Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When the invitation arrived, Barb didn't really know what to do with it. 

She never got mail like this from Branch!

Yeah she'd get the occasional letter asking how she was, if she was remembering to take breaks and eat when doing her queenly duties, how her dad was, stuff like that!

But this? This was something new! Something weird!

You are invited to a sleepover in Pop Village

Where: The Bunker

When: May 19th-21st

Host: Branch

Please arrive by 2pm and place a recommendation for dinner in the box by the elevator 

P.S. Please, please, please bring a guest.

 It was a sleepover invitation.

A sleepover held by Branch.

By. Branch.

And to top it all off it was a THREE DAY long sleepover.

Something was definitely wrong with her little brother.

So what was she gonna do?

What the fuck do you think?

Running down the hall with her very full knapsack hanging off her right arm, Barb managed to grab Riff by the arm as he walked out the kitchen.

“Whoa! Where's the flood?” Riff cried out as he was dragged down the hall and towards the front door.

“We're going to Branchs’! Now!” She yelled, which drew the attention of Sid Fret who was about to squirt some cheese into his mouth and Carol who had been trying to reach something under the couch.

The two looked at each other then watched Barb try to open the door while holding a struggling Riff.

“Uh…Barb? You okay?” Sid Fret called out.

“Huh? Sid! Carol! You're coming with! Queen's orders!” The rock Queen shouts when she manages to get the door open.

“Coming where?” Carol frowned curiously. 

“Something's wrong with Branch! He's having a three day sleepover and he even begged for me to bring guests with me!” Barb frowns as she lets go of Riff to slip her pack on. “AND HE HATES PEOPLE!”

The three other rock trolls share a concerned look then step together.

“Well, even if something is wrong with Branch, we still need to get our stuff. We can't just go empty handed.” Carol frowned. “Give us five minutes to get our stuff and we'll meet up with you outside.”

“Ugh! Fine! Just hurry up! My little brother might be hurt!” Barb screamed as she left the house. 

The three trolls were silent for a moment or two before running for their rooms, not having wanted to worry their friend by showing how worried they were themselves.

If anything had hurt their friend, somebody was gonna die.

Staring down at the invitation he'd just received from the mail troll, King Quincy hummed curiously.

This was strange. He's never gotten something like this from Branch before.

Yes, he and Essence had gotten letters containing bits of information about Cooper (his likes and dislikes, what to do if he had a nightmare, if he had to go to the doctors and became scared, and how to find him if he got lost) or just asking how the Royal Funky family was doing.

But he'd never received something like a sleepover invite before.

According to Cooper, Branch hated having people in his bunker since people were messy and tended to break or steal his things.

So for him to invite trolls he barely even knows to a sleepover must've been a big step!

So, with a smile he went to inform his family and to collect a guest…if he could find one.

Delta had always thought it'd be a cold day in hell when Branch ever held a party willingly.

But imagine her surprise when she got an invite to a sleepover at Branch' s bunker that said she could bring a guest!

Honestly it put some worry into her heart as she remembered how she had found Branch hiding during the Pop Village Party after the world tour.

His fur was all puffed up, his eyes were squeezed shut and his claws had been digging into his head.

It took her and Growly Pete at least twenty minutes before they managed to get him out from the tight wedge he'd squeezed himself into and they'd only managed that because they baited him out with his favorite snack, chocolate covered almonds.

The poor dear had clung to Delta and seemed so much smaller than he really was.

She still didn't know what brought it on but it honestly broke her heart with the way he clung to her and Growly Pete before he left to do his performance with Prince D.

“What's wrong Delta?” A gruff voice asked from behind her.

Turning, she frowned at the sight of not only Growly Pete himself but the visiting yodeling trolls, Hickory and Dickory.

Getting an idea she quickly perked up and turned towards them.

“Boys, I need ya help with somethin’.”

Flipping through his mail, Trollzart hadn't expected to see one that was addressed from Branch, one of the only pop trolls that he could stand.

Grabbing his letter opener, he cut it open and pulled out a fancy looking invitation that had very slight glitter around the border.

Furrowing his brows he glared at the paper in confusion. Didn't Branch hate glitter?

He could remember when Poppy had been teaching the other tribe leaders about scrapbooking, Branch had just been silently working on a diorama of a cave and had been working on the bats when Poppy tried to sprinkle some glitter on them.

But Branch had scooped up his pom pom bats and ran to a corner, hissing at the offending sparkles.

In fact, after that he'd stayed in the corner and asked Barb to bring him his cave.

After he was done he had proudly shown it off and, if he was honest, it was amazingly done.

The bats hung from the top of the box with thin, see-through fishing line, the area around them had been colored in with oil pastels, the rocky surface had been made with what looked like stoney surface themed stickers and a little pond had been made with blue tissue paper with little fish and even a techno troll drawn on it.

After the meeting was over he'd given it to Barb who took it with a look of awe and had even become slightly teary eyed.

Frowning, he realized he had gotten off subject and looked down at his invite. 

A sleepover?

How long has it been since he's been to one of those?

After reading it over he frowned and sat in his office chair to think things over.

Could Branch be sick?

He had willingly used something he hated and was holding a party!

According to Poppy, Branch had never hosted one before.

So maybe he was sick and it wasn't curable!

Sitting up straight he was suddenly struck by fear.

Was that it?! 

Was one of his favorite trolls dying?!

Quickly checking his calendar, he bit his lip.

Today was the 18th, which meant the party wasn't until tomorrow!

He had a whole day to pack and collect as much medicine as he could for Branch.

Getting out of his chair, he quickly flew towards his chicken to start getting to work on some special soup for his friend.

He had to ensure his friend's health!

“King Trollex!”

Jumping in shock when his name was called, the Techno King looked around until he saw his little buddy, Beatdrop.

“Hey little buddy! What's goin’ on?” He asks curiously, seeing a piece of laminated paper in his friend's mouth.

“You got an invite to somethin’!”

Humming softly he took the paper from his friend's mouth and started to read. 

When he saw it was from Branch he felt his heart skip a beat and his cheeks warm.

He knew it was no secret to his people that he had a bit of a crush on the Pop Troll Ambassador and that he had a secret rivalry with his own little brother, Synth, since he seemed to like Branch as well.

He quickly read it over and grinned brightly.

It was a sleepover!

Branch was inviting him to a sleepover!

Giving a happy spin he raced to his room and started to pack a few things away into a clamshell suitcase. 

“Oh! I'll bring him some snacks as well!” He grinned as he zipped around his bedroom.

Now…who to bring with him?

When he had gotten the invite, Tresillo had been surprised that Branch had sent a letter instead of the normal care packages he'd send of things from different territories.

But when he saw it was for a sleepover he hummed curiously.

He didn't know that adults could have sleepovers.

“What's wrong Tres?” He heard one of his wives ask.

Turning he saw it was Marimba who was whisking some eggs in a bowl, staring at him curiously.

“Branch invited us to a sleepover. I didn't know adults could have one of those.” He stated as he walked back into the house.

After shutting the door he held out the invite to his wife who took it with curiosity in her eyes. 

After she read it over, she smiled and ran towards the living room where Tambora was trying to fix their toaster.

“Tami! We're going to a sleepover!” She said while bouncing in excitement.

Chuckling, Tresillo walked towards their room to find their sleeping bags.

It would be best if he packed early. His girls would be too excited to sleep tonight and end up forgetting to pack something.

Once he got to the room he sighed and smiled softly. He'd be lying if he said he didn't have a tiny amount of feelings for the pop troll.

He knew it was bad considering that the pop troll was in a relationship with the Queen of Pop but hey, a man can dream.

“Sir?”

Looking up from his paperwork, Sky Toronto hummed in greeting to his loyal secretary…whatever his name was.

“Branch just delivered this for you.” The male troll smiled as he placed an envelope on Skys’ desk.

“Hm…thank you. Is that all?” He asks as he picks up the blue envelope.

“Well he did seem pretty frazzled so that's a bit worrying.” The other glitter troll frowned. “And he had one of his brothers with him.”

“Boom?” The CEO questions as he takes the folded piece of paper out of its paper prison.

“Actually…John Dory.”

Before he could flip open the letter he looked up at his secretary and glanced towards the picture he kept on his desk of the day he officially adopted Branch.

The little grey troll was clinging to his leg while a slightly younger Sky was smiling fondly down at him while holding his adoption certificate, Boom grinning ear to ear behind Branch.

“John Dory, hm?” He asks curiously.

“Yes sir.” The other nodded. “For some reason he glared at me when I shook hands with Branch and when they were leaving, I heard him say something about germs while rubbing some hand sanitizer onto Branch' s paw.”

“Hm…alright, thank you for telling me. You're dismissed.”

The other troll quickly left back to his desk.

Sighing, he leaned back in his chair and flipped open the letter.

“A sleepover, huh?” He muttered. “Tomorrow…”

Leaning forward he pressed the button that connected him to the speaker on his secretary's desk. “Cancel all my meetings for the next three days and contact my son, tell him to get his sparkly butt back home. Now.”

Standing, Sky sighed and walked to his large window and looked down to see John Dory cradling a half asleep Branch in his arms. His teal hand was gently stroking his side while his lips moved, his eyes shining with love. What was strange though was John Dory was holding Branch' s head close to his chest and it seemed like Branch was fighting it.

He was about to move away from his window when the younger man glanced up at him and gave him an eerie grin, his eyes shining red.

Jumping back, he held himself tightly.

What the hell was that?

Shaking his head, he moved away from the window and rushed for his desk. 

He'll worry about that later.

Chapter Text

Branch sighed softly as he curled up under his umbrella. 

Today was the day of his first ever sleepover and he was honestly worried. 

He wasn't worried he'd be a bad host or anything, Poppy had already taught him everything he needed to know after all. Glancing at his bunker's entrance, he sighed and dug gently at the ground with his forefinger. 

But he was worried about how his brothers would react.

For the past couple of weeks, something had seemed off about his family.

It had started after he had allowed them to help him gather some flowers for Grandma Rosiepuffs birthday.

He'd just been peacefully picking some beautiful tulips when he heard Floyd shout in alarm.

Being the “worry wort” he was, he ran for where he'd seen his brothers picking their flowers and found all four of them laying in the grass with a single, wilted flower, between them.

It took a few minutes to get them up and make sure they weren't hurt but when they were up they started to…act strange.

John Dory and Bruce had both started to call him their baby while Clay and Floyd were exceptionally clingy.

But the weirdest and most annoying part is that all four of them started to treat him as if he was a baby!

He couldn't walk around the village without at least one of his brothers with him or talk to anyone they didn't know because of “stranger danger”.

He wasn't allowed to cook without Bruce watching over him and even then he wasn't allowed to use the stove or oven.

He couldn't stay up to do his work anymore since he had a strict bedtime, that being 10pm.

His diet was changed from his normal, six cups of coffee and dinner to five meals a day, that includes small snacks throughout the day.

Ugh his stomach has never felt so full…

Oh! And the absolutely most horrid part is-!

“No more coffee! You are way too young to be drinking that stuff, got it?”

Sighing, he rolled over onto his back and yawned.

Muses he couldn't wait for his friends to get here. He hated being alone with his brothers now. It was…for lack of a better word, scary. 

He didn't want to be afraid of his brothers but after he'd told them about some of the other trolls that would bully him as a cub…well those same trolls went missing along with some of his weapons the very next day.

Then there were those times he woke up to find his brothers in his bed, whispering how much they love him and how much they wished they could tell him the truth.

Those were the scariest.

Not only because they managed to get into his bed without him noticing at first but because they would-

“Branch!”

Shooting up from his resting spot, Branch smiled when he saw Barb walking over with…oh damn. 

Okay so there was Riff, Sid Fret, Carol, Val and Demo…why did she bring a small army?

“Barb!” He cheerfully smiles.

He quickly stood and rushed for his adoptive big sister.

Once he was close enough, he jumped into her arms and snuggled into her neck. With a soft sigh of content, he wrapped his legs around her waist. 

“Hey Branchie baby, you okay? What's going on?” Barb whispered as she started to check him over for wounds.

Smiling, he jumps down and lets her check him over. She was being very thorough so he wasn't surprised when she found the battle wounds he'd gotten from fighting Velvet and Veneer.

They were just small bruises and a couple of scrapes but he knew he was gonna get fussed over the entire time that the Rock Queen was at his home.

Looking at the rest of his friends, he smiled and waved happily at which he got some happy waves back.

“Thanks for inviting us Branch!” Demo smiles. “Been a while since we've hung out!”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Branch sighed. “After my brothers found out that I'd snuck out to come do the music video with you they kinda grounded me from coming to see you so late.” 

“Grounded…? Aren't you in your twenties? Why are they grounding you?” The blue haired troll questions.

“Hold on man…what music video?” Riff spoke up curiously.

“Oh! I decided to dip my toes into - ow - a new subgenre and Demo helped me with the music video for the song.” The formerly grey troll says while rubbing the back of his neck. “The music video was a bit embarrassing to make but I trusted Demo to keep it a secret until the premiere.”

“You can count on me Branch!” Demo laughed merrily. “Oh! Speaking of which, the premiere is tonight and I have a feeling you're gonna have a very excited Queen knocking pretty soon.”

Chuckling, Branch shook his head. “No way, Poppy is out camping with Viva and Peppy. She won't be back for a couple days.” He smiled.

“Branch! Time for-oh…uh…hello.”

Jumping at the new voice, the greyish troll quickly turned to see Bruce standing a few feet behind him with a plate of food. 

He noticed pretty quickly when his brother held the plate way tighter than he should've. “Ah! You must be Branch' s…friends! I'm Bruce, his second eldest brother!” The purple haired troll grinned stiffly.

With a gulp, Branch walked over and gently took the plate in his paws. “Th-Thank’s Bruce.” The younger troll said softly, moving to go back under his umbrella when Bruce grabbed him by the wrist.

“Branch! Don't be rude, introduce me to your friends.” His brother said through grit teeth.

The paw on his wrist squeezed hard and he couldn't hold back the whimper of pain. As soon as that noise left him, another paw appeared and yanked him away from his brother.

“What's your problem man?” Barb growled, holding Branch close. “You were hurting him!”

Bruce flinched and looked at Branch’s sheepish face.

“I…I'm sorry Branch, baby.” Bruce whispered in a voice filled with shame. “I guess I…I still need to learn how to control my strength when it comes to trolls.”

“It-It’s alright…uh…thanks for the food!” The younger tried, holding up his plate of cheesy meat and rice. “This looks good! What uh…what is it?”

This made Bruce perk up as he proudly puffed out his chest. “That my dear baby brother is my own twist on my dear Brandy' s favorite Italian Beef and Rice! It's my own twist because I know you hate onions and I used cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella since I know you like cheddar, better!”

Branch hummed and took a tentative bite, very wary of new foods.

But when the flavor hit his tongue, he hummed excitedly and started taking big bites.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down Branch!” Riff laughed. “Nobody's gonna take it from ya.”

Flushing from ear to ear, Branch plopped down in the grass and happily ate. His feet wiggled side to side while he took smaller and much slower bites.

“Dubstep!”

Perking up, Branch looked up to see Synth and Trollex walking over with duffle bags hanging off their arms.

Tilting his head he tried to think of the reason they'd need them but came up blank so he just smiled and waved. 

He went to stand but a cold drink being pressed against his face made him yelp and slide closer to Demo who gently held him by the shoulders.

“Haha! Sorry baby Branch!” Clay laughed cheerfully. “Thought I'd bring ya a nice cold lemonade to go with your meal!”

Before Branch could say anything in response, Synth and Trollex stepped in front of him. “Hey man, not cool!” Trollex hissed.

“Yeah! Branch already has bad enough paranoia, he doesn't need to think he has to watch his back while eating too!” Synth huffed.

Clay frowned and rolled his eyes. “Chill out.” He huffed before pushing past them to get to Branch. “He's my baby brother. I can tease him a bit if I want.”

With a gentle smile, Clay held out the plastic cup towards Branch. “Here baby, drink every drop okay? I made it special.”

Branch frowned and peeked into the glass. He gave it a sniff and he immediately felt on edge. 

Strawberry lemonade. His favorite.

Glancing up at his brother he saw that his smile was genuine but his eyes shined with…something scary. Looking back down at the drink again he slowly took a sip but let it slip out of his mouth and back into the cup. He swallowed to make it seem like he had drunk some but the look in the older troll's eyes told him that he didn't believe him.

The older man's smile had slipped a bit, his once still tail started to flick in the air and he swore he saw a flicker of anger form in his eyes for just a second before he closed his eyes for a moment.

Moving his tongue in his mouth he frowned when he felt something…greasy(?) coating his mouth. 

Just like every other cup of lemonade.

“Branch.”

Jumping at the angry tone, Branch looked up to see Clay grinning at him but his jaw was clenched tight, as if he was angry. 

“It's just lemonade. It won't hurt you.” He smiled. “So…drink it properly.”

“Clay.” Bruce hissed as he walked up behind the troll. “Lay off him. If he's not thirsty, he's not thirsty.”

The man scoffed and stood, dusting off his dirty knees. “Whatever.” The troll huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

Seeing that his brother was upset, Branch took a deep breath and lifted the glass to his lips but before he could pour any into his mouth a golden hand was placed over the top.

Stopping he looked up and gasped at the sight of Sky Toronto.

The older troll gently took the cup from him and brought the cup to his nose. Once he took a sniff he flinched back before frowning. 

“Clayton Timber.” The man hissed which made Clay jump and look at him.

Sky poured the drink out onto the ground before crushing the cup. He tossed the empty container back at the yellowish-greenish haired one, who caught it with a frown, and gave him a glare.

“If I catch you giving your brother that shit again, you'll regret it.” Sky hissed before turning to Branch. “And you, you don't have to drink or eat anything that those two give you just because they make you feel bad. Got it?”

“Y-Yes sir.” Branch nodded. 

“Good boy.” The older troll states as he pats the black hair.

Branch gained a soft smile before hugging the older male. When he felt arms wrap around him he sighed. 

“Hey dad.” He whispered.

“Hello son.” The golden glitter troll smiled softly. “I've missed you too.”

Once they were separated, Branch dusted some of the glitter off himself and laughed. “I'm glad you could make it.” He smiled.

“Branch!”

Jumping, Branch got into a fighting stance before being scuffed by Sky. “It's just your friends, kid. You're fine.”

Oh right.

He invited a lot more than just the Techno trolls and Rock trolls.

Looking up he gasps at the sight of Hickory running over with Dickory right behind him with a slight smile.

“Guys!” He laughed when he was put down.

“Branch!” Hickory laughs, skidding to a stop in front of the other.

Branch laughed and high fives the country/yodeling troll. “Whoo doggie, it's been forever!” The taller troll laughed.

“Yeah it has.” Branch chuckled. “Guess we've both been busy.”

“Ugh yeah. So many bounties, so little time.” Hickory sighed. “But anyways, your first time hostin’! You excited?”

“A bit nervous but yeah. Pretty excited.”

“Guten Nachmittag allerseits!” Dickory smiled when he finally caught up.

“Guten Tag, Dickory.” Branch greeted.

“Ah! Branch, you remembered your German lessons!” The shorter troll laughed merrily.

“Of course! I've had an amazing teacher!” 

The two shared a laugh as the sound of hooves hitting grass got close.

“Branch!” 

Looking up again, Branch yelped when he was suddenly hugged tightly by a blur of blue and orange.

Quickly pushing away out of shock he holds up his hands and looks the troll over. When he saw it was just Holly Darling he sighed in relief and quickly hugged his friend.

Once the hug was over, the country troll grinned and chuckled. “Sorry about the sudden hug. It's just been so long! Whatcha doin’ staying all cooped up again? Ya ain’t sick are ya?”

Branch laughed and shook his head.

“No, no, nothing like that.” He laughs. “Just uh…family matters.”

“Family? I didn't know you had relatives!” Holly smiled.

“Yeah, these are two of them!” The shorter troll smiles, gesturing to his brothers. “The purple haired one is my second oldest brother, Bruce, and the one in the romper is my third oldest brother, Clay!”

“Well it's mighty nice ta meet cha both!” The country troll cheerfully spoke as she stepped close to the brothers.

Bruce and Clay gave friendly waves but they didn't look too excited.

“Uh, Branch? Don't you think this is a lot of people?” Clay chuckled nervously just as Gust, Delta and Growly walked up.

Branch frowned but did look around and, yeah, he had to admit that there were a lot of people.

There was Hickory, Dickory, Barb, Riff, Sid Fret, Demo, Val, Carol, Trollex, Synth, Holly, Gust, Delta, Growly Pete and Sky Toronto. All together that makes…

Quickly counting on his fingers, Branch frowns the further up the number gets.

Fifteen…that makes fifteen.

Turning to his brother's with his fingers still moving as he recounted he gave his best pouty look.

“But…they're my friends.” He mumbles, looking down slightly. “I…I haven't seen them in a while and I just…”

He knew he won when he saw his brothers sag with a soft coo.

“Aww…okay, okay.” Bruce sighed. “It'd be rude to send anyone away anyways.”

“Yeah, that and it'd be pretty mean to let Branchs’ hard work go to waste.” Clay smiled. “But this is gonna be a lotta trips down.”

“There's still at least three other tribe groups coming.” Branch smiled.

“...I repeat, A LOT of trips down.”

Taking a few deep breaths as he walked, Branch kept an eye out for his last two brothers as he knew they were the ones that had despised the idea of a sleepover all together.

They had adamantly said no to the whole thing but they caved when Branch had said that he'd let them have one private activity without the others together.

They had both agreed immediately with John Dory expressing how he couldn't wait to take him fishing and Floyd gushing how cute he was going to dress Branch.

“Branch? You okay?” He hears Barb question behind him.

“Huh? Oh yeah, yeah…I'm fine.” He mutters as he walks towards the new addition to the bunker.

“You sure man? You're biting your fingers.”

Stopping, Branch looked down at his hand which was suspiciously close to his mouth and quickly moved it.

“I…uh…sorry. I'm fine. Just uh…just hope you guys will like the sleepover roo-” Before Branch got to finish his sentence he ran straight into a broad chest.

“Whoa, careful baby Branch.” 

Looking up, Branch gulped at the sight of John Dory dressed in a light blue dress shirt that had the first few buttons undone, black shorts with a Brozone patch on the left leg and holding a mug of coffee.

“S-Sorry Johnny.” Branch says softly as his hair is ruffled.

“No harm done, I just don't want you getting hurt baby.” John smiled warmly. “Imagine if I was a wall or something. You could've busted your little nose!”

Chuckling nervously, Branch rubbed his arm and glanced back at his friends.

This must've caught John Dory's eye since he looked back at them as well. He frowned but still pulled Branch in for a side hug. 

“So…these are your friends then?”

“Yep…these are them!” He grinned nervously.

Johnny spent a few seconds looking the new trolls over before looking down at Branch. “Any of them troublemakers?”

“Why is he talking like a dad?” Branch huffed to himself.

“No. Well…Synth and Val can be kinda loud but that's it.” He admits.

“Hm…as long as they don't keep you up past your bedtime.” The older troll hums as he sips his coffee.

Muses it is taking a lot out of him to not try and steal the mug.

“I'm not a child…” He mumbles while crossing his arms.

When a paw landed on his shoulder he felt fear strike him like a hyper Keith.

“Branch…what have I told you about pouting?” His brother smiled tightly.

“I-I’m-” Before Branch could continue, his stomach growled loudly which made him flush a bright red.

Fortunately this made John Dory laugh and shake his head. “Someone skipped lunch!” He chides. “Don't worry, your big bro will get ya something.”

Before Branch could say anything else, John Dory was walking off with a big determined smile.

Sighing, he rubs his face and looks up at his friends.

Some of them looked concerned while others looked like they'd seen something they shouldn't have.

Ugh…this is gonna be a long sleepover.

Chapter Text

Seeing the room up ahead, Branch smiled and quickly stepped in front of the doors. Once everyone was gathered, he put his hands behind his back.

“Okay so since I don't have enough rooms for everyone just yet and since I didn't know how many people would be coming, I thought that…that maybe it'd be a good idea to…build this.” 

With that, Branch turned to the doors and pushed them open to reveal a beautiful carved out alcove complete with a small pond with resting docks for swimmers.

There were flowers in brightly colored pots hanging from the ceiling, a little book nook carved into a wall, an area full of bunk beds with night lights on the headboards and a large rug with dozens of board games strung about.

“Whoa!” Val gasped. “Branch! You did all of this?!” 

“Lexi! Look! There's a pond and-!” Synth gasped in happiness as he pointed at the pond. “And there's toys!”

Branch smiled and led everyone further in.

“Go ahead and choose a bunk!” He calls out. “Don't worry about there not being enough room. I have cots and extra beds I can bring out of storage.”

Once everyone got moving, excitedly picking their bunks, Branch walked over to the book nook and pulled a book about Sleepovers off the shelf. He quickly flipped through it and frowned when he couldn't find the page he had been on. 

“Hey…Branch?”

“Hm?” He hums as he looks up to see Carol watching him with a frown.

“How uh…how long did this all take…? You did remember to take breaks right?” She asks in concern.

Branch smiled and closed his book. “Don't worry Carol. I took breaks and I didn't do it alone. After I got found out I had my brother's, Poppy, Viva, Biggie and Smidges help!” He chuckles. “They bribed me with chocolate almonds. My one weakness.”

The two shared a laugh before Carol ran off to pick her bunk.

Branch went to look in his book again but when he spotted raspberry red hair, he quickly put the book away. He ran over to his brother and stood in front of him with a smile. “He-Hey Floyd!” He says in a tense voice. 

“Hey Branch.” The older troll smiled, leaning on his cane a bit. “When Poppy said you had a lot of friends, I didn't expect this many.”

“Y-Yeah…” He laughed. “Kinda surprised me too.”

When a paw gently held his face he sighed and leaned into it with a tiny smile. “Well my little Branch is a handsome boy, so it makes sense that you'll have a lot of friends.”

“Floyd…” He huffed in embarrassment.

Floyd chuckled and pulled his hand away. “Sorry baby, couldn't help it.” He smiled. “Now come on, Johnny found your beef and rice.”

At the thought of having his new favorite food, Branch felt his tail start to sway. “Sweet!” He smiled.

Floyd smiled and took his paw in his. “Come on bub.” He says softly, sending a glare over the younger's shoulder.

Before he could look, Branch was dragged out of the room and towards his kitchen.

“Now Branch, just because your friends are here that doesn't mean you don't have any expectations. Okay?” His brother said softly as they walked.

“Expectations?” The tealish troll asks curiously.

“Yes, like going to bed on time, eating all your dinner, staying away from knives and so on. Everything that was already expected of you.” 

“Oh, so that's what he meant.” Branch smiled, hopping in beside his brother.

“Okay, I get it.” He says with a smile.

“Good boy.” Floyd smiled back, leaning up to kiss the side of his brother's head.

When a loud gurgle made Branch flush as red as his brother's hair, the older troll laughed and dragged his brother deeper into the bunker.

“Branch!”

Jumping, both trolls looked over and gaped at the sight of Trollzart carrying many, many, many bottles of medicine, a few first aid kits and an overflowing bag of medical goods.

Branch quickly walked over to his friend and helped him hold the large pile of gear. “Trollzart! What are you doing? Are-Are we in a war again?!” He quickly asked.

“What? Oh! No! These are for you, my boy!” The glittery troll frowned.

“Wha…? Uh…th-thank you?” Branch frowned.

“What are you doing up?! You should be on bed rest! You're sick!” 

“I'm…I'm what?” The younger troll frowned in confusion.

“You're sick! That's why you are doing this sleepover!” The other cried. 

Oh…well Branch couldn't blame him. This was out of the ordinary for him.

“Trollzart…I'm fine. I just had a check up! I'm in perfect health...besides some blood pressure problems…!”

“SEE! YOU ARE SICK!” 

Oh boy…

Twenty minutes of explaining later…

“So you just wanted to have a sleepover to see all of your friends again?” 

“That's right. I'm not sick, I'm not dying, I'm fine! But thank you for worrying about me.” Branch smiled warmly.

The golden troll in front of him sighed in relief and placed a paw to his chest. “Thank goodness.” 

Chuckling, Branch turned to introduce his brother when he saw that the raspberry red haired troll was glaring daggers at the conductor. But what scared the ex-grey troll was the red that was slowly taking over his purple.

Quickly rushing to his brother he wrapped him up in a hug and gave a tiny whimper to try and distract the older.

Luckily it worked as Floyd gently held his face and softly churred to him. “Aww, my baby…” He whispered as he gently rubbed his thumb over a scar on the youngers face. “You're okay, Mama's here now.”

Ah…right. He almost forgot about that. 

Apparently he was a very confused child as he used to call Floyd “Mama” and Clay “Papa”. He was told that he was basically a duckling to his two immediate older brothers.

And now that whatever is happening, is happening…well the two have basically all but threatened him to call them by the old titles.

It has led to some very embarrassing story telling to others by the duo and happy squealing from the royal sisters.

…Also some very jealous stares from John Dory and Bruce.

“Come on baby, let's go fill your belly huh? You must be starved.”

Almost as if on cue, Branchs’ stomach gave an angry growl that made him double over.

“Oh my poor baby…” Floyd whispered, gently leading him to the kitchen.

But when they arrived they found Branchs’ band, Kismet, glaring daggers at his brothers.

“Guys?” Branch whispered in awe, his tail starting to wag.

As one, the two groups turned towards Branch. 

“Creepy…”

“Branchie!” Boom cheered as he ran over.

When he was wrapped in a tight hug, Branch sighed and relaxed into his adoptive brother's hold.

“Hey Boom…” He whispers.

When they pulled away, Boom gently held his face and tilted it this way and that. 

“No new scars, no new wounds…you look ok…you've definitely gained some weight which is awesome and you look nice and bright…” The sparkly troll whispered. “How do you feel?”

“I feel great…but…what are you doing here? Aren't you guys supposed to be on an inspirational road trip?” Branch whispered. 

“Well-” “They're my plus ones.”

Leaning back in Booms’ hold, Branch watches as Sky Toronto walks in with his arms behind his back. “I asked them to come and support you, as brothers do.” The elder troll frowns, glancing at the former Brozone members.

“Yeah!” Boom smiled, hugging Branch again.

“Your first sleepover that's not with just stuffies or us!” Trickee smiled. “We wanted to come and help ya out.”

“Ya know, in case people got too rowdy…” Ablaze spoke up.

“Or if you need help feeding everyone.” Hype chuckled, pulling some cooking utensils out of his hair.

Before Branch could say anything, an arm pulled him away from Boom and into Bruces’ side.

“Sorry to disappoint but Branchs’ real brothers got this.” The purple haired troll huffed. “We are more than prepared to take care of Branch and his…friends.”

“Yeah? So you know Branchs’ friends dietary restrictions?” Hype huffed. “Like Synth and Trollex can't have spicy food because it messes with their stomachs, Barb hates sweet things, so does Carol, Sid Fret and Riff….Val doesn't mind it and neither does Demo…Hickory and Dickory sleep with weapons so no sneaking up on them or shaking them awake, ya know, the simple things.”

Bruce blinked before clearing his throat.

“Yes…well…I knew all of that.” He hummed as Branch gently played with his necklace.

“Mhm.” The teal glitter troll hummed. “Did you also know that Branch can't have brown rice? He gets an upset belly.”

“Ugh, I hate brown rice.” John Dory commented with a look of disgust.

“Me too.” Branch frowned, touching his belly.

“...okay so that means I can't make that for dinner…” Bruce frowned before looking down at Branch.

Said troll was now happily holding Booms’ paw and swinging their arms with a laugh.

With a sigh, he smiles warmly at his baby brother. “Alright…you can stay.” He mutters. “But you have to help with dinner, we have a lot of trolls to feed.”

“Deal.” Trickee smiled as he took Branchs’ paw. “Hey buddy? You mind showing us where to set up the nest?”

That made the younger trolls tail shoot right up in excitement. Bouncing he quickly yanks the pineapple hairdo-ed troll towards the sleepover room.

Okay, maybe this'll be better than he thought.

Watching his Kismet brothers carefully craft a nest out of comforters, spare blankets and pillows, Branch whined impatiently. He stomped his feet slightly, just barely lifting them before he put them down again.

“Almost done bud.” Ablaze calls out as he places another pillow down.

“Why don't you go talk to some of your friends? We'll call you over when the nest is ready.” Boom smiled kindly. “I promise.”

Well…Boom promised…

Nodding he turned towards where his friends were making their beds with their own special bedding. Looking around he spots Tresillo, his wives and the Kpop trolls walking in.

The kpop trolls looked excited and were giggling to themselves as they started to place their bags down while the reggaeton trolls were looking around in awe.

Grinning, he runs over and waves towards his bounty hunter friends. “Hey guys!” He calls out. “Welcome!”

“브랜치!” The kpop gang cry, quickly tackle hugging the other.

Yelping in surprise, Branch accepted his fate and fell to the ground covered in his friends.

Quickly wiggling out of the pile he tried to not let it show that he was uncomfortable.

He still didn't know how to tell them that he didn't like touching all that much.

“What did you all just call him?” Tresillo questions as he put his arm around Branchs’ shoulder. 

“브랜치! It's his name in Korean!” Baby Bun laughed while sitting up. “Like you call him Ramon!”

“Oh. Respect.” The reggaeton troll smiled before turning to Branch. “Thanks for the invite man. Started to think you forgot about us.”

“What? No! You're my friends! I'd never forget about you.” Branch smiled, giving the other a side hug before stepping aside.

Looking over to where the beds were filling up, he frowned. “But you lot should go pick out your beds before they all fill up. There are some beds big enough for multiple people and close to an outlet so you may want to snag them.”

At that, Gomdori quickly ran for the beds. This made the others laugh.

“See ya Branch! We gotta set up our nest!” Wani giggled before being pulled away.

“Yeah, I gotta go set up ours as well.” Tresillo smiled. “Talk to you later, ‘kay?”

When the other three left, Branch wrung his paws together and looked around to find a distraction when he felt eyes on him.

A gentle paw was placed on his shoulder which made him look up to see Riff giving him a friendly smile.

“Hey dude, you okay?” He asks softly.

Before he got to answer, he spotted John Dory and Bruce staring at them with a red gleam in their eyes. Gulping he nods and moves away from the rock troll. 

“I'm good…” He whispers.

It's usually hard to tell what Riff is feeling since his eyes are always covered but he could tell that he was looking at his brothers. “What's with them?” The rock troll huffed.

“Wish I knew…” Branch mumbled, catching his friend's attention.

The black haired troll frowned and went to say something when Demo walked over. “Hey Branch! Release in less than an hour! Are you excited?”

Laughing, the pop troll nods. “Yeah! If…if not a bit nervous.” 

“Hey, don't worry! I know it'll do amazing and, if I may be so bold, you looked amazing in your costume!” Demo smiled, playfully elbowing his friend.

Another laugh bubbled out of Branch as he playfully batted at his friend's arm.

“Costume?” Riff questions curiously.

“You'll see man!” The spikey haired troll smiled. “Oh! Branch, I have a couple things to ask you. Do you mind if we go someplace private?”

“Hm? No! No, not at all. We can go talk in my office.” He replies softly. 

Stepping back, he yelps when he feels someone there. Jumping forward and into Demos’ arms he turned back to see Bruce and JD standing there with angry looks across their faces. 

“So you're Demo?” Bruce huffed. “Aren't you like, my age?”

“Yeah. Why are you hanging around our little baby?” JD hums. “What, you hoping he'll put out? You wanna take his virginity or something?”

Branch went pale at his brother's words. 

Looking up at Demo he sees that the other troll has a dark look forming in his eyes. 

“Excuse me?” Demo hissed. “Do I look like that kind of troll?!”

“Yeah, ya do actually.” The purple haired brother huffed again. “That's why we said it!”

Seeing that the arguing was gaining a crowd, Branch tried to get away but his eldest brother grabbed him by the arm and yanked him back.

“Our baby isn't interested in sex.” The oldest hissed. “At least not with a disgusting troll like you!”

“Hey! Demo is not-!” Branch tried to argue but when he was yanked forward he just growled.

“Quiet Branch. Daddy's talking to the rock troll.” Bruce spoke up with a scowl.

The room went quiet until Branch broke off from JD and growled at his brothers. “Johnny is not my father!” He hissed. “Now both of you get out and NEVER talk about one of my friends like that again!”

“YOU do NOT talk to us like that young man!” JD hissed. 

“I SAID GO!” Branch screamed, his face turning red.

“Don't you dare throw a tantrum!”

“Johnny calm down.” The purple haired troll whispered, gently grabbing his brother.

“No! He wants to act like a spoiled brat, then I'll treat him like a spoiled brat!” JD shouts as he lifts his paw. 

Looking up at his brother angrily, Branch didn't see that the paw was about to come down on his face until an orange body got in his way.

Smack!

Gasping in shock, Branch looked up to see Lowtone standing before him with his head snapped to the side.

“L-Lowtone?” He whispered in shock.

“Now I have no idea who you are man but I do know this-” The funk troll hissed as he grabbed John Dory by the shirt. He held him up and gave a dark snarl. “NOBODY touches Branch.”

Panicking when he saw Johnny reaching for his hair, Branch quickly separated the two and held his brother back. 

“You touch me again and I'll skewer you!” JD hissed as he tried to get close.

“Johnny, stop!” Branch cried.

“Stay out of this, Branch.” JD hissed.

“Branch, come here. He's dangerous, baby.” Lowtone glared.

“DON'T YOU CALL MY SON, BABY!” John Dory shouted.

“I am not your son!” The youngest Brozone member shouts.

“I SAID TO STAY OUT OF THIS BRANCH!” John shouted back, pushing his little brother away from him.

Gasping as he stumbled back, Branch yelped as he fell into the water that had been close by. But that wasn't all.

As he fell in he banged his head hard against the shore.

The stone shore.

He could feel his head bleeding and he could feel his consciousness fading.

Thankfully, almost immediately, he was being dragged out of the water by Synth and Trollex. He could feel their trembling hands holding him up and lifting him onto the shore.

Coughing up the water that had collected in his throat, he rolled onto his front. 

“Branch! Baby, I'm so sorry!” He heard his brother shout as he got closer. 

He couldn't help it. 

He flinched and hid behind the closest troll which just so happened to be a very angry Demo.

“Stay the FUCK away from my friend.” The spiky haired troll hissed.

Gripping the back of the older troll's vest, Branch felt his breaths come in short rasps. His paws shook and his eyes watered.

Why was he so scared? Why did his heart feel so…so painful?

“Fuck off rock troll!” John hissed as he tried to step forward.

Branch cried out and hid further behind his friend.

“Branch…?” Bruce whispered as he stepped closer.

“Stay away!” Branch cried out.

“Uh…what's going on in here?”

Looking up with teary eyes, Branch watched as Clay looked at them in shock.

“Branch?” The green haired troll whispered.

“Papa…” He tearfully whispered back.

Clay quickly walked forward and yanked his older brothers by their ears. 

“BIG BROTHERS MEETING. NOW!” He hissed.

Once the trio were gone and the whines of pain had faded, Demo gently pulled Lowtone and Branch close to examine them. 

“Are you two alright?” He asks softly.

“My head hurts…” Branch admits.

“Face stings a bit but it'll be gone soon.” Lowtone hums.

The panic that settled in Branchs’ heart was still there but he was trying to hold it back. He didn't want to be afraid of his brothers but with their drastic changes lately…well it was hard not to be.

And now Johnny was calling himself Branchs’ father?! What the hell is going on?!

“Branch…? You're shaking…”

Blinking away some tears, Branch looked up at Demo then down at his paws. When he saw they were shaking he bit his lip to stop the sob that bubbled up in his chest. 

“I…I…” Hiccupping he jumps into Demos’ arms.

Sobbing, the younger troll grips hard onto his friend.

As the stress of everything started to roll down his cheeks he didn't notice something.

That something being the rock trolls’ eyes glowing a bright red.

“You're okay baby, you're okay…” Lowtone whispered as he rubbed his back.

Was he? Was he truly okay?

Or was he doomed to this strange fate for all eternity?

Okay, he may be being a bit dramatic but hey, he's scared.

Cut him a break.

“Branch!”

“Boom!”

Watching as his adopted son was gently taken to his true brothers, Kismet, Sky couldn't help the anger that bubbled up in his chest.

How DARE John Dory hurt HIS son?!

Growling softly he starts to head for the door when he hears a soft call of his title.

“Dad…”

Turning, he feels his heart break at the lost look in both Branch's and Boom’s eyes. Moving closer he wraps his arms around his boys and tucks his head against theirs. 

“It's okay boys, I won't let those bastards hurt you again.” He whispers to Branch then turns towards Boom. “We'll protect him, okay?” 

When both his sons nodded he led them to the nest. “Hop in.” He orders gently.

When they both climb in and snuggle together he carefully puts a blanket over them. Climbing in after them he lays behind Branch and leaned over to kiss his oldest forehead then his youngest hair.

“Rest you two, I'll be right here when you wake.” He whispered, gently holding Boom's cheek in his paw.

“Thanks dad.” Boom whispered.

Giving a rare smile he rests his forehead against his sons. “Anything for my boys.”

Watching over his sons he feels the presence of another troll behind him. 

“It would seem those "brothers" of Branchs’ need to be reminded what happens when they hurt your brother.” He says over his shoulder. “Make it happen.”

Ablaze,Trickie and Hype give low growls at the sight of the blood on their brothers head. Quickly running out, they were silently followed by the rock trolls.

Sky removed his tie and held it against the wound. 

He was going to make those bastards pay for this.