Hello Trolls fans!!
I'm feeling 22! I can't believe it!
I'm very excited about this chapter, with the help of WildKat25 for helping with brainstorming and editing! It was fun and interesting to write! I love the Broppy moment at the end of this chapter, hint hint!
I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter! I don't own Trolls, but Rose is my oc! Till next time!
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A few hours passed but the events earlier that day would not leave the back of Branch's mind. He watched as Rose waddled back towards him after she finished chasing the butterflies. Clampers sat next to Delta as she panted slightly. "It's not often you get tired Clampers." Delta teased.
Branch chuckled as he watched Clampers pout. He looked down at Rose, seeing her let out a long yawn. "It looks like it's time for a nap." He said as Rose laid down to rest her head on his leg. "Are you ready to go home? I have to go get some more watermelon before we head back."
Delta stood up as she helped Branch gather everything into the bag he brought. "Clampers and I normally come to the park on Sundays, you and Rose are welcome to join us if you feel like it." Delta smiled as she picked up Clampers.
"Yeah! You should come." Clampers grinned.
Branch looked down at Rose to see she had already fallen asleep. He picked her up and looked at the two country trolls. "I'm sure she would love that. Thank you both so much, Rose had a lot of fun today." He said, his smile widening as he thought about how happy Rose was playing.
"We'll see ya around Branch." Delta waved as she headed off. Clampers jumped into her hair, peeking out the back to wave at Branch who waved back in return.
Branch gently put the sleeping trolling into his hair, being careful not to wake her. Once he was sure she was secure in his hair he headed towards the shops. Branch found a watermelon and walked around to see if he could find Poppy. As he walked around he saw two trolls walking quickly towards him. He stopped in his tracks when he realized who they were. He saw the anger on their eyes as they locked onto his. He did a quick look around, finding himself alone as he looked at the two trolls who were now a few feet away from him.
"YOU!" The male green troll spoke loudly. "How dare you make my children look bad in front of Queen Poppy! You shouldn't be talking to my children!"
"What are you-" Branch started but was interrupted by the orange female troll.
"Just because you got your colours back, doesn't mean you changed!" She yelled.
"Hey, calm down." Branch held his hands up, but the two trolls kept yelling.
"You are the same crazy, grumpy troll you always were! She's going to be just like you!" The green troll spat out, causing Branch to freeze.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the troll. "You don't know her! At least I'm not teaching her to be a bully like your children! Jay and Eva were bullying Rose!" Branch spoke loudly, feeling the anger bubble inside his stomach as he spoke.
"I don't get how Queen Poppy stands putting up with you, let alone that thing! You're nothing but empty shells of trolls, regardless of your current colours and don't deserve to be here!"
"Leave Poppy and Rose out of this." Branch hissed out, his hands becoming fists. "They have nothing to do with this, right? It's me, right Ray?" Branch looked over at the green troll.
"You should have left a long time ago Branch, you have caused nothing but trouble." Ray glared at Branch. Branch saw movement in his hair, seeing Jay peeking out nervously.
"I'm not going anywhere, and neither is Rose. I'm the reason you all survived the Bergen's, you were all safe because of my preparedness! Until a COLOURED TROLL sold you out! I let you all stay in my bunker and I went out to follow Queen Poppy when she needed it! Even though I helped save all of you, you still can't get past the colours." Branch glared back.
"You helped us once, it shouldn't have made you second in command! You do nothing for the community! You yell at everyone all day when we try to have fun! You are in no position to lead anyone! Once Queen Poppy sees the real you under that fake heroic act you have going on, she's going to realize what a mistake she made in liking you!" Ray yelled, his voice raising the more he spoke.
"You're nothing but the village grump who should crawl back into that hole you call home! How do you expect to raise it to be decent with how you were raised!" Elise took a step closer to Branch.
Branch fumes at her words. "I could raise her better than you two have raised your kids!" Branch jumped back when he felt a hand on his shoulder, his hair tightening around Rose protectively. He looked behind him to see King Quincy staring at the two trolls in front of them. Branch's ears lowered as he saw the rest of his family standing a few feet away from them. "King Quincy, I-" he started but stopped when Quincy lowered his hand.
King Quincy took a step forward, standing tall next to Branch. "I have heard quite enough of this." The roughness in his voice made the other three trolls flinch slightly. "You two should be ashamed of yourself! You know nothing of Queen Poppy and Branch's relationship. Branch has earned the title of second in command from what I have witnessed at Queen Barbs concert."
"It was also his fault for Queen Poppy being kidnapped and locked up in the first place! He left her when she needed it most! I would never do that for someone I so called love." Ray shot back, narrowing his eyes at Branch.
Quincy took a step forward, standing in front of Branch so Ray's gaze was on himself. "Branch went back to save Queen Poppy despite what happened that caused her to be alone. Branch was able to gather unique trolls to help save his fellow pop trolls, and he even put his own life on the line to protect his Queen."
"Your majesty, you don't know them. You weren't there, you don't know what their nature is like or how harmful they can be." Ray relayed back.
"The only ones I see who are being harmful are you two. You are talking about an innocent baby, who has done nothing to anyone."
"Sir, you don't know what they are like. They aren't like us."
"I know what has happened in the past, but the past is in the past. Branch has proven himself as a good guardian to Rose and is teaching her how to deal with the changes that are happening in her life."
"If you know why he's like how-" Ray started but Quincy cut him off.
"Do you remember what it's like to be grey? We were all grey that day! That feeling, that hopelessness feeling is something I never want to feel again. I had finally found my son, then had all music taken away from us. I thought I'd never be able to share my music with him." Quincy paused for a moment, seeing Ray look down. "I remember that feeling every day, and can't imagine living life with that hopelessness feeling. But Rose is living like that. A three year old child."
Branch stared at Quincy in awe. He never thought about how close those events were for Quincy and Essence. Branch looked over at Ray and Elise, seeing they were getting more uncomfortable as they argued.
Elise looked up. "She is a three year old child. He could not raise a child under the circumstances."
"Under what circumstances?" He lowered his head slightly, his stance warning them to be careful about what they say next.
"He wasn't raised in a regular troll environment. He doesn't know anything. We simply worry for the child." Elise explained.
"Really? You worry about Rose? A few minutes ago you were calling her a 'thing', were you not?"
"BRANCH has never had a family, how would he know anything about raising her?! He will corrupt her!"
"So, you know everything about raising children? Branch isn't alone in this. He has Poppy, Delta Dawn, and myself watching out for him. He may make mistakes, but he will learn from them. Just like every parent makes mistakes."
"But, Your Majesty-"
"I have heard enough!" Quincy's voice boomed, quickly quieting Elise from continuing. "You're fellow troll is in pain and has lost their way, and this is how you treat them? Branch was right then he was concerned that other trolls will teach their children to bully those who have lost their colour. Branch has overcome so many obstacles alone, and came out stronger. From what I've heard, he's the troll who can find a song in the darkest of pots. He was the first to harmonize with Queen Poppy when we were all grey. He has been through enough without you bullying him, or poor little Rose."
"Sir…" Branch mumbled, causing Quincy to glance at him.
"I will talk to Queen Poppy about what happened. As for now, I need Branch for something so we will be going." Quincy turned around and took a step forward, looking over at Branch. "Come Branch." He said.
"Y-Yes sir." Branch quickly followed, still surprised on what he just witnessed. Branch glanced behind him to see the two trolls standing still, glancing at each other before they turned around. "What did you need me for sir?" Branch asked.
Quincy looked down at Branch and gave him a smile. "I actually don't need you for anything, I just couldn't leave you with them. Rose is with you right? Is she okay?"
Branch nodded, parting his hair slightly to reveal a still sleeping Rose."I'm sorry you had to witness that." He looked down, letting out a sigh. "It's just been a terrible day, and they got on my-"
"Do not apologize for their actions." Quincy said, causing Branch to look up. "They were verbally attacking you. You had every right to get mad. I could not stand by and watch as they belittle you like that."
"Wouldn't be the first time." Branch mumbled under his breath, seeing Quincy staring at him. "They were mad because they thought it was my fault that Poppy wants to meet with them about their children's actions towards Rose."
Quincy stopped. "What happened?"
"Their children bullied Rose this morning. I went to get water, I was only gone for a couple minutes. They came from the bushes and started telling Rose she shouldn't be here and other stuff. They ripped a page out of her binder when I heard the bell go off and quickly ran back to her. Luckily Delta saw it all and will be there tomorrow as well." Branch explained.
Quincy stared down at Branch. "I want to be there tomorrow as well."
Branch looked up at him, shocked. "Y-you do? Why?"
"I'm a witness for what happened today, and I want to help prevent it from happening again." Quincy smiled at him. "Everything I said is true Branch. You are an amazing troll, and a really good father figure for Rose. You have also proven yourself to be an excellent second in command for Queen Poppy."
Branch looked down embarrassed. "Branch, are you okay?" He looked up to see Queen Essence in front of him.
"I'm fine." Branch replied, glancing over the twin princes.
"Why were they yelling at you?" Darnell asked, taking a step closer.
"They thought I got them and their children on Poppy and Delta Dawn's bad side in short terms." Branch sighed.
"Why would they think that?" Essence looked down at him.
"It's kind of a long story." Branch rubbed the back of his neck. "It's been a long day, I'm just going to head back to the bunker."
Essence lowered her head towards him. "Are you sure you're okay Branch?" She asked softly.
Branch nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Why don't you come have supper with us?" Essence straightened up as she smiled.
Branched stared at her, surprised by her request. "Supper with you?" He repeated.
"You don't have to today, another day. We can finalize the details another day."
Branch thought for a moment, looking between Quincy and Essence. "Can Poppy come?" He asked sheepishly.
Quincy laughed. "Of course she should come, I was expecting her to."
Branch blushed slightly, nodding. "That would be nice. Thank you for the invitation." He gave them a smile. "I'm going to head back now. Thank you King Quincy." Branch bowed slightly as he thanked the funk king.
"You don't have to thank me Branch. I'm glad I came in when I did. I will see you tomorrow." He smiled back at him.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, the meeting is at noon in the royal pod." He said as Quincy nodded. "Have a nice rest of your day." Branch said before turning around and headed back towards the bunker.
Once Branch got back to his bunker he placed the watermelon on the counter and headed to the bathroom to make sure Rose was okay in his hair, he hadn't felt her move in a little while. He split his hair once he was in front of the mirror, seeing Rose was still fast asleep from running around with Clampers. He let out a sigh of relief as he closed his hair back and went to get himself a drink. He looked at the time and decided to prepare some soup for later, being careful not to wake Rose up. Branch sat on the couch once he finished making the soup, leaning against the back when he felt movement in his hair. He waited a minute till he felt Rose sitting up. "Are you awake?" He asked, holding his hand close to his hair to let her down if she wanted. He felt Rose grab his hand and helped her out of his hair. "You had a nice long nap, huh? Was it good?" He chuckled when she yawned in response. Branch placed Rose on the couch next to him, seeing her look around. "Poppy will be back soon, I thought we could make some more juice while we wait." He said, seeing her ears perk up. "Come on Twig." He picked her up and went to the kitchen.
Not long after Branch could hear the elevator coming to the main level of the bunker. "Branch? You two here?" Poppy's voice came.
"Yeah, we're here." Branch called back, placing Rose on the ground so she could go see Poppy.
Rose quickly walked to the elevator as it stopped. "There you are!" Poppy grinned when she saw Rose and picked her up. "I always get a warm welcome from you!" Poppy cuddled her close.
Branch came around the corner. "I didn't expect you back for a little while. I made some soup, it should be done soon."
Poppy took a few steps towards Branch, frowning slightly. "Is something wrong, Branch?" She asked, placing Rose on the ground when she started squirming.
Branch looked at her for a second before walking over to her. "How did…I'll explain later, when Rose is distracted." He whispered to her.
Poppy frowned more. "Is it about what happened earlier? With Rose?"
"It's more than that. Please be patient." Branch said before going to the kitchen to check on the soup.
Poppy watched him, a frown still on her face before she went to see what Rose was going. She found Rose in the kitchen with Branch, pointing to a jug of pink juice. "I think she wants you to try this, we just finished making a new batch of watermelon juice." Branch poured a small glass and handed it to Rose, watching her walk towards Poppy to give to her.
Poppy smiled down at Rose, taking the cup to drink. "This is really good! You helped with this Rose?" Rose nodded eagerly, bouncing slightly on her toes. Poppy quickly drinks the rest of the cup and knelt down to hug Rose. "You're such a good little helper!" She grinned and picked her up, placing her in her chair at the table. "Since supper isn't ready yet, do you want to colour?" Poppy quickly got out Roses books and coloured pencils.
Once Rose started colouring, Branch chuckled as Poppy walked towards him. "You really are an impatient troll, you know that?"
"I do, now spill." Poppy stood in front of him, crossing her arms in expectation.
Branch let out a sigh, glancing over at Rose to make sure she wasn't listening. "I was going to look for you when Ray and Elise stopped me." He started.
Poppy stared at him. "Jay and Evas parents?"
Branch nodded. "They started yelling at me as soon as they got close. They started yelling that it was my fault that their children got in trouble with you. My guess is they didn't tell their parents the whole story. I tried to calm them down, but they kept yelling. Saying stuff that Rose will be just like me, that I'm still grey under my colours, still the same crazy, grumpy troll I always was." He stopped for a moment, seeing Poppys ears drop.
"Oh Branch," Poppy whispered as Branch continued.
"I could take whatever they had to say about me, but when they started saying Rose will be like me and that you...that you shouldn't have made me the second in command, I started getting mad." His ears lowered as he talked. "King Quincy stopped us before it could get much farther. He said he wants to be at the meeting tomorrow as a witness for what happened."
Poppy stared at Branch in shock. "They said all that, and infront of Rose too?" Poppy scowled.
"Rose was asleep in my hair."
"Still, they verbally attacked you! I can't believe it." She took one of his hands in hers.
"Ray was one of the one who bullied me, so I'm not surprised." He shrugged. "I just wish he didn't bring you and Rose into it." He frowned.
"They shouldn't have said anything! You are my second in command for a reason, you care about the village just as much as I do." She placed a hand on his cheek gently, she could see how much their negative words had affected Branch's confidence. "You deserve it Branch, you're the reason we're all here. You saved us in the pot. You saved me, twice! No other troll would jump in front of that cord, I still can't believe you did it for me." She placed her forehead against his, her eyes staring into his.
"I couldn't let it hit you, I didn't know what it could do to you. I love you too much to let anything happen to you." He stared at her, gently rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand.
She smiled, moving close to kiss his nose. "You're the sweetest, bravest troll I know. Sure, you are a bit paranoid but for good reason. Because of that, you have improved the village greatly! You build a bunker big enough to hold all of us, and it saved their lives until we were betrayed. That's why you're my second in command, even when you were grey you were looking out for the village." Branch blushed slightly at her statement, causing her to giggle. "What else did they say?"
Branch glanced away sheepishly. "Well…They said it was my fault you got captured by Barb, which is true." Before Poppy could deny it, Branch continued. "They said that once you know the real me and not the act I apparently have been showing…You will leave me." He whispered, causing Poppy to gasp slightly, "I know it's not true, I know it. I just… can't stop thinking…"
"Branch." She said sternly, causing Branch to stop talking. She could feel his breathing quicken as he talked. "First off, it's not your fault I got captured. Don't blame yourself for that. We both walked away, and I should have listened to you. It's not your fault." She placed her other hand on his other cheek, cupping his face gently. "And I already know you Branch. I love you for who you are."
Branch slowly relaxed under her touch, placing his hands on hers. "But you don't know everything though, there could-"
"I know you. I know the troll you have become, despite everything. Nothing anyone says will change how I feel about you Branch." She placed her nose against his, rubbing it gently.
Branch smiled as he closed his eyes, holding his hand tightly against hers. "Come here." He took a step back and started leading her towards his bookshelf. Poppy followed, confused on what he was doing. "Here." He stopped in front of his bookshelf.
"Here what?" She asked, looking at him.
"The top two shelves are my journals I've written since I could write. You have only ready a few pages of one, but you can read more if you want. It may help you understand more about-" Before Branch could finish he found himself on the floor with Poppy hugging him tightly, having lost their balance from her excitement. "Poppy?"
"Oh Branch." She nuzzled into his neck. "I know how secretive you are about those books, I'm happy you're letting me read them." She grinned with excitement on his growth to let her in about his past.
Branch couldn't help but smile as he hugged her back. "I trust you Poppy, with everything. It may even help you understand what Rose may go through as well, maybe help prevent it."
Poppy kissed his cheek, bringing him close to her. "I will do whatever I can to make sure Rose is safe, and prevent the bullying from continuing." She kissed his other cheek and his nose. "I love you so much Branch." She grinned as she planted kisses all over his face, avoiding his lips.
Branch couldn't help but laugh. "Poppy, that tickles." He grinned when she pulled back, gently placing a hand on her cheek. "And I love you my sunshine."
Poppy quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him closer to her, kissing his lips. Her hands traveled to his hair as she felt him kiss back. She ran her fingers through his hair as she felt his hands around her waist, moving her closer against him. Poppy slowly pulled back for air, her goofy grin filling her face as she giggled at Branch's lovestruck gaze. "Come on, I think supper is done now." She stood and helped him up, kissing him one last time before heading to the kitchen with Branch's quickly following happily behind her.
Rose looked up at Branch and Poppy when she heard the mention of supper, moving her colouring supplies aside as Poppy walked towards her. "Were you listening to us, missy?" She whispered to Rose, causing Rose to cover her ears playfully. Poppy laughed, kissing her cheek gently before picking up Rose's cup. "I'll get you some more juice." Poppy went into the kitchen after Branch, her arm going around his waist as she kissed his cheek. She grinned when she moved away in a teasing manner to get the bowls for the soup. Rose watched as Poppy came back with her drink and her soup. Branch followed close behind and placed Poppy's soup infront of her, moving her chair back with his free hand to let her sit down. "Thank you kind sir." Poppy winked at him, causing Branch to chuckle as he sat down to eat.
