly impressed with Poppy’s ability to ignore it. Catching a glance at Creek, Branch put his arm around Poppy as she leaned into him, relaxed. Creek shot Branch a scathing look and scooted closer to Poppy.

“Hey, Poppy!” The Snack Pack trickled into Poppy's pod, interrupting Branch and Creek's petty feud.

“Hey guys! It's so good to see you! Make yourselves at home. We have some snacks and drinks.”

“Oh, awesome!”

The party has officially begun and Branch put aside his grudge for now. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin Poppy's party. Throughout the day, Branch could see Creek glaring at him. He tried his best to ignore him, but he was really starting to get on his last nerve.

“Hey, Branch. Can you go grab the cake from the kitchen, please?”

“Of course, Poppifer.”

Branch speed walked to the kitchen, relieved to get away from Creek’s glare, even if just for a moment. He grabbed the cake and walked back into the room. He barely caught sight of Creek's sly grin before something connected with his ankle and sent him tumbling to the ground. He lifted his arms to try and save the cake, but it was still sent splattering on the floor. Pain shot through Branch's chin as his face met the dirty floorboards.

“Branch! You ruined the cake!” Creek gasped, as if he was surprised.

“Creek, it was just an accident! He didn't mean to!” Poppy quickly came to his defense. The last thing she wanted was for Branch to feel bad.

“Yeah, but now we can't have any cake! You can’t have a good party without cake!” Cooper hung his head, staring dejectedly at the floor cake.

“Of course it was Branch who ruined your party. What else would we expect from someone like him?”

Branch’s face felt warm as his eyes pierced through Creek. It was obvious that Creek tripped him, so why was nobody else coming to his defense?

Poppy comes alongside Branch and helps him off the ground. “Come on, Branch. These guys can have their party without us.” They were being ridiculous. It was clearly an accident, and it was just a cake. They have cake every day.

Poppy leads Branch by the hand, guiding him outside of her pod. They sit together under a nearby tree.

Branch pulls at his fingers, avoiding Poppy’s concerned looks. “I’m sorry, Poppy.” Poppy grabs his chin, moving his head to look at her fully. Her smile was brighter than any star, and the galaxy could not compare to the twinkle in her eyes.

“It's fine, Branch. It was just an accident.” He stops himself from glaring, not wanting Poppy to think it's directed at her.

“Well, it wasn't an accident on Creek's part.” She tilts her head, confused.

“What do you mean?”

“He tripped me! Didn't you see him do it?” His anger pooled out as he gestured to Poppy’s pod.

“To be honest, I didn't look over there until you fell.”

“Well, it wasn't my fault! He was just trying to make me look bad.”

“It'd be really hard to make someone like you look bad.” Poppy leans her head on Branch's shoulder. “You have a really good heart.” The tension clinging to Branch washes away. The cake incident at the party doesn’t seem so important anymore.

“You really mean that?”

“Yeah! Why wouldn't I?”

“I don't know. Nobody's ever said that about me before. Usually it's just ‘Branch is boring’ or ‘Branch is a freak.’”

“No way! You're the most caring troll I've ever met! You always want to keep us safe. That doesn't make you boring, it makes you my best friend.” In a show of courage, Poppy grabs his hand. He freezes as she rubs circles on the back of his hand with her thumb. His heart was beating wildly out of his chest, and his face was hot enough to cook an egg on it. Nervous that she would get uncomfortable and move off of him, he forcibly relaxed his body and made sure his shoulder cushioned her head.

Branch almost didn't know what to say. He always thought that Poppy saw him the same way everyone else did. He had no idea that she found him endearing.

“Can we stay here for a while? I don't wanna go back in.”

“Whatever you want, Branchifer.”

Chapter Text

Creek and the Snack Pack jump down from Poppy's pod. The party was over already? How long had Poppy and Branch been sitting there? Not that either were complaining, it was nice to be able to just relax with each other. Branch doesn't remember the last time he felt this calm.

Seeing Poppy leaning against Branch, Creek felt a wave of jealousy overtake him. How dare Branch get so close to his Poppy? They wouldn’t even be a cute couple! And aside from that, Branch isn’t a good fit for the throne. Poppy could be so naive sometimes. She needed someone charismatic and well liked in the village, someone that she knew well. Someone like him. Creek clenched his fists, stomping to where Branch and Poppy were.

“I always knew you were trouble.”

“What are you talking about, Creek?” Poppy sat up, lifting her head from Branch’s shoulder.

Creek cackled as he looked down at her with a condescending smirk. “You’re so naive, Poppy. How can you not see that he's manipulating you? All he wants from you is the throne.”

Branch stood up to face Creek. Who does he think he is? His scowl became more pronounced as he tried to make himself look bigger.

“Branch, calm down.” Poppy put her hand on his shoulder as Creek got in Branch’s face.

“Do you really think that someone like her would ever love someone like you? Face the facts, Branch. You don't stand a chance.” Branch held his ground as Creek jabbed a finger into his chest.

Poppy stepped in between them. She didn't like where this was going. “Leave him alone, Creek.”

“Don't get mad at me. I’m just trying to protect you from this varmint.” Branch glared at Creek as he cracked his knuckles. Creek wasn’t trying to protect Poppy, he was trying to control her.

“Don't listen to him, Poppy. You're smart, not naive. You know I wouldn't manipulate you. You're my best friend.” Poppy’s countenance lit up as she opened her mouth to respond. Before she got the chance, she was pushed to the side as Creek lunged at Branch. He needed to be put in his place. Creek was quick with his hits, not giving Branch a chance to defend himself.

“Creek, stop!”

Still, Creek kept punching as Branch frantically kicked him off, trying to get away. Regardless of what he did, Creek held on to him with a vice grip, refusing to let him go. Branch was desperately clawing at Creek when a tendril of hair wrapped around him and pulled him away.

Now a safe distance from Creek, Branch allowed himself to relax as Poppy kept him in her hair. His body felt like one big bruise, with stinging cuts littering his arms and legs. This wasn’t his best moment. Creek kept yelling at Branch, even as Poppy managed to escape and get Branch inside the safety of his bunker. Once inside, he groaned as she gently set him on the bed.

“Are you okay? Where are you hurt?” Her arms were held uselessly in the air. She didn’t know what to do.

“I'm fine. It's just a few cuts and bruises. Nothing that I can't handle.” Branch tried to heave himself back up, but Poppy held him down.

“No, you need to rest.”

“But I'm fine! Seriously! This is nothing new.”

“What do you mean ‘this is nothing new’?” Branch covered his mouth, he didn’t mean to say that. He avoided Poppy’s eyes, looking for a way out.

“It's nothing. Don't worry about it.”

“Don't lie to me, Branch.” She studied his demeanor. His eyes kept shifting away from hers as he hunched in on himself.

“It’s nothing important.” She watched as he seemed to deflate, defeated.

“Anything that hurts you is important to me. Please open up, I want to help you.” He paused for a moment as she waited for him to speak.

“This isn't the first time that Creek has done something like this.”

“What?” Her eyes widened as she stared at him in shock. “Why didn't you tell anyone?”

“Because I didn't want you to worry. And Creek’s your friend. Why would you believe me over him?” Poppy hated to hear Branch sound so dejected. She knew what she had to do.

“He's not my friend anymore.” Branch looked up in surprise. Poppy and Creek had been close since they were kids. Why would she break that off for someone like him? “Anyone who would hurt another troll isn’t worth my time. And besides, I would choose you over him any day. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna talk to him about it.”

“No! Please don't.” Branch’s heart dropped as he pleaded with Poppy.

“Why not?”

“Because you'll make it worse!” Branch didn’t want to imagine what Creek would do to him.

“I can't just stand by and do nothing!” Poppy's eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Branch. How could she let this go on for so long?

“Please, Poppy. Promise me that you won't do anything.” Branch grabbed her hand as he pleaded with her. He knew what Creek would do to him.

“But-” She stopped herself as she saw the desperation in his eyes. He was shaking. Poppy sighed, she couldn’t deny him. “Fine. Now get some rest.” She pulled the blanket on top of him as she started to leave the room.

“Poppy?” She paused, looking back at him.

“Yeah?”

“Would you stay with me?” He didn't want to admit it, but his heart was still beating out of his chest, and he could feel the icy tendrils of fear creeping into his bones. Creek wasn’t anywhere near him, and he was still freaking out. He was pathetic.

“Anything for you.” She crawled onto the bed and curled up next to him. Her hair lightly brushed across his face as he hugged her tight, afraid that if he let go she would disappear. Poppy held him carefully, not wanting to exacerbate his wounds or cause him pain. She rubbed his back as he shook against her. Her eyes were warm as she let a few tears escape. She let this happen.

“Branch?”

“Yeah?”

“I'm really sorry.”

“For what?”

“I just can't believe that I didn't even notice how bad Creek was treating you! I could have done something about it.” Poppy sighed as she loosened her grip. She couldn't bear the thought of Branch suffering alone. She could've been there for him, but she was too ignorant to even notice.

“Don't apologize. I'm the one that kept it a secret.”

“But still! You were hurting and I should have noticed! You don’t deserve this.”

“It's okay, Poppy. Really. I’m used to it.” Branch ran his fingers through her hair, trying his best to comfort her. He wasn't the best at it, but he hoped it was enough to curb her tears.

“But that’s the problem!” Her voice was strangled as she struggled to hold her sobbing. “This shouldn't be happening to you. It's not right!”

“Sounds about right to me.”

“How could you say that? You're so, so-”

“Annoying? Freaky? Boring?”

“Amazing.”

“I am?” Branch's heart felt warm as those words rested upon his ears. He was… amazing? Poppy thought he was amazing?

“Yes! Why are you so surprised? You're super sweet, not to mention crazy prepared. You care so much about us, it’s amazing. I’ve never met someone more passionate than you.”

Branch froze as the warmth traveled to his hands. He didn't know what to say. Should he thank her? Compliment her back?

“Are you sure you're not looking in a mirror right now?” He chuckled awkwardly. Why did he have to say something so dumb? He could’ve said literally anything else.

Poppy laughed at his goofy smile. He was such a dork. “Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not an adorable, blue troll.” The bright blue traveled down his neck and reached the tips of his ears. He looked so cute when he blushed.

“Oh. I mean. I guess, if you think that I’m, uh, cute. Wow.”

Poppy playfully rolled her eyes. He was so pathetic. She loved him.

“Anyways, we better get some sleep.”

“Alright. Good. Sleep, definitely. Goodnight, Poppy.” Branch had yet to recover from Poppy’s compliment.

She giggled a little as she got under the covers. He was so stupid.

Chapter Text

Poppy woke up to the sound of screaming. She frantically looked over to her side. Branch was gone. She shot out of bed, running to the living room. Her hand flew up to her mouth as she gasped. There were electronic remains littered throughout Branch's living room. Branch sat in the middle of the carnage, loudly sobbing as he held what was left of his precious son.

“Branch! What happened?”

“I, I don't know! I walked out here to make my coffee and Gary! He, he, he's dead!” Branch struggled to speak through his sobs. He desperately tried to get his breathing under control, but the more he tried, the less air he could get in. His stomach spasmed as his lungs forced air in at unsteady intervals.

Poppy was careful not to step on any remains as she put her arms around him, stroking his hair. She didn’t know what to say. How could this happen?

“It should've been me! I'm the one who left him alone out here! He must have been so scared.” He hugged the busted remote tightly, praying that somehow he would open his eyes and Gary would be there, whole. “I wish it was me. Why couldn’t they take me, instead?”

“No, Branch. Please don't blame yourself. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise!” She already had an inkling of who the culprit was, but even he wouldn’t go this far, right?

“Promise?” He looked at her like a dying man clawing for one last shred of hope. She had to do this for him.

“I promise. We will find who did this.”

Branch nodded. He didn't want to leave his son just yet, but the sooner they found the offender, the sooner Gary would be at peace. “Let's get to work.”

They started looking around the living room, searching for clues. Or, more accurately, Poppy was searching for clues. Branch tried, but he could barely look at Gary’s remains for more than a minute before becoming inconsolable. He just couldn’t believe that his most beloved friend, aside from Poppy, was gone.

When he first started living underground, he was so alone. He didn’t have any friends or family, and the village was… less than fond of him. At some point he had decided it would be better to just die. It was the belief that his brothers would be back someday that kept him alive. And once it was clear that they left him for good, Gary was the only person that he lived for. Without Gary, he was stuck. Without Gary, everything felt just as hopeless as it did when he was a trolling. What gave him the right to keep living if Gary was gone? He felt himself give into hopelessness for a moment before spotting Poppy. Poppy, who had seen him at his worst and still stuck by his side. Poppy, who was dedicating herself to meticulously scour his living room for clues. Poppy, who promised to get Gary justice, even though he knew she didn’t see him as a living being. She defended and protected him, she complimented and comforted him. When he was around her, all he could feel was that he was loved. She was worth living for.

But even the burst of warmth he felt at the thought of Poppy could not compare to the grief of losing his best friend, his one and only son. He sunk back to the floor, holding his Gare-Bare close as he ran out of tears to cry.

Poppy was determined to bring justice to Gary, and more importantly, Branch. She had to find something, anything. Amidst the scattered parts, she found a lone strand of hair. She picked it up and examined It further. It was a turquoise hair, thus supporting her initial hypothesis. Still, she needed more evidence to conclude her search.

She continued looking around the room. Her eyes scanned the couches and the table, until her eyes landed on a tiny shred of fabric clinging onto the side table. She carefully looked at it. It was the same color as Creek’s pants. He must've snagged it on the table as he fled the scene.

“Hey, Branch?” Her voice softened as she knelt down beside him, trying to break the news as nicely as possible. Still, she already knew he would be upset. It was inevitable.

“Hm?” He trembled, eyes fixed on Gary. He felt so far away.

“I found a few things.” She waited for Branch to respond, but her ears were met with silence. “Um, so there was a turquoise hair and a ripped piece of fabric. The fabric looked like it came from Creek’s pants…” She winced as she watched Branch shut down, his expression growing cold.

“Creek?”

“Mhm.”

Branch got up from his spot and slowly walked to his room, softly shutting the door behind him. He needed to be alone.

Poppy's eyes were fixed on the door. She couldn't stand by any longer. She had to do something.

Chapter Text

Poppy kept her gaze fixed ahead as she briskly walked back to town. Arriving on the outskirts, she made her way to the town square. Usually Creek would sip his morning coffee as he people watched or meditated, which worked perfectly for her to get him alone. She needed to have a stern talk about his treatment of Branch, because this is not okay. To think that Creek believes this kind of treatment is okay disgusts her to her core. Speaking of Creek, a very familiar and very annoying voice faintly reached her ears.

“--so while he was sleeping, I snuck into his living room, and smashed his remote!” Creek’s story garnered boisterous laughter from the group of trolls that encircled him.

“I still can’t believe that he thinks it’s alive! He has to be crazy.”

“I know right? I bet he’s even crying right now over it.”

Rage bubbled up inside of Poppy as she listened in. Her best friend was in tears right now, and they’re laughing about it? Did Creek even have a heart? He destroyed the one thing that Branch loved most, and mocked him behind his back for being upset about it. She clenched her jaw as she jumped onto the big mushroom. Screw confrontation.

“Everyone! I would like to call an emergency meeting!” The trolls looked puzzled and slightly alarmed as they gathered around the mushroom to hear what their queen had to say.

“You guys may have noticed that Branch isn’t with us this morning.”

“Good riddance, I say.” Creek discreetly nudged at one of the trolls nearby, getting a couple chuckles.

“Well, there was an incident last night regarding Gary, Branch's son.” Poppy huffed as a few trolls snickered at the news. “Last night, someone broke into Branch's bunker and murdered Gary.” Some gasps could be heard, but for the most part she could see trolls rolling their eyes.

“Oh, good. I thought this was serious.” Poppy turned to the purple troll in disbelief.

“This is serious! Someone not only broke into Branch's bunker, but they also destroyed his most prized possession and friend. Branch is heartbroken right now, and you don't think this is serious?”

A green troll shrugged. “It's just Branch.” The trolls tried to keep their laughter quiet, but Poppy still heard them. “I'm not sure if you've noticed, but he's not the most liked troll around.”

“Why does it matter if he's liked? He's still a Troll. He deserves basic sympathy and respect.” Some of the trolls looked at the ground, guilty. “And because of the seriousness of this crime, I've decided that the culprit must be found and punished. After some digging, the evidence has made it clear that Creek is the troll responsible!” The Snack Pack gasped as they turned to Creek. He gave a nervous laugh and tried to defend himself.

“Poppy, I would never do such a thing!”

“Save it, Creek. I found a piece of your hair and you snagged your shorts on the side table. Not to mention you bragging about it not even 10 minutes ago. You’re not getting out of your punishment.”

“Punishment?” Creek laughed at the queen as she glared at him. “What are you gonna do, stick me in no fun jail for a few days?”

“Creek, I hereby banish you from Troll Village.” Silence fell upon the village as the verdict was given. Poppy has never banished anyone before. This was a little extreme.

“Now, Poppy, I know you’re upset, but don’t you think this is a bit much?” Biggie tried to reason with her. Creek was a really fun troll to have around. He didn’t want him to leave.

“No, Biggie, I don't. How would you feel if it was Mr. Dinkles?” Biggie gasped and pointed at Creek.

“Feed him to the tarantapuffs!”

“Wait! Is there any way that you could make an exception? I’ll do anything!” Creek fell onto his knees, begging for mercy.

“Apologize to Branch, in song. And promise to never, ever bother him again.” Creek had a sour look on his face.

“Like I'd apologize to that elf!” Gasps resounded as parents covered their children's ears. Such language.

“Then leave. And never come back.”

“Fine! But this isn't the last you've seen of me. Branch better sleep with one eye open because I will be back.” Creek stormed out of the village.

“This is crazy! Branch’s remote breaks, and suddenly Creek is banished? It’s just a remote!” A yellow troll yelled out from the crowd, causing several trolls to follow suit. Creek was a large part of their community and a treasured friend to many trolls.

“You guys don’t understand! Gary was like a son to him!” Poppy tried to calm them, but she had no effect.

“He's always ruining everything!”

“Yeah! He ruins our parties, our songs, and now he's ruining our friendships? He's tearing us apart!”

“Yeah! We can't allow him to keep doing this to us!”

“I say we give Branch a piece of our mind!” The crowd roared as they made their way to Branch’s bunker. “He's gonna regret trying to break our village apart!”

“For Creek!” They all broke through the floor door and into his living room. Poppy desperately tried to hold them back or reason with them, but anytime she made any leeway she was pushed to the back of the group. She should have listened to Branch! Now she's gonna lose her best friend.

Branch opened his bedroom door and slammed it as he saw the massive mob coming his way. Why was the entire village in his house? His heart shot up his throat as he shut himself in his closet and went through his emergency exit. He expertly maneuvered through the twists and turns as the mob chased him out of his bunker. One of them got a hold of his leg, but he was able to kick them off. What did they want with him? They took Gary, but now they want to take his home too? When will it be enough?

His thoughts were interrupted as a pink whip of hair coiled around his body and yanked him into the bushes.

“Poppy-” She put her hand over his mouth until the crowd passed. They couldn’t risk getting found out. It was a miracle that Poppy remembered where his exit leads.

“I’m so sorry, Branch. This is all my fault!”

“How? What happened?”

“Well, I kind of… banished Creek.”

“You did? That's great!” Branch jumped at the news. It was about time that she got rid of Creek.

“No, Branch. I started an outrage! Creek was their friend and now they want you gone!” She threw her hands in the air, panicked. Could she have messed up any more than this?

“Oh.”

“I don’t know what to do.” Poppy’s face fell into her hands as her frustration burned behind her eyes. Branch looked at her, searching for a solution, but his mind kept going back to the same place.

“I have to leave.”

“No, we can find another way!” She lifted her head from her hands and let the tears stream down her face. She couldn’t lose her best friend. What would she do without him?

“It would take a miracle to get them to like me, Poppy. Believe me, I’ve tried. They’ve never liked me, even after I got my colors back. What makes you think they’d like me now?” Poppy cupped his cheek in her hand, tracing her thumb along the side of his face. She couldn’t even look at Branch without choking up.

“Please don’t do this, Branch. Don’t leave me.”

“I have to, Poppy. I can’t stay here.” He tried to leave, but Poppy clutched onto his vest. He couldn’t stand the way she looked at him. It broke his heart.

“Please.”

“I’m sorry.” He held her close as she cried into his neck. She was his best friend, maybe even more than that. He couldn't begin to imagine a future without her. And even if such a future existed, he didn’t want it. Not if he couldn’t have her. His arms felt heavy as he held her. He didn’t want to do this, but he had to go, for his own safety.

Gently, he pulled away from her, giving her one last kiss on her forehead before disappearing into the forest. He had to get as far away as possible before he changed his mind.

Poppy stood there, shocked as he ran away from her. Would she ever see him again? She crumbled, hugging herself as she cried. Why did this have to happen to them? She just wanted Branch, nothing else. At this point, she could care less about being queen to troll village. They were the reason Branch had to leave her. They were the reason why she was alone.

It was night by the time her tears ran dry. She didn’t want to go back to the village, but she had to. She trudged back to her pod, thankfully avoiding any other trolls. She threw herself onto her bed. Maybe if she went to sleep, she’d wake up and find out it had all been a dream. Maybe Branch would still be here, with her, and things would be better. With that hope, that prayer, clutched tight to her heart, she let slumber take her.

Chapter Text

Poppy woke up to the same reality she fell asleep in. Faint music could be heard outside as dull sunlight filtered through her windows. She was tempted to join the peppy melody outside, but as soon as the beat tried to pull her in, it left, leaving behind the same Branch sized hole from the night before. She laid in bed until the music was gone, leaving her in silence.

She was weighed down by the world, unable to get up even if she had the motivation to. Unfortunately, as queen she had duties that were impossible to ignore. Specifically the ones that were currently knocking on her door, not bothering to wait for an answer before barging into her pod.

“Poppy! Poppy! Hey, Poppy!” Smidge’s voice filtered through her sleep-addled mind, waking her up quicker than any cup of coffee. Did she have to be so cheerful when Poppy was perfectly content wallowing in her misery? Smidge’s voice grated on her ears and Poppy was quickly reaching her breaking point. “Poppy!”

“What!” Poppy heaved herself into a sitting position, sharply turning to Smidge, who shrunk away at her tone.

“Oh, I was just gonna ask if you wanted to hang out, but you don't have to.”

“No thanks. I have other things planned.” Poppy got up, walking to her mirror to brush out her hair and make herself presentable. She was already up, so she might as well get ready for the day.

“But we had plans today with the Snack Pack! It won’t be the same without you there.”

“Sorry.” Poppy shrugged unapologetically. The Pack will be fine without her for a day. “How are you so happy right now?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Smidge raised a brow. Poppy was being weird.

“Because Branch is gone.” Poppy gave her an incredulous look. Branch was Smidge’s friend too! Why was Poppy the only one who thought this was a big deal?

“Oh, that’s what you're worried about?”

“Of course that's what I’m worried about! He’s our friend!”

“I guess.” Smidge jumped a little as Poppy gave her a scathing look. “I mean, of course he is! But I’m not really worried about him. Branch has survived the wilderness all of his life. He’s probably fine.”

“I know that he’s fine. The problem is that he’s not here.”

“As much as I enjoy his company, he doesn’t really participate much.” Smidge shrugged. How could she be so nonchalant?

“That doesn't matter! He was opening up to us!”

“Sure, but he's always so safe. You can’t tell me that you weren’t a little bit frustrated by him.”

“Sometimes, yeah, but I was never frustrated enough to want him gone. He’s one of my best friends. We were growing so close, but now that's all gone.” Poppy sat heavily on her bed, slumped. The ache in her heart only grew the more time that she spent apart from Branch. She wished he was here.

“You have other friends, Poppy. We’ll always be here for you. Why would he be different from the rest of us?” Smidge tried to be reassuring, but it just seemed to make Poppy feel worse. And as much as Smidge liked having Branch as a friend, the past few weeks had really brought to the forefront how different he is from everyone. No troll acted like Branch, and it was starting to feel really weird to hang out with him. Smidge would never admit it, but maybe it was for the best that he left. She truly did hope that he found a new community that was more like him. She wanted him to be happy, she just didn’t want to be around him much.

“He's not though! I’d be upset if any of my friends got run out of town like that. It shouldn't have happened.”

“Yeah, it shouldn’t have. It was really wrong of everyone to do that. But didn’t Branch kind of have it coming?” Poppy was outraged. How could Branch deserve having his son murdered and home stripped away? “Creek is a big part of our community. Branch trying to get rid of him was also really wrong.”

“But Branch wasn’t trying to get rid of him! Creek's been hurting him for years.”

“That's only because Branch was trying to take the throne.” Everyone knew that. Everyone could see how Branch looked at Poppy, and how Poppy looked at Branch. It was obvious something was going on there. And Poppy would never settle for someone like Branch, so it was only logical that he was manipulating her somehow. Smidge had planned on talking to Poppy about it soon, but it looked like she wouldn’t have to.

“What? No he wasn't! Why would you think that?”

“Because Creek said so. He had some pretty solid evidence too.” It was also the only explanation for why Branch would even try to get with someone like Poppy when she was clearly out of his league.

“Creek’s lying! Branch would never do something like that. What type of ‘solid evidence’ did he show you, anyways?” Poppy raised a skeptical brow. This better be the most convincing evidence she’s ever seen.

“Oh my guh, Poppy. Don't you see how Branch is manipulating you?” It was so obvious!

“Leave. Now.”

“But-”

“Go. That’s an order, Smidge.”

Smidge looked on the verge of tears as she ran from the pod, but Poppy couldn’t find it in herself to feel bad. How could Smidge make those accusations against Branch? He was their friend! And it was so painfully obvious that they were all lies. Anyone that got to know Branch knew that he was one of the sweetest, most caring trolls around. How long has Creek been spreading these lies about him? Poppy has had enough of the lies. She’s had enough of the bullying and the backstabbing and the crushing absence of her best friend. She needed to get Branch back.

The town center was bustling with trolls. This time of the day was always the busiest, which made it perfect for her announcement. Getting on top of the large mushroom, she bangs her cowbell to get everyone’s attention.

“Everyone! I'd like to call a meeting!”

The trolls gathered around the mushroom for yet another meeting. Poppy took a deep breath, crossing her fingers as she spoke. This has to work. She didn’t know what she would do if it didn’t.

“So, as you all probably know, Branch is gone from our village-” The village cheered, celebrating his absence.

“Why are you celebrating? This is a big deal, Branch is gone! Doesn't that mean anything to you?” She was genuinely taken by complete surprise. She knew he was disliked, but celebrating his forced disappearance from the village?

“All it means to me is no more traps!” An orange troll threw his fist up, with many other trolls shouting in agreement.

“Yeah! I can walk through the forest without worrying about my leg being mangled in a bear trap!”

“No, guys, listen-”

“He won't be here to ruin our parties! We can party all we want!” Cooper joined the fray, laughing with the rest of the village.

“Or my glitter fests!” Guy chimed in, without any concern for his friend.

Poppy's heart sank down into her stomach. This is how everyone felt about Branch? He was her best friend, and they all hated him. Why couldn’t they see Branch the way that she did? How could she be queen over a people that hated the one troll that she cared about most? Like a flip of a switch, the last piece in a puzzle, everything clicked.

“If Branch leaves, so do I.” Silence reigned. Now they were taking this seriously?

“Poppy, you can’t be serious.”

“I am. I’m leaving. If Branch can’t be here, then I don’t want to be here either.”

“Wait, Poppy, you can’t seriously be leaving for someone like Branch.”

“You can’t expect me to stay here without him! He’s my best friend.”

“But so are we.” They hated her best friend. They drove him out of town, belittled him for his differences, and laughed at his misfortune. Are these the type of friends she wanted to have?

“I don’t want friends that can’t accept trolls that are different from them. I can’t have friends that clearly don’t care about anyone outside of themselves.” The Snack Pack was openly crying. She couldn’t be serious, right now.

“Poppy-”

“Goodbye, guys. Maybe I’ll see you again. Hopefully when I do, you’ll be ready to accept Branch back into the community. Because there is no way I’m coming back without him.” Guy stomped forward, fists clenched. He couldn’t believe she would choose Branch over her lifelong friends.

“Fine! Maybe we don’t want a friend like you. We have all we need right here, with each other.” He gestured to the rest of the trolls. They didn’t need someone like Poppy. They didn’t need someone that cared more about a freak like Branch than her own people.

Poppy huffed as she jumped down from the mushroom, holding back tears. They really weren’t willing to let Branch back in, even if it was to keep her. Their betrayal stung, but she knew this would all be worth it once she is back with Branch. And who knew, maybe everything would change after some time apart.

She walked back to her pod to pack her bags. She was going to find Branch.

“Poppy?” She froze at her dad’s voice. He was going to be heartbroken. For the first time, she questioned her decision. She didn’t want to leave her dad, she didn’t know if she’d see him again. But her dad wasn’t Branch. And she just knew that she belonged with Branch, right now.

“I’m leaving, dad.” She started packing again. Should she bring the pink or the purple dress with her?

“What do you mean, Poppy? Are you going on a trip?”

“No. I’m leaving Troll Village for good.” She couldn’t stand to look at her dad. She knew that if she turned and saw his heartbreak, she would change her mind. But she had to do this. For Branch, and for herself.

“Why would you want to leave?” He sounded so lost. She desperately held in her tears. She had to be strong. For Branch.

“Didn't you see what they did to Branch? They ran him out of town! He didn’t do anything wrong, but they won't listen to me. I can’t be here anymore, not without Branch.” She sighed heavily, sitting on her bed. She slumped over herself, keeping her eyes fixated on her hands.

“Poppyseed, maybe you should think this through.” Peppy sat next to her on the bed, taking her hands in his. She finally turned to look at him. She had to be strong. His eyes were red rimmed with tear tracks running down his cheeks. He looked old. And sad. She couldn’t back down.

“I have thought this through! This is something I need to do.” Poppy takes off her crown, handing it back to him. “Which is why I’m giving this back to you. I can’t exactly be queen if I’m not here.”

“Please reconsider this, Poppy. The village needs you. I need you.” His voice shook, the intensity of his emotions seeping into his voice.

“I’m sorry, dad, but I’ve already made up my mind. I can’t stay here, I need to be with Branch.” Her eyes burned. She had to hold on just a little longer, to get across the permanence of her decision. She held her fathers gaze for a moment before he deflated.

“Okay. Just promise me you’ll be safe, Poppyseed.”

“I promise.” Poppy smiled at her dad, the only person she could count on no matter what. Aside from Branch, of course. “I’ll be back someday. I’ll see you again, dad.”

“I’ll be waiting.” King Peppy couldn’t wait for that day. He already knew the next chapter of their lives would be exceedingly difficult. He could only pray that they’d both make it out alright. “I love you, Poppy.”

“I love you too, dad.”

Poppy relaxed in her fathers hold, savoring the feeling of love and warmth. She hugged him back tightly. She was going to miss him so much, but she had to do this. As much as Peppy didn’t want to see her go, this was obviously something that she felt deeply about. He couldn’t imagine holding her back. If she wants to be with Branch, who was he to stop her?

Chapter Text

Branch was decidedly having a very hard time. In his rush to escape, he was left with nothing but the clothes on his back to survive. In his years of living in the forest, he had a good handle on how to gather food and find shelter. However, it was much more difficult without any tools or food to tide him over while he found more. And aside from that, he was still injured from his fight with Creek. Every step sent a shooting pain up his tailbone, and his entire body throbbed with a dull ache.

But nothing could compare to the pain of losing Gary and Poppy. How could everything go so wrong so fast? He was making friends! Things were finally looking up for him, and now it’s all been torn away. Reality has finally hit, and it’s left a much deeper wound than ever before.

He thought that hope was worth the risk, but he was wrong. What was the point in having hope if everything you built, everything that made you happy, could be torn away in a moment? How was anything good worth having if it was destined to be stripped away?

A rustle of leaves. Branch crouched, quieting his footsteps. His ears raised as he listened closely. There it was again. He grabbed an emergency stick from his hair, brandishing the sharpened end. He prepared to strike as the rustling got closer. A bunny jumped out, scaring him half to death. Of course it was nothing. What did he think it was gonna be? Creek? Yeah, right.

Branch continued on his way. He didn’t know where he was going, but he knew it wasn’t here. It wasn’t his bunker, and it wasn’t the village. But he wished it was. He wished he could just go back and be welcomed with open arms. That he could go back and be welcomed into Poppy’s arms.

Without her, he had no future. And if he did, it wasn't very bright. Still, leaving her was the right choice. Who knows what the village would've done to him? He could be dead right now, for all he knows. And what about her? He couldn’t let her ruin her good standing with the village over someone like him. Someone so freakish and boring.

But he was amazing, according to her. No one has ever called him amazing before. No one has ever called him cute, or thought he was endearing. He misses her so much. What if he never finds someone else who loves him for who he is? He doesn’t want to be alone forever. He can’t be alone forever.

There was a crunch nearby. The snapping of a branch. He tensed, before forcing himself to relax. It was probably just another bunny. Nothing to get worked up about. Besides, he didn’t hear any other sounds. He waited another moment, listening for anything else, before deciding to keep moving. He had to find shelter before night hit.

He took a step as something barreled into him from behind. His world was a swirl of color as he screamed, hitting the ground. He instinctively tried to roll over, but whatever crashed into him was holding him down. His arms were held in its grasp, bolted to the ground. He could hear the blood rushing through his head, and his heart was banging against his ribs.

He struggled feebly, gaining nothing. So this was really how it ended. He should have known not to let his guard down. He’d never see Poppy again, all because he wasn’t being careful. He tried to turn his head to get a good look at what was on top of him, but his face was shoved back into the ground. It was hard to breathe through the dirt.

“Look who I found.” Branch’s breath caught, his veins turning to ice as he recognized that voice. It couldn’t be. “You’ve got some nerve, kicking me out of the village like that.” It was.

“Creek! Let me go, you murderer-” He sputtered, spitting out dirt as his face was shoved deeper into the ground.

“I’ve got to thank you, Branch. Getting rid of you once and for all will be the perfect gift to everyone.” Branch’s eyes widened. He thrashed, jostling Creek off of him with a yell. He scrambled for a nearby bush, trying to get his feet under him before something wrapped around his leg, flipping him onto his back. Creek was quick to get on top of him, holding him down. Branch went to punch him, but Creek’s hair grabbed his wrists, steadfastly holding them to the ground above his head. He squirmed, trying to break free again, but Creek refused to budge. Tears pricked his eyes. He was completely vulnerable and at Creek’s mercy. He really wished that it was an animal that had caught him instead.

Creek clicked his tongue. “Enough with the struggle, freak. You’re just making this worse for yourself.” Branch thinks he's gonna be sick. He was shaking, weakly struggling against his bonds. This can’t be happening.

“Seriously, Branch, I’m just doing everyone a favor. And who's to say that I can’t have some fun while I’m at it?” No, no, no, where’s Poppy? She’d save him if she knew this was happening.

Branch froze as Creek pulled a hunting knife from his hair. Why is this happening to him? What did he do?

“Wait, Creek, please! I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please.” Branch was going to die and Creek was going to make it hurt. He just wanted Poppy, why couldn’t he be with Poppy right now?

“I think it’s a little too late for that, friend.” Branch held his breath as Creek caressed his shoulder with the edge of the blade, before pushing down. His screams echoed off of the surrounding trees, scaring away nearby animals. How could Creek be laughing right now? He thrashed, but that just made the pain worse as the cut grew jagged and crooked. He heaved as Creek lifted the knife from him, eyes alight with joy.

“You should see your face right now!” Was this some kind of joke to him? “This is what you get for trying to steal Poppy from me. You deserve this, you pest.”

His anger rose before he could think better of it. “Poppy isn’t yours, she’s her own troll and she can choose to like whoever she wants! And I doubt that would ever be you, Creep.” Branch screams himself hoarse as Creek stabbed through his shoulder, letting go of the knife to punch him.

Branch tried to curl up to defend himself, but he couldn’t with Creek on top of him. He just had to take it. The blows just kept coming. Maybe in another world he’d be with Poppy right now. They’d be at her pod, and she’d be trying to get him into scrapbooking again even though she knows that he’s terrible at crafts.

Branch wheezed, unable to breath, as Creek hit his lungs and forced the air out of him. He desperately tried to get another breath in but he couldn’t calm down enough to even out his breathing. His heart was beating wildly and erratically.

Creek wasn’t stopping. He was really going to kill him. Branch was never going to see Poppy again. His face burned as tears ran down his face. He tried begging Creek to stop, but he couldn’t catch his breath long enough to speak.

Creek’s hair was digging into his wrists, rubbing them raw with how hard he was trying to get free to at least defend himself. He was defenseless and he was going to die. He was relaxing on the sand, watching his friends mess around in the water. He was in Biggies pod, being comforted by Poppy. He was anywhere but here.

It stopped. Branch looked up at Creek through half lidded eyes. His vision was blurred beyond recognition, and everything hurt. Why couldn’t this be over with? Blood ran down his face from where Creek had gotten a few good hits in. The pain in his shoulder was shooting through his body, igniting the fierce burn across his abdomen. There was a muffled laugh.

“Like you know what Poppy wants. She will be with me, especially now that you’re not around to ruin everything.” Branch stared at him uncomprehendingly. He really wished that Poppy was here. Poppy was safe. Poppy would protect him. He gasped as his shoulder was jostled and pulled.

“I think someone like you deserves a slow death, and I’m not patient enough to wait around. Be a darling and stay for me, yeah? Maybe if you’re lucky, an animal will pick up on your blood and put you out of your misery.” Branch yelled out as his arms were forced up, the knife in his shoulder digging into his bone. Creek’s hair was replaced with something more rough in texture, holding his arms in place above him. He was defenseless. He was home, in his bunker, with Gary and a puzzle. He had his favorite blanket on top of them with a steaming cup of sweat cocoa at their side. He was happy, and safe, and everything was right.

The kick to his already broken ribs jostled him, lighting his body up in pain again. Tears ran down his face, slipping to the ground. He didn’t have the energy to lift his head. “Have fun dying!” Creek cackled as he walked away.

Branch was alone again.

Chapter Text

It was night. He didn’t know when it turned night. He was with his friends, laughing at a joke that Smidge said. It was cold, and dark, and his arms shook from strain. He was warm and safe. Poppy was with him. He had never missed her more. He would give up anything to see her again.

He tried to pull his legs to his chest, but the pain stopped him. He’d rather be cold. He heard a rustle. He was playing hide and seek with the Snack Pack. He was always the best at hiding, but Suki was surprisingly good at finding him. He scooted closer to the tree, hoping to go unnoticed. The rustling grew farther away. She must have given up looking for him.

He shivered, tears prickling at his eyes. He was useless. Poppy was telling him that he was amazing. But he wasn’t. If anything, she was amazing. She was warm and safe. He needed her, but he was glad that she was safe at home. He was happy as long as she was happy.

He was with Gary and nothing could hurt him. As long as he had Gary and his traps, he was safe. He had no home, anymore. It was taken from him like Gary was. His son was dead. He’d never see Gary again. He’d never do a puzzle with him, or drink a cup of sweat cocoa, or play a game of catch. He’d never see Gary grow up. He couldn’t help but weakly cry. His heaving breaths were sure to give him away to a nearby predator, but he didn’t care anymore. His Gary was dead. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. He had nothing. He was nothing. He was amazing.

Why would she say that? He couldn’t protect Gary, and he couldn’t protect himself. A branch snapped. He flinched, breath stuttering. What if it was Creek? What if he came back to hurt him more? He curled up, ignoring the blinding pain. Maybe if he was smaller, Creek wouldn’t see him. Maybe he’d forget which tree he was under.

“Please, please. I’m sorry, please.” He didn’t realize he was muttering. He shut himself up, he can’t give himself away. But still, he couldn’t help his labored breathing or the small whines that escaped on every exhale. He tried to quell his painful sobbing, but he had no control. He had no control of himself, and he had no control over Creek.

Blood flowed from where his wrists were chafed raw. His shoulders burned from the strain of being forced into this painful position for so long. His everything hurt, but nothing could compare to the knife sticking out of his right shoulder. It had thankfully clotted enough to stop bleeding, but that didn’t stop the pain.

Why couldn’t he pass out yet? It was too much. He couldn’t take it. He wished he was home, in bed and unharmed. Gary would be with him, sleeping peacefully on his nightstand. Why’d he have to forget Gary in the living room? Why didn’t he remember to put him to bed? If he did, then Gary might be here still. He was just so distracted. He was hurt, and Poppy was there. She pulled him away from Creek, she saved him. No one had ever so much as stood up for him before.

It was morning. The sun eased his constant shivering. He was warm. His friends were around him. They cared about him. They would never leave him. He stared blankly ahead.

He was so tired, but he couldn’t sleep. It hurt too much. He felt himself slipping away. How much longer? He wanted to go home. He wanted to see his grandma. He wanted to see Poppy.

Poppy was home.

Chapter Text

Poppy was lost.

After leaving the village, she had thought it best to go back to the spot Branch left her and work from there. But she had almost no clues! His footprints abruptly cut off a few meters from the spot, and there was nothing else to indicate where he went. Her best bet was to keep following the direction the steps went in, but knowing Branch he probably switched directions to throw off anyone still after him. 

All she could do was choose a direction and pray that she found him. She had to find Branch, she didn’t know what she’d do if she couldn’t. She needed him.

She walked for a while, humming to her favorite Kismet songs. She really hoped she found Branch soon. He was the survivalist out of the two of them, and she was struggling to keep herself safe. Any animals and fauna she could take care of, but in her rush she hadn’t packed enough food for herself. She had enough for lunch and dinner, but after that she’d be left with nothing. Knowing her luck, she’d probably eat something poisonous and die before finding Branch.

She stopped. Her ears perked up as she tilted her head to the right. Was that? There was another quiet gasp and she took off. She really hoped that was Branch and not something else. 

“Branch!” Poppy bolted to him, icy cold dread filling her insides and seeping into her mind. He looked dead.

“Oh my goodness, Branch.” Her voice broke on a sob. He was a mess. He was sitting at the base of a tree, his arms tied above him. His shoulder was a mess of blood around the knife sticking out of it, and every inch of him was mottled with bruises. She deftly worked to untie him from the tree, catching him as he fell forward slightly. She held him close as a few tears escaped, holding his head to her chest. 

“I’m so sorry, I should’ve come sooner.” She gently held him closer, careful not to jostle his wounds too much. 

Someone was holding him. He tensed, immediately regretting it as his body lit up and he groaned in pain.

“Branch? Can you hear me?” He just wanted Poppy with him. He hurt, and he wanted Poppy. 

“I’m here, Branch. I’m here.” He groaned as he was shifted into a carry. “I know, I know. But we need to find better shelter to treat your wounds. I’m sorry, I know it hurts.” She was finally here. He winced as his smile pulled on his bruises.

She held him securely as she searched for suitable shelter, careful not to exacerbate his wounds. Finding a small alcove in the roots of a tree, she went inside to set him down and get to work. 

She was sick to her stomach with all of the injuries she came across. Who did this to him? Was it someone from the village that managed to find him? Or was it Creek? Not that it matters at the moment, all that matters is that he gets fixed up. 

Blessedly, Branch was passed out for most of it. She didn’t know what she’d do if he was awake to feel everything. By the time she was done, his chest and shoulder was a mess of bandages. She did her best, but she knew that healing would be much more difficult due to her lack of medical knowledge. They’d just have to pray that his body healed itself right.

Her back ached from leaning over him for so long. She sat against the wall of the alcove, relieved to finally be done. She slumped, letting more tears flow. Why did this have to keep happening to them? To him? What is so wrong with them being happy? 

A molten anger arose within her, seeping into every part of her. She had never truly hated anyone before. But she had never had a reason to hate someone before, either. She ran a hand through Branch’s hair as he leaned into her touch. She found him. He was going to be okay. She’d make sure of it. 

Someone was running their fingers through his hair. It felt nice, and he felt safe. He tried to turn onto his side, but the moment he moved pain shot up his abdomen and punched a groan from him. Everything hurt, and the fingers stopped, and he just wanted to sleep.

“Branch? Are you awake?” His eyes shot open, desperately searching for her. He turned his head. She was really here. He was really safe. More than that, he was alive. 

“Poppy?” His voice was raspy, and his throat dry. 

“Branch! I was so worried. How do you feel? Do you need anything? What hurts?”

“Everything.” Branch carefully moved his free arm to try and sit up, but Poppy pushed him back down. That was probably for the best, anyway. “Wha’ happened? Why aren’t you back at the village?”

“I left. I couldn’t stay after they threw you out. I couldn’t be apart from you.” He smiled at her, he was glad that he wasn’t the only one struggling to be seperated. That day and a half away from Poppy was torture, literally. He winced at the reminder, a spike of fear piercing through him. He never wanted to go through something like that again.

“And Creek? Is he still around?” He hated how his voice shook. He wasn’t scared. Poppy was here, so he shouldn’t be scared. “Did you run into him?”

“No, I haven’t seen Creek since I banished him.” Poppy’s face darkened at the mention of Creek. “Did he do this?” 

“Yeah.” Poppy couldn’t find it in herself to be surprised. “It was my fault, I wasn’t paying enough attention and he jumped me before I had the chance to defend myself.”

“Branch, this isn’t your fault.” 

“But it is! It all is. I should have been more careful, I should have kept more distance from him, I should have been a harder target. Now Gary’s dead and you’re out here and it hurts. This is all my fault.” He tensed at the movement to his right, before relaxing as Poppy leaned over him.

“No! This isn’t your fault. It’s Creek’s and the village’s. You shouldn’t have to keep your distance or be more normal or whatever excuse that they give for being terrible trolls! You don’t deserve this, and this is no one's fault except for the trolls that did it!” She was so beautiful when she was passionate. She was so amazing.

“Okay, you’re right. As usual.” Her hand caressed his cheek as he leaned into her touch. He was safe with her.

“What now?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do we do now? We can’t go back to the village.”

“I don’t care what we do, as long as you’re with me.” He lifted his uninjured arm to cup her cheek. He loved her so much, he couldn’t ask for a better best friend.

“Well, we need some food. I only brought enough for lunch and dinner.” 

“We can do that in the morning.”

“Okay. I'm gonna try and get a fire going then.” Branch grabbed her arm, stopping her from leaving. She couldn't go alone. What if Creek got to her? Or what if Creek found him?

“Please don’t leave me. I don’t want to be alone. What if something happens?” He couldn’t help the panic that seeped into his voice.

Poppy looked down at Branch. He was shaking. She couldn't tell if he was cold or afraid. It was probably the latter. “Okay, I won’t. Would it be better if I just collect some sticks and leaves at the foot of the cave?” He nodded.

“Yeah. That’s fine, just don’t go too far please.”

“Okay.” Poppy starts gathering some dried sticks around the outskirts of the alcove as Branch watched her intently. His heart was beating out of his chest, and his vision was blurred around the edges. All he could focus on was her. What if she disappeared? What if Creek was waiting for her to stray too far? What if Creek snuck in when she wasn’t looking and hurt him?

He calms as she returns. She was close to him again. Nothing happened. She threw the sticks into a haphazard pile. Branch cringed as she tried to rub two sticks together.

“You’re doing it wrong-”

“Sh! Let me work my magic.” Poppy rubbed the sticks harder. “It’ll catch eventually.” It didn't catch.

“You sure that you don't need my help?”

“Yeah! Just give me a minute… any second now… come on…” Her forehead gathered sweat as she kept trying to light the fire. After many failed attempts, there was a spark. Poppy was quick to gently blow and nurse the embers into a flame.

“I stand corrected. Good job, Poppifer.” He weakly lifted his hand and gave her a shaky thumbs up. The heat from the fire was comforting, but not as comforting as Poppy.

“Thank you, thank you. Now, rest.” As soon as she turned around, Branch was already out like a light. She smiled, curling up next to him. She was careful not to agitate his wounds as she threw an arm around him. He was alive. He was here and he was okay. Or as okay as he could be. She shut her eyes, happy to be with him again. 

Chapter Text

It’s been a few months and Branch's wounds are doing much better. He still has trouble lifting things with his right arm, but aside from that, he was happy to be somewhat healed. It was a miracle that his chest healed with no problems. It was scary the first few weeks, not having any way to tell if anything was healing correctly.

“Are you ready?” Branch was standing by the entrance of the tree, leaning against the wall.

“Yeah, let's go.” Poppy followed Branch outside, grabbing the fishing rod that he made for her. She had no idea how to use it, but it was about time that she learned. For the past few months, Branch has been teaching her different survival techniques. How to find food, purify water, make emergency shelters, etcetera. In return, Poppy taught him how to sew. Or, at least, how to sew nicer things. His shorts never looked better.

“This looks like a good spot.” While Branch set up their stuff by the stream, Poppy was shivering in her dress. She tried rubbing her arms, but still, the cold prevailed. Branch was right, she should've brought a jacket.

“Here.” Branch took his jacket off and held it out to her. He was better off in the cold than she was.

“No, I'm fine, Branch.” She forced it back into his hands. It was her fault that she didn't bring a jacket.

“Just take it. You look miserable.”

Poppy reluctantly took the jacket and put it on. She hugged herself, appreciating the soft interior. So cozy.

Once he finished setting up, he grabbed his rod, took a worm, and put it on his hook. “Okay, so first you want to put the bait on the hook. That way, the fish will be drawn to it. Now you can…”

Poppy watched Branch intently. He was so adorable with his little fisher hat! And not to mention his shorts and sandals. Ah! He was so cute! She never thought she would fall for the village grump, but it turns out that she was wrong. Sure, he has his rough edges, but once she got to know him, he was actually really sweet.

“Did you get all that?”

“What? Oh, yeah! Yeah, I got this.” Poppy grabbed a worm and tried to stick it on the end of her hook, but it slipped off. She tried again. Splat.

“Let me get that for you.” Branch grabbed the worm off the ground and stuck it on her hook. “Now, casting the rod is all about the grip. Bend your knees slightly and relax.”

“Like this?” Poppy tried her best to copy Branch, but she looked more like a shrimp than a fisherman.

“Not exactly…” Branch cringed as he examined her posture. It was a very sad attempt. “Here, let me help you.” Her heart fluttered as he got behind her and tightened her hands around the rod. “For starters, your grip needs to be tighter. Fish are a lot stronger than you think.” Poppy tried to lock in to what he was saying, but she found it hard to focus with his hands on hers. They were surprisingly soft, not to mention warm.

“Okay, now you're ready to cast. I believe in you, Poppifer.”

“I won't let you down, Branchifer.”

Poppy got in position and cast her rod, waiting until a rough tug caught her attention. She tried to reel the fish in, but the fish seemed to be reeling her in instead.

Branch jumped in to help her, grabbing her side with one hand and pulling the rod with the other. As she dug her feet into the ground, they pulled the rod back, successfully bringing the fish out of the water.

“Hey, that's a pretty good catch for a beginner.” Branch kept his hand around her waist as he examined the fish, which was still dangling on the hook. Poppy's face was flushed red as she pulled at her fingers. Should she put her arm around him? Or maybe she should just pretend she didn't notice?

He quickly pulled his hand away, scratching the back of his neck. He was so caught up in the moment, he didn't even notice what he did. How embarrassing.

“Sorry.”

“For what?” Poppy played dumb, not wanting Branch to feel awkward. She knew he would keep thinking about it for months.

“Oh, uh, nevermind.” Branch laughed it off as he took the fish off the hook. “Wow, this looks like a big enough catch to feed the both of us.”

“Should we go back then?”

“Don't you want some berries to go with your dinner?”

“Oh! Yeah, that sounds great!”

“Let's hurry then. It’s almost sunset.”
Branch packed up the fish and ventured into the forest, looking for berries and more importantly, potential threats.

“Don't eat anything without telling me. You'd be surprised by how many poisonous plants are out here.” Poppy nodded, continuing her search. As she made her way through the brush, she came across a berry patch.

“Hey, Branch! What about these?”

Branch walked over to her, examining the berries. “These should be okay. Pick as many as you want. Unlike fish, berries don't go bad very fast. They should last us a while.”

Poppy began dropping the berries into her basket as Branch sat at the base of a tree. The way the sun kissed her hair was mesmerizing. He still couldn't believe that she left Troll Village for someone like him. How did he get so lucky?

He sighed contentedly, watching her inspect each berry. It was kind of cute how excited she was about something as simple as berry picking.

“Look at all the berries I picked!” She bounded over to him, showing him her basket. He felt bad that he couldn't help out as much. His arm still hurt from catching that fish earlier.

“You ready to go back now?”

“Yeah.”

Branch took her hand and guided her back to the shelter. She obviously didn't know her way around the forest. Everything looked the same. Arriving at the alcove, they set their stuff down and got a fire going.

“Poppy? Could you skewer the fish on some sticks?”

“Sure, but aren't you supposed to take the eyes out first?”

“No, the eyes are the best part!”

Poppy's face scrunched up. “Gross.”

“What? Have you ever tried it before?”

“Well, no-”

“Then you have no room to talk.”

“It still sounds gross.”

“Just trust me. It's good!”

“Whatever you say.” Poppy stabbed the sticks through the fish, disgusted by the blood that oozed out.

“Good. Now, you season them.” Branch grabbed a handful of herbs and sprinkled it on top of the fish. “This stuff is like magic. You can put it on literally anything.”

“And now we roast them?”

“Yep. Just be careful not to burn yourself.”

“Got it.” Poppy held the fish over the fire, cooking them evenly on both sides. As her hand drew closer to the fire, Branch's anxiety swelled underneath his chest. He gently grabbed her arm, moving it back.

Poppy glanced over at him as a grin tugged at her cheeks. No, stop it! He's just a friend. Don't make it weird, Poppy. He probably doesn't feel the same way. Still, despite her rationale, she couldn't stop herself from smiling. Why was she being like this?

“Um, is this good?” Poppy took the fish off the fire as Branch gave them a good look.

“Yeah, looks cooked to me.” He took a skewer from Poppy and grabbed the berry basket. He put a smaller portion of berries on his leaf and gave Poppy more. She deserved it.

“Bon appétit!” Poppy laughed at his failed attempt at a French accent. He was such a dork.

She grabbed a berry and popped it into her mouth. Being here with Branch was better than anything she ever had in Troll Village. She smiled as she watched him eat. Leaving was the best decision she ever made. She didn't need a lot of music, or parties, or other trolls. All she needed was Branch, the love of her life.

Chapter Text

“Watch your step! We're almost there.” Branch was leading a blindfolded Poppy through the forest. She had tripped a few times, but he was always quick to catch her.

When he woke her up early this morning, this wasn't what she had in mind. But she trusted him to get her to wherever they were going safely.

“Okay, we're here.” Branch took the blindfold off of her. They were on the top of a hill, overlooking a bountiful meadow. It was still somewhat dark out, just before sunrise. They had a perfect view. Near the edge of the hill, there was a little blanket with a basket placed neatly in the middle. It was so cute!

“Oh my gosh, Branch! This is beautiful! You set this up just for me?”

“Yeah.” He twisted and pulled at his hands, unexplainably nervous.

“Aw, that's so sweet! Thank you, Branch. This is definitely worth waking up early.” Poppy sat down on the blanket next to Branch. This was so thoughtful of him! It made her feel warm inside.

Branch looked away, his face tinted a brighter blue than usual. They both looked to where the sun was painting the sky a lovely red and purple hue.

“Well, you've done so much for me. I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“You didn't have to go through the trouble. It's really nothing, Branch.”

“Not to me! You literally saved my life. You've made me the happiest I've ever been. That isn't nothing. It's everything to me. You're everything to me.” Poppy ducked her head as her face lit up.

“Or, I mean, you're my best friend! And the only troll for miles. Of course you're everything to me, and possibly the only troll I've ever loved.” Poppy gave him a fond look. “I mean, whaaaaaat, I've definitely loved other trolls before. Lady killer? You're looking at him. I mean not that I've ever had anyone before you, I mean you're my best friend of course I love you but totally not in a romantic way. Unless you want me to. But you don't, so I totally only love you in a friendly way. Cause you're my best friend. And I don't dream about marrying you and spending the rest of my life with you, because that would be really weird, ya know? So. Definitely really platonic love going on right here. For sure.”

Poppy stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. His shoulders reached his ears as his face burned. “Branch! Calm down. I love you too.”

“Wait, what? Like as friends, you mean?”

“No, doofus.”

“As the sibling you never had?”

“No! As in love, love. Like, romantically.”

Branch could've sworn he was floating. He must've been dreaming, right? Surely he misunderstood her.

“Like, not platonically?”

“What else would I mean, Branch?”

“I dunno.” He dorkily grinned from ear to ear. “You love me?”

“Yeah! You're so adorable! And sweet, and kind, and you're the most caring and amazing troll I've ever met.” The fact that she still thought he was amazing was a miracle. He figured that she would've changed her mind by now, what with her seeing him in the aftermath of Creek. Someone amazing doesn't let themselves get hurt like that. Someone amazing wouldn't have been caught off guard so easily.

“You really think so?”

“Yes!”

“Oh.” He looked at her dumbly before whispering to himself in awe, “She thinks I'm amazing.” She laughed again. This boy was gonna be the death of her. “So now what? Are we like a thing now or?”

“I mean, yeah. Why wouldn't we be?”

“Oh, I don't know. I didn't know if you wanted to.”

“Branch, I literally just said that I love you.”

“I know, but I thought that maybe you wanted to wait? Or maybe you weren't sure?”

“You overthink things way too much.”

“I wouldn't call it overthinking. It's more of preparation. A nice, healthy dose of anxiety.”

“Is it healthy, though?”

“That's debatable.” He looked at her, uncertain. “So, we're definitely dating, right? It's never too late to back out.”

“Like I'd ever back out on you, pretty boy.”

“Me? Pretty? Heh, definitely not as pretty as you, babygirl.”

“Ew, never call me that again.”

“Oh, uh, okay. Right. What do couples call each other again? I don't really have any point of reference here. Cut me some slack.”

“Things like honey, snookums, sweetness. But we can just stick with our normal nicknames. There's no pressure.”

“Hold on, I've got one. What about Cinnamon Roll?” She gave him a deadpan look.

“No.”

“Come on! Just think, you're my little Cinnamon Roll.”

“Fine, then I guess I can call you my Blueberry Pie.” Branch cringed.

“Okay, I hear it now.” Branch furrowed his eyebrows, deep in thought. What's a good nickname for his Poppy? “Wait, what about Sunshine?”

“Ah! That's so cute! I love that. What should I call you?”

“Baby, I'm your Stud Muffin.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“I'm not calling you that.”

“Dreamboat?”

“Nope.”

“Hm, not even McDreamy?” Poppy gagged.

“Definitely not.”

“I'm not your McDreamy?”

“No, you are. Uh, I mean, It's just a terrible nickname, okay?” Poppy rubbed her forehead. Why was he so dumb? “How do you feel about Honey Bunny?”

“No, that's way too sappy.”

“Okay, what about Angel?”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” That's so cute! He's her little Angel.

“Boyfriend, Angel, love of my life. What now?”

“I don't know.” He shrugged.

“You never know, dork.”

“I'm not a dork!”

“Okay, sure. I'm not the one with the dorkiest laugh known to trollkind.”

“What's wrong with my laugh?”

“It sounds like a schoolgirl giggling.”

“No it doesn't! My laugh is super deep. And manly. Yeah.” His ear twitched at a nearby rustle in the bushes.

“Whatever makes you feel better.”

“Whatever makes you feel better.” Branch's voice was shrill and whiny as he mocked Poppy. He yelped as she dove at him, food forgotten. Their laughter could be heard throughout the valley as they wrestled in the grass, Branch embarrassingly losing.

That was to be expected, with how pathetic Branch could be. Their laughter made him sick. He should be the one laughing with Poppy, not some dull loser of a troll. Poppy deserved better. Poppy deserved someone like him.

Chapter Text

“We're lost.”

“We are not lost. We're just going on a little adventure. Nothing wrong with that.”

“So in other words, we're lost.”

“No, I meant to go this way.” Branch opened his backpack and pulled out a detailed map. He didn't want to look stupid in front of Poppy. He traces his finger along the map. “See? I was just taking you down the scenic route.” 

“Right. Where are we going exactly?”

“Crystal Falls! It's an underground waterfall. Sometimes, the water reflects off the crystals and makes for a great light show!”

“Ooh! That sounds really cool! If only we weren’t lost.” Poppy deftly avoided the leaves and branches littering the path.

“We're not lost! I know where we're going.”

“Do you though?”

“Yes! I am a master at navigation.”

“Okay, fine. Live in denial.” 

“I'm not in denial! Why don't you just trust me? I know my way around better than you!”

“I do trust you!”

“Well, then let me do my thing!” When did they start yelling?

“Maybe I would if you knew what you were doing!” 

“Oh, like you would know anything about navigation. You probably haven't even used a map!”

“Yes, I have! And I bet I could do better than you!”

“Fine, if you think you can do better, then be my guest! But don't come crying to me when you get hopelessly lost.” Branch started walking away. 

“Fine! Walk away! I don't need you!” She huffed as he disappeared into the forest. She picked a direction that felt like home and started walking. 

Branch could be so frustrating! Recently, it's as if he's been getting more and more angry with her. It didn't help that she really missed home. She wished she could see her dad about this, but she couldn't go back. She'd never regret the choices that led her here, to Branch, but she still wished things could be different. That their circumstances could be all sunshine and rainbows again. 

She sunk down at the base of a tree. Admittedly, she has been kind of hard on him lately. She left everyone behind, and now she has to rely on Branch for a lot of their survival. She feels so useless to him. Especially after what happened with Creek. She wasn't there when he needed her most, and it was ultimately her own actions that led to Creek hurting Branch. He still has nightmares about the ordeal. 

Poppy wants to lighten his load. She knows she can do more, that she can take on more of their responsibilities. But it's been slow going with their lessons. A lot of the time he can't teach her for one reason or another, and she's never very good at learning by watching someone else. She has to actually do the task to learn it, but he tends to do things on his own. She's a fast learner, and she's very capable. Poppy doesn't understand why Branch won't let her help him.

Branch was pacing circles in a nearby clearing. He didn't mean to storm off like that, but recently it feels like Poppy just won't stop getting on his back! It was stressful having to keep them both alive, especially since he had to teach Poppy how to do everything. It was like she expected him to be perfect at it all, and it was grating on him day by day. 

Still, he probably should have talked to her first before blowing up, but she's just so frustrating sometimes! She acts like he doesn't know what he's doing, when he clearly does! He doesn't need an amateur telling him how to do this or that. He knows! He's been doing it for years! He needs to prove that he's not useless to her. He needs to prove that he's worth sticking around for.

He sunk down at the base of a tree. Although she frustrates him, he still needs to apologize eventually. But what if she doesn't forgive him? Or even worse, what if she breaks up with him? He couldn't bear the thought of a life without Poppy. He hoped that she still felt the same way about him. That would be a miracle, considering he just yelled at her 10 minutes ago. 

Maybe he should have listened to her about the navigation. He just feels like he has to do things on his own. He wants to be someone that she leans on. Someone she depends on. He needs to prove that he's not useless to her. He needs to prove that he's worth sticking around for. If he's not worth enough to her, then she'll surely leave him and he'll be alone again.

A shuffling noise causes Branch to perk up. He scanned his surroundings, on edge.

“Poppy?” He stood up walking toward the noise. “Hey, I'm really sorry about what happened. I wasn't thinking and-”

“That's not a surprise.” His blood ran cold as he froze. It couldn't be. “You've always been a dull one, Branch.” Branch flinched away from the venom in Creek's voice. Creek snickered as he emerged from the bushes. Branch willed himself to move, but it was as if his feet were cemented to the ground. He needed to run away, find Poppy, anything. His heart was beating out of his chest as Creek stalked closer. 

“Aren't you gonna say anything? It's rude not to greet an old friend.” Branch held his breath as Creek sneered. He shrunk back, putting his arms defensively in front of his chest, despite the burning sensation in his shoulder. “I've been watching you two for a while now. How did it feel, taking what is rightfully mine? How did it feel to waste Poppy's time with someone like you?” Creek jabbed a finger into his chest. 

“What, cat got your tongue?” Branch was shaking, and the air felt thin. He tried to hold himself taller as some display of strength and intimidation, but he couldn’t quite pull it off. He cursed how pathetic he was. He knew, logically, that he should be able to fight Creek off. He's had a lifetime of survival training, and physically he was larger and more in shape. But anytime he so much as thought about Creek and what happened and how helpless he was, it was like his strength was sapped away and he would be left trembling and weak and worthless all over again. And even if he could muster enough courage to fight him, he kind of didn’t want to. Some part of him couldn’t help but feel that all of this was his fault. That if he gave Creek what he wanted, Poppy would get to go home and be happy again. 

But he knew that wasn't true. Poppy was insane enough to truly care about him, she'd be heartbroken if he were hurt or killed. So he had to stand up and fight, even though it felt like he couldn't. He had to fight for Poppy's future, because he knew that it wouldn't be as bright without him in it. But no matter how much he willed himself to fight back, he was stuck in place. Fear sucked any energy he might have had to even run away. All Branch could see was Creek stalking closer with that awful knife, ready to beat him half to death just for being Poppy's friend. 

Creek lifted his hand and Branch flinched back, but not enough. Pain bloomed on his cheek from where Creek punched him, knocking him onto the ground. Branch scrambled backward, back hitting a tree. Creek's laughter warped and surrounded him. He could only watch in horror as Creek stalked closer like a predator cornering its prey. He was going to hurt him, and Branch probably made it worse by trying to get away because now he was trapped just like when Creek was on top of him and he wouldn't stop even though he was begging and screaming for some reprieve, for forgiveness, anything to make the pain just stop. Branch brought his legs to his chest, raising his arms over his head in some vain hope that it would protect him. He closed his eyes, willing Creek to be just another horrible hallucination.

“No need to be scared, Branch. I'm just giving you what you deserve.” He doesn't need Creek to tell him what he already knows. His eyes snapped open as Creek grabbed onto one of his arms, pulling him forward and forcing him to look at him.

“See, Branch? You need this. You need to be hurt, so you can finally learn your lesson. I only have your best interests at heart, friend. Things are better this way.” Because of Branch, Poppy was separated from her family and the village. She lost her friends and her community, all because he was too unlikable to make any actual friends. He's done nothing but burden her. It's been easy to forget the past weeks, but he was still the cause of so much of her heartache.

“Branch? Listen, I’m really sorry for-” Poppy stopped herself in her tracks as she took in the scene before her. Creek was towering over Branch, who was shaking. Her boyfriend, who looked scared out of his mind. An anger like no other rose up from within her. She saw red as she sprung into action, wrenching the two apart and forcing herself between Creek and Branch. “Get away from him!” 

“Or what? You'll throw glitter at me? Scrapbook me to pieces?” He leered at her. She can’t believe she ever liked this monster.

“I'm serious, Creek.” Poppy dug her feet into the dirt. She was ready to throw hands. No one tries to hurt her Branch and gets away with it.

Branch focused his gaze on Poppy. She came back for him. She put herself in harms way just to protect him. As quickly as he felt overjoyed by her presence, it was soon replaced by overwhelming guilt. Poppy shouldn't have to fight his battles for him, but anytime he so much as thought about Creek, his shoulder would burn and he would have to fight just to breath. He could still hear his laughter and feel the rope on his wrists. The dreadful terror that he would die tied to that tree and no one would even care. The long hours that he sat there in pain and praying, hoping for anyone to save him, anyone at all. He couldn't face Creek, but he couldnt let Poppy face Creek either. If she got hurt he’d never forgive himself. So he did what he did best. He forced himself up, shaking off the haze that had clouded his mind, and grabbed Poppy's hand. 

She gave a surprised exclamation as he pulled her along, running over branches and leaves. Soon, though, she started running with him. They expertly avoided any obstacle in their path, quickly losing Creek behind them. 

“You can't get rid of me! I will make you see reason, Poppy!” His yelling grew more faint as they went on. Still, just to be safe, Poppy and Branch kept running for another mile or two before collapsing onto the floor, trying to catch their breath. Poppy let out a semi-hysterical laugh as Branch clutched his chest. 

“Branch, I'm so sorry for questioning you.” 

“No, I'm sorry for getting so upset. If I hadn't yelled, we wouldn't have separated and none of this would've happened.” 

“It's fine, Branch. I was being really annoying. You had a right to be upset.”

“Well, full disclosure, I was definitely lost.”

“Ha! I knew it.” Branch rolled his eyes at her. “Not that it matters right now. I'm just glad you're safe.” 

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

Branch closed his eyes as he reveled in the feeling of safety with Poppy. They got away. They both didn't really want to get up just yet. Branch was still shaky, and Poppy wasn't letting him out of her sight ever again. She was a little disappointed that she didn't get to give Creek the beat down of a lifetime, but it's probably better this way. She didn't want to risk either of them getting hurt and putting unnecessary stress on Branch.

Niether of them recognized this part of the forest. Even if they knew the way back home, they didn’t want to risk going back and running into Creek. For now, they were content to lay in the grass and spend a moment to calm down.

“I’m never getting up again.”

“I’m with you on that one, Branch. Today was just too much.” Branch chuckled.

“You can say that again.” His expression turned downcast. “I wish we could just be left alone.”

“Me too.” Poppy sighed. “I’m sorry about Creek. I don’t know how I never saw this in him.”

“It’s not your fault. He had everyone fooled.” Branch held her hand, rubbing soothing circles on the back of it. “It’s okay to see the best in everyone. Sometimes you just can’t predict these things. Even me with all of my paranoia never would have guessed that all this would happen. I always thought that the village would leave me alone.”

“I always thought that they would be willing to welcome you in.” She gave a sad huff. “And look how that turned out.” Branch opened his mouth to respond when something large peeked through the trees. A bright light soon engulfed them and gravity lost its hold. He shared a panicked look with Poppy. Couldn’t they catch a break?

Branch reached for the grass, trying desperately to ground himself. They helplessly tried to kick their way back down, but it was of no use. Branch grabbed onto Poppys hand to keep her close.

Once they returned to solid ground, their eyes adjusted to their surroundings. It was almost as if they were in the future. Trolls that looked oddly like Cooper were everywhere. There was a constant buzz of music, but it was both similar and different from their own. Branch kept Poppy’s hand in his, not that she was complaining.

“Are you guys okay?” One of the Cooper-look-alikes approached them, concerned. He even shared Coopers color and hair.

“Who are you?” Branch put himself between the troll and Poppy.

“I'm Prince D. What's poppin?”

“Okay, Prince D, if that even is your real name, what do you want with us?” Poppy rolled her eyes at branch’s skepticism.

“Well, we saw you runnin from some crazy guy, so we thought you could use some help.”

“So you abducted us?” Branch took a step back.

“Yep! Us Funk trolls sure love a good abducting.”

“Funk trolls?” Poppy chimed in, confused. She’s never heard of there being other trolls.

“Yeah! Which tribe are you guys from?” Prince D nodded enthusiastically.

“Tribe?”

“Yknow, Classical, Country, Pop, Rock, Techno?”

“I'm not sure, but I think Pop?” Poppy scratched her head. Pop sounded fitting. This was the first time she's ever heard of these other tribes. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. She should know about these things, she’s the queen. Or, she was the queen.

“Oh…” Prince D's enthusiasm seemed to dim, causing Branch to tense. That didn’t bode well for them. “Let me take you to my parents.”

“Uh, okay.” Branch pulled her aside.

“Poppy, are you sure we can trust this guy?” He glared at Prince D, who was watching them curiously.

“Well, we don't have a reason not to. Plus, I'm super curious about the other tribes! Don't you wanna know what else is out there?” Poppy needed to know what her dad had failed to tell her. She couldn’t protect Branch if she didn’t know what all was out there.

“I guess, but still! You should never go to a second location with a stranger! Who knows what he's planning?”

“Come on, just give him a chance.”

Branch sighed as Poppy dragged him along. She always gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, and he loved that about her. But not everyone had their best interests at heart, he just wished she would exercise some caution. The best way to avoid danger was to assume that everything was out to get you. He had forgotten that for a while, and the village attacked him. He won’t let that happen again.

“These are my parents, Queen Essence and King Quincy! Mom, dad, I want you to meet, uh…” Prince D looked at the two trolls. He never asked what their names were.

“Poppy and Branch.” Poppy gestured to herself and Branch.

“It's a pleasure to meet you two.” Queen Essence gave them a gentle smile that made Branch want to relax, but he wouldn't be fooled so easily. He needed to stay on guard.

“Uh, likewise?” Branch awkwardly looked at Prince D, wondering why they were meeting his parents.

“They're Pop trolls.”

“Pop trolls?” King Quincy jumped back a little at the news.

“Yeah. What's wrong with that?” Poppy clenched her fists. Why were they acting like her and Branch were terrible trolls? They just met them!

“We have a long history with Pop Trolls.” Prince D gave them a deadpan stare. “You guys kind of ruined everything.”

“What did we do? We’ve never had contact with other trolls.” How could they have ruined anything if they didn’t even know who these other tribes were? Poppy felt like she was missing something big.

“You're really telling me that you don't know about how your tribe tried to steal our strings?” Queen Essence squinted her eyes, suspicious. Her and Branch had just got here, against their will, and it felt like they were being accused of a crime.

“What strings?” King Quincy gave her a look and Poppy wanted to aggressively scrapbook this interaction. She had no idea what they were talking about, and it was frustrating that these trolls didn’t believe her. It was confusing, and Poppy hated being confused.

“The strings are what gave us our music.” The king paused for a moment, as if expecting that explanation to ring a bell. When it was clear she was still clueless, he continued. “All the music genres used to coexist, until your tribe tried to steal our strings. Now all of us are separated.”

“We tried to steal your strings?” Branch crossed his arms. He didn't like the tone the Funk trolls had with Poppy, but he had to admit that his interest was peaked. “And how could a string give a troll music? Aren’t we all born with music?”

“Wait, you actually don't know about any of this?” Prince D tilted his head at them as his parents calmed themselves. If the Pop trolls really didn't know, then there was no reason to get upset with them. Queen Essence stepped up to give them a little more explanation, now that she knew they were actually clueless.

“Every tribe has a string, including yours. Each one gives each tribe a different genre. There's Funk, Country, Classical, Rock, Techno, and of course, Pop. Each genre has a unique sound.”

“I was the queen of the Pop Trolls and I didn't know any of this! We didn't even know there were other tribes before we got here.” Where was the pop string anyways? If it’s what gave the pop trolls their music, that seems like something that she should know about.

“I mean, it happened a long time ago, but don't they teach you this in school?” Prince D was confused. If they didn’t teach such an important part of troll history, than what was Pop teaching their youth?

“No.”

“They must've gotten rid of that part of the curriculum. I can’t imagine why, though. History yields a lot of lessons to be learned and mistakes to avoid.” Queen Essence frowned. Just how isolated were the Pop Trolls?

“Sounds like them. If it's not happy, then they tend to ignore it.” Branch had a bitter tone when talking about their tribe. He didn't like them very much himself, for obvious reasons.

“So what are you two doing away from your tribe?” Branch and Poppy winced.

“Well, there was some drama, so we ran away. We settled down in the woods for a few months, but then–” Poppy sighed, noticing Branch's discomfort. “It's a long story.” Branch looked away from her, guilty. It was his fault that she had to leave her home. Again.

“Do you guys have anywhere to go?” Branch shifted closer to Poppy, grabbing her hand. He hadn’t even thought of where they would go after what happened. They certainly couldn’t go back to their home from the past few months, not with Creek lurking around the area.

“Not really. We've kinda just been living in a tree trunk. We were planning on building a pod sometime soon, but it's not safe for us anymore.” Even Poppy could admit that it probably wasn’t a good idea to remain in the forest. She didn’t want to risk Creek finding them again.

“Well, you can stay with us while you figure it out if you want?” Poppy perked up. A smile stretched across her face. Maybe these trolls weren’t so bad!

Before Branch could get a word in, Poppy jumped at the offer. “That would be great!” This was perfect! They had a safe place to stay while they decided on what to do. No way would Creek be able to find them up here!

“Darnell, show them to the spare room.”

“Okay!” Prince D led them out of the room. “Come on, guys.”

Poppy skipped down the hallway, while Branch was crossing his arms. He wished she would ask him before deciding things for the two of them. But he gets the feeling that even if she did, she wouldn’t listen to Branch.

“Make yourselves at home!” The room was nicely furnished, with a colorful and futuristic vibe. The lights were relaxing, and there were two beds. The door closed behind Prince D as he left. Branch and Poppy flopped onto the bed farther from the door. They were both exhausted, and neither wanted to be apart from the other.

Branch put his arms around her as they clung to each other. She snuggled into his chest, reveling in the warmth. Today was a very close call, and they were once again run out of their home. Because of him.

“I'm sorry.”

Poppy looked up at Branch. He was doing his best to avoid her gaze, but she could still see the tears that had gathered in his eyes. Why was he apologizing? “What for?”

“For everything I guess. For that dumb argument, for Creek, for having to leave again. This has to be hard on you.” She frowned.

“It's okay. You don't have to apologize.”

“But I do! It's my fault that all of this happened.” She pulled away from him to get a better look at his face. He looked so guilty. She couldn't understand why, though.

“How is any of this your fault? You didn't choose to be run out of our home. Again.”

“Yeah, but it's still my fault that Creek chased us out. It's my fault he's after us.” Poppy's eyes burned as her own tears threatened to fall. She hates Creek. She wants him to hurt.

“How could any of that be your fault?” Just the thought was ridiculous. How could Branch reach such a blatantly wrong conclusion?

“Because I deserve this, Poppy!” His voice cracked as his tears finally spilled over. “He's just giving me what I deserve.” He sounded so defeated. So wrong. She had no idea he blamed himself, or that he thought he deserved what Creek had done. Honestly, she had figured that Creek was a thing of the past. She knew that Branch was still scared, his nightmares were a testament to that. But she thought he understood that what happened was fully on Creek. She should have known better that things like this tend to leave more of a mark. She should have had this conversation with him ages ago.

“You don't deserve this.” She cupped his face, forcing him to look at her as she touched her forehead to his. “You could never deserve what he did to you. And none of this is your fault, I promise. You trust me, don't you?”

“Well, yeah, but-”

“No buts! This isn't your fault. And you don't deserve what happened.” She watched as he seemed to have an internal battle with himself.

“I guess. I’m still sorry, though. I wish we could just be happy without something ruining it.” There was always something ruining the joy that he found. First it was his brothers leaving, now it was losing his home again. The only good thing out of all of this was Poppy. He didn’t know what he would do without her.

“I do too. Maybe, now that we’re out of the forest, we can find somewhere else to settle down. Somewhere that Creek will never find, a place that’s safe.” She had a point. Hesitantly, he let hope creep in. They could move somewhere far away. The more he thought about, the happier the thought became. No one would be able to find them and hurt them. No one would know who they were, no one would have a reason to hurt them.

“Poppy, I think that’s the best idea you’ve ever had.” And it was. Branch laughed, it really was a perfect idea. “We could start brand new.”

“Yeah! We wouldn’t have to worry about the others!”

“And we could find somewhere with friendlier trolls!”

“OMG, do you think other tribes like scrapbooking?”

“I don’t see why not! Maybe theres a tribe that really likes carpenting, or electronics! It seems like the Funk tribe does, at least.”

“I wonder how many new friends we can make.”

“I would love some true friends. Friends that actually like me, that we can stay friends with for a long time to come.”

“It would be safe and comfortable.”

“With plenty of space to build our family.” It was almost comical how fast Poppy’s head snapped up to look at him.

“You want a family? With me?” Branch blushed, they haven’t really voiced the desire for a family yet. They had been dating a few months, but nothing of the sort really came up.

“Yes. If you’ll have me.” Poppy reached up to give him a kiss, causing him to turn an even brighter blue.

“Always, Angel.” She giggled at his dopey smile. “Let’s get married.” He laughed, overjoyed.

“You don’t think it’s too soon?” She shrugged.

“I honestly can’t imagine growing old with anyone else. It’s always been you.” His smile gave new meaning to the word ‘joy’.

“How’s tomorrow sound, Sunshine?”

“Now who’s talking about ‘too soon’? Let’s take some time to plan and make it perfect. I’ve always wanted a beautiful wedding.” He kissed her. Branch couldn’t wait to spend his life with his amazing fiance.

“Anything for you, Poppy.”

Chapter Text

The next two weeks was a blur of learning about the other cultures, history, and music. Poppy had no idea just how much was being kept from the Pop Trolls. They had missed so much, and Poppy was determined not to remain ignorant. But while Branch took to other genres like a fish to water, Poppy… struggled, to say the least. 

It’s not that she didn’t like their styles! Quite the opposite, really. She just struggled to sing their styles. Anytime she tried, she would always bring some pop into the song. Which was apparently something very offensive to the other tribes, not that she understood why. Pop is amazing, and the other genres are awesome, so why not combine them to make something awesomazing? But when she tried to explain this to the other trolls, all she got were weird looks.

“I don’t understand why King Quincy and Queen Essence haven’t kicked them out yet. It’s obvious what they are here to do.” Poppy plastered herself to the wall, listening from around the corner.

“Yeah. Did you notice the extra security around our string?”

“At least they’re taking precautions.”

“They should be doing more, though. The ship has no room for Pop Trolls.”

“Tell me about it. Did you see the pink one the other day? She keeps trying to rope us into scrapbooking or slumber parties. Her scrapbooks look like they were made by a toddler!” She frowned as they both laughed at her. She thought it looked good.

“I wish she would just keep to herself, like the blue one does. At least he knows his place.”

Coming here, she thought that she would be quick to make friends like she usually did. But most funk trolls regarded them with a cold indifference or outright hostility. The royal family was insistent on her just ignoring them, but she couldn’t. She always felt their stares, and there was more than one time that she caught some trolls talking about her and Branch. She really wanted these trolls to like her, but they wanted nothing to do with her. 

Poppy didn’t think she could handle much more. She was by nature a very social troll, and being surrounded by other trolls but not being able to interact with them was driving her crazy. She needed to make friends, but no one would even talk to her. But she wouldn’t give up! This just meant that Poppy would have to try harder, like she did with Branch.

“Hi! My name is Poppy, it’s nice to meet you!” She held out her hand, giving her biggest, nicest smile. The troll regarded her with thinly veiled disdain.

“I don’t talk to thieves. Get out of my space, pop.” She was starting to hate that word. Pop. She’d never understand how they could make something so integral to who she is sound so bad.

“Oh, okay. I’m sure you have other things to do, anyways.” She held in her tears as she walked away. Poppy wasn’t a thief. She would never steal the other strings. She loved the other cultures, but they didn’t seem to understand that.

Was it so bad to be a Pop Troll? She liked to think that she was good, and she always tried her best to help other trolls. But she was also very inconsiderate, and loud, and oftentimes annoying. She tries not to be, but when she really likes something she just gets so excited and wants to share her joy with the trolls around her. And that’s good, but she never considers what would actually make them happy. She just assumes that they like the same things that she does. Like with Branch, she really liked him even before making peace with the Bergens. But she never considered what he would like to do, or what he was interested in. She wanted to make him happy, but all she ever did was annoy and upset him. It was always about her and what she would like to do.

And wasn’t that what the Pop Trolls did, a long time ago? They assumed things would be better and more fun if all the other tribes were just like them. But they were wrong, and all they did was separate everyone. 

She wasn’t like her ancestors, but she used to be. And she hated that about herself.

Poppy was snapped out of her thoughts by Prince D and her fiance laughing. She ran to them, giving Branch the biggest hug she could muster.

“Poppy!” He laughed as he spun her once before setting her down. “What have you been up to? I’ve been looking all over.” He smiled as she gave Prince D a fist bump. The royal family was one of the few good things to happen to them on the ship.

“Just trying to make friends. You know, the usual.” He gave her a concerned frown. 

“I’m guessing it didn’t go well?”

She sighed. “You could say that. Everyone either calls me a thief or refuses to talk to me.” Branch hummed. He wasn’t as concerned with making friends, but he was concerned with Poppy. He loved her, and he knew that having friends was important to her.

“But you didn’t steal anything. You didn’t even know the strings existed until a few weeks ago.” 

“Tell me about it! But whenever I try to explain that, they just get angry. I don’t get it.” 

“You have to understand, Poppy. When Pop tried to steal our strings, they stole our very essence. What made us happy and unique.” Prince D gave her a sad, if understanding, smile. “It’s a hard thing to forget, and many trolls are wary of it happening again.”

“I guess that makes sense. It’s still not right, though. I shouldn’t be villainized just because some pop troll from forever ago decided the world was better with one genre.” She crossed her arms with an angry pout. Branch held in a laugh. He knew that she thought she looked scary, but really she came across as an angry kid.

“Just give them time, Poppy. I’m sure they’ll come around like I did!”

“Okay. I guess I can give it time. I can be patient.” Now Branch really did laugh. “What? I can!”

“Sure you can, Sunshine.” She gave him an offended look.

“I’ll have you know that I am the most patient troll on this ship.”

“Whatever you want to tell yourself.” Poppy rolled her eyes.

“Whatever, Branch. Such a supportive and loving fiance you are.”

“You know it. You’re looking at the best soon-to-be husband, around.” He confidently pointed at himself.

“I’m sure King Quincy would love to hear all about it.”

“Yeah, I think he has you beat based on experience alone. Especially since you’re not even married yet.” Prince D laughed as Branch turned to him with a glare. 

“Children don’t get to have opinions.” Prince D gaped at him, offended.

“Dude! I get to have all the opinions.”

“Nope. Not if they’re not mine.”

“Unfair. Are you hearing this slander, Poppy?” Prince D turned to Poppy, barely concealing his amused smile.

“Oh, I’m hearing it. Is this how you’re gonna treat our future kids, Branch?”

“Our kids are gonna be cooler, though. Like their big papa.” Prince D and Poppy gave him twin looks of disgust.

“I’ll divorce you.”

“You love me.”

“Not after that.” Branch and Darrel laughed as Poppy struggled to maintain a straight faced. Losing the battle, she joined in on the laughter. 

“Seriously, though. Give it time. I’m sure the other trolls will come around. How could they not? You’re one of the best trolls around.” Poppy smiled softly at Branch. He was so sweet. “And until then, you’ll always have me, Poppyseed.”

“Alright.” She reached up to give him a quick kiss. “Until then, Angel.”

Chapter Text

OKAY so funny story... its been so long that I totally forgot that this fic takes place after the first movie????? so uhyhhhhhhh gimme a bit and ill post a chapter that actually makes sense lmao