Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s been about a week since Brozone, Branch and Poppy set out on their mission to rescue Floyd from his diamond prison. Since then, Floyd has been checked up on by doctors in Mount Rageon who believe he should make a full recovery with only small side effects, the bros have been bonding with one another, learning about each others lives and all their stories, and of course looking through many embarrassing band day photos that John Dory somehow salvaged over the years.

Sitting in a circle on the floor, Poppy, Branch and Brozone explore through all JD’s photo albums.

“Yoo I remember this! Sorry baby Branch, but I was glad to see that perm go.” Clay and the rest of the bros (minus branch ofc) laughed together whilst reminiscing over Branches old perm photo that, somehow, made its way back to punch Branch in the face.

“It was an era!” Branch loudly exclaimed over the laughter filling the catterbus.

“Besides, at least I’m not like John Dory with his oh so precious goggles.” Branch smirked, having successfully dragged JD into this pit of mockery and despair, called brotherly love.

“Yeah man, when’re you gonna let these things go!?” Bruce leaned over towards JD, smacked his goggles to fall onto JD’s face, shielding his vision.

“First of all, I’m never getting rid of my babies.” John Dory said whilst adjusting his goggles back on top of his head

“Second of all, I like’em! Who are you to judge a troll for what he likes Mr my hair looks like it’s made out of fairy floss.”

“My hair is gorgeous, thank you very much.” Bruce sassily replies, flicking the ends of his hair for a more sarcastic effect.

“I think it’s nice that we get to see how much we’ve all grown, and what’s stayed the same even after all these years.” Floyd, being the sensitive one he is, brings the reminiscing part of the conversation to light.

“I guess you’re right, Floyd. It’s actually.. really fun getting to learn about you guys.” Branch smiles softly, looking at all of this brothers and admiring the fact they’re all still here.

Poppy looks on fondly at the brothers, squeezing her boyfriend’s hand as support.

As time went on, they shared more stories, pictures, Poppy even bought out some of her scrapbooks to share! Brozone listened intently as their littlest brothers girlfriend presented the many adventures and journeys Branch and herself had been on together. From saving pop troll kind from the bergens and befriending them, stopping Barb and her rock apocalypse (with slight mention of Branches rock zombie look), to their more smaller adventures.

Branch watched on as Poppy spoke in her regular enthusiastic, bubble, loud tone, admiring her and just how well she and his brothers were getting on. He of course had no doubt they wouldn’t, however it’s still refreshing to see them growing a bond.

“And this is when Branch and I had our very first gift swap together! Oh my gumdrops, you should’ve seen the gift he got me! So thoughtful.” Poppy smiled as she laid on her stomach, kicking her feet and showing off her scrapbook page she made of her and Branch during their last gift swap to Brozone.

As Branch went to go add on to what Poppy was saying, he felt the buzz of his phone in his pocket, grabbing the attention of everybody in the circle. Branch reached for his phone, apologising to the group and seeing who the caller was.

To no surprise, it was Keith! He was currently saying with guy diamond and tiny whilst Branch was busy rescuing Floyd. He had been texting Branch multiple times a day from guy diamonds phone, asking when he’d be back. So cute.

Branch stood from where he was seated on the floor, and excused himself to the other side of the catterbus, answering the phone call.

“Hey buddy, what’re you up to?” Branch asked as he placed his hand on his hip, softly smiling and he waited a response from the child on the other line.

“Hi papa Branch. I helped guy diamond clean up dinner.” Keith replied in a monotone voice.

“When will you be home, I miss you”

Branch couldn’t help but feel his smile grow larger as he listened to the voice of his adopted son.

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re helping guy diamond. And I promise I’ll be back soon, matter of fact I should be back first thing tomorrow morning”

“In time for our morning pancakes?” Keith innocently asked.

Branch chuckled slightly at his question “Yeah bud, just in time for pancakes.”

Branch could see Poppy excusing herself from the group who had been side eyeing and of course ears dropping on the entire conversation, typical brothers. She made her way towards Branch, skipping softly as she did.

“Hey, do you wanna say hi to Poppy?” Branch asked as he smiled at Poppy, to who returned the smile.

“Yes please, I need to ask her something.” Keith asked politely, just as Branch had taught him to.

Branch handed over the phone to Poppy who was excited to hear from her son-not-son-but-loves-him-like-a-son-son.

“Hey Keke!!” Poppy exclaimed happily.

“Hi Miss Poppy. Can I ask you something?” Keith once again, asked in his casual monotone voice.

“Sure, ask away!”

“Have you been watching papa Branch when he sleeps?” Keith asked.

When Keith with slightly younger, his biological father had passed away from sleep apnea, a disorder where a troll stops breathing in their sleep. Since then, Keith has had an irrational fear of others passing in their sleep. So, in order to keep a close eye on those he cares about, he will watch them most nights as they sleep to ensure they are breathing.

Branch of course has grown accustomed to this, allowing Keith to manage his fears and anxiety in the way best suit for him, even if that means watching him sleep.

“Yep, I’ve been keeping a reaaally close eye on him. He’s perfectly fine, no need to worry.” Poppy assured Keith, looking over at Branch who shook his head fondly.

“Okay, good.” Keith replied with his approval.

“Guy diamond says I need to go to sleep now. Can I say bye to papa Branch?”

“Of course you can! I’ll see you in the morning, have a good sleep.” Poppy said her farewells and goodnights before passing the phone back to its respectful owner.

“Night night papa Branch. I’ll see you tomorrow for pancakes.”

“Goodnight, Keith. Try and have a full nights sleep tonight okay?” Branch asked with a mix of softness and sternness.

“Okay, I’ll try but I can’t promise.” Keith blurted.

“Good. Alright, night bud.”

“Bye.” Keith finished before Branch ended the call.

Poppy grabbed hold of Branches hand, guiding him back towards the brotherly circle, sitting down in their previous positions before being questioned by his bros.

“Who was that, Branch?” Floyd asked curiously, the rest of Brozone looked towards Branch for a response.

“Actually, that was someone I really want you guys to meet. Someone really special.” Branch smiled with content, leaving his brothers on a cliffhanger of who the mysterious caller was.

Chapter Text

Everyone had fallen asleep not too long after the phone call with Keith, seeing as they were all very exhausted from the last few days, understandably enough. Poppy and Branch had fallen asleep hand in hand next to one another, hair intertwined with the occasional snore from Poppy. The rest of the bros had found their own nice area on the floor to sleep, three of who however made sure to stay EXTREMELY close to Floyd. And when I say extremely, I mean yeah, they all fell asleep in a big dog pile around Floyd.

As the morning air travelled through the catterbus, Branch was the first to awake having already been accustomed to his earlier mornings. He turned his head to admire the gorgeously adorable troll laid beside him, smiling ever so gently before reaching over to move parts of her hair out of her face. He carefully unraveled his hair from her own, quietly making his way over to one of the windows situated on the side of Rhonda.

The sun was barely visible, shining oh so dimly behind the trees. The sky was still showed the dark blue of the night, except now shining brighter as the sun made its way through the sky.

Branch turned his attention to the drivers view of the catterbus, walking towards it to take a look out its window to the direction Rhonda was heading. He could tell they were extremely close to the village, having lived in the forest parts of it about his entire life. He could easily make his way through it with his eyes closed.

Seeing as they were approaching the end of their journey, Branch swiftly made his way over to Poppy who continued to wiggle around in the makeshift bed on the floor, bending down and caressing her visible cheek.

“Good morning, Poppy. Time to wake up sleepy head, we’re almost home.” He whispered ever so softly as he continued to rub her cheek with his thumb.

She began to stir, cracking open her eyes, followed by a yawn. She bought a hand to her face, placing it on top of Branches before smiling weakly.

“Morning, Branchifer.” She groggily replied, taking one more yawn before sitting herself up.

As Branch allowed Poppy to adjust to the new day, he made his way over to his brothers who were in all types of wired positions.

John Dory had his mouth agape, snoring louder than a troll probably should whilst his head laid on, or should I say in, Bruce’s hair. For a troll who was making remarks about Bruce’s hair only a few hours prior, certainly looked like he was enjoying it now!

Bruce, having someone laid upon his hair had limited mobility as he was currently being pinned down by the weight of it, was laying on his back with his hands rested on his stomach.

Clay had made himself nice and comfy, having his hair pulled down in the warmth of his arms, cuddling the green mess he calls a hairstyle with an old piece of brozone merch, a blanket, draped over him as he rested on his side, legs curled to his chest.

And then there was Floyd, also laying on his side, however with this hands brought comfortably to his chest, with one of his legs out straight whilst the other rested nice and curled on top of it.

Branch smirked as he once again made his way back to Poppy, who was now standing and stretching out her limbs. He grabbed a pillow he had slept on the night before, walking back over to his brothers. Standing beside his first victim, he raised the pillow and plowed John Dory’s face with it, causing him to shoot his head out from Bruce’s hair and look around in confusion.

“Rise and shine sleeping beauty, we’re just about at the village.” Branch said, in a more casual tone then the soft and warm tone he had used for Poppy only moments before.

John Dory rubbed his face, growing in annoyance after being awoken in such a rude matter.

“Man.. what’d you do that for bro?” John questioned as he forcibly cracked open his eyes to look up at his younger brother who was smiling an evil grin at him.

“You wouldn’t be able to hear me over those snores, had to get creative.” Branch replied, throwing the pillow into JD’s lap, motioning towards the rest of his brothers with his head.

JD understood what Branch was saying, excitedly jumping up from his spot on the floor, jumping into action by beginning to smack the rest of his brothers (besides Floyd who still someone slept through the noise) with the pillow gifted to him. The two other bros began shooting up from their spots, having also been rudely awakened with a pillow to their face.

Groans and complaints came from the two boys as they stood up from their areas on the floor, looking over at the their youngest and oldest brothers who both chuckled.

Poppy had made her way towards the boys, who were now attempting to wake Floyd in the most gentle way possible. She found this funny yet incredibly adorable seeing as how they were all rough housing each other just 5 seconds ago.

“Come on, Floyd. Time to wake up baby bro.” John Dory whispered as he placed his hand on Floyd shoulder and gave him a small shake.

“Hmm? Are we there yet?” Floyd peeked his eyes open, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

“Yep, just about. We should be there any minute.” And just as Branch had finished that sentence, Rhonda came to a halt.

Everyone followed JD as he made his way towards the exit point of Rhonda, opening the door and taking a deep breath. They all made their way out of the catterbus, looking around at their surroundings.

“Home sweet home, how I’ve missed this place!!” Poppy exclaimed with joy, jumping on her toes before being reminded by Branch it is still too early to be loud.

“Woah.. the village looks beautiful. I never would’ve thought to look out here.” Floyd confessed, placing his hand to his chest as he walked closer to the edge of the small hill before the village, admiring the hanging pods all painted with a diverse range of colours, and the general scenery of the place his brother and most of pop kind have lived for 20 years.

“Seeing as I’m here, I’m gonna need to check the structures of all these pods, make sure they’re all sturdy.” Clay demanded as he placed his hands on his hips, expecting the pods from a far.

“Trust me, Clay, they’re sturdy alright.” Branch said as he turned his head to face Clay.

“I do monthly checkups of all the pods, help with repairs. But hey, I mean you’re free to have a look.”

Clay nodded with a sense of pride, acknowledging the fact his baby brother may be more responsible then he thought.

“So, where to now? I mean they’re like no trolls about.” Bruce questioned, scratching the back of his neck.

“We can head to Branches bunker! Seeing since you guys are going to be staying there for a while, might as well get comfortable before the sun comes up.” Poppy suggested, looking over at Branch for his approval, who of course smiled in response to this.

“Yeah, we’ll head over to my bunker once you guys gather anything you’s bought with.”

Saying this, the brothers all made their way back into the catterbus, rummaging to find their belongings, leaving Poppy and Branch to themselves as they waited outside.

“Soo.. you excited to introduce Keith?” Poppy bought up, seeing as how he still hadn’t spoken to his brothers regarding his son.

“Yeah, I’m actually pretty excited.” Branches smile grew wider just at the thought of being back with Keith, and introducing him to his long lost uncles.

“I just hope he handled it okay, you know how he can get.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, as long as he has you.” Said Poppy as she grabbed onto Branches hand with hers, caressing it with softly.

“Alright, we’re good to go bro.” JD huffed out as he dragged the bag he had stuffed with all the belongings he could, followed by the rest of the boys who only had a small hand full of things.

“Okay, let’s get going then.” Branch clapped his hands together, before guiding everybody towards his bunker.
——————————————-
After walking for a short amount of time, they finally arrived at the entry of Branches bunker. Of course, Branch and Poppy knew that, however his brothers only saw a rock and a mat. Confused, Floyd finally broke the silence.

“Hey uhm.. Branch? This looks really lovely but.. where’s the bunker?”

Before answering, Branch walked over to the hidden lever, pulling it down to open up the mat door. Looking at his brothers with a smirk.

“My bunker is underground, for that extra level of protection you know?” Branch slightly bragged, noticing another one of Clays nods of approval, filling him with a sense of pride.

He walked over to the opening in the floor, jumping down onto the platform below, followed by an eager Queen who motioned for the boys to follow.

With slight hesitation, they all made their way into the entrance, landing on the sturdy platform below. Once all aboard, Branch shut the entrance and pulled the leaver of the elevator-like contraption which began bringing them down into the bunker.

Each level they passed, the brothers mouths dropped lower and lower, faces covered with surprise, astonishment, but most of all, pride. They couldn’t believe the smallest of them all had created something so full of detail, so carefully crafted. It was amazing!

“Woah Branch.. I have no words, this place is.. beautiful!” Floyd exclaimed as his eyes twinkled with excitement to explore more of his brothers home.

“Thanks, but seriously it’s not that big a deal.” Branch was lying, he was actually extremely proud of his work, and was flushed with how amazed his brothers looked. But he’d never tell anyone this.

“Not a big deal?! Branch, you’ve gotta be kidding. This is impressive!” Bruce jumped into the conversation, as the elevated finally hit the bottom floor, welcoming them into the main room of Branches humble-abode.

Branch chuckled in response, rubbing his cheek to get rid of the embarrassing look of utter joy plastered across his face over a simple compliment. What can he say, not seeing your brothers for two decades, then them complimenting something you put years of dedication into makes you feel overjoyed.

“Well, welcome to my bunker. I have some free space for you guys, I just need to clear them out first.” Branch said, moving in front of his brothers and gesturing to the space in front of them.

“I can make breakfast if you guys are hungry? I’d eat with you’s, but I have this breakfast tradition with some other troll, so I’m gonna wait ” Branch questioned the group, to which they all replied with eager nods, as well as Poppy.

“Oo Branch, can you make some glitter fish soup?! I looovee how you make it.” Poppy jumps on her toes, questioning the partner in front of her.

“Sure, Poppy. How do you guys feel having soup?” Branch asked once more, receiving yet again a happy lot of nods.

“Glitter fish soup it is then.”

Chapter Text

Finished up with the delicious breakfast Branch had provided for everyone, the day had finally begun with the sun shining bright, and the sound of singing trolls filled the air above his bunker. It was finally time to go and pick up Keith!

Everyone was sitting in the lounge room, on the couches and talking about what the plans for today would be. Branch rose from his seat and clapped his hands together to grab his brothers attention.

“Alright well, you guys must remember there was some troll I wanted you to meet.” Having said this, Branches brother nodded their heads vigorously.

“Are we going to meet them now!?” Clay asked excitedly as he also stood from where he was sat.

“Yep, they’ll be awake by now so I think it’s time we head over to their pod.” Branch smiled, walking towards the elevator hand in hand with Poppy , gesturing for his bros to follow.

All steady on the elevator, he pulled the leaver and the platform began to rise. The four brothers were excited to say the least. Their baby brother wanted them to meet some troll who was important to him! They felt honoured.

Arriving at the top, they all made their way out of the hatch and were met with the warm, tingling sensation of the sun on their skin and the mixed sounds of angelic tweets of birds, to the vibrating sound of trolls harmonising.

Brozone began their walk to the mysterious trolls pod, following behind Branch and Poppy as they led the way. On their path, they ran into many trolls who were ecstatic to see the return of their queen! Poppy however kindly explained to the trolls she would soon be able to talk with them, but first needed to make this visit.

A small walk later, with minor hair swinging to make their way up to the desired pod, they finally arrived. Branch walked over to the door of the pod and gave it a swift couple of knocks, standing back as he waited for a response. They didn’t need to wait long, as guy diamond quickly answered the door with a friendly smile.

“Branch! Poppy! Yous made it back!!” He spoke with his regular autotune voice, which slightly shocked the brothers.

Guy diamond jump towards the couple, embracing them both into a group hug to which they both happily returned the favour before breaking apart.

“Ugh, guy diamond, I have missed your hugs, it feels like it’s been foorreevverr!” Poppy groaned in a friendly manner, dragging her hands over her eyes and down her cheeks, causing Branch to chuckle.

Guy diamond looked behind the pair, finally realising the other company who he guessed, were Branches brothers.

“Oh glitter, how rude of me! I’m guy diamond.” Guy introduced himself to the new trolls.

“Now I remember you.. John Dory wasn’t it?” He pointed to JD, to which he nodded in response.

“Yep that’s me! And these are the rest of Branches bros.” John pointed beside him with his thumb, signalling to the trio who waved to guy diamond.

“Meet Floyd, Bruce and Clay.” Branch interjected, smiling at guy diamond as he introduced his siblings.

“It’s nice to meet you’s. Now, Branch, I know some troll who’s been dyyingg to see you! Come on in.” Guy chuckled as made way for the group to make their way into his pod.

As they all stepped foot into the pod, guy diamond led them into the lounge where majority of them sat down, making themselves comfortable. Branch and Poppy both choosing to stand.

“I’ll go grab them, stay right here.” Diamond said before making his way further into his home.

“So, who’s this special troll, Branch? Is it your best friend or somethin’?” John Dory questioned, crossing one of his legs over the other.

“Yeah. I kinda thought, guy diamond, is that his name?” Bruce questioned, looking to Branch for a nod to confirm he got the trolls name right.

“I thought he was the troll you wanted us to meet, I mean this is his pod right?” Again, Bruce continued to look at Branch for a response.

“Well I mean yeah guy is one of my close friends, but he’s not exactly who I wanted you guys to meet.” Branch said, and at perfect timing!

Guy diamond finally returned from the hall, holding tiny as he stood in his palm, followed by a small green skinned, blue haired troll behind him. Branch and the rest of the group turn their attention to the returning troll and the two new faces he bought with him.

“Papa Branch!!” Keith could be heard yelling in a more excited tone than his use monotone, running towards Branch.

“Keith!” Branch said equally excited, crouching down just in time to catch Keith in his arms, holding him in a tight embrace.

Behind him, Brozone sat stunned. Papa? Branch? Papa Branch? Is their youngest brother.. a dad!? Why didn’t he tell them earlier? Is Poppy the mum? Oh sugar they have so many questions!

Poppy on the other hand just cooed as she watched her parter and his adopted son embrace each other after their time apart.

“I missed you, you were gone for ages.” Keith complained, looking up at Branch with the slightest pout plastered on his face.

“I know I know, I missed you too. But I promised I’d be back, didn’t I?” Branch reassured him, looking down at his son before standing up with him in his arms.

“Hey Keith! Did you have fun staying with uncle guy and tiny?” Poppy waltzed over, placing her hands on her lap as she bent ever so slightly to meet eye to eye with the child in her parters arms.

“Yeah, we had lots of candy.” Keith admitted, causing guy to slightly back up, knowing that Branch had strictly asked Keith only have small amounts of candy, otherwise he’d get a sore stomach.

Guy diamond of course, did not listen as Keith was just too darn cute to say no to. Branch looked over at guy, raising an eyebrow with a straight face.

“Oh really?” Branch abruptly replied, keeping his focus on guy who was awkwardly smiling at Branch, to which Branch just shook his head in dissatisfaction.

“Uhmm, Branch? Hey, yeah, we’re still here. YOU HAVE A KID?!?” John shouted, Branch finally turned around to see the shocked faces of all his brothers.

“Why didn’t you say anything!?” Clay also shouted, putting his hands to the side of his head to express his surprise.

All of his brothers continued to shout in disbelief their thousands of questions, leaving Branch standing there flustered on who and what to answer first. Branch then turned his attention to Keith who he noticed had gripped onto his vest, seeing he was looked overwhelmed by the sudden change of volume

“Hey, hey guys. Can you’s lower your voices please? Keith doesn’t so well with sudden loud noises.” Branch raised his voice in an attempt to get his point over the loud voices, to which thankfully worked as the boys shushed each other.

Having the ex band members voices finally quieted down, Keith relaxed once again into Branches hold. Branch slightly stroked the back of Keith’s hair before again turning his attention to his brothers.

“Guys, this is Keith. He’s my son.” He smiled, hoping to properly introduce his family members to one another.

“And before you ask any more questions; he’s adopted, I didn’t tell you because I wanted it to be a surprise, plus we were a bit preoccupied, I adopted him about nearly two years ago now, and he’s four years old.” Branch quickly explained, hopefully answering most of the questions they had fired at him.

As they all took in the new information, they all greeted Keith with happy smiles, and waves. Keith returned the favour by waving back before climbing out of Branches arms, and up into his hair.

Keith, even though most trolls his age don’t, still finds comfort and security in sitting in Branches hair. It helps him calm down, and to just have a safe space to himself. Branch understood this and related very much, as his bunker growing up provided the same feeling of security a trolling would receive from being in a guardians hair.

“So, you said you adopted him two years ago, right? And based off of Poppys scrapbooks, that means you must have adopted Keith before the peace with the bergens.” Clay blurted out, mathing together the timelines aloud.

“Well, yeah I guess you’re right.” Branch answered.

At this point, Poppy had wondered off with guy diamond and tiny, talking to them about the adventure the group had just been on, and the trolls they met on the way.

“That’s really cool, Branch. I’m glad Keith had someone like you to take care of him during that time” Floyd warmheartedly responded, feeling touched by the fact his brother had managed to protect a young trolling from the large (not anymore) beasts.

“Papa Branch is really brave. He makes good pancakes too.” Keith’s voice slightly echoed from Branches hair, cause the group to chuckle and giggle.

They could all then hear a small gasp come from Keith before he stuck his head out and looked down into Branches eyes.

“Can we have pancakes now? You said we could when you got back.” Keith monotoned voice questioned, Branch just smiled in return.

“Of course bud. We can head to the bunker and have our pancakes.”

Seeing how Keith had calmed down a little bit, Branch reached into his hair and carefully scooped Keith up, placing him to stand beside him. Branch then turned his attention to Poppy and two trolls she was conversing with.

“Hey, Poppifer. Would you be okay with showing my brothers around the village for a little bit? Just while I have some quality time with Keith.” Branch asked, scratching the back of his neck whilst waiting for a response.

“Of course, I’d love to! Besides, you need to tell Keith about the big adventure we had, I’m sure he’d love to hear it.” And that she wasn’t lying about, Keith was curious to know what his father had been up to during their time apart.

“Thanks, I really appreciate it.” Branch smirked, appreciation and love plastered all over his face.

“No problem, Branchifer.” Poppy smiled brighter, walking towards his and placing a soft kiss on his cheek before turning to the group behind him.

“Alright, let’s get this brozone-tour-of-the-village mission rolling!!” Poppy jumped with excitement, guiding the brothers out as they all said their farewells to guy diamond and tiny.

Branch and Keith followed the group close behind before Branch came to a quick stop, turning his attention to guy once again.

“Hey, guy diamond. Thanks again for watching Keith, I really owe you.”

“It’s no problem at all, Branch. Tiny liked having a trolling around to play with, and he was quite a delight.” Guy grinned, assuring Branch that this was a favour that did not need a payment of some sort in return.

“Again, thank you.” Branch thanked one more time before walking out of the pod, catching up with the group in front of him to all of which turned around.

“Alright, you guys enjoy the tour with Poppy, I’ll be in the bunker with Keith if you’s need me for anything.”

“Don’t worry Branch, go have fun with Keith and we’ll see you later.” Bruce demanded in a soft, kind matter.

Branch just breathed out slowly. Before he and Keith left towards the bunker, the group all gave their farewells to the pair, waving goodbye as they began their trip throughout the village.

Branch looked down at Keith with a fond smile.

“You ready for some pancakes and one of the best stories of your life?”

“Yes, I really wanna know what it was like.”