The next few days proved to be incredibly stressful for Poppy. Not only did she have her royal duties every day, but she was also a new mother. Branch has already fit into his new role as father, if not a little too much. He was constantly with Song, whether it was in the nursery, the kitchen, or the bedroom. She'd tried desperately to be more of a mom, but royal duties had caved over her. The Snack Pack had offered to help, but Poppy hadn't admitted she needed help. It was currently sunset and Poppy had seen her daughter a total of two times. Once at breakfast, and once at lunch. She wasn't worried about her baby, Branch was happy to help out. But she felt...unsatisfied as a mother. Song was three days old and barely knew her mom.

When she stepped into her home, her husband was in the nursery, a sleeping Song in his arms. He set her down into her crib and walked over to hug his wife and bring her to their bedroom to relax. "You look exhausted. I didn't even hear your singing today in this morning's song."

Poppy sighed. "I didn't have time."

Now, that was troublesome. Poppy always had time to sing. No matter what. It made him sad to think about it. Poppy was never happy unless she'd sang at least half the day.

"Well, how about now?"

Poppy turned to look at her husband. "Now?"

Branch swept her up in his blue hair, pulling her to him with a smile.

"Hey, I was just fine before I met you. I eat too much and that's an issue, but I'm okay. Hey, you tell your friends it was nice to meet them. But I hope I never see them again."

He smiled at her giggles. "Branch, what are you-"

"So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover that I know you can't afford, bite that tattoo on your shoulder," He danced her around the bedroom, nipping her shoulder as he sang the lyric. "Pull the sheets right off the corner of the mattress that you stole from your roommate back in Boulder. We ain't ever getting older."

He nuzzled his nose to hers and smiled as her cheeks blushed and she danced backwards. "You, look as good as the day I met you. I forget just why I left you, I was insane. Stay, and play that Blink-182 song, that we beat to death in Tucson, ok."

She danced around him, teasing him. When she got too closer, Branch grabbed her hands and pulled her close. They both began to sing, their voices joined in a beautiful harmony.

"So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover that I know you can't afford, bite that tattoo on your shoulder. Pull the sheets right off the corner of the mattress that you stole, from your roommate back in Boulder, we ain't ever getting older"

When they stopped dancing, their bodies had glowed slightly, bringing their happiness straight out. Branch hugged her close. "I love you, Poppy."

Poppy returned the hug, feeling happier than she had all day. "I love you too, Grumpy Pants."

Branch rolled his eyes playfully at his wife until he heard Song's tiny wails, standing alert. "Well, someone's up." He walked back to the nursery with Poppy behind him.

Poppy picked up her baby and rocked her gently. Song was calmed quickly. "Hi, sweetie! Aww, look at you. You look so happy to see your mama!" Song giggled and reached her tiny arms up, letting Poppy hug her slightly tighter. Branch looked at his girls, a big smile on his face. They were so cute together.

"I missed you so much, yes I did." She nuzzled her baby and set her back down, yawning. Branch tucked Song in, smiling as she tried to tug at her daddy's hair, before leading his wife back to their room. He was getting tired too. He'd been up all day tending to Song, which was his favorite thing to do.

"Let's get some rest, Poppy. You're exhausted."

Poppy waved him off. "I'm fine, Branch, just a little-" She flopped on the bed and was knocked out instantly. Branch let himself give a little chuckle before slipping into bed, ready to get a good night's sleep.

Song's wails hit his eardrums first. He raced out of bed, not even caring that he stubbed his toe on the way there. Poppy followed, her hair sprung out in several different places.

"What is it?! Is she alright?!"

Branch's heart was still beating incredibly fast despite knowing what was wrong with her. Every time his daughter cried it made him anxious, like she was dying. It was a habit. He grabbed a bottle of milk from the table and let her nurse, still not completely calmed down. Poppy, however, was relieved,

"Oh, just hungry. Thank goodness…" She relaxed, watching her daughter nurse. "Branch?" Branch was still shaky. He knew she was fine, but he hated even hearing her wail. Made him feel like she was hurt. Which in turn hurt him.

"Branch, she's okay. She just needed something to eat. She'll just go back to sleep." Branch finally set her down and let himself breathe. "There you go, sweetie…" Song went back to sleep and Branch returned back to the room.

"I'm sorry, I just...want her to be safe. That's why I don't want her going outside yet. She's too little. She could get squished!" Poppy tried once again to calm his nerves. "She's perfectly fine, Branch. I promise. Now, please, get some sleep."

But throughout the night, Branch kept thoughts on his daughter.

"Don't worry...Daddy is going to let anything happen to you."

When Branch went to check on his daughter he found his wife dressing her up in a blue ribbon to match her eyes, along with an adorable little dress. She cooed and reached out upon seeing her father.

"Come here, cutie" He scooped her up and smiled as her laughs echoed the home. He noticed his wife's fake smile. "Poppy? What's wrong?"

The pink troll sighed. "You get to spend all day with her while I'm stuck here…"

Branch didn't like to see his wife unhappy...and he could probably use a little sunshine. "Why don't I take the day today? Let you play with Song while I finish up your responsibilities?"

Poppy brightened. "Really? Oh, Branch, you're the best husband ever!" She set her crown on his head. "It's not a very difficult job. Just ask around."

Branch tried to calm his nerves. "Okay...have fun, darling…" He tickled Song and then headed out of the door and immediately regretted his decision. What was he thinking? He couldn't be King! But he did want Poppy to be with the baby...maybe this wouldn't be so bad…

If only he knew.

Branch returned home, exhausted. He never knew Poppy had to deal with this. This was torture. He had been crowded by trolls all day with different problems that he didn't want to solve. He just wanted to relax...

Seeing Song helped a lot. He could relax and feel good about himself when she giggled in his arms. Poppy's hair was all over the place, and she looked exhausted.

"Babies...are...exhausting..."

Branch laughed. "I thought you liked babies?"

"I do...but...so...tiring..." Poppy wasn't used to caring for a baby, just holding one. But she did admit that looking after her daughter had been fun. Even if she had wanted to rip her hair out. Song yawned in Branch's arms and the couple put their baby to sleep in her crib.

Branch laid his head against his wife. "She's so cute and sweet..."

Poppy nuzzled her head against him. "Just wait until she's a child."

The couple gulped. Oh boy. Poppy's energy and happiness was big enough. In a child form? They were doomed.

"No wonder your father's hair was so frizzled all the time."

...

Another chapter up! I really like how this is turning out. Expect more soon!

Carla ;)