Chapter Text
The Troll Village was buzzing with an unusual energy. Laughter burst out everywhere, songs echoed between the decorated trees, and light snowflakes drifted slowly down, as if they were dancing to the music.
Branch, meanwhile, stood a little apart.
The holidays had never really been his thing. Too much noise. Too many people. Too many memories, too. He had agreed to take part this year, mostly for Creek, but every step he took in this joyful atmosphere felt awkward.
“Why does everything have to be… so bright?” he muttered as he tried to hang a garland.
The garland immediately slipped and fell right in the middle of the path. A group of Trolls walked by laughing, and Branch froze, embarrassed.
“Great. Just great,” he grumbled.
That was when Creek appeared, calm as always. He observed the scene kindly, then stepped closer.
“Hey,” he said softly. “You know no one’s mad at you for that, right?”
Branch sighed.
“I’m terrible at this kind of thing. Parties, decorations, singing… I always feel like I do everything wrong.”
Creek crouched down to pick up the fallen garland, then handed it back to Branch.
“Being clumsy isn’t failing. It’s just learning at your own pace.”
Branch hesitated.
“And what if I ruin Christmas?”
Creek smiled, a sincere, reassuring smile.
“Impossible. Christmas isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being together.”
A little later, Poppy started a big musical game. The Trolls began dancing in a circle. Branch stayed frozen… until Creek gently took his hand.
“Come on. You can stay close to me.”
Branch almost tripped as he joined the dance, stepping on his own scarf. He lost his balance and was about to fall when Creek caught him right away, holding him firmly.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured.
Branch lowered his eyes, embarrassed.
“Sorry…”
“Don’t apologize,” Creek replied. “Look at you. You’re here. That already means a lot.”
“Creek, can you come here for a moment, please?” Poppy called.
“I’ll be right back,” said Creek.
Branch looked down at the small gift in his hand, wrapped with bits of string, folded leaves, and discreet glitter. The paper was crooked. The knot was too tight.
“Why did I think this was a good idea…” he muttered.
Giving a gift wasn’t just about giving something. It was about showing how you felt. And that, Branch found far more frightening than any Bergen.
He stayed in the background, clutching his package, watching Creek and Poppy hand out small items to the Trollings,
Creek laughed, took time with each one, then waved goodbye to the Trollings as they left with their parents.
Branch took a deep breath.
“Okay. You can do this. Just… do it.”
He walked over, a bit stiff.
“Creek.”
Creek turned around, surprised, then immediately smiled.
“Branch.”
Branch thrust the package toward him with a quick movement.
“It’s not perfect. The wrapping is bad. And the knot too. But… I tried.”
Creek blinked, touched, then slowly opened the gift. Inside was a small braided bracelet, made of green and blue threads, with seven gemstones representing the chakras.
“I made it myself” Branch added nervously.
The silence lasted a second. Then Creek looked up, his eyes shining with emotion.
“Branch…”
He gently slipped the bracelet onto his wrist.
“It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.”
Branch shrugged, uncomfortable.
“I’m not good with words. But… I want to make an effort. For you. Even if it scares me.”
Creek stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“Effort matters more than words.”
Creek softly kissed Branch, then led him toward the festival stands.