Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Branch was all alone now. What would he do now? Why did he have to ruin everything? He swears he didn’t mean to cause any troubles to anyone. Why would they leave? Why did he have to be so dumb. The thoughts were too much, too painful. The ringing was getting louder by every passing second, making Branch want to cry even more. But no tears would come out. It’s like everything in him had be drained into nothing. His heart an ongoing void and his mind filled with emotions that no trolling should know of, let alone experience. It was too much for him.
Until, nothing. His mind was blank. His memories foggy, only distant figures who he can’t seem to recognize. 

——

John Dory was so used to living in constant stress and worry, that he had forgotten how it felt like to live with no worry in the world. Having four younger brothers, an old Grandma and on top of that a band to keep track of, you suddenly forget who you are and focus on keeping everything in place. You have to keep a figure. A father figure, a grandson figure and a celebrity figure. There’s no room for ‘me’ figure. ‘You’ are your last priority. That’s why he left. It was all too much, the pieces were falling and he couldn’t put them back in. Not this time. So in the moment of heat he figured if he left it would be the best for all of them. He put himself first. He knew his brothers would be fine, they were old enough and knew the world well. So why was this thought eating him alive? Easy, Branch. He wasn’t old enough and he didn’t know anything. That’s why he decided it was the best to go back. He had acted upon an impulsive thought where he wanted to be selfish for once that didn’t last for long.

——

He finally packed everything and started his journey to return. He hoped Branch wouldn’t have really processed what have happened and hasn’t lost hope in him. But he wouldn’t have to worry for too long, as his oldest bro was coming back, better this time. At first he had planned to relax and try focusing on himself, but the guilt was stronger. Each passing day he felt worse and worse. He thought deeper and deeper everything he had done wrong, so now he was going to try harder. Not that he wasn’t trying hard all these years, but it hadn’t been enough. Most of his brothers were mad at him and they fought a lot. But leaving wasn’t the answer. He was going to own up to it, apologize and make it up to every one. But now, he must focus on getting home fast, and safely.

——

He finally got there. Stepping foot back on the tree after around 4 years, he felt a mix of emotions. He knew he was doing the correct thing but he hoped no one judged him for it. But that doesn’t matter. He has to get home. He has really missed everyone. 
As he stepped foot in the pod, he was taken aback. The pod felt… lifeless. There wasn’t any sound coming from there, where it usually was filled with sounds, whether it was music, giggles, footsteps, shouting. 
“Hello? Is anyone home?” JD walked in and looked around. Until he heard some noise coming from the hall. Then a short gray troll appeared, peaking through the frame.

”Who’s there? What do you want?” A little voice called.Branch after becoming gray hadn’t had any visitors, nor company as no one wanted to approach him, and frankly he wasn’t quite sure why. 
“Branch? Is that you? It’s me, John Dory! I came back! Where are our brothers? Why is it so dark in here?” JD was starting to grow worried. As Branch walked out the door and came closer to the living room, John Dory was shocked. His baby brother was standing there scared, but most worrying he was gray. Oh god he had messed up real bad.

”Oh Branch, come here.” John Dory opened his arms offering a hug but Branch didn’t budge.

”What’s wrong?” John Dory was confused. Shouldn’t he be happy to see him? He looks all sad why would he refuse him? What had he done.

“I don’t know you. What do you want? No one wants anything to do with me, why do you?” Branch was almost whispering, John Dory could barely hear him. John Dory’s heart broke. 
“I don’t want to hurt you. I love you, I’m your brother.” John Dory didn’t know how to handle the situation, so instead he kneeled down and waited for Branch to come to him. 
“You are?” Branch seemed to softened and slowly approached John Dory. His small beady eyes staring John, he could see Branch’s little broken heart and wished he hadn’t gone through anything that he had. If only he could take all his pain away.

”I’m here and I’m not leaving. I pinky promise I won’t hurt you.” John Dory offered his pinky as he sat down in the floor. Branch grew a small smile and put his pinky out as well. 
“If you’re my brother… how can I don’t remember you?” Branch might be small but wasn’t dumb.

”I made a terrible mistake and left. But I missed you so much and wanted to come home to you. I’m so sorry for leaving you, but I promise I’m here now.” John Dory hoped Branch would give him a second chance. He offered again his arms for a hug and Branch didn’t hesitate this time. He held him tight, brushing gently his hand his small back, not letting go. Soon enough Branch had fallen asleep in John Dory’s lap. Gently, he picked the baby up and tucked him in bed. 

Chapter Text

It had been two weeks since John Dory came back and oh god what had he done. All his brothers had disappeared and so did their grandma. He took it slow with Branch, but eventually reconnected again. Branch was growing more and more attached to John Dory, and he couldn’t blame him. He had gone through so much, his baby! He made sure Branch would become happy again. 
John was making breakfast in the kitchen. He was choosing all kinds of foods, trying to find Branch’s favorite. This time, it was eggs with bacon. He had been singing quietly as to not wait up baby Branch, until he felt some small hands grabbing onto his shorts.

”Good morning B” John turned on his sides to face the trolling. “How was your sleep?” JD took out some places and started setting up breakfast, while Branch was talking about some wild dream he had. 

”That’s good to hear, now come, let’s go eat shall we?” JD placed the plates on the table and sat down. “Dig in little fella.” Branch’s eyes grew twice their size.

”This looks delicious! And-“ taking and big bite and swallowing “it tastes amazing!” Branch was so happy to be eating actual food every day. 

——

King Peppy was planning on escaping from the troll tree and seek somewhere else for them to live, so that his people could be safe, away from burgens. And so, the day had finally come where they would make their move. He had made sure to keep track of everyone before starting. They needed to have a heads start before trollspice began, so they were in a hurry. 

John Dory had made sure to pack some stuff that would be essential for the journey that they had ahead of them, and then loaded up Branch in his hair. He didn’t wanna lose sight of him as he knew chaos your wreck all over. As he saw how they were starting to move he made sure Branch was feeling safe. And so, they begin.

It was very dark in the tunnels, the torches weren’t helping much either and you could sense the panicked atmosphere from miles away. They had started running to ensure faster arrive and better chances of avoiding the bergens, but of course their travel couldn’t go smoothly. The bergens started digging up the land all around in an attempt to find their dessert. And of course, it wasn’t long until one of their shovels cut down on their route. Panic erupted, trolls screaming and running all around, falling on each other and tripping on the dirt. The ones who were more stable started helping the ones that needed it, promising their safety. But, the shovels continued and eventually the paths were crossed. Those stuck behind had to escape from somewhere else. Eventually they made it out. Well, some did. But how, they had to continue moving, they couldn’t stop now. But atleast they were safe and most importantly, free.

——

They had finally reached somewhere and everyone stopped. “
Trolls, I can finally announce that here we will rebuild and ensure a safer environment than ever! we can finally rest our souls and heal.” King Peppy declared, and everyone started shouting. Sure, what they had gone through, not just now but all these years, was tough to say the least but they could finally ensure themselves a better tomorrow.

And so, the rebuilding began.

Chapter Text

Building the village was hard to say the least. It wasn’t just rebuilding the homes, but also about stability. Days and nights were rough and the struggle was real, but after three-ish long years they had finally officially settled and life finally had a routine.

Branch was now around eight. John Dory was cooking breakfast, whistling an oddly-familiar melody that Branch couldn’t recognize. He crawled around the table, his tail twitching as he got ready to jump behind the chair in an attempt to scare his dad brother. He was always trying to jump scare John Dory, but he somehow always sensed him. 
“BAHHH” Branch jumped out to JD while putting his hands up in an attempt to scare him, but John Dory seemed unfazed. 
“Hey B,” JD walked around Branch, setting down the two plates he was holding “it’s your fav”. And as John Dory would have guessed, Branch jumped up and his tail swung.

”Buttered toast with sprinkles?! AND WHIPPED CREAM?!” Branch rushed to sit on one of the chairs. He found it weird, how around the table there were six chairs. They rarely had any visitors that they ate together and six were more than enough for two. Maybe it was for decor or something, Branch shrugged. The only thing he cared about right now was eating.

——

John Dory couldn’t help but love how Branch had made it his mission to jump scare him. For the first year after being back, Branch was really kept to himself and quiet. He wouldn’t laugh, run, jump. His fur dull, like his soul of life had faded. He was so grateful his fur had come back, well not fully - but unless you knew about it, you would never notice. But he couldn’t say the same for his hair. You couldn’t notice if it was blue or green or purple. It was a darkish grey. But Branch didn’t seem to be affected at all by that. He was very playful now and full of life. He didn’t seem to remember any of the other brothers and his only memories began after the break up of the band. He was glad he didn’t remember the band days, as the last few months the fights were more than he would like to admit. He knew Branch had noticed, no matter how little he was and he was afraid he would have messed up. Then again, Branch was completely unaware of his brothers existence. He did remember Grandma, hence the reason why he didn’t sing but other than that it’s forgotten past. But it’s not like he could tell him. He didn’t wanna cause more harm to Branch. He also didn’t wanna admit he left him, when he was just a tiny innocent trolling. How they all left him, no second thought. It made his belly twist into knots. He couldn’t imagine his reaction upon these news, that none of his brothers cared enough to stay for him. 
“Dory! Wanna go explore north?? You know, where we found those really pretty flowers! They’re smell so familiar- I wanna smell them again!!” Branch came out of his room wearing his vest and some goggles, similars to John Dory’s but smaller and greenish - yellow. The best that used to be John Dory’s, that was given to Spruce, eventually to Clay and lastly to Floyd, which Floyd seemed to have given to Branch before he..

”Come on!!” Branch pulled down on his goggles and strikes a pose, exposing the backpack that seemed to drag his small body down.

”What do you have in there? It’s bigger than you!” John Dory laughed at he saw how much he struggled. 
“Here let me help” JD picked up the bag and looked inside.

”Really B? Sticks? What do you need those for? Are those- rocks?!” JD sighed as Branch giggled and ran up to his brother. Branch ran around his leg, before getting tired. But that didn’t seem to stop him. He started pulling on JD’s puff jacket and poking him on his back, before being picked up.

”Alright little guy, but we won’t go far. We have to eat dinner after and you know the rule.” Branch let loose of his head while shrugging “Never explore when it’s dark. I knowww. Now let’s go!” Branch gestured to be let down.

As JD got his backpack ready, he took Branch’s hand and walked out. They had a few hours until sunset, but needed to make sure they had enough time to return.

”What do you think we will find this time? Do you think we’ll find a… moving rock?!” Branch fell on all fours, as he found it easier to move around like that. He didn’t get tired as fast and could focus easier, while also blend around his surroundings. Trolls adapted easily, and moving away from tree, on the ground, where they needed to hunt and sleep on the floor, changed them. Their senses got stronger, they got used to walking on fours and their fur became thicker. 

“Look what I found!!” Branch got up on two’s again and gestured at a small furball. It was small but had really long legs and two black bead eyes.

The odd looking creature started singing- if you could call that singing. It was making sounds that sounded that wood and rocks hitting eachother. Branch giggled before turning to his brother. 
“I think the flowers are a bit further!” Branch pointed at the tree that had fell over the path they were walking on, as it reminding him of something. He probably had made a mental note of it the previous day.

”Alright, a bit further but then we’re heading back, aight B?” JD watched as Branch ran around carefree, as he stopped and took a deep breath. Not that he was tired, if anything he wanted to take it all in. This moment.

——

“I see them!! Hurry up Dory!” Branch wiggled his tail and jumped, before moving his hands around all over. 
“Smell them!” Branch was practically in the flowers as he was sniffing them, letting out big sighs before going back in. JD looked over and kneeled, coming closer to the flowers. As the smell hit his nose, he suddenly…

- * - ‘Hey ma! Where’s John Dory?’ A female figure appeared from the corner of John Dory’s view. ‘He’s with the egg. After its arrival he had been obsessed! He won’t let sight of it. He’s very excited upon his arrival.’ The two figures seemed to fade as his point of view turned over to a crib with an egg inside. He couldn’t wait to be a big brother!’ - * -

That’s how mom smelled. It hit John Dory hard. He didn’t know he’d even smell something like this again, and definitely caught him off guard. John Dory snapped out of it, before Branch could notice the change of mood, but his tone gave it all away. 
“Let’s head back. Not long before the sun sets.” John Dory shaken from this, got up and offered his back for Branch to climb on. He didn’t hesitate and jumped on him. He hugged John Dory’s neck before yawning. His little breaths against his neck felt bittersweet. The walk back home was quiet.

Chapter Text

As Branch grew older, he grew more and more protective. He had noticed how he was constantly worried in the back of his mind whether his brother was safe or not. He didn’t know why he had this worry. It was like his heart knew something he didn’t know. Why on earth he was so attached to him, it’s not like he would disappear into thin air one day, and the only thing he could do is nothing. His mind ran like crazy, it was starting to form into a headache. But before his brain could explode, he heard a knock. He peeked through his door, immediately his eyes falling on John Dory at the door. He noticed a troll standing in the doorway with a smile on their face, that he didn’t seem to recognize, but then again he didn’t really socialize. After what felt like forever, they finally waved goodbye. Branch walked up to the kitchen where John Dory was.

”Who was that? What did they want?” Branch had tiptoed into the kitchen, it was kind of a reflex. It came of natural to him, as weird as that sounded.

”You scared me!” John Dory jumped before turning to face Branch.

 “Well, if you’re interested they told me about a party that’s gonna take place today, I was informed there will be girls there.” JD smirked, but to his expectations Branch huffed annoyingly.

”I think I prefer my own company, thank you. I’ll go for a walk instead.” John Dory tried to stop Branch, but knew he was already gone. He felt like shouting would also be useless. The only thing he could do is sigh, and think how he always did that, how he disappeared like that, like he was invisible.

——

After all this exploring with John Dory, they had discovered many places and he’d gotten used to the forest. He had a pretty good idea of it and here everything was located so it wasn’t easy for him to get lost. But he wasn’t exploring this time. A while back they had found this quiet place with a small river. He was mesmerized by its beauty and had made it his hang out spot. He came there whenever he needed to escape or needed to clear his mind.
Trolls would have found it extremely lonely, but he actually enjoyed it. Trolls overwhelmed him and made him uncomfortable. He hated being in the spotlight, and being around too many trolls overwhelmed him. He found it extremely difficult to make bonds. He was afraid the moment they’d get close, they would leave him or he’d do something to make them hate him. Like one wrong move and they’ll all judge you, turn against you and make fun of you, make you feel like an outcast. He found the quietness calming, his company’s enough.

Summer afternoon, where the chilly air brushed against his fur slightly tingling. But, of course his peace had to be snatched. He heard footsteps from behind him. His ears immediately turning to make out the noise, before getting up. He finally made out a figure, that was staring right back at him. She had a smile that was like the sun, bright pink fur and messy hot pink hair that was put in a ponytail. Her tail was accessorized with colorful beads that slightly rattled when she walked. He lowered himself a bit, as his tailed picked up speed.

”Hii! I’m Poppy! Sorry for disturbing you, I didn’t mean to! I was looking for my boyfriend, but I think I took a wrong turn somewhere .” Before she continued, she started walking towards Branch, but he lowered himself and took out his claws. He hissed, trying to send out the message that he doesn’t want to be approached. As he expected her to run off scared, she actually slowly sat down, placing her paws on her thighs. She smiled softly, looking at his eyes. For the first time, someone wasn’t afraid of him. His sight didn’t scare her. Instead of mocking him, she seemed to understand him, feel him. Not a look of pity, disgust nor fear. But sympathy, understanding. It was mesmerizing. He almost immediately softened, before hearing other footsteps. He immediately jumped and started running. He didn’t look back, until he was at the village, where he started wandering before reaching the house.

As he walked in, he immediately saw John Dory at the couch.

”I’m back.” Branch, clearly startled from all this couldn’t mutter anything else.

”Hey! I’ve actually got somewhere to go, so you caught me in a bad time.” But before he could continue he noticed his youngest younger brothers expression and immediately understood something was wrong. But, he knew Branch wouldn’t talk about it and he would probably shut him off so he  decided to let him be.

”You’ll be alright by yourself? I won’t be long.” Branch knew his brother had seen right through him but was grateful he didn’t confront him.

”You ain’t going to that party right? I’m such better company than they.” He laughed hoping to lighten the mood.

”What if I am? You’ll only know if you go there too.” He winked before taking off.

Branch went into his room, and payed in his bed. He scuffed as he found himself so stupid. Who was this troll and why had she acted like this? Why didn’t she ran away? He clearly didn’t want her there, so why did she stay? Why didn’t she leave him? He was so shocked he even forgot her name. Not like it was relevant or anything, but maybe he could find her. No, that was dumb. He was such an idiot. Why was he thinking like that? She obviously didn’t care for him and never would. So why was it so hard to get her out of his mind? His headache seemed to grow bigger and his head was pounding at this point. What was he supposed to do now?

As any stupid teenager would do, he decided to go to the party. He thought he was crazy, he hated big crowds. But he needed an escape, a change, something different to make him feel normal. So, he got up, washed his face and teeth, changed clothes -didn’t want to accidentally ruin his vest- and left for the party. He made sure to leave a note just in case. It wasn’t much, just a sticky pad saying “out party. Back later”, was enough to not worry JD. 

Chapter Text

He guesses he was really doing it. He was actually gonna go to the party. What was he even thinking? That wasn’t like him, he hated crowds and loud music! No, he had to do this. He had to be normal, even for once. He was gonna get his ass in there and maybe socialize? Ugh, a headache was already starting to form, guessing by the end of this his head will be pounding from the pain. He really hopes he won’t be a laughing attraction and will blend in the shadows. He’s really regretting his decisions right now and, god if he wasn’t so stubborn! And there it was. You could see the mass of trolls dancing from a mile away, and the music was definitely gonna be deafening, he could hear it from there! ‘No turning back now Branch’ he muttered to himself.

When he finally got there, he didn’t really know what to do. Most of them were dancing together and drinking extreme amounts of sugary drinks of all sorts of colors. He decided to go a bit further, I mean what did he have to lose? He was already here, might as well try to do something. As he started squeezing past the trolls, he was accidentally knocked over, and almost landed right on top of someone. The troll seemed to be holding a drink that was now all over her clothes, from the sudden push.

“Oh my god, I didn’t mean to! I’m so sorry, someone fell on me. Uhh, stay here I’ll find some.. napkins?” Branch was surely panicking now. That’s not what he expected at all. This was so embarrassing, oh he was gonna get it now.

“Oh don’t worry! It happens to the best of us, it’s really no biggie! I’m sure I can go Chang-“ she abruptly stopped as she finally faced the troll that had fell on her. He also seemed to be as shock as she was, when their eyes finally met.

“You” they both said, almost at the exact same time. It was the same girl from his hangout spot.

“Hey man, everything alright? I’m sure Poppy we’ll be fine, you can leave us now.” A purple troll with blue-greenish hair appeared behind the pink troll. With the one hand he was holding the girl and with the other he gestured to Branch to go ahead and leave. His look gave away what exactly he thought of Branch. He had seen that look. In fact, he knew it too well. That’s how all the trolls looked at him. Pity. Like they were all superior just because they were normal and he was different. His tail flickered and would have probably hissed at the troll if they weren’t surrounded by trolls. He decided not to bring any more attention to himself, so he quickly blended with the crowd and disappeared.

“Oh Creek, don’t be like that! He apologized!” Poppy turned to Creek to lecture him, but before she could continue she noticed how the blue troll disappeared - again! But she wouldn’t let him escape, not this time.

“I think I’ll go change, or atleast find some napkins. I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere love.” Poppy smiled at Creek blowing him a kiss before attempting to look for the other troll in the crowd. She noticed a trail that was left of a line, like someone had just passed. Bingo!

“Hey..! You! Stop running! I wanna talk to you!” Poppy attempted to shout, but to no avail. He didn’t know his name! But surely he must know she’s calling for him. She’s sure he’ll stop.. once he hears her.

‘Oh god is she following me?’ Branch heard her calling and knew it was for him. I mean who shouts ‘you’? He was starting to pick speed, but completely backfired. It wasn’t easy to go through crowds, especially in parties! ‘She’ll catch up in no time!’ The only thing he could do is hope he’d make it out and hopefully go home and forget all about this. He decided he should go left, the crowd should be ending soon, given as everyone is by the right side. It was easier to get through now, until he made it! Finally he could breathe fresh air and not have to squish himself to escape. Now it was just a run and it’s all forgotten. But, of course it doesn’t go him way. He was too happy about escaping the crowd that he completely forgot about the pink troll, and obviously she caught up to him.

“Hey wait up!!” She took a halt, before resting her hands in her knees. “Whoo, you’re quite fast.” She took a minute to catch her breath.

“I’m sorry about my boyfriend, he’s just a bit overprotective when it comes to new people. He’s a total sweetheart! And don’t even worry about the dress. But, may I ask what’s your name? Aren’t you the same troll from today? The one-“ she continued asking but no answers. That was strange. He wasn’t talking. He was just staring at her, failing to read his face. Why wasn’t he talking or doing anything? He was only fidgeting with his hands, like a kid that’s being lectured. “Hey everything alright?” It’s the only thing Poppy could think of to ask. But the troll sat still, barely moving.

“I’m Poppy! I’m usually reallyyy good with faces and remembering trolls but you don’t remind me of anyone. I’d know if you were new, since I like holding meetings with new trolls. So, who are you?” She thought it was quite embarrassing not knowing who this troll was. As a princess, her duty is to know all her trolls. And she did! So, who on earth was this troll? How had he managed to go under her alarm? She was now truly invested in finding out more about him. But, the troll wouldn’t budge. He just stared at her, his tail hanging, barely moving.

The staring stopped when a noise was heard behind a bush. Poppy instantly looked at the direction of the noise, which was an entirely stupid move, as the troll saw it as an opportunity to run. She thought it was pointless to start chasing him again, going in loop holes so she just decided to go back. Although she wasn’t giving up. This was just the start.