Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Spruce stared in the mirror, he hated what was staring back, the sculpture, it wasn’t him, it was an image that had been carefully curated over years of work, he was fifteen when he started, careful diet, strict work out routine, manicure, hair care, careful skin care.

Slamming his hand against the mirror feeling the shake under his hand.

‘Plum are you okay?’ Swallowing he chocked back the growl, ‘yeah’ he coughed lightly, ‘yeah Grandma I’m fine’ he lied, he wasn’t but he couldn’t tell her, couldn’t tell John.

Looking at the toilet bowl at the lunch he’d just thrown up, his purple tooth brush water dripping onto the side, he felt more exhausted as the seconds ticked on, ‘Spruce, Baby?’ he rolled his eyes their Grandma was such a worrier, flushing the toilet, ‘come in Grandma’, rubbing his eyes which had turned red from his earlier.

A soft hand touched his flushed cheek, ‘You’re burning up baby’ Rosiepuff's hand moved up to his forehead the back resting on his skin, ‘maybe you should stay home today, don’t think I didn’t hear the flush’ her voice hardening ‘Spruce, you didn’t’ her sigh had him wincing, ‘you didn’t do it on purpose did you?’ his eyes flashed anger as he jolted back at the accusation, his Grandma clutching his hand, when he saw the worry and softness, in her eyes, she wasn’t telling him off she was just concerned and those magazines hadn’t helped.

‘Grandma I wouldn’t do that’ his voice raising slightly, ‘I’ve just been feeling sick’ rubbing at his stomach, maybe hed done too many crunches, when he was pulled into a surprisingly strong hug, clinging to the back of the red dress his grandma wore, chin resting on her shoulder, breathing in the lavender scent, which was calming his still fluttery stomach.

‘Go rest Plum, Ill bring you a smoothie, it should help’ he went to speak only to be cut off, ‘AND if Johnny tries to argue, I’ll deal with it okay Baby’, he was shuffled towards the bedroom he shared John Dory, ‘go put some comfy pyjamas on, and get in that bed’ Spruce watched bemused as his grandma bustled out of the room.

Sighing and following orders, slipping his work out clothes off and pulling his soft puffcottton Pyjamas, the one luxury he afforded himself recently, making sure the band settled carefully on his still sensitive stomach.

Changed, Spruce was just about to crawl into bed, the exhaustion he felt in the bathroom creeping through his bones and into his body, when the shared door banged open with a familiar strength of his older brother, not Grandma, with the ginger and lemonberry smoothie she made for all of them when they were ill.

‘SPRUCE, what are you doing, we’re going to be late and you’re back in pyjamas’ Spruce felt his mind drifting blocking out the tirade as a pounding started behind his eyes, ‘John’ he started his brothers voice just talking over him as hands were tugging his clothes trying to change them again, ‘Johnny’ slightly louder, the pounding getting harder, ‘JOHN DORY’ this got him the quiet he wanted, his stomach rolling some more until the bile pushing upwards, his hand clamping firmly over his mouth as he pushed past his brother and Grandma hearing the sound of her scolding John just before the door snapped shut.

Kneeling at the bowl again, Spruce panting, rest his head against his hands as the burning feeling finally fading as his stomach settled, he leant against the bath knees up, resting his head against the cool basin edge, pushing his sweat bangs away from his face, he ran his fingers into the sweaty and recently sensitive roots, until he felt something, something that wasn’t suppose to be there, a bulb, and something smooth and small, about the size of his middle finger, and something lightly brushing his finger tip.

His body went cold, pulling his hand away carefully, Spruce stared at his palm and finger, he swallowed, it was a trick, he thought, a trick from not feeling well.

Breath coming shallow, Spruce pushed up, quickly catching the sink as a wave of dizziness ran over him, he slowly parted the darker purple parts of his hair.

A soft puff of shock, joy and fear came from him, as a inadvertent quirk of his lips gave a small smile, a tiny egg, colourless at the minute, still growing, with a tiny plume of hair, the colour of his for now but he knew woild change as it got bigger, which was curled tightly around his own strands keeping it steady and ground, he let the love he already felt spread through his heart and felt a small amount of warmth, he had an egg.

That was when the cold sensation came flooding through him removing the warmth, and replacing the joy with pure terror. He had an egg.

‘Oh sugar’ he carefully covered the egg with his hair making sure it was neatly back over so his egg stayed warm, breathing slowly, ‘Plum’ his giggle slightly hysterical Grandma was going to kill him, only he hadn’t been with anyone, this was a spontaneous egg, it happened sometimes when a troll was extremely happy and the feeling lasted, and he thought back quickly the dates were right for his eggs size two months, but the feeling had lasted until three weeks ago.

‘Spruce, Plum I’m coming in’ looking into the mirror, Spruce was a literal mess, his face was puffy, blue eyes red, dried tear tracks down his face, he saw the concern on Rosiepuffs face, ‘Plum’ she rushed forward, taking him into her hold, as the tears he had held back starting to burn his eyes.

‘Come here baby’ snorting wetly at the name, he wasn’t a baby now, ‘Spruce’ he was lifted from her shoulder and the comforting scent of lavender, his face cradled delicately, Spruce couldn’t help it, he was scared, he whimpered, tears pricking his eyes, as he was pulled into a tight hug, he legs buckling slightly, as he was guided to the cool floor, ‘Granny’ his voice horse as he called her something he hadn’t since he was a infant, he was rested against her chest ear over her heart, hearing the beat thudding gently in his ear, as soft vibrations of the lullaby she sang to them as a trolling, a soft hand passing through his sweaty hair, he tensed as her hand stilled.

‘Oh Plum’ hands brushing gently across his face, ‘come on baby’ he was wrapped in a plush red robe, that was soft against his skin, as the lavender hands brushed the tears from his face, ‘you need rest and some good food’.

Spruce looked up seeing the soft smile and kind face of his Grandma looking at him, ‘You’re not cross’ he sniffled as he was led from the bathroom to his bedroom, flinching slightly when Grandma whipping around gave him a small glare, ‘Spruce’ he voice sharp and quickly took a softer tone, ‘Plum I’m not cross, or unhappy, unless you are, but we don’t need to talk about this now’ she continued the shuffle him into his bed and basically fussing about him.

Rosiepuffs lips brushing his head as she fussed over the lipstick mark, ‘Sleep baby you’re going to need it’.

The door closing the bathing the room in a dull light due to the time and the closed curtains, Spruce finally felt relaxed, the exhaustion seeping into his body as the warmth of the dressing gown and the thick blanket Grandma has wrapped him in helped lull him off.

Spruce woke briefly feeling the bed shift, as a deep pink blur entered his vision, he immediately brought Floyd under the cover tucking the pink head under his chin eyes closing with a sigh, as hearing the soft snuffles and the warm weight against him.

‘Love you Spruce’ he heard the soft whisper from his youngest and sweetest sibling, ‘love you too Floyd’

1 month after finding the egg

BROZONE ON HIATUS

Grandma had made good on her promise, the band went on hiatus for an unknown amount of time, Spruce remembered the argument.

‘GRANDMA YOU CANT JUST’ the resounding thwack across the back of John Dory’s head echoed around the pod.

Floyd and Clay whispering to Spruce as Floyd balanced carefully on the sofa arm looking at the still growing egg, it was slowly gaining colours, it’s base now a soft blue, and the plume of hair was taking the root purple of his own hair.

‘Spruce?’

Humming in response to Floyds soft voice, ‘Yeah bud?’ his hand holding the youngest brother’s waist so he didn’t fall.

‘Whose the other parent?’ Spruce looked stunned at the still soft baby flocked face.

The pod went silent as everyone looked at the pair of brothers, as Floyd started fidgeting as everyone stared at him.

Spruce looked to John who was looking at Grandma, as she looked at him, her eyes brow raised, Spruce swallowed, as he looked at the youngest wide eyed.

'Well, They were a surprise, and they aren't in the picture, but you love them right'

Floyd nodding humming his agreement, 

'Well then their going to have have enough love with us'. 

Floyd hummed his agreement, 'Can i hold the egg'. 

The room released the collective breath as the yongest took the expliantion. 

'You still didnt tell me who the other parent was'. 

The collective sweat drop and groans as Floyd smiled sweetly at the room, internally cackling. 

HAS THE HEART THROB FOUND HIS HEART

FIND YOUR PERFECT BROZONE DATE

BROZONE’S SPRUCE AND FLOYD SEEN ABOUT TOWN

Three months since he found his egg, and no Brozone concerts, Grandma had single handily shut down the shows, changed his diet, the once tight abs he hated had softening over the time, his features softer, his hair looked amazing Grandma had given him a shampoo and conditioner which was for eggnancys, as young trolling’s slept and found comfort in their parents’ hair for the first few weeks after hatching.

Having been banished from the pod for the morning, with Floyd dragging him to and from different stalls cooing over the different objects, Spruce brushed his hand through his hair feeling the smooth shell neatly tucked away in his locks, the small tuff poking from the top brushing his fingers.

The pair had missed the camera snapping shots around them both.

Floyd holding up a little set of green dungarees with a large red and white mushroom sown on to the centre, with a little pale brown shirt for underneath, ‘what about this one?’ his musical voice reached Spruces ears as he looked at the baby blankets, his indigo-coloured eyes flicking to the magenta haired troll, ‘cute, but it could be a girl’.

‘Girls can like mushrooms’ Floyds voice sharped rose eyes glaring at him, soft lavender nose in the air, Spruce laughed he only said it to get a rise knowing it would bug Floyd, he had baby dolls as a trolling and someone told him he should play with boys toys, Spruce had never laughed so hard his little brother couldn’t even pretend to be contrite as he apologies for punching the troll who said it, when Spruce picked him up from trollcare, he bought him ice cream.

‘So think we should get it?’

Spruce nodded ‘they’ll look adorable in it either way, we can just add a bow to their hair’ Spruce smiled as Floyd ran off to pay for the outfit, his brother was excited to be an uncle and not the baby of the pod, all of them were, he was terrified, what if he did it wrong and ended up leaving his baby behind,

Looking back to the blanket pile he found his eyes drawn to a leaf style similar to the vest Floyd wore which was a hand me down from him, a few years ago, he had grown out of it when he started putting on muscle.

‘It looks nice, comfy’ the soft voice popped up from his elbow, he looked down seeing Floyd carrying his little bounty, ‘you should get it’ his arm was nudged, Spruce rubbing the fabric between his fingers, ‘yeah, yeah I think I will’ he clutched the fabric gently folding it to a neat square.

After paying for the blanket, the purple and pink pair made their way back to the pod after Floyd checked the time.

The pod curtains were drawn making Spruce’s suspicious of what was happening become more likely, as Floyd started bouncing the kid never could keep a secret when he was excited.

Pushing the doors open slowly Spruce saw the wrapped presents and the banner, and the green and yellow cake in the middle, of the tables.

‘SURPRISE’ a flash caused him to blink spots, ‘Sorry, sorry’ Grandma was waving her hands causing the camera to flash a few more times and setting the room off laughing.

Hearing before seeing Spruce braced himself as Viva collided with him arms attempting to wrap around him, ‘congratulations, can we see the egg, do you want a boy or a girl, can I hold it, Daddy can I have a baby sister’ the words tumbled from the princess faster and faster, leaving Spruce smiled as he worked out the questions.

‘Thank you Viva and everyone, yes you can see the egg, sorry Viva you can’t hold it yet, their not fully detached’ it was and Viva could but Spruce wasn’t willing to share his egg with everyone just yet he wanted to keep it safe in his hair, so parted it gently making sure to keep it sturdy, wrapping a small tuff with the plume, ‘and either as long as their healthy’.

Secretly Spruce wanted a little girl, but wouldn’t mind even if he had a little boy, he just wanted them healthy and happy.

Enjoying the party, Spruce watched everyone start to filter out,

5months

Spruce was sprawled over his freshly made bed, propped against multiple soft pillows and cushions he’d acquired, petting the soft plume of admiral blue hair, his little egg cradled in a sling against his chest, he had been cleaning and setting up his new room, Grandma insisted and when Clay went to argue, Grandma countered with did he want to deal with the screaming hatchling at night, and if he didn’t then why should John Dory.

In the move they had found the acorn cradle all his brothers and him had used, each of their Initials carved into it over time, feeling the soft wiggle in his arms he smiled, he was tired already, his little one was always more active during the night, the egg wiggling once more, the blue plume curling lazily around his finger, 'okay little one' he lifted the egg back into his hair making sure it was safe, he felt the strong tug at his own hair, 'I know baby, I love you too'.

He needed something to do, he had bee feeling restless for days and at Gramdma's insistence he stayed around the pod for the last few days, grabbing the small (large) sewing kit Clay had gifted him, and set to work. 

It had been some hours as he got into a groove, when a yelp and a crash, followed by 'IM OKAY'  jolted him out of his bubble, stretching his cramping hand Spruce looked down admiring his work.

The pillow he had beem working had been embroidered with a decorative mushrooms and little acorns, all that was missing was the his eggs name, he and his brother’s had the same Grandma had taught them all, rowdy boys and all that to stop fights over pillow, placing the needle on the pin cushion the stylised B, he had decided his pups name would be Branch for a boy or Birch for a girl.

Placing the pillow back in the cradle, he parted his hair gently removing the now grown egg, the shell a deep shade of navy blue, turning it slowly he watched the light shine off it, showing the hidden shades of teal and deep purple with an occasional fleck of deep green and bronze, giving his egg an unusual sheen but still beautiful, when he saw it a faint white lines spider webbing out wards, brushing a finger lightly over the marks, he pulled back quickly feeling the shuffling and a hard press as the egg shell pushed forward, the smooth shape distorting.

With a soft gasp, Spruce shuffled upwards sitting cross legged, what did he do, towels, he needed towels, but he didn’t want to miss this his pup was coming, ‘Plum are you, Spruce what’s wrong?’ Head shifting slightly his eyes never leaving the shifting shell.

‘Oh Plum I’ll be right back and keep your brothers out of the room you’ll need bonding time’ he heard the door shut and Grandma’s shout ‘BOYS YOU STAY AWAY FROM SPRUCE, DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE TODAY, CLAY I MEAN IT STAY AWAY FROM THAT ROOM’ giving a soft laugh at her words.

Spruce focused his blue and lavender tinted eyes back on his egg the shell was being pushed rhythmically now, ‘That’s it pup, come on you can do it’ the soft plume which was at the top had pulled inside, as the shuffles and rocking started getting faster, that was when he saw it, a tiny hand, colours bright as all new born pups, they would darken as the hatchling grew.

‘Here you go Plum’ a hand brushed his face, but Spruce’s eyes were fixed on the tiny hand gripping the hole, Spruce felt his ear twitch as the door shut, his eyes laser focused on the tiny hand clasping his finger.

‘Come on baby B, you can do it’ Spruce spoke softly but encouraging the little one, who finally pushed the egg open, big blue eyes stared up at him, little ears still folded close, blue and violet hair matted with a fluids from the egg.

Soft teal baby fuzz was damp under Spruces fingers, lightly rubbing against his pups cheek, as big blue eyes started to well up, ‘Oh no my little one, it’s okay, Daddy’ his words stopped when he realised, ‘I’m your Daddy’ Spruce whispered, a smile filling his face as he carefully lifted the pup from the remaining egg, slowly removing his shirt, ‘Grandma said skin to skin was best’ he laid back grabbing the damp towel as he settled his son, his baby, Branch against his chest over his heart.

His little one shuffling and snuffling against his chest, Spruce covered the tiny body with his hand feeling the warmth and the soft breaths of his now sleeping son, the damp cloth now sweeping slowly the still clinging egg fluid from the bright admiral blue fur and hair which Spruce knew would shift after his son, his son, he had a son, the grin appearing on his face once more, at the words, his sons first birthday.

The shuffling started again as the now cool cloth brushing soft against the now unfolding ear, and squinting blue eyes, ‘Hi Baby’ placing the cool cloth aside Spruce lifting Branch from his chest and laying him on top a soft pillow and quickly got the new hatchling into diaper and new tiny onesie, with a little blue B and a small bumble bee on the pocket area.

His tiny son stretching testing the new confines of his clothes, blue eyes staring at him when a gummy grin and a small giggle, before smacking his little lips which told Spruce, Branch was hungry.

Panicking Spruce looked around in panic, realising he didn’t have a bottle, the blue started welling up as little hiccups came from the baby, Spruce felt his heart cracking he was already doing it wrong, ‘it’s okay Baby, it okay don’t cry, er’ that’s when he spotted it, a small wicker basket perched on the end of his bed.

Smiling in relief, Spruce cradled his baby close feeling the little hands clutching and squeezing into little fists, ‘Da, Da’ as he shuffled towards it, seeing the shine of and the pale yellow of honey milk, a favourite of all baby pop trolls.

Feeling and checking it was still warm Spruce, carefully rubbed the teat against Branch lips, wetting them, smiling when the blue eyes lit up with wonder and started to drink like his little life depended on it.

The bottle drained and Branch burped, Spruce couldn’t help but marvel at the sleepy face, looking at him as he rubbed soothing circles on the little round belly, giving soft coos and small yawns until the drooping eyelids slipping closed left Spruce with nothing but his thoughts.

He was a Daddy now, he already vowed to be better than his own.

‘I love you Baby Boy, I promise I protect you always’ Spruce nuzzled the soft cheek getting a sleepy coo as the small hand curled around finger.

1 year old

‘Spruce, I’m telling you it would be a great idea’ rolling his eyes Spruce continued to make funny faces at his baby who was clinging to his favourite uncle Floyd, hiding his face in the youngest brother’s shoulder before popping back up giggling.

Grandma was cooking breakfast with Clay, John wandering around with a fan magazine spouting out his new idea that Spruce wanted no part of, Floyd had stolen Baby Branch from him as soon as he walked into the kitchen, and was playing with his wiggling feet.

‘You know Floyd’ Spruce ignored the annoyed look on his older brothers face, as he swept his son from the magenta haired troll, who gave a pout, while he tickled the soft baby belly getting a happy squeal and giggle, with a little cry of ‘Daddy’.

‘You’re going to have to let him walk around eventually’ Spruce placed Branch in his acorn chair with sliced fruit, a firm believer in letting Branch explore and play with the textures to find what he liked to eat, so far the new favourite were Bananas and apples, with his biscuit to gum on, this was always followed promptly by a bottle.

‘Spruce, Floyd set the tables please, John Dory take these and put them out’ Grandma Rosie passed the food and utensils around as they settled in for breakfast.

‘Plans for today’ this was a rule Rosiepuff had put in place when the pod found out Spruce was carrying.

‘Branch and I have a doctor’s appointment, then to the park, he’s getting his S-H-O-T-S’ Spruce spelled out, his baby didn’t like to word, ‘and then back here for snack and nap time’ the pancake he was slicing up and sharing with Branch so he'd stop trying to climb out if the chair.

‘School and I have a class project with Viva, so ill be at her pod to finish’ Clay mumbled through his food, getting an unimpressed look from their grandmother.

‘Floyd?’

‘I have school and then nothing’ the magenta shrugged carrying on with his food.

‘GREAT, Floyd you can babysit Branch, while Spruce goes on the contest date’.

The table went silent as they all stared at John Dory, apart from Branch who was shuffling around his food.

‘IM’ a unhappy coo stopped Spruce shouting, coughing lightly, ‘I am not going on a date’, turning to his little one and lifting Branch into his arms, a confused sound coming from the infant, ‘Didn’t you hear me say Branch has a check-up and we have a day planned’

Spruce left the room cooing at his baby who was patting mushed Banana on his cheeks, it would wash off he didn’t care, he loved his little boy too much to care about a little mess that could be dealt with.

Bathing Branch was always an adventure, his little one was definitely a water pup, a clean nappy and a quick wash for him, Spruce held up two outfits a little grey and white striped shirt and knitted onesie, with two mushroom on the front pocket and a full short sleeved suit, in grey with ‘of course I’m cute look at my Daddy’ and a pair of blue over shorts.

‘What do you think Bitty, which do you like?’ Spruce held them up to Branch who started laughing at the faces he was pulling, ‘your right this one is perfect’ Spruce tossed the grey suit and blue shorts down, laughing as Branch began patting them, ‘You agree Bits, yeah, you’re the cutest thing ever’.

Dressing Branch and tossing his own baggy grey sweater and blue shorts Branch had pulled them out wanting to match, they left for the doctors, a shopping list from his Grandma tucked into his satchel, and Branch in his hair until they reached the floor.

Sitting in the Doctor office Spruce bounced his leg nervous, as Branch played with some of the toys.

‘Branch’

Spruce looked up, he hated this bit because he knew his bug would hate every second, ‘come here baby’ lifting his son into his arms, bouncing the grumpy face off getting giggles.

‘hey big boy ready for this, let’s get you checked over’.

Spruce stood the side as Dr Plume did the health checks on his pup, answering the questions aimed at him automatically, taking the small bottle of pills without looking his nerves already kicking in as the doctor turned away.

‘Daddy’ the sweet voice called reaching up with little grabbing fingers, scooping the small troll up, Spruce cuddled Branch close, breathing in the soft mild scent of the baby soap and shampoo.

Holding the little hand Spruce made soft quacking noises distracting Branch from the needle, until the pup looked at him betrayed, with a wobbly ‘Daddy’ and hiding his face against Spruces own grey shirt, arms tucking against him hiding from the Dr Plume’s hands.

Hushing and bouncing his now unhappy son, Spruce humming at the little trolling, calming him to soft snuffles, ‘it’s okay bubby, it’s okay’, swaying slowly as they both calmed down.

The park was a no go as Branch refused to leave his arms whimpering every time, Spruce had even tried to put him down, he had tried constantly to put the infant in the rooms crib to sleep of his grumpiness, but his normally happy son, was decidedly against all attempts.

Spruce had caved quickly, when the cries wouldn’t stop, his Grandma had said it could happen but he needed to let Branch self sooth, and Branch was normally so good but the cries just pulled harder and harder at his chest, he loved his baby, but today he just wanted a nice calm day, playing in the sun away from the pod for a few hours.

 With Branch against his chest finally asleep, Spruce listening to the rhythmic sucking on the soother and the soft breaths, Branch had finally calmed to sleep in the little grey body suit, he really was adorable, risking it, Spruce moving carefully laid Branch in the cradle quickly stripping his own shirt to go the baby who settled rubbing his little cheek against it falling back to sleep.

Sitting in the quiet of the family pod, Spruce just sat, staring at the wall, something shifted which had him turn slightly Branch had rolled over covering himself with the shirt before settling, and in that moment as cute as it was Spruce couldn’t even muster a smile, he loved his son but he was exhausted.

Blinking, his mind sluggish and remembering the bottle he was given.

Pulling it from his hair, he turned the label, it wasn’t Branch’s name but his own which stared back, swallowing thickly he saw the name, Stress and Anxiety looked back at him, and Dr Plume was much better, not dismissing the issues, their entire family had seen him and trusted the troll tremendously.

Shaking hands he dropped a pill in the palm of his hand and swallowed it, looking to Branch he swore then and their he would take them and get help, he’d speak to Grandma and as much as he wanted to keep his little blueberry with him, Spruce knew he needed help.

A soft shake had Spruce looking up confused as a mess of pink hair and pink eyes looked at him, ‘Grandma says its time for supper you’ve been sleeping all day’, Floyds voice soft.

Spruce hummed that made sense, he closed his eyes when the words filtered through, ‘Wait, all day’ he bolted upwards, Branch, head swivelling to the cradle so fast he felt his neck crack his hand automatically cupping the spot.

‘SPRUCE’

He paid no mind ‘where’s Branch?’ The worry clear in Spruces voice, as Floyds hand touched his making him jump.

‘Branch is with Grandma, he was crying when I got back and Grandma found a bottle next to you’ Floyds voice soothing against his nerves, when he tensed, Grandma knew, he hadn’t been telling her and it was her one rule, if he got overwhelmed or felt like he couldn’t cope, he was to talk to her.

‘boys’ a cold feeling slide down his spine, as mint green eyes looked over them both, Branch in her arms gumming a familiar cookie, when the little blue eyes lit up seeing Spruce.

‘DADDY’ Spruce left forward catching his baby who was babbling into his ear happily.

‘Did you have fun with uncle Floyd and Grandma?’ Spruce smiled laughing as a small shriek, and pointing at the pair from chubby blue hand, Branch had been learning how to speak for the alternative few months his vocabulary improving everyday from the stories and songs around the pod.

A light cough had him looking to Grandma, who carried a warm smile and understanding, but worried gaze as she held out the bottle and a pill in her hand.

Spruce was grateful as Branch and Floyd hugged him, Branch because he was a little cuddle bug and Floyd because he understood to a certain point how Spruce felt.

The anxiety of the Bergens, worry for their family and fear for their lives.

‘Come on boys Grandma made everyone’s favourite Fluffberry pie’ a small cheer came from Branch as he leant to Grandma Rosie with a chant of ‘Pie, pie, pie’ setting the trio laughing.

Trollstice, the time of year every troll feared, Spruce had Branch strapped to his chest, the grumbling infant had been unhappy all day the tension getting to him as everyone ran around locking doors blocking windows, making sure anything that could make noise was hidden away.

John Dory was sat tense, note book and pencil forgotten on his lap, he seemed to be twitching at every sound.

Clay was curled up under a blanket, his book was open, but Spruce could see the tense posture and twitching of his body, the desire to move clear, but the pages never turned.

Floyd and Grandma where curled together under on of the many throws they had around the pod, a weighted one for the youngest brozone brother, whoes colour was darkening as the time drew closer, tears pouring silently down his face, as red rimmed eyes stared blank, Floyd had been witness to the capture of their parents and had been found hours later curled in a trembling ball, wrapped in their Poppa's leaf vest and covered in dirt, he had been five years old.

Spruce, Spruce was trying desperately not to throw up Branch had been born after the last Trollstice so he was able to enjoy the peace and his first year, he never wanted this, to have his children experience the pure terror they felt every year, so Spruce hummed lightly nothing too loud, to calm himself and his baby, when it started.

The screams of trolls and the cheers of those monsters, the family seemed to take a collective breath, even Branchs grumbles quietened to a whimper before curling around himself and into Spruces chest little hand clinging to him.

Spruce covered the little blue ears hoping to block out the sounds and desperately wishing he could do the same, shuddering breaths came from all members as they tried to remain calm.

They felt the pod shake which set Branch and Floyd panicking loudly, and the brothers and their Grandma quickly surrounding all them blankets quickly riffed over them muffling the worst but not all.

Spruce felt Floyd curl into his side and lowered Branch closer so they could hold hands, as Spruce curled his hair with Floyds, and everyone taking each other’s feeling their family together.

The hours tricked by when they heard slamming of metal, but they stayed curled together safe.

Floyd and Branch asleep together in and on Spruces lap.

Clay despite his arguments had fallen asleep on John Dory whose arm was wrapped tight around the third youngest, the stress finally getting to him.

Grandma was the one who finally broke the circle, getting a small plate of food she had made and stored away, nothing over the top as none of them were willing to eat much after, but after not eating, they had to have something.

Small cups of fruit juice were passed around, John and Spruce taking the one shot of the alcohol Grandma allowed them, a bottle some fruit slices were passed to Branch who was gently roused with Floyd, who at Grandma’s insistence take an extra pill with Spruce who didn’t argue.

‘We have to do something?’ the deep tone of his oldest brother had Spruce looking up, from the youngest members of the family who had fallen back to sleep, the steel in the blue eyes of his oldest brother had Spruce agreeing, they needed to do something.

He just didn’t know what was coming next.

2 Years old.

Spruce was exhausted, with the band ramping up the need to look a certain way, Branch had cut his milk tooth and seemed to constantly have ear aches, Dr Plume assured him it was completely normal for a trolling as their ears adjusted, but Spruce was exhausted, not to mention starving.

The show was planned, John Dory wad driving them to exhaustion, ‘510, 511, 512’ he counted ignoring his brother, taking a small breather when he saw his little boy at the vine curtains his little feet tapping nervous.

‘Cut it out John Dory you're making Baby Branch nervous’ Floyds voice cut through the room, Spruce was about to go over when Floyd bet him to it.

Branch had been so excited to sing with them, and had become a prodigy in his music classes and was advanced to the older groups quickly, it worried Spruce, but it seemed his little one thrived on the challenges and even made some friends, who didn’t have any issues with him being only two.

‘Daddy’ he looked down seeing the worried blue eyes and raised hands. Lifting his little one Spruce settled Branch on his hip, rubbing their noses together getting a little laugh before the smile was replaced by nervous look.

‘Whats wrong baby?’ Spruce bounced his son, lightly as the moved to the vines Clay was nervous as well, ‘it just so much pressure’ Spruce agreed the pressure was crazy.

‘Follow my lead, LETS BRO’.

Spruce slipped the white and blue glasses over Branch’s nose, ‘Ready baby’ getting a bounce and a giggle, ‘that’s our cue’

The excitement faded, as everything went wrong.

Spruce left the pod, Branch’s heartbroken face haunting his mind.

He turned back quickly, seeing the pod still lit up, Grandma looking at him, her eyes mixed with relief and a little anger, his little boy curled on her chest, dried tears on his face, wrapped in Floyd leaf and his own purple vest.

A shuddering breath, Spruce went to take his baby only to get a hand raised, stopping him dead in his tracks.

‘If you take him, Spruce you stay with him, you take him with you’ Grandma words hit his heart.

‘Grandma’ reaching out he went to take Branch, only to stop, ‘let me put him to bed just let me say good night’.

Spruce lay Branch down the brushing the fallen straddled of hair away, ‘I’m so sorry baby, I’ll be back soon, I promise’, brushing a kiss across the soft brow, Spruce tucked Croco and his grey shirt which Branch had stolen from his early years.

‘Daddy’ the soft call almost broke him, as he slipped the purple soother into the lax mouth.

‘Spruce’ disappointment laced the tone, he looked to his grandmother pulling her into a soft but much needed hug.

‘one week I promise, just to get my head back on straight, I’m too angry at everything right now and Branch doesn’t deserve to see me like this anymore, I don't even want to see me like this’ Spruce whispered into the hold as his grandma rubbing her hands up his spine.

‘Oh Plum’ she held him and he heard the sadness in her voice.

‘Daddy?’ Spruce pulled away from the hold, seeing Branch rubbing his eyes.

‘Baby Boy’ scooping the trolling into his arms, nose tucking into the indigo and purple hair, breathing in the lavender baby wash he had used that morning, Spruce felt the weight, committing it to memory, the scent, trying to embed it in his mind.

‘I love you Branch, Daddy loves you so much’ Spruce mumbling into the trollings hair, pressing soft kisses against the little face, nuzzling the cubby cheek.

‘To moon and baAAAck’ the little yawn, casing a small smile to flit across Spruce’s face as Branch rubbing his head in Spruce’s bare shoulder fell back to sleep ‘to the stars and beyond, sleep tight baby, I love you sweet boy’

‘Spruce’ the concern and worry in his grandma’s voice was enough for him to look at her, as she quietened nodding and leaving father and son together.

Spruce sat in the bed time chair as his little one called it, it was where they had done his night time routine since he was a hatching, and just sang, wrapping the leaf and purple vests snuggly around the sleeping trolling.

When you're so lonely lying in bed

Night's closed it's eyes but you can't rest your head

Everyone's sleeping all through the house

You wish you could dream but forgot to somehow

[Pre-Chorus]

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Sing this lullaby to yourself

[Verse 2]

And if you are waiting, waiting for me

Know I'll be home soon darling I guarantee

I'll be home Sunday just in one week

Dry up your tears if you start to weep

[Pre-Chorus]

And sing this lullaby to yourself

Sing this lullaby to yourself

[Chorus]

Lullaby, I'm not nearby

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Don't you cry, no don't you cry

Sing this lullaby to yourself

[Verse 3]

'Cause when I arrive dear it won't be that long

No it won't seem like anytime that I've been gone

It ain't the first time, it won't be the last

Won't you remember these words to help the time pass?

So when you're so lonely lying in bed

Night's closed it's eyes but you can't rest your head

Everyone's sleeping all through the house

You wish you could dream but forgot to somehow

[Chorus]

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Sing this lullaby, sing this lullaby

Sing this lullaby to yourself

The last note echoed haunting around the room, the soft breaths and sleepy snuffles of the small blue trolling curled in the warmth of his Daddy and uncles vests with his Kroco tucked against his cheek, a soft kiss was brushed lightly against the little furrowed brow, ‘sleep my sweet boy, ill be home soon’.

Spruce stared at the single beam of light which lit the soft blue of his baby’s face, a soft sigh escaped with a soft ‘Daddy’ as Spruce slipped his finger from the lax grasp, turning back as hr stood at the door he took the room in, the small body of his sleeping baby, ‘Soon’

As the older purple haired troll hugged his grandmother, a small pack on his back, ‘I won’t be long, I promise’, A kiss was placed on his cheek.

‘Be safe Plum’ Rosiepuffs hands cradled his face, ‘We’ll be right here, and I’ll keep him safe’.

Spruce nodded pulling soft Grandma into comforting and thankful hold, pressing a kiss to her cheek, ‘Thank you Grandma’.

Spruce stood at the edge of the fence, ‘I’ll be back Baby, just a few days’.

Lullaby, I'm not nearby

Sing this lullaby to yourself

Don't you cry, no don't you cry

Sing this lullaby to yourself.

Chapter Text

White sheets covered everything, the small crib with Branch painted with so much love over the top, a painted fantasy of woodlands, with a tiny teal and blue trolling sat in a meadow, his own figure mixed in, open arms crouched down to the baby.

White furniture, which had little mushroom and puffaflys carved into them, various patterns created with sea glass and shells for texture.

A trolling’s, His trolling’s wonderland, a small stuffed green seahorse fell from his shaking hands as tears poured down his face.

Bruce had locked himself away, in a nursery created for his son, his Baby's, it was Branch’s 22nd birthday, would have been, a bitter laugh spilled from him as he opened the shell necklace tracing the edge gently.

His little ones sweet face smiling up at him, little blue arms tight around his younger self’s neck as they both smiled together, pure love spilled from the picture making his heart clench, he could feel the colour on his body fading.

‘Bruce?'

‘Bruce, Honey?’ a soft knocking cached around the dark nursery, had him swallowing thickly.

He sobbed as Brandy found and lifting him, cuddling and holding him close, she never said anything, never forced him to talk, just held him and let him have this one day, no kids because she seemed to know seeing them made him worse.

He’d tell her, he always did, but for now he curled against her soaking in the unending comfort and warmth she silently offered.

The shell on his neck fisted tight in his hand, his baby forever close to his heart, even if he could never be here again.

Spruce was furious more often than not now he wasn’t able to get to Branch because there was another press event, another photo shoot, and ‘just five more minutes Spruce’.

It was the last straw when John Dory with that stupid grin on his face, like he had some brilliant idea, a shot of Spruce and Branch on the front cover on their day together, Branch’s face covered in chocolate ice cream, an enormous grin on his face.

Spruce felt his heart ache a little it had been so long ago, but they needed to money, Branch wasn’t exactly expected, but Spruce wouldn’t trade him for the world, he wanted to give Branch everything he could want, but that meant agreeing to pushing himself back into the heartthrob persona and he hated it, more and more every time.

‘And that’s why Branch should be in the band’, that one sentence had the world shatter around Spruce as he stared at the wide grin on John’s face, blood rushing in his ears, his vision tunnelling at the words.

He felt his hands clenching as the words join the band, ‘No, NO, HES NOT JOINING THE BAND’ his voice echoed around the training room Johns grin faltered as Clay and Floyd stared at them concerned.

Spruce couldn’t, wouldn’t let Branch grow up in the spit light his son needed real friends and to worry about what toy to play with or what he wanted to draw or colour next, not his figure or of a step was wrong, if he missed a note.

I am not the only traveller

Who has not repaid his debt

 Why had he agreed to let Branch join his baby could have been hurt today, yes, the smile on his face was beautiful and Branch had the voice to match, but he was only 2 and half.

Spruce had been walking for a few hours, he had stopped himself turning back several time the desperation clawing at his chest to run back scoop his baby up and hold him close and promise to never let him go again.

He kept picturing the tears track coated cheeks, the scared expressions when Spruce had lost his temper, never at him, which sent him running to Floyd and his crippling guilt which lead him to extended cuddles and story time.

That was why he needed to leave, just a few days to get his head on straight, to be the Daddy his baby needed, not this angry troll he’d become.

Shaking the pill bottle, he downed the white tablet dry his anxiety had gotten worse, the closer it got to Trollstice, the worse it was, it was why he would be back on in a few days he needed to know his baby was safe.

A large shadow blocked the light where he had taken a break, his heart thundering in his ears when he realised it was her, the monster, she hadn’t seen him, but he knew his hair would give him away with how bright it was.

Darting through a small hole, he found refuge in a wooden crate enough to block his fur colour and shifted his hair to camouflage.

When the box shuddered, a lid hammering, down as a sack of some kind was wrapped around it stopping escaping, a scream wanted to claw from him, as he was bouncing around until a particular hard knock caused him to black out, it wasn’t until he something splashed his face did he wake back up.

Sitting up Spruce felt the water rushing around him, clothes already weighted down, his hair useless and water logged, the crate sliding around as water flooded deeper, climbing to something in little higher up kept him from drowning.

Spruce felt his heartbeat echoing in his ears, huddled under a scrap of fabric, it was dirty but dry, he’d dried his hair as best he could, clinging to a small damp in the corners picture he never went anywhere with out, his baby and him.

‘I’m sorry baby, Daddy will be home soon I promise’ the words lingered around him, Spruce didn’t even know where he was let alone how far away he was but he would get back that was his promise.

Closing his eyes Spruce curled the blanket around him staving off the worst of the chill, he drifted off.

Only to wake up fully in a soft, unfamiliar bed feeling like he had done too much choreography preparation.

‘Oh You’re awake, YOU’RE AWAKE’ a female voice called as a large yellow and red headed giant filled his vision, his body seizing at the size, he went to scramble away when a fluffy yellow hand blocking his path, ‘wait, the Doctor said you need rest’ her voice which Spruce realised was distinctly female, his heart slowing slightly as he listened to her.

‘Forgive me, my name is Brandy and you’re on Vacay Island, you’ve been unconscious for about two weeks, you’ve been really sick, I found you half drown in a crate washed on the sands, Roscoe said you must have swallowed half the ocean, but then he thinks he’s funny, I mean you’re such a handsome thing’ the words cut off when Brandy seemed to flush a little orange, ‘I mean...erm...little thing, I’m going to’.

Spruce felt his lips quirk slightly, she was cute when she rambled.

‘OH, here, placing something on her finger she carefully lowered it to him, a pink shell on a black cord, looking puzzled, he took it with a soft thanks not wanting to seem rude, he felt a small catch, a locket, ‘ we had trouble finding one so small, but the picture seemed important you were clinging to it’.

Spruce stroked the picture, before closing the catch tightly and putting it around his neck, ‘Thank you’ his hand gripped the shell, ‘Thank you for everything but I need to leave, I need to get back home, I’m already late, I promised’

Looking around the room and out the window Spruce realised, he didnt know where Vacay Island was and how far he had gone away from the troll tree, from Branch.

‘Do you know how to get to Bergan town’

His heart shattered when Brandy said no.

I’ve been searching for a trail to follow again

Take me back to the night I left

It had been six months when Spruce finally heard anything, he had worked hard crafting a home here for himself, Grandma and Baby Branch, waiting for any news as to how he could get back.

Lighting three small candles on a blue frosted cupcake, Spruce blew out the flame, ‘Happy birthday Baby, I’m sorry I broke my promise but I’m coming that I promise’.

He stumbled at the frantic banging on the wooden frame surrounding his small, but comfortable home ‘BRUCE, BRUCE’ he smiled as he clung to the wall guiding himself carefully over to the window to see the yellow goddess, he was lucky enough to be dating.

‘BRAN, BRAN, HONEY’ he called as the pod steadied.

‘Sorry Sweetheart, But I have news’, he climbed into to he open palm, as she pressed a kiss to his hair and him to her cheek he smiled.

‘Driff found it on his travels, Bergan town he gave me a map we can go, Right Now’ Brandy’s smile enormous and infectious.

Bruce started nodding ‘yeah, le..let’s go, now, right now’ jumping from her hand in to his pod running around throwing random things in his pack and the stuffed green seahorse he had made with Branch’s initial.

His ear pricked up as a warm laugh echoed around the pod as his girlfriend waited, when he realised ‘Brandy, babe you can’t come with me’ he dragged his new back pack with him.

Bruce didn’t win the argument, as he sat on Brandy’s shoulder, they drew closer to the Tree.

He had grown quiet, Brandy had noticed and leaned her head carefully against him offering the silent support he needed.

‘Such a gloomy place’ they crest the final hill stopping as they stared down, Bruce felt his chest tighten, right in the centre his former home, and it was brown leaved and looked withered, letting out a shuddering breath he nodded at the questioning look on Brandy’s brown eyes.

His heart thundering, breathing got shallow, one hand clutching a strand of Brandy’s fiery red hair the other fisted the pink shell around his neck, the rickety gates creaking ominously as they reached them.

Brandy’s free hand almost touching one to push it open when an angry growl echoed around them, when one of the horrible creatures saw them standing on the other side, and chased them away.

Bruce tried to call out as he clung to the strap of his girlfriends brown pack, when she stumbled over a patch of upturned earth.

And then I can tell myself

What the hell I’m supposed to do

‘Bruce’

‘I’m okay my Love, you?’ Bruce pushed himself out of the bush he had landed in, before running over checking on the yellow vacationer, helping her dust off as she stood.

Looking up as she gasped sharply as she stared at the surrounding woods.

‘Honey?’ she didn’t answer just lifted him carefully to see the destruction around them, uprooted plants, half dead or destroyed bushes, chunks of earth like scars marring the once pristine earth, shovels littered the area.

‘what happened?’ Bruce had a feeling he already knew, his heart clenched, ‘you need to follow them back, I’ll wait here, go’.

Bruce nodded slowly as he was lowered to the floor, ‘Wish me luck’ he laughed uncomfortably as he jumped, down one of the holes.

‘What the’ he coughed as the dirt cloud settled around him, the weak light shining through some of the gaps above.

Bruce walked along, picking his way carefully along the dirt, when he saw it....if he didn’t know the familiar colour and how it stood out from the dirt mound blocking his path, he would have missed it.

Pale from the dust, withered by age but all too familiar.

Purple and puffy.

His jacket, half buried in the dirt.

Kneeling, Bruce dug carefully pulls into the soil, loose bits falling until finally the bundled jacket came away, dirt spiralling in the air, turning it he felt something fall, two black eyes, a crooked grin, and torn fabric stared up at him, a giggle and ‘Daddy’ with glittery blue eyes, raced through his thoughts.

He stared, he couldn’t move, breath, ‘Branch’ he finally choked out, ‘No’ tears dripping slowly down his face, a primal, almost visceral scream escaped him, echoing around the cavern.

Fingers tearing through the packed dirt jamming under his finger nails painfully, but he couldn’t stop he needed to get to ‘BRANCH, BRANCH, BABY’ he felt it, his heart shattering, ‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy’ the word ricocheted through his mind on constant repeat, hands burning, but he couldn’t stop, his son was in their trapped, scared, alone.

Bruce froze ‘alone’ his voice the only thing breaking the suffocating silence.

Alone, Branch was all alone, ‘You left me alone’ his mind screamed ‘Daddy why didn’t you come back, you promised, why did you lie’.

‘NO, no I didn’t lie, I came back, I’m back, I just needed to find you’ hands slowed, arms burning and heavy, ‘Baby boy, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please, please, don’t be, please’.

Bruce clung to plush crocodile, under the layer of dirt the faint hint of Branch’s shampoo and baby powder, ‘No’ cradling the small toy, ‘I’m so sorry’, tears poured down his face, the dirt smearing his cheeks, the crocodile he’s saved for to give his baby the one thing he wanted for his birthday, clutched to his chest. 

 ‘BRUCE, BRUCE, Honey’ a muffled voice called from above, taking a few shuddering breaths, climbing to his feet, the plush held close to his chest.

‘I’m here’ he coughed, ‘I’M HERE’ he shouted, when he saw the shadow, Brandy fuzzy hand reaching in letting him latch his hair around her wrist to hold on as she life him out.

‘Honey’ her voice soothing his frayed emotions, he looked seeing the concern in her eyes which were looking at his hands, Brandy gave a half smile, while he knew she didn't understand fully, she understood enough, ‘I’m sorry Bruce.’

They left that day and Bruce told her everything as she cried with him, four years later they were married and their first son was born Birch.

And then I can tell myself

Not to ride along with you

Branch stood at the door of his family’s old pod, the colours as vibrant as he remembered, toying with his fingers nervous, shuffling on the spot to try and shake his nerves.

Hand shaking he opened the door, a rush smells came forward, breaths shuddering as the memories came rushing back.

Stepping hesitantly, Branch looked around the pod, pictures slightly askew but still there, the macramé table cloth and rug, and there in the middle of the room.

‘Daddy’ voice shaking as he knelt at the small nest he’d created after Grandma was eaten, his Daddy’s blanket and his pillow, he wasn’t allowed to take them when Uncle Sky rescued him from left behind, he was only aloud his plush and some clothes, his Daddy’s jacket and Croco were lost in the tunnels.

 Shaking of the dusty blue pillow Branch clutched it to his chest, he refused to leave it behind again, hugging it close he tried to remember what his Daddy looked like, the picture he had was lost with his other things, and no one would let him look through the scrapbooks to look for a picture because they didn’t want him to make them grey, Uncle Sky had been kind and was able to give him one but someone tore it up when he brought it for show and tell.

 Branch had always remembered the way he smelled through, warm, safe and like blackberries, Daddy had always worn some kind of purple, lifting the sheet Branch brought it to his nose the smell of age, but there under it all the familiar safe smell he had missed everyday.

I had all and then most of you

Branch loved days like this, just him and his Daddy together, alone no one wanting Daddy’s attention.

Giggling as they walked along in almost matching clothes, his Daddy wore purple and he wore blue, smiling Branch held the bigger teal hand tight, as Daddy liked him every so often.

They were walking through the market stalls, daddy had a smile on his face, as Branch laughed at being scooped up and placed in the purple strands which wove around him, ‘nice and safe baby’, Branch giggled out a ‘yes’ as they carried on.

He never saw the scowl Spruce gave at the camera troll who was taking pictures of them.

Their trip to the market had finished Branch clinging to the new plushie Daddy bought him, yawning every so often, rubbing his face against the soft fabric humming happily as Daddy cuddled him against his chest, the steady thump of his heart beat under his ear, ‘you like him bug’ the soft hum was cut off by a wide yawn from the trolling.

‘Daddy’ Branch sleepy, nuzzling his face closer to the warm blackberry scent that he connected with his Daddy, a soft whoosh of air ran past him as he blinked slowly, when a soft bump woke him.

‘Sorry Baby’ a yawn escaped Branch as the warm scent of home washed over him, a soft hum had him snuggling back into the blackberry and safety he felt.

‘Daddy, I had the best day’ he murmured as a soft kiss was pressed to his head, his limbs shifting slowly as he was dressed in something warm, the zipping sound made him blink slowly once more as Daddys soft smile entered his vision, ‘love Da’ a yawn cut him off.

Croco in his arms, and a warm milk in his belly, Daddy cuddling him humming softly Branch closed his eyes safe in the knowledge his Daddy would always be there.

‘HE’S NOT DOING IT JOHN DORY THATS FINAL, I’M HIS DAD NOT YOU, YOU DON’T GET TO DESIDE WHATS BEST FOR HIM, I DO, AND HE’S NOT JOINING THE BAND, HE’S A BABY, MY BABY’ their bedroom door slammed shut, Daddys face was angry as unca JD was pushed out a magazine in his hands.

Branch stared at the door clutching the picture he made, sniffling Daddy was upset again, he had been for a lot of times, but this was the worst.

 Branch just wanted to make him feel better, like Daddy did for Branch, so he made a picture of them together making cupcakes, and hugging.

‘Hey bud’ he looked at the warm pink eyes of his unca Floy, who lifted him it a warm hold, tucking his face into the leaf vest the soft scent of Floyd soap in his nose, ‘Daddy’s had a bit of bad news, why don’t we give him a few minutes and bet he would love to see that picture’.

Clasping the magenta haired trolls’ neck as he was lifted Branch stared at the door, he’d been in troll care for a little while and even if he enjoyed it his missed his Daddy recently, and Grandma had picked him up a lot the last few times, even when he promised to.

‘Hey Bitty B’ Branch hid his face in Floyds neck if Daddy was mad at Unca JD so was Branch, ‘hey don't be like that’ a hand touched his head which he smacked away with a firm ‘NO’.

‘BRANCH, we don’t smack’ Floyd scolded gently grabbing his hand, tears welled in his eyes before he gave in and cried, he wanted his Daddy.

Someone scooped him up and he clung to the shirt when he realised it was his Daddy ‘It’s okay Baby I’ve got you, I’ve got you’ he was swayed gently and walked back to their bedroom, he was huddled safe against Daddys chest as he was told a story, the rumble under his ear.

Daddy promised he would be their to get Branch from troll care, it happened five times but Daddy always apologised and hugged him, even when he was tired, Branch didn’t care he just missed his Daddy.

 Some and now none of you

Unca JD had brought him from troll care early, waving at his friend’s, Branch clung to John’s neck.

‘Where we going unca JD?’

‘Surprise for your Daddy Bitty B.'

Branch took in the sight his head swivelling this way and that as he saw the unfamiliar pod, they went into a room which had cameras all around and lots of clothes hung up.

Branch didn’t like this, JD left him in the middle of the room, when the flashes started, blinking back spots, he hid his face behind his small hands, little body trembling, his hair hiding him quickly, he couldn’t control it like grown up trolls just yet but he could do this.

He want Croco and his Daddy, that was when he heard it ‘I TOLD YOU NO, LOOK AT HIM HES TERRIFIED’ a thump had Branch peaking out.

‘DADDY’ Branch was quickly scooped into strong familiar arms, cuddling close, he saw Unca's Clay and Floyd helping JD up from the floor, and back to Daddy who had a scary face, which quickly changed when he realised Branch was looking.

What the pair didn’t know was the cameras had started up again catching the tender moment between the two, ‘I told you he’s not joining the band’ his daddy growled.

Branch heard it, join the band, his ears wiggled at the idea, if he was in the band then he’d have more time with Daddy and they could sing together, all of them, it was his favourite thing to do.

‘I want to be in the band, please Daddy I can sing with you’ Branch chirped excited.

‘Bug I’ he was cut off by the magenta trollager.

‘It can’t hurt to let him sing a few songs, can it?’ Branch turned to see unca Floyd walking over, ‘he wouldn’t be on stage, he wouldn’t even have to be on the album, he clearly misses you Spruce, and you him’

‘Floyd, I, okay, okay’ Daddy looked at him, ‘You can be in the band, but you do as Daddy says okay’ Branch nodded quickly hugging Daddy tight as Daddys held him just as much he heard a sigh but didn’t understand.

Take me back to the night you left

Branch stared he didn’t know what to do, he listened to Daddy, he did, but he reached out as Daddy ripped his vest off and left, ‘Daddy’ little voice quiet and scared, he went to follow when he was lifted up by Unca Floyd, who placed him on the rug.

‘No Baby Branch you need to stay here’

‘You’re not leaving too’ his voice small and scared he didn’t want. Unca Floyd to go and he wanted his Daddy back.

‘I’ll be back, I promise’ he was wrapped into a warm hug, as the green leaf vest was wrapped around him.

‘you stay and take care of Grandma, okay?’ nodding as he got a nuzzle, ‘I’ll see you soon baby Branch’

Branch stared at the door, his Daddy left, Unca Floyd left, his felt his eyes burning, emotions bubbling in his belly, his little body shaking as he pulled the vest tight, ‘Daddy, Unca Floyd’ he squeaked, as everything bubbled up and out.

Sitting on his nappy clad bottom he sobbed.

‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy’ he was picked up and bundled in the vest and a another ‘DADDY’ he screamed into Grandma’s chest, rubbing his face hard against the fabric of her fluffy dressing gown, cradled close he felt the rocking starting.

Grandma humming softly under his ear, pulling the vests close, ‘Daddy’, his voice trembling, ‘Daddy’ he closed his eyes clinging to Grandma, ‘Daddy’ his eyes slipped closed as he fell asleep.

Everything caught up to the little one.

Branch stared out the pod window Daddys vest tight against him, his head turning this way and that searching for his Daddy, he promised hed be back today, ‘Grandma, Daddy’s coming home today, right?’.

Grandma nodding running a hand through his hair, ‘that’s what he said peachfuzz’ giggling at the name Branch purred nuzzling the purple hand, his head going back to window bouncing slightly.

The day wore on but he never stopped looking until it was dark, ‘Daddy’ his head bobbed up at a figure coming to the door.

‘GRANDMA, GRANDMA, DADDYS BACK, DADDYS BACK’ he screamed when a frantic knocking at pod door started, ‘GRANDMA’.

‘Alright peachfuzz, alright’ he clung to her leg,

Mr Sky stood at the door, ‘Rosie’ his voice was a soft as he held something Branch couldn’t see but made Grandma gasp.

‘Peach fuzz go wait in your room please’.

‘But Grandma’

‘Branch, baby please go wait in your bedroom for me’, Branch looking at Grandma, nodded with a pout, he ran and grabbed the pictures he made before scooting.

He heard Grandma cry, as saw Mr Sky hugging her, they were talking low that Branch couldn't hear it all but he heard enough.

‘Bergan, Spruce’s bag, sorry and gone’.

Branch knew those words, he stared at the pictures he made, him and Daddy in a fort, cuddling, baking, he tore them up and curled in Daddys bed, bundled under the purple vest and blue sheets.

He held a picture of them together when Branch was a hatchling, he had fallen hugging the picture close.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do

Bruce had left the safe hold of his wife and home, he was sat on his board a small wreath of blue island flowers twenty-two in total, one for each birthday, and one purple heart for him, he held the shell in his hand, a soft happy birthday song on his lips the final note lingering, and set the flowers floating off.

‘Happy Birthday Branch, I miss you’.

Bruce pressed his head to the flowers and set them in the water, watching long after they were our of his sight.

Haunted by the ghost of you

Branch stood crafting a makeshift sack to carry some things back to his bunker, with the utmost care he took the pictures down, the felt figures dim, but he recognised the trolls by the colours of their hair.

Uncles John Dory, Goggles, Uncle Clay, Book, Uncle Floyd, Guitar and Grandma her colours familiar.

And then he found it his Dad, he traced the features, they shared the same nose and crooked smile, the same flashes of purple in his hair matched his Dads.

This was his Daddy, tucking the picture in his pocket safe and close to his heart.

‘I miss you Daddy, I love you’.

Oh, take me back to the night I/You left.

Unknown to father and son, in that moment they looked at the same star and made the same wish.

To see each other one more time, to tell the other how much they loved them and just one more hug.

Oh, take me back to the night I/You left.

Unknown to father and son, in that moment they looked at the same star and made the same wish.

To see each other one more time, to tell the other how much they loved them and just one more hug.