Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone was exhausted, but it was finally over, their brother was safe from the hands of velvet and veneer. Who was currently laying in a huge bed, he felt someone move beside him and it was branch reading a book. “Branch?”

Branch looked up right away, his frown became lightened seeing his brother looking a lot better. He exclaimed while carefully bringing him into a hug. “Floyd!”

“Hey branch” the pink haired hugged back. He couldn't believe he had his brother back. “I can believe how big you got, your even taller than john dory”

“Hey-” but was cut off from their chuckles. They all continued their chatter, they all were catching up, Bruce gave a few stories of his kids and his wife. He can't wait to be called the fun uncle.

Clay told them the story of how he was brought to live in puff puff village, and how viva survived. It shed at least 2 or 3 tears. “So poppy is the queen of pop? So if branch gets married he’ll be the king of pop”

“Well we’ve only been dating for a few months-“ Branch says getting flustered talking of his relationship.

“Enough time to get married” Bruce chimes in. He's been married for 13 years with brandy. And they have 13 kids??

“Well that’s easy for you to say-“

Before anything starts again John tried to get there attention.“Guys-“

“Well we met a year before our wedding-“ “why did you marry someone you just met”

“She’s my very tall soulmate-“

“Guys!” He picked his voice up a bit they all looked at the eldest, he smiled,remembering his brothers used to looked at him with the same eyes, and silly smiles.”I think it’s time for bed”

Knowing his little brother needed rest and he was well needing some for the day they all had. Also he feels a headache coming on.

He motioned toward Floyd who was fast asleep on his huge bed. Branch, who already seemed to know the pink haired brother fell asleep, placed a warm cozy blanket on the sleeping troll.

They bit their good nights and they went to sleep in their respected areas. John dorys bed was more than a door down, instead he went straight to Rhonda, she cooed and licked her owner, letting him inside for the night. He missed being alone with his partner and rhonda. But before he came to the rescue for his little brothers. He got another wave of pain from his headache, reaching to soothe it but made it worse due to his sensitive hair.

Chapter Text

His partner was a kind strong hearted troll, who saved John from a giant bird attack, but it ended horribly. He remembers like it was yesterday, cutting firewood, his partner, sodalite, he was a light brown troll, with lapis blue hair. He helped john dory to survive in the harder months. John nicknamed him sotie, which sodalite loved hearing him say that.

After a few months of being near each other both care for each other turned into love. They started dating, they were so in love, john dory found someone willing to take on his headstrong leadership, and took things off his back he felt like he didn't need to be in control anymore now that he had Sotie.

One year turned into 2, then 3 then 5, 8, 9, then almost twenty years, they were in their 19th year, almost 20 in 2 months, during those early years, John came clean of what he was and how he regrets his old demanding self. Sotie was able to bring that hunk of loneliness to happiness.

Then one day, JD woke up feeling ill, he brushed it off, but Sotie was worried so both decided to check him out from a troll town not far off. That's when they'd discovered they were expecting a little trolling. Sotie could not be any happier, the first 2 weeks he made JD not lift a finger, to his dismay, he wanted to share the chores between both.

One sunny hot morning, JD went to go get some water to restock, ignoring the gut feeling, but he kept on going, filling his container with water. His whole body tensed hearing a startling screech, he looked up and saw a giant bird flying, seeming to be aiming for his prey. It came lower and lower before being close enough to catch him for lunch, he was knocked out of the way by his one true one. Sotie was swept away from him, never to be seen, only a singular glove where his love was last.

That broke John Dory, he did his hardest to not turn grey, that could leave him miserable for the rest of his life. His..their little trolling needed a strong person, and he stepped up for his not yet hatched egg.

John woke up one morning to find a letter with his brother's name on it and it was floyd. He knew after reading the message he could not lose another person he loves dearly. So he went on a mission to find his brothers. For the perfect harmony to save the pink haired troll.

Chapter Text

He sat down on his sofa, looking down on his stomach still a bit flat. When do they need to be laid? This small being not even ready for the next step wasn't ready for life just yet, in around a month Sotie and his anniversary. And they would have their egg to complete their family a few weeks after …

No it was just him and Rhonda again. Laying there in a tired gaze, feeling the comfort of his company, her little hums. his eyes slowly closing readi;y to succumb to the exhaustment.

“John” he blinked his eyes at the light, hearing someone he knew… but who? “Sotie?”

“JD!” it was not Sotie, it was bruce.

“Oh it's you” he said, blinking rapidly trying to focus on his purple haired brother. I was just resting my eyes``

“Y’know there is a room for you inside” Bruce said, placing a hand on his hip. John stared for a few moments, looking at his younger brother, who grew out of that heartthrob persona he had on, now he's getting to know the real bruce.

“Yeah yeah, I just didn't want Rhonda to be lonely the first night here” he said getting up but wasn't as fast as he usually is, Bruce seemed to notice but kept his mouth shut. “I mean your place is amazing, I just,” he sighed.

“Being with other trolls is a lot more difficult, when being alone for a long time. “ jd said, finally taking off his goggles, placing them on the nightstand. “It's just always been, me and rhonda and-”

He shut his mouth shut. Changing the subject, with. “I'm hoping once everything calms down i'll be staying her for awhile. Maybe head back home- “

“Staying long enough to meet my new niece or nephew?” Bruce blurted out.

“Wait what” jd was baffled. Looking at his younger brother in shock like how tf he knows.”how?”

“So you know when one troll meets another troll they fall in love and-” the purple haired was cut off by a shocked yelp as he got up quickly.

“No i know how it happens but how did you know?” John Dory was standing there, gripping the glove in hand.

“Well john dory, i happen to have had many kids, reading many parenting books so i would know when someone expecting… a thing or two” bruce said walking over to his older brother, he was smiling, his hands made his way to the others waist, feeling the others belly”y'know i did think for a second you drank too much.”

“Thank you for that information” John Dory looked at him squinting, but then let out a slow sigh, he sat down gripping the glove tightly. In his dry sarcastic voice “You were the first to know yay”

“You sound just like branch” Bruce smiled and shook his head in amusement, sitting down beside his brother. “So tell me about this sotie I heard you saying in your sleep?”

Jd looked at Bruce than the glove. “He was amazing survivalist, he taught me how to survive if I’m alone or for others, we’ve almost made it to our 20 year anniversary-“

Bruce listened to the story of JDs partner. He knew the feeling when falling in love and how he also knew he would spend the rest of his days with brandy but couldn’t fathom the thought of being without her after many years spent together.

The story ended up with jd tears, “he will never be able to meet his child-“

Bruce hugged his emotional older brother, And he kept smiling at the other troll. “I don’t think there’s just one-“

Johndory wipes his tears, looking at his brother, his eyes wide. “T-two-?”

“Well duh” All Bruce could let out was a small laugh he wasn't that serious about his brother having two, either one big egg and he gave the biggest hug he could give his brother. They chatted for a while before Bruce had to leave.

Chapter Text

The next day was calmer and quiet for the most part. Floyd was able to keep mostly small amounts in, the first meal was a bit rough so now he was fed and ate constantly in small amounts, Branch and poppy stayed with him the most watching

Since the whole ordeal you could see how brighter Branch got. Poppy was looking happier since they got back, she made floyd laugh a few times, telling her stories
John was feeling better, his headache soothed once he slept. But all through the morning he felt off like flutters in his abdomen, his tail unconsciously waving, He brushed it all with a laugh and chatted with his brothers with no distractions for their bonding time!. Bruce checked in on Him a few times. While no one was listening, Bruce turned to his older brother. placing a rag down letting 2 kids run past him,“You should really tell the others”
“I don’t think that’ll go well,“ he tried, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Tell us what” a green haired troll leaned over, using the same tone Bruce and JD used.

“Ah well” John stammered. it was gonna be a little difficult-

“Wait, don't tell me, you're needing a hobby-“ Clay says slowly, bringing his recent book up to his face.

“Not that” a pause, Bruce said happily while patting Jds back. “That too”

“Okay the club is at noon” he starts talking about what they do.

John dory’s heart jumped a second, at the idea spending time with his little brother “I’ll be there”

He tried to talk more but was dragged off, John sighed that felt like the millionth time.

“You Gatta tell them dude” Bruce says, shaking his head, watching his kids play and winced when one face planted.

“I know I know” jd looked at his other brothers, that feeling of bubbling in his stomach was back for a quick second. “I will at dinner”

maybe...

“You better we can’t have you popping out an egg with no warning” he said before quickly walking to check in his kids who suddenly became very quiet. walking over, he wonders if John dory would forget to tell them at dinner..

He sighed, he’s glad Bruce is there for him. But when he tells them he’s kinda on his own.. looking back at the purple haired troll he smiles. Watching his brother try to smooth the incident of his roughhousing kids, Bruce jr bit one of his brothers again- while stopping him from biting another kid. He forgot who’s who, He froze, something popped in his head, holding back a groan,
His Worst enemy.
Names…

Chapter Text

He’s really not great with naming things, Rhonda was a guess which stuck when he named her. Glancing at brandy, could she help? She did name 12-13 of her children.

Hmm. Off he went asking the tall one amongst them. “Eh hem brandy?”

The tall woman turned around, looking down at the troll on her counter. “Oh hello John Dory was it?”

He nodded. She looked expectantly at him “I hope your eating enough- here let me whip you up something-“

“Who- did- well” thinking for a moment. What. Oh. sighing, he sat down on a conveniently placed table and chairs troll sized. “How’d you come up with names for all your kids?”

“You see, they just came to me once they hatched. I didn’t trust Bruce naming them after Bruce jr, I love him with all my heart, but he doesn’t know anything about naming” she giggled while placing a plate, a gigantic one in front of John Dory.

“You should've heard what he called our first pet and- last.” John says smirking, as brandy leaned against the counter. “Pickle sparkles tender”

She laughed, covering her mouth. “Oh dear, what a name”

“Right, sparkles alone would’ve been great, he wanted all the names for one little stick bug” shaking his head remembering arguing with his brother that pickle sparkles tender isn’t a good idea to name their pet. At last it stuck with all of them.

“A good thing to remember is that we agreed on names, and ruled out the most silly one”. wiping the counter off, as one of her kids knocked down a jar. “Is there a name your partner suggested?”

“Uuhh” He tensed for a second hearing her mention his partner. “aah.. I might have it laying around Rhonda somewhere”

She gave him a smile and motioned the food again. He sighed and ate his meal.

Now he was back in his own head. Looking down at the plate. She made it specifically for a troll, sweetness sugary, type of meal. Or what a pop troll needs. But it has a hint of savoury. Does she know they're not full pop Trolls? or studied troll diets cause that was refreshing and filling.

That’ll come up later on. He nearly finished before being full. He better check on Rhonda soon, make sure she ain’t eating anything again.

Excusing himself, he headed off somewhere outside to his precious bus. Her chirps and coos were heard once he stepped closer. “Hey girl, didn’t eat anything did you?”

She chirped in response. He smiled and went inside. Now where is it?” Starting to look and dig deep in his storage. He found pictures of him and his little brothers surrounding the cake for Clay's 7th birthday. Smiling at the memory he kept digging.

Papers everywhere, if it’s for a good cause, let it be messy. Sotie would hate this mess

Smiling to himself, last time it was this messy they met and he was invited in, and off the bat he called him out om the mess, so he kept Rhonda clean. And every time he helped him clean when it got incredibly messy.

“Honey, you need to keep her clean,” Sotie says, picking up piles of paper and stacking them on the shelf. He picked up a small photo that fell onto the floor, he saw 5 trollings and a small one in the middle. “What’s this?”

He held out a photo of 5 little trollings and 1 of them in the middle. John smiles, taking it from his partner. “That’s my family, it’s when bit- branch just hatched”

“Wow you were tiny, you all were tiny” the brown troll says, tail swinging side to side. Moving to wrap his arms around the teal head. “I hope our children look as cute as you”

“You're a sap” John Dory holds him close. Pausing and looking at his partner “Wait, children?”

“What don't you want any-?” His ears go down a little, Jd finds it adorable.

“No well, I do it’s just-“ he sighs, placing the photo down with much gentleness. “Let’s say they don’t tend stick with me right away”

Sotie holds Jd closer. “Let’s hope they will when it happens”

Their lips connect.

“AHah!” he found it. a blue box and a few scribbles and two stones inside. A lepilodite and Angelite. purple and pink. He remembers sotie gifting it on their 15 anniversary, they were unofficially married. But he had this amazing sappy poem.

“My life started with you,
It will stay with you
Remember your my stone
These are our future
Little stones
Our life with be remembered”

the cystals had there meaning written down on the backside of the page.

Angelite was a peaceful crystel, like your guardian angel, Lepilodite is a stone of hope. the peace stone, Sighing holding the items close to his heart, if it is twins he’ll use both if it’s one he’ll have to pick one, or try to use at least both

Sotie will be remembered.

Their child will know the amazing stories of their other father.

Chapter Text

“Soooo we read every second day we meet here at sunset” he says writing in his notebook, ripping the paper that has reads. Every Other day at sunset the library.’

Huh.

“I’ll be there brother” he salutes while folding the paper and placing it in his hair. He turned back to his brother who seemed to be looking for something, he let out a quiet hooray.

Clay placed the book in jds hands, “this is the recent book we’ve been reading, it’s called charlotte's web, and I think it’s up to your standards”

“Well I uh, I’ll get started as soon as possible” John looked at the book, and back at his brother, Jd stood still for a moment, and noticed a certain blue book. “What was the previous book you read?”

The green haired brother lights up immediately, he grabs his copy of another book and shows him the cover. “This one I recommend because it’s about a troll who lives alone surrounded by worms in the mountains who lives off the land, and wants someone he can’t have”

John stared at Clay, a man wanting someone he can never have- “hmm I’ll have to borrow that when your done”

His green haired brother never looked so happy. “Well, I’m almost done and we can do a reading in this book, and you get his official book mark once your done your book”

Clay went on about how the book club is, he really went into it, the trolls in it, the kind of books they recommend, and how there’s Tea n crackers.

Soon it was getting late and they headed off to their beds…

John laid down, sighing, growing this egg at his age does tire you out. It ain't so bad about the whole book club thing. Just how did Clay bring his book club friends already? I mean viva did leave for poppy-

He couldn't keep his eyes open any longer again. Holding his glove tightly, feeling the vibrations of Rhonda's snores. Letting the tiredness and he falls into a deep good.

Yawning sitting up, he felt way better than yesterday, in a few seconds he bolted to the toilet, letting out what was left in his stomach. Ugh morning sickness.

Rhonda was relaxing on a sunray, purring as she heard someone talking. After brushing, he quietly peaked out the front and saw his messy haired brother. Clay

Heading outside as fast as he could, he smiled at his brother holding another book. He looked pleasantly happy for an early morning. “Hey John, I have another book for when we are finished, and I was told to tell you that the food will be done in like 15 minutes.”

“Yeah give me a sec” he said, making the fastest cup of coffee, and chugging it. “That'd do it”
Clay watches his brother in amazement. He gave a small shudder looking at his brother smiling with more joy then 5 minutes ago “I wonder how you can drink that with so sweetness”

“I’m used to it plus it’s nice once you're used to it” John says nodding at his brother's distaste. “Sooo, what book did you bring

“Well it’s the book I mentioned yesterday and I saw your interest in it and I’ve finished reading so now you can read it” Clay says holding out the book to his older brother.

John grabbed it and smiled, feeling the leather and embedded words. “Thank you Clay”

Thinking for a moment. “Would you like to come inside I have some old stuff and pictures of us”

Clay nodded, smiling as they both walked in but winced once he saw his old thunderdraws. “Oo you still have that?”

“Oh yeah, they're memorable,” John says, smiling and holding a single photo. Clay let out a small gasp, it was him and gramma and John when he got his first official novel. “Woah I didn’t know this picture existed”

“Yeah, I found it in grandma's stuff when I went back to the tree.” John smiled solemnly, that wasn’t a good memory moment. “I found many things, i decided to take what I could since no one was there”

“Right” Clay noticed his brother's ears dropped, so a quick change of topic. “So what did you do in the neverglade trail?”

“Yknow, hiked, got beat up by nature, got Rhonda, got help, and I learned to live comfortably with nature.” That seemed to help his mood.

Clay nodded, grabbing a photo book. His face immediately grew into a big smile. “Oh look, it’s when the branch just hatched.”

JD moved over to look and smiled, so innocent and small, bruce was holding floyd up while clay was being held by John, and a small newborn branch in the little nest with excitement in his little face. “I think you were 7 or 8 in this”

“Wow” Clay says, his tail wagging back and forth. “I gotta show this to viv”

“Viva huh”'John says teasingly, moving his eyebrows up and down. “She seems like a nice lady for you Clay”

The green haired brother turned a darker shade of purple, john dory laughed at his reaction.”No we are just friends-’

“Suuure” he says chuckling at his brother, he heard a rumbling, it was their stomachs. Looking at the clock, more than 15 minutes had passed. “We better head off to breakfast”

‘I'm pretty hungry now’ as they were heading off clay spots a certain photo, it wasn't like a photo card, more like an ultrasound. ‘Huh john what's this”

They stared at each other for a moment, clay was curious and confused. John paled a little. His heart started racing.

“Oh uhh, its an ultrasound” he looked a bit panicked, his hand unconsciously moved toward his abdomen.

“wait Are you? Or is this old” he noticed a bit of yellow on the paper, maybe it was an old one. “099? That's when you were 28? John you had an egg?”

“Yeah, it doesn't matter now,” John says looking away, his face saddened again.. “Lets head to breakfast i'm starving”

“John wait-” but he was already off the bus.

clay looked after his brother who walked away fast, he needed to know.

John dory knew he would tell his brother but seeing that old photo just shut him off. it was one of his first eggs, but it didn't even make it to a week. So he just shut that memory out.

Chapter Text

During breakfast John looked a bit disturbed through it, Bruce noticed right away. The purple haired brother gave Clay a ‘what happened look’  Clay shrugged his shoulders and sat near viva and poppy. John looked fidgety through the whole breakfast, he joined in when he was talked to but stayed mostly to himself brows deep In thought. 

Clay didn't know that would cause such a disturbance in the eldest brother. He was just curious about the photo. Maybe he got some troll pregnant and something happened. 

Or he lost an egg and that's why it was so painful to think about! The dear green brother started coughing, viva was quick to give him a sip of her drink. “Woah there Mr.Clay, at least chew before swallowing.”

“My bad, i forgot to chew as i already swallowed” he said rolling his eyes playfully. They all went back to talking. Poppy was heading back to pop village soon, so she is spending time with the kids, she's currently having a fun conversation with floyd. 

Once they all were done eating, John volunteered to help Bruce clean up, brandy was sleeping in, in about less than a week she’ll be on her trip. Bruce that sweetheart wanted her to rest while he worked after being away for a few days while their children had pinkeye. 

He watched as both headed off to start washing, Bruce started talking to Jd, looking worried about his older brother.

Viva caught the worry of Clay, she gave him a shoulder bump, looking at his face better with a comforting smile. “Hey you should go with them”

“Why? I accidentally made John Dory feel bad about something” he didn’t want to give full details, not his story to tell. 

“Well I think you should talk to him”  Viva says, before popping out thin air. 

“Yeah, I should '' he looked over to his older brothers. “Hey viva-”

She disappeared like poof, shaking his head every time she has something relatively sugary and caffeinated. He's gonna have to deal with her over excitement later, he walks towards his older brothers. He smiled and waved. He saw John taking a deep breath leaning on a stand of 4 huge plates. “Hey I can help too”

“Yeah the more the better” Bruce said, moving the plates easily. “You good John?”

“Yep, almost pulled a hammy,” he said, getting up and helping clean. Bruce just shook his head.

“So how was travelling the Everglades trail?” Clay started, grabbing a dishcloth. 

“It was decent, it had beautiful sunrises, a few standard buildings for new hikers, and a big field view on the end of the trail.” He said, pushing some cups near the wall. They were stacked so he pushed them. “There were some off grid trolls who had been there for generations.”

“Wow, that must’ve been a shock to see trolls outside the tree” Clay said, wiping down a utensil.

“Yeah it was” John smiled solemnly. “It was amazing, I wish I showed you guys the beauty of it” 

Bruce smiled and patted him on the back. “Once were free for a bit we can go with you to the neverglades” 

Clay looked after his eldest brother, he was still holding that smile but is focusing on the dishes now. So is the reason he's avoided that question, he had an egg while travelling the neverglades? 

“That would be fun, I hope Rhonda would be up to it, normally after a long trip she’ll sleep for a while.” He said slapping his hands together in a towel. 

Bruce handed them both rags smaller than the usual ones in brandys kitchen, to put away, hoping to get them to have a nice chat on the way to the drying clothing rack. 

John looked to be more energised, he joked and seemed better then earlier. But Clay did want to talk with him. 

He took a deep breath knowing he needs to talk to Him“JD?”

“Yeah?” Finally Placing one hand cloth down, he grabbed another. He kept busy.

“Why did you run out so fast when I found those photos?” He saw his older brother freeze, he held the rags tightly, staring at the one he nearly placed.

“Off what?” JD tried to push that question aside. “Nothing happened really, I don’t know why I kept those photos..”

Clay looked at his brother, trying to understand “If something happened on the trail.. I can talk John Dory”

“What’s wrong Clay?” A young Jd says sitting beside his sad little bro. He had a book that was muddied and messed up. 

“I don’t wanna talk about it” he pouts, trying to wipe away the mud to a damaged novel. 

Clay looks at his older brother with blurry eyes and hugs him tightly. “It’s alright, tell me what happened I can talk Clay” 

John looked at his baby brother, his eyes glossy. clays hand unconsciously reaches out, towards his older brother. 

Subconsciously Knowing it’s a natural response to want comfort in a caregiver.

Both hands grasping each other, pulling each other in a tight embrace, Clay held his brother, it felt different, like John needed this hug. His shoulder relaxed, john took a deep breath. 

“Your going to be an uncle”

… did i hear that right? He must be joking? Bruce is having another kid? Is it branch….john!

……“WHAT”

Chapter Text

“John dory-“ Clay stared at his older brother gripping his shoulders. “How long”

“I mean we were having a nice hug-“ John tried joking, wiping a tear away. Feeling his brother's intense glare, feeling like a trolling in trouble.

“No john, how far along are you” Clay was shocked, pregnant? When? Who? Why?

“ a month or so…” he clicked his tongue, tapping his chin. “Almost 2 months im sure”

Why is he thinking so hard about it? !

Clays eye twitched, he read at some point of how long a trolls pregnancy lasts,this was his brother, who’s pushing 40, having an egg-

Don’t forget running, fighting, getting his music essence sucked out-

“You did not get your energy almost sucked out of you while you’re expecting?! And running around and singing and dancing while-“ Clay starts fast talking, it’s nice to see him worried for his brother's wellbeing. It’s like he’s the only one realising how dangerous it was for Jd and his egg. 

“If you're expecting now, who was in the sonogram years ago John Dory” he looked at his brother, worried in his face. 

John sighed, pulling them out of his hair. “It was one of my first and only eggs when I was camping at the end of the trail. We found a doctor…a good one who gave us this photo of our egg or what was developing” 

“What happened?” Clay asked, looking at the picture. Asking about the ‘we’ and ‘our’ felt like pushing it. 

“I lost it, foolish me decided to take a walk for sticks and got caught with a creature, the stress stopped whatever was developing, and this is all i have to remember” tears were once again threatening to fall. “Maybe if I wasn’t such a loser I would have been safe with Rhonda”

“John, there’s no way you could’ve avoided that, no matter the day, month or hour. But you do have something to remember,this egg now John is a remembrance, your other egg is still part of you"Clay said knowing it must be a horrible feeling.

“Even with this, you have a chance to learn, no matter what John Dory, we’ll be here with you” Once more hugs before Bruce came in happy smiles and tail wagging, maybe an awkward one looking at the state of his brothers. “Uhh was it a good talk aaaand?-”

“He knows, Bruce,” John Dory says, putting the photo back in his hair. He wiped a tear and finished up whatever his hands were holding. 

“That’s great, I’m glad cause I was getting nervous about keeping this” Bruce said, sighing in relief. “So the kids know, bruce jr got ear of it, but he promised to keep it for unlimited cookies”

Jd smiled, it feels like a relief knowing he has more support, he zones out once his brothers start speaking again, who is next, knowing he should tell them sooner, even if this egg…or eggs survive, he will have his newly reunited family to comfort him.only if his sotalite was here. 

“ -john” he was taken out of his own head to see both brothers looking at him. “Did you hear us?”

“John pursed his lips together as he shook his head. Clay took a breath. “We should let the others know, this is serious, and you're almost ready according to the standard months for a pop troll”

“Yeah yeah, I know who to tell before letting everyone know” he said, giving his brothers a reassuring smile. “At Least i hope i wont get yelled at like this guysreaction. 

Clay gave john a look. “Yeah it's like i'm the only one who actually knows it was extremely dangerous. And it makes a lot of sense,  i thought you were a raging alcoholic after the band broke up”

“Eheh it does make sense i also thought he was a heavy drinker” john just gave them glares. 

Jd mocks a shocked face “Safe to say i haven't had a drink in a few years”

“Okay, Few years sober JD Let's head back, I know Brandy needs some help.” Bruce pulls both brothers with him. “No matter what Johnnie boy, me and clay are here to help”

“Dont call me that’

Chapter Text

It's been a few hours since he told Clay and had a small sentimental moment… short lived but feels alot better at least he knows and is willing to help. It's still a fresh, happy feeling. Knowing Clay took the break up harder than the rest from his reactions to the reunion. 

He’s more emotional than he realizes. John Dory held his breath before heading into the room of Floyd. Branch was already talking non stop. Floyd lit up noticing his eldest brother was joining them

“John!” Floyd happily called out, who shot up to his feet taking a few steps, he reached out for a hug, JD gladly accepted, catching him in his arms,  Floyd sheepishly grinned looking at his white legs. “I forgot”

Shaking his head, “I would too, plus your not that heavy”

“We need that to get more though” Branch tapped his chin, accepting a hug from John Dory. “How about extra sugar plums, rock soup-“

“Woah hold on branch, no need to start finding any this second.” Floyd chuckled being led back to his bed. “rock soup sounds really good” 

“I agree with Floyd those are amazing” 

“Why am I the only one who never tried rock soup?” Branch shook his head, turning to his older brothers. He loved watching them interact. 

“Once we get better, we can get the ingredients” Jd and Branch helped Floyd get back into bed. “We can make it together”

Branch walked over to fix up a drink for Floyd, he's been recovering pretty well, all the bros take time with him, he noticed John usually comes visits during the night, it hasn't been long yet that's what he noticed about his older brother. 

He also noticed a slight weight gain…was it Bruce’s food? Branch wanted to get to know his eldest brother, in his mind he is still the big brother who knows everything, he was wondering if his Jd will be that same or different brother. 

Just watching Jd has a big heart, you can see it anywhere. His ears twitched hearing them laugh together. Maybe his brother Jd was still the same varying older brother. 

He placed the drinks on a tray. “Drinks are served”

“Thank you branch” Floyd gladly accepts. 

They all started chatting, Floyd brought up his solo career, and how he met many wonderful trolls. 

Turns out he met Barb before the rock apocalypse; she found Floyd interesting, and saw the funk trolls and learned of their existence. Who learned what was happening at the troll tree in Bergen town. 

Hearing Floyd’s story almost brought them to tears, he told them about the hard and good times, not knowing if any other brothers made it out. Now he’s the most excited to have everyone back, he teased Branch about poppy, who blushed like he was gonna explode. 

Branch listened in awe besides the teasing. His heart felt warmth, Floyd was always another good storyteller. The youngest had to step out for a moment grabbing some more stuff. 

Floyd looked at John who had this look in his eye he kept seeing the entire time they got back, even when he wasn’t in his own head. 

The pink haired brother wanted to let his brother know that whatever John has waited on his shoulders, Floyd was a good empath, grandma Rosie was also good at emotions and feelings. “John-I have been wanting to talk to you, supposedly not when I’m sleeping” 

John looked up at Floyd, who was giving him a soft look. “What is it?”

“I don’t blame you” 

“Huh?”

“I don’t blame you” Floyd took a deep breath, he needed to calm his emotions first. “I don’t blame you, back then and now” 

“Floyd-“ John tried.

“No, I want you to know, when we were kids, I saw how big you were, grown yet you weren’t even an adult, just the eldest kid of all of us, it wasn't the best thing our parents did.” Floyd held his brother's hand, rubbing his palm in a circle with his thumb, what John did to Floyd as a trolling anytime he had a nightmare. “Yet I’m glad it was you and not them grandma sure, We haven’t been able to talk munch since being here, I just wanted to bring that up that I’m not mad at you John”

John dory’s emotions were all sort of whack he let out his tears hugging his baby brother. Such little words can bring such big emotions. “Sometimes I forget you guys are grown but still My baby brothers”

Floyd wiped his own tears, he smiled noticing John did the same. “Your more emotional than i remember I guess that just comes with age-“

In cue, Branch walks in with a confused face, holding a small box. “Did I  miss anything?”

“Just a small needed talk branch it’s all good” 

“Oh okay” he placed the box down. All seemed to relax into comfortable silence.

John breaks it collecting himself, he takes a nice deep breath and letting it out. “Guys”

Branch and Floyd looked at their older brother, puzzled faces shown on both. “Is something wrong?” 

“I didn’t know how to tell you guys but here seems the best time..” both trolls were looking at him like he was giving orders to the bounty hunters last meal.

“I’m going to have an egg”

“HUH” they both yell in unison. John tried to pull his hand away from Floyd. He looked at his brother whose face was in shock and confusion. 

Branch's face was stunned, his mouth swaying open like a bug could jump in at any moment. 

Floyd stared at his brother intensely, his mind freezing and turning its gheers, in which you could see when it all clicked. “You. Have. An. Egg.?!”

“…yeah-“

“If I’m correct your with an egg? And I noticed your stomach since you found me for those moments I thought you drank-“ Jd tried to avoid Floyd’s stern eyes the tired sweet troll a second ago was now an older looking one intensely interrogating with this newfound information. “So you have to tell me, you’ve been thrown, grabbed, rolled, dropped, shoved in a bottle, singing and dancing With An Egg?!”

John Dory put his hands up to calm his brother, knowing Floyd he’s gonna let his words out. “It wasn’t that bad-“

“Johnathan Dorian” jd snapped his mouth shut.

oh boy 

Branch watched in shock seeing his older kind hearted brother rip his other older brother a new one. The thoughts also swirling in his own head. He stared at John Dory, finally noticing what he learned a few months back. 

And what he helped with guy diamond. Similar yet different, but still Lower belly indicating where the egg is or how big it is, JDs hair tinted darker and softer, his food portions were more than the rest. His tiredness showed. 

At first he thought Jd was also one of those heavy drinkers after seeing some bottles in Rhonda. 

Boy was he wrong. Snapped out of it he went up to Floyd, placing a hand on his arm. “Uhh Floyd I think you said enough”

“I can’t believe I’m becoming an uncle again” Branch gave a small smile looking back with sympathy at JDs face, his hand still gripped by his brother. “John we are happy to hear this, I do understand how Floyd feels”

“John if I knew you were and something bad happened to you I wouldn’t know what to do with myself” the pink haired calmed down, but his voice shaking as he spoke.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell anyone you sooner, I wish I did but i did now” 

“Why didn’t you?!”

“I just forgot?”

Chapter Text

After the amazing news was heard by them, and as they were very upset and happy with the news, ignoring the fact Floyd scolded him for a good 10 minutes. Since it was getting late Floyd insisted he go to  bed, and branch walk him back to Rhonda. 

He knows Branch wants to talk with his eldest brother, just doesn't know the time, seeing how stubborn half of the brothers can be, it's a matter of time before they have a real heart to chat.

But for now all of them seem to be enjoying the comfort of each other’s time, looking at the younger troll beside, you could see the thoughts form in his head. 

“Hey John Dory-“ Branch mumbled out, looking a little bit hesitant of what he was gonna ask. “How far along are you? I mean you shouldn't be that long right?”

The eldest thought for a moment it has been a while since he found out… tapping is chin, branches brows furrowed knowing that sign is a ‘i dunno’ type of thing. “Hm not sure how far exactly like the hour to day, I’m guessing I’m 3/4th the way done?”

Branch stood there in bewilderment, remembering how much his brother leaped and moved and rolled and jumped, also while in the diamond bottle and how veneer moved with his brothers. “John dory, your life essence  was sucked out, even if it was a small amount, did it occur to you how dangerous that is?!”

John dory winced at branch’s surprisingly lower tone, he definitely remembers the talks with his brothers, Bruce wasn't kidding when branch had the same disproving face as their grandma. It was like staring back into her eyes. He couldn't help but peek a small smile at his brother's facial features. 

“If you knew you were far along, why did you risk your life?” Branch still wanted an answer, he noticed the subtle change in jds facial feature. He looked like a kicked puppy, he may not talk about his feelings but his face can tell it all. “I want a answer”

He clicked his tongue sighing, recalling the rescue of their dear brother. “Branch Yknow i would always put by brothers safety, do anything for them, i would do anything in a heartbeat”

“Like leaving in a heartbeat” Branch blurted out, his eyes widening, blue eyes met blue. The teal haired deflated, his eyes lowering in guilt, branch was equally shocked, this is not how he wanted to talk about. “I'm sorry i didn't know why-”

“Bitty” john dory lifted up his eyes, his eyes meeting the younger one. “I wish I came back, it was a shame of me not to, I was hurting when I left, the stress at 17 was overbearing, I just wish I did a lot more to stay, I was a coward, to face you, grandma and whoever stayed. But I did go back, no one was there, it was the first time I actually went gray.”

First time? “You went gray?” listening to his brother's confession, his jaw tightened.

Jds ears lowered just a few inches, remembering the day he thought they all were dead, dread, numbness, the emptiness, the whole thing felt like a fever dream, all 4 little brothers, his grandma were gone, dead, in the stomach of the horrible beast.”all i could think about is what would i have done to protect your guys? Now 20 years later, I got the chance to help save my brothers who I thought were dead.”

“I'm not mad or upset at the way you all reacted when we saw each other again, it was all valid, I was happy as long as you all were alive.” John dory said with a smile, branch was always gonna be his first baby. He just hopes this happiness of them all being together lasts a long time. “I love you bitty.”

Branch didnt know how to react, he knew how it felt turning gray, he felt bad of how he reacted, he's worried since finding out his brother was expecting. Now his brother's eyes were watching him, his feelings were always confusing. Especially now. 

“I missed you so much jd” he pulled them both into a hug, warmth and comfort, it was a talk they needed, and still need to talk though things were left unsaid, but enough was said this night. But right on que, john dory hissed through his teeth feeling a sudden wave of pain.

Chapter Text

“Braanch! Bitty BEE” Poppy skipped inside, walking back into Bruce and Brandy's place of how warm and chill it was, it was extremely different from home, yet there was a new founded family.

She missed Branch even though it was not long ago, her friends were happy she was home, Poppy wanted to bring her dad to talk to viva, yet that old troll won't budge. Now she just wants to be in her boyfriend's arms once again. “Branch VIVA MR.CLAY”

It was quiet, she looked around barely anyone here today. Hmm maybe their busy brandy did say the cantina was gonna become an empty place for at least more than 2 days so no other beings here. Poppy heard clatter, clattering doesn't mean much good. “Uh guys?”

“SURPRISE-” she jumped in surprise “wait, where's Branch and JD?” she looked around, seeing everyone but them.

“You didn't see them yet?”

“I haven't looked yet” she tapped her chin. “They both are probably having a good talk about the similar things they totally do”

JD winced gripping his little brother's hand through the pain, Branch yelped and the feeling of his fingers came back as he let go."I think its a false one, its been happening once in awhile.”

“I think it should be soon, like a week if I'm guessing right” he tapped his chin, worried in the back of his head, he checked the time wondering if Poppy is back yet, he missed her already. 

Jd felt a huge wave of unsettle in his gut, knowing whats gonna happen soon, his instincts were making him feel crazy. He pulled a smile when Branch looked back at him. “I think we should see if Poppy made it back”

“Right behind you Bitty B”

Its safe to say Jd didnt feel anything as the mini family gathering was on, yet the worry was starting to creep at him. He laughed seeing how energetic his nephews and niece were, he saw so much of Bruce in them, the competitiveness, the gentleness of his nature. Subconsciously placing a hand on his stomach, shaking his head wondering how this baby would be, mindful yet wild, or thinking everything through like its other parent..

It took Bruce and Brandy over 10 minutes settling the kids and finishing up their routine for bedtime.

Oh how he wished he was here with him tonight, getting out of his mind he saw almost everyone yawn simultaneously, some things do stay the same. “I think it's time for us to go to bed”

He couldn't help the smirk on his face when all the eyes landed on him, stretching and getting up, they ended all following his lead, viva was the first to get up dragging clay away to sleep. 

Poppy and Branch wanted to help Floyd to bed, as they walked Poppy was talking his ear off, making both brothers laugh. John dory walked himself to Rhonda who purred seeing him walk towards her. “Hey girl, it's been a long day.”

He loves his family he really does but seeing Rhonda he just wanted to relax with her, give her attention, it's weird having no family to the whole family. She cooed and nuzzled his head, quickly heading inside to grab a pillow, he wanted to rest with her, it's been awhile since they cuddled his companion. 

It's always comfortable to sit and relax, his hand once again placed on his abdomen, he wishes the timing was right, Sotie would be here, meeting him and his family, would they clash or try give him the shovel talk, god knows it would be bruce, since before the band breakup he was like that with all his brothers. “Yknow, we should gp for a ride soon”

She beeped in response, his room was massive, room for Rhonda to run around yet it gelt claustrophobic, breathing through his nose he walked inside, his body moving on autopilot to the drivers seat. “Lets take this outside hmm?”

Rhonda ran out the window moving up the stairs, it was like one big sand castel, soon both were up high enough to see the water and stars. He felt ease rise up, fresh air could never go wrong…

l

Sitting down watching the sky, suddenly feeling another wave of pain him, gripping whatever he had near. Panic rose in his chest, his breathing quickened, dread filled him, this wasn't a false one.

Chapter Text

It's safe to say he was full on panicking, he's alone with Rhonda who is worried for her best friend, she chirped knowing he was safe inside yet sensing he was in pain. After the first one hit after it calmed down with all his might he made his way inside the armadillo bus. 

He remembered when he was with Sotie, they read so many books together…well Sotie read most of them since JD was on his first book as he was on his 5th book, but laying an egg takes up about a few hours before anything continues. They needed to get back inside but Rhonda wont move since he's in distress. “Rhonda girl, I know you're worried but we need to go inside.”

She definitely huffed, still unsure letting out a low rumble. He sighed knowingly he had to drive her inside. 

“Rhonda its okay” not thinking about whose he comforting himself or her, he let out a heavy breath it's not a safe thing to drive while there was immense pain lingering every few minutes, he remembered Branch mentioning he helped in tiny diamond's birth well hatching and stuff, which wasn't much just a shiny egg detaching from guy diamond, taking a deep breath they moved, he it’s easier going up then down. 

It took over 20 minutes from the 5 minutes heading up, Rhonda stalling every time she thought he was in distress, which wasn’t very far from the truth. He was incredibly relieved they were inside, but the hard part wasn’t over. 

He knew it was no use calling out, big place, Rhonda wouldn't move anymore. It's been almost an hour feeling this pain. It wasn't like before, this egg was ready and bigger than the last, Oh how he wished sotie was here holding his hand, comforting him telling him it's going to be alright. 

JD did have some baby stuff, a place to nest, well even if he isn't in a tree in the wilderness, he still had those instincts, it was going to be a wild ride. 

Floyd sat up in a wave of panic, he looked around him poppy and Branch looked like they already went to bed, eyes moving around the room thank goodness  it was just a nightmare... Yet the feeling in his gut was never wrong, he didn't know what to do, his legs were like jelly but they worked better than a long time. Maybe this time he could walk around to see if anyone was awake just to ease his anxiety. He took a nice deep breath before moving his legs, it was a bed sized for a troll, it was pretty comfortable. One foot touching the ground then the other while holding onto his cane, it was a warm night so he stumbled a bit while walking out the door. First door was Clay and Viva's room, pretty quiet. Branches room was also quiet, Bruce and Brandy's room was quiet besides the snoring, the kids were sleeping, that leaves John dory. 

It was a bit of a walk, without support with him during breaks, he needed to see, taking another minute before reaching his room, taking deep breaths, noticing Rhonda looking distressed, walking up to her he placed his hand on her face. “What's wrong girl?”

she made a low rumble, nudging him toward the door, the stairs were down too. He followed where she wanted him to go.. It was John dory wasn't it? The feeling came back as Floyd placed his hand on the door knobbed thinking if he's really over thinking, but he always trusts his gut. His cane went inside before he did, he had a small sigh of relief seeing his brother yet his face was looking like he was in pain. “John Dory?"

JD was gritting his teeth, trying to take a nice deep breath, his face shot up looking at his younger brother moving alone. “Floyd- your walking on your own-”

The pink haired gave a small smile, he was exhausted to say yet he was able to check on his brothers and he found the right one. “I had a feeling of something but I wanted to make sure everyone was okay..”

“Im so happy for your Floyd..its just uh i think im having contractions every while now”

The silence stretched for a moment, Floyd's mouth dropped open, holding onto his cane. “Um what- YOUR IN LABOR??”

So now he noticed how he was sweating, gripping anything close, since he's usually moving around helping doing something. He needed to get someone who is able to move physically, a brother who's not feeling like jelly or one who can't really walk around. “I think so, its like contractions every now and then”

“Oh my god you need to lay down-we need someone-viva-branch-bruce-” boy he was panicking more than the one in pain. He can walk he can get someone-

“Oyd- Floyd!” he snapped his brother out of his head, he wasn't expecting to be able to walk up to him since it's just a whole bunch of pain going on.. “Its gonna be alright, its not my first rodeo”

“Wait we need someone else” he was thinking of a solution for both. He did not need to worry as much as he was right now.

JD was a little worried, he can walk but it would take a little time, the contractions hurt but enough to power through its not 100% yet, knowing its just the start, pop trolls labor can take a while, yet his other half…rock is faster than pop, and the baby genes of the other father was unknown to him, he just hopes he can hold his egg soon. Knowing his water didn't break yet was conflicting. His nest was built better than before, yet they needed someone too. 

“Ill go get bruce” Floyd informed him, he had some determination now. “I know its not far and i know one of them would wake up”

JD wanted to be reluctant but was interrupted by another contraction, nodding to himself he needed to go to the nest, its softer then where he was at, once it was over making his way onto the soft structure, he disliked how the pressure felt, it was almost unbearable and bearable the same time, he hoped Floyd was quick with it.

Floyd walked his way to Bruce's room, he stood at the door, leaning against the wall catching his breath. “Bruce..Psst BRUCE”

The purple haired brother shot up, his hair magically perfect despite snoring away, looking around wondering where his name came from. “Oh hey Floyd….Floyd!"

Shooting up fast, waking brandy in the process. “What time is it?”

“What are you doing up?” his eyes still groggy, he rubbed his eyes, trying to figure out what's happening. “Are you okay?”

“Yes I'm okay, I came because John Dory is in labor.” he said really fast getting the attention  from brandy and bruce who stared at him with wide eyes. 

“WHAT”

So bruce helped floyd get back to where JD was, it was a relief to see he was in his nest, taking deep breaths, his eyes were closed but opened them seeing his brothers. “Glad you made it”

“I wasn't entirely sure what was happening when Floyd told me, but I got Branch, Clay and Viva to wake up, I know Viva is well aware of this field.” getting to work right away, he gave him an oversized shirt and his jacket didn't look comfortable. 

Soon they all arrived, Viva checked on him right away. He felt so much better knowing his family was comforting. “Okay so i checked and your water has definitely broken and learning the times when it started your pretty close.”

It was his thousand times sighing but it was good to hear.