Chapter 5

That was dumb, Branch realized right after he did it but, even as he could hear Hefty pounding on the door, he couldn't reach up and unlock it. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. How was he supposed to face Hefty now? And Poppy, she was going to go crazy and abduct Hefty against his will for sure now. This was bad. Was really bad. Why did Branch's stupid feelings have to be so stupid?

There was absolutely no way this was going to work. He was just going to have to live in this washroom until he died. No, that was even stupider then locking the door. He was just going to face to Troll up, face the music and beg Poppy not to start a Smurf/Troll war.

"Don't think I won't break this door down," Hefty shouted but he knew it was an empty threat. He didn't want to freak the Troll out any more than Branch had already looked before the door slammed but the Troll hadn't responded to a single thing since and he was really starting to freak out with worry.

An agonizing moment passed, the door knob clicked and slowly the door opened.

Standing there, Branch stared at the ground and fiddled with his hands, "I don't know why I did that." Then added, "Sorry."

"Hey don't worry about it," Hefty stepped forward but stopped when Branch stepped back. Oh Smurf, the Troll was jumpy now and after they had made such progress. "But I don't understand, isn't being happier a good thing?"

"Ye-, N-, I-" Branch stammered, trying to figure out how to explain this without freaking Hefty out. "I'm sorry, I don't, this isn't-"

"Hey," Hefty made a 'calm down' gesture as if speaking to an easily spooked animal. "Calm down and just breath alright?"

Easier said than done, Branch felt like his lungs forgot how to function.

"Branch," Hefty started slowly, not sure, "I know you're probably going to say this none of my business but it seems like you've gone through a lot of stuff and if you're this panicked about the idea of being happy." He scratched the back of his neck, hoping Branch wouldn't lash out at him for this. "Have you ever considered talking to a therapist?"

Finally, Branch looked up at Hefty, "What is a therapist?"

Waiting in the waiting room was nerve wracking for Poppy. She had heard Branch sing from Smurfette's house but when she got back to the Recovery Mushroom Branch was having what Hefty called a "panic attack". As far of Poppy knew, no Trolls back home ever had "panic attacks", but no Troll Poppy never had ever been gray for as long Branch had been either. There were bound to be some setbacks on the way to happiness.

Still Poppy had loved seeing Branch's colors be brighter but her friend looked so scared that it scared her, especially when Branch wouldn't tell her what he was scared about. She agreed with Hefty that Branch should go to the therapist even though she had no idea what it was. All she needed to know was that Hefty said that he thought it would help and she trusted Hefty to take care of Branch. Hefty loved Branch and, Troll or not, people didn't do things to purposefully hurt those they love.

Before they had come here Papa Smurf came to check on Branch's fever. After checking on Branch's back and arm as well, Papa declared the fever gone and the wounds on Branch's back to be healed without fear of them reopening. The elder Smurf did, however, rebandaged Branch's arm to give it more time to heal with another touch of magic.

The bandages on Branch's back had never been a pleasant sight for Poppy but it was worse without them. Now the wounds on Branch's back were visible as scars, dark, angry and jagged. A visual que that Branch had suffered for Poppy, that Branch had nearly died.

Oh, how she wished Tailor had finished with the vest she and Smurfette had ordered for Branch. Maybe then Branch would have some protection. Wouldn't be so exposed.

Poppy nearly jumped out of her chair when she felt something touch her hand.

"Hey," Smurfette gave Poppy's hand a squeeze. "Branch is going to be fine."

"I know," Poppy squeezed the girl Smurf's hand back. "But thank you."

Keeping hold of Smurfette's hand, Poppy wondered how long it would take Branch to be okay. She looked up at Hefty who was sitting on the other side of her.

Having been silent since they sat down, Hefty stared at Therapist Smurf's door, trying to will the hour to go by faster. He had put his hat back on but rearranged it so his hair would stay visible, especially his hair floof, as Poppy had called it. He knew some of his fellow Smurfs had been staring at him rather than the Trolls today but he couldn't find himself to care. All he could think about was what was going on beyond that door.

After Papa left the Recovery Mushroom, Hefty should have insisted that Branch eat something. It was long after breakfast now and he wasn't sure if Branch would be willing to eat lunch after this. He may have to use Poppy to get Branch to have at least a little something.

When finally, the door opened the trio stood but Poppy squeezed Smurfette's hand again before rushing over and swinging the door the rest of the way open.

Branch didn't react right away, not at all surprised Poppy came charging in. But Poppy gasped and choked back a sob; Branch was back to being a light, dull blue, the earlier brightness from this morning was gone. Before Poppy could properly respond, Branch stepped forward and hugged her.

"I think we had a good first session," Therapist Smurf announced. "I recommend that Branch come back on a weekly basis to-"

"No," Poppy shouted, holding Branch tightly and dragging him away from her least favorite, no, her second least favorite Smurf. "No, no, no! You will not be going anywhere near him again!"

"Poppy," Branch started.

"Don't worry Branch, I won't let him do, whatever it is that he did, ever again," Poppy promised, holding him tighter. She swung around and glared at Hefty. "And you; I trusted you! How could you let this happen?!"

"Poppy, don't yell at Hefty," Branch managed to slip out of her hold and took hold of her hands before she could grab him again. "I know this looks like a step back but… I want to try this. I think it could help with more time, alright?"

Slowly Poppy took in a few deep breaths but nodded, "Alright…"

Branch gently gave Poppy's hands a squeeze, "And I think you owe a couple of Smurfs an apology."

"No," Poppy frowned.

"Poppy," Branch tried again, more sternly.

"Fine, I'm sorry for being completely justified in my anger towards seeing my friend turn paler," Poppy grumbled. She pointed at Therapist Smurf, "And you're still my second least favorite Smurf."

"Miss Poppy, perhaps you would like to talk about this?" asked Therapist Smurf.

"No," snapped Poppy and started out of the office, dragging Branch along. She paused in front of Hefty, "And you're my least favorite Smurf."

Hefty remained silent as Poppy dragged Branch out of the office against the boy Troll's protests.

"Poppy," Branch pulled on Poppy's arm to no avail. "Poppy, where are you going?"

"Home," Poppy declared.

"Poppy, we can't just leave," protested Branch, giving up on trying to free his hand. "I don't know the way home from here, do you?"

Poppy stopped and sighed, "No, I don't."

Branch spotted the stream that ran through the village and pulled Poppy over to it for them to both sit down. "Poppy, I get why you're upset and I appreciate it but you can't take it out on Hefty and Therapist Smurf."

"They made you go paler Branch," Poppy protested. "What would you have done if I went into a room with Therapist Smurf and came out gray."

Not answering, Branch threw a stone into the stream.

"Branch?" Poppy asked again.

"You told me to stop voicing murderous thoughts out loud, remember?" asked Branch.

At last Poppy smiled and scooted closer to Branch, "See? You would never let anything happen to me, and I'm not about to let bad things happen to you if I can help it. I was powerless against that Azrael cat-"

"That cat was huge, I don't expect you to be able to fight against that," Branch protested.

"But I can protect your heart," Poppy put her hand over Branch's. "I want you to be happy Branch. You deserve to be happy. I thought maybe Hefty could help do that but if he isn't, we'll find the Troll that is."

"Poppy," Branch was blushing but he wasn't sure what to say. Really there was only one thing even if he couldn't tell her the full truth. "You know I love you, right?"

Smiling, Poppy rested her head on Branch's shoulder and lightly held onto his arm, "And I love you."

The sound of the stream was the only sound between them for a bit until the sound of footsteps came from behind them.

"Um, hey guys," Hefty's voice called out to them and Poppy held onto Branch's arm tighter. "Ah, Branch, can I talk to Poppy a minute?"

Staying silent, Branch looked down at the princess.

It didn't take long for Poppy to crack, releasing Branch and sitting up, "Fine…"

Branch squeezed Poppy's shoulder before he stood, "Behave."

"I'll try," Poppy murmured.

Briefly, Branch's and Hefty's eyes met before Branch walked passed Hefty to where Smurfette was waiting.

"We'll meet you two at Tailor's," said Smurfette before leading Branch away from the stream.

Cautiously Hefty moved towards the stream and sat next to Poppy, leaving a respectable distance between them.

"You know that I would never hurt Branch, right?" Hefty tired but swallowed at Poppy's huff in response. "Come on, you noticed my feelings even before I did."

"Maybe that's the problem," said Poppy. "I saw something that wasn't there and pushed for something that you hadn't really felt for the off chance that it would make Branch happy."

"Hey now," Hefty lightly touched Poppy's arm to get her to look at him. "I love Branch, I really do. I think I did from the moment I heard him sing."

"This morning?" Poppy asked in confusion.

"Ah no, a bit ago," Hefty admitted. "It's why I left the village and went looking in your forest to find him. He called me in; like a siren."

"So, he was singing in the woods," said Poppy, "And you heard it, all the way out here?"

"Yeah, I was the only one though," said Hefty. "I don't have a clue why but I want him to be happy, whether or not he ever loves me back. And I know it will be rough, but Therapist Smurf will be able to help him."

"I'm still mad at you," said Poppy, giving him a dirty look. "I thought you would never hurt him. I trusted you and he loses the color he just regained." She rocked on her heels, thinking before sighing and looking at him again. "But you're not my least favorite Smurf. You were trying to help and I should forgive you and I will, eventually."

The flower on Poppy's bracelet chimed and opened up with a light glow.

"Branch told me about those," said Hefty. "Hug Time, right?" He turned and opened his arms for the princess.

Slowly Poppy covered the flower and stood, "No Hug Time for you." She turned away and headed for Tailor's.

"So, Smurfs do have clothe that isn't white," commented Branch, looking over the vest Tailor offered to him.

The vest looked remarkably like the one Azrael damaged beyond repair, green and covered with leaves. Only these leaves were all made of fabric, which would make cleaning and maintaining it much easier.

"Not on hand, no," Tailor helped Branch into the vest, careful of his arm. "I dyed this material with some sarsaparilla."

When Tailor wasn't looking, Branch lifted the vest and gave it a sniff. Thank goodness, the stuff didn't smell as bad as it tasted.

Tailor returned with a measuring tape, "Hefty mentioned that your pants were patched up but I needed measurements for those. Stand on the platform please."

Instead, Branch stepped back, "Thanks but my pants are fine. I already don't know how I'm going to repay you for the vest."

"Repay?" Tailor looked confused.

"Branch, Smurfs don't use money," Smurfette explained. "We all work together, as a community, and we all get what we need."

"But I'm not part of your community, I haven't contributed anything," said Branch.

"Nonsense," Tailor directed Branch onto the platform. "You're Hefty's guest and Hefty helps everyone, protests us all and looks out for us. That's good enough for me."

Staying silent, and still at Tailor's instructions, Branch thought that the village must have really missed Hefty when he was off wasting time trying to find and befriend Branch. He definitely couldn't let Poppy take him away from Hefty's family that needed him so much.

Right on que, Poppy came in and smiled when she saw him, "Aww Branch, your new vest looks so nice on you."

"Ah thanks Poppy," Branch looked behind her. "Where's Hefty?"

"Oh, he's coming," Poppy dismissed the question and went over to sit by Smurfette.

"Goodness gracious," said Tailor caught sight of Poppy in the mirror, turning to look at her. "What did you do to that dress?"

"Um," Poppy licked her lips. "Let's see, first there was the baking with Baker-"

"Baker does have aprons you know," Tailor motioned for Branch to wait a bit, heading over to a clothes rack. "I finished repairing your absolutely darling dress anyway if you'd like to change."

Leaping to her feet, Poppy went over to Tailor and got her dress back, "Thank you Tailor, you're so sweet." She headed into one of the changing rooms.

Branch turned to Smurfette, "Is it just me or is she still mad at Hefty?"

"Oh, she's still mad alright," Hefty came him and stretched. "I guess even super happy Trolls can hold a grudge."

"I can't imagine it will last long," Branch looked away and held still for Tailor again. He couldn't believe he was just staring at Hefty again, he really needed to stop this before some Smurf notices. "Surprised it lasted this long, honestly."

"She thinks I hurt you," said Hefty. "I'd want to kick my butt too if I were her."

"But you didn't," Branch mumbled, hating that the two people Branch cared about most were currently on bad terms because of him.

"Ta da," Poppy announced as she came out of the dressing room. She held up the stained white dress, "What would you like me to do with this?'

"Throw it in the scrap pile," said Tailor and gestured for Branch to step down, as he was done taking measurements.

"If you're just going to scrap it anyway, can I keep it? I can dye it a few colors when we get home," said Poppy.

"Oh, please do," said Tailor, "And wear it the next time you visit, I'd love to see what you do with it."

"Sure thing," Poppy gave Tailor a high five. "I can wear it next week… When we come back for Branch's appointment with Therapist Smurf."

Branch gave Poppy a tiny smile and she smiled warmly back.

"Ah, Therapist is a very nice Smurf and a snappy dresser," Tailor walked back over to the clothes rack. "Speaking of which, love what you're doing with your hair Hefty, new fashion statement?"

"Um, sort of," Hefty rubbed over the undercut, noticing Branch trying not to stare out of the corner of his eye.

Grabbing a simple white vest, Tailor brought it over to Hefty. "Perhaps this will help with the new look then? Poppy asked that I make it for you."

Taking the vest, Hefty looked at Poppy in surprise, "You did?"

"Yeah," Poppy reached into her hair and pulled out something from her that looked like an award ribbon. "I made this for you but you had nothing to pin it on…"

With a smile, Hefty slipped on the vest, "Thanks Poppy."

Smiling softly Poppy walked over and moved to pin on the ribbon but paused. "Maybe you should put this on?" She gave him a serious look. "I don't want to stab you."

"Ah, good idea," Hefty delicately took the ribbon and pinned it on his new vest.

Moving closer, Branch peered at what the ribbon was. It looked to be made from some of Poppy's scrapbooking clothe, the main focal point being the golden circle with the words "Our Hero" in glitter and pink and blue ribbons hanging below it. However, on top, were little scrapbooked figures of Poppy and Branch looking like they were jumping for joy.

Branch blushed and shot Poppy a dirty look.

Poppy giggled, "You know you love me."

One of the other girl Smurfs came in. Immediately the Trolls noticed that her hair was a lighter shade of blue than Hefty's and stopped a little above her shoulders. Instead of white, she wore a tan dress with brown vest, a necklace with a few flat stones and a pink flower in her hat.

"Hi Smurfette! Hi Hefty! Hi Tailor! Hi two creatures I've never seen before," the girl Smurf waved eagerly before rushing closer to the Trolls and continued to speak rapidly. "You must be the Trolls Smurf Willow was talking about. I've never seen Trolls before; I thought they were supposed to be big, mean and ugly but you're small, nice and super cute! I mean, I'm assuming you're nice since Hefty brought you here but you can't be that cute and be mean. I love your dress! It's so colorful!"

Slowly Branch inched closer to Poppy, as the girl Smurf continued, and whispered, "Is she breathing?"

"I don't think so," Poppy whispered back.

Smurfette stepped in, "Hi Smurf Blossom, what brings you to Tailor's?"

"Oh, we're going on a picnic," Blossom absolutely beamed. "Tailor's the sweetest Smurf I've ever met. We've been hanging out every time we've come to visit. I hope we move here; long distance relationships sound hard! But I've decided I'm going to kiss him tonight anyway."

Tailor turned dark blue, blushing over all his visible skin, and tripped over nothing as he dropped the roll of clothe he was carrying.

Rushing over Blossom kneeled next to Tailor, "Are you okay, Tailor?"

"Just Smurfy darling, just taken by surprise," Tailor was still blushing, at least just on his face now, and smiling softly as he sat up.

"Oh, I ruined the surprise for later though, didn't I," Blossom grinned sheepishly.

"Don't fret Blossom, I love how full of surprises you always are," Tailor patted her patted her cheek adoringly, "And now I have something to look forward to."

Blossom leaned in and gave Tailor a quick peck on the mouth, "Surprise kiss!"

Tailor full body blushed again and chuckled warmly.

"Well," Smurfette smiled at them, "We won't keep you from your date."

"Oh, yes, um, thank you," Tailor stammered. "I'll try to have the pants done tomorrow afternoon."

"No rush," said Branch and followed the others out.

"Aww, they're so cute," Poppy squealed once they were a safe distance away from Tailor's door.

"Yeah, they've just one of the new couples since the other girls started to come here while seeing if Smurfy Grove is salvageable," Smurfette explained.

"Yeah, like Clumsy and Smurf Storm," said Hefty. "It surprised the heck out of me, honestly, I thought he was scared of her."

"It might be all the new things Stormy is having Clumsy try rather then Stormy herself," commented Smurfette with a smile. "Plus, there's something going on between Papa and Willow."

"Don't start with that again, it's too weird," groaned Hefty, making Poppy giggle.

Branch paused to look around at all the Smurfs distracted by each other to stare at him or Poppy. "I guess romance is really blossoming in the village, huh?"

Hefty smiled a little, watching Branch look around the village, much less wary of everything since he first came there.

Grinning mischievously, Poppy stepped closer to Hefty and began to sing super softly so only Hefty would hear, "There you see him,

Standing there across the way

He's got a lot of things to say

But there's something about him."

Blushing and worried that Branch would hear, Hefty tried silently begged Poppy to stop.

But Poppy continued grin and torment him with her whispered singing, "And you don't know why

But you're dying to try

You wanna kiss the Troll."

Hefty really wished that he could give Poppy a noogie like he would one of his brothers but he couldn't with Poppy's hair or, possibly, annoying Branch. There had to be another way to get even. Slowly he smiled as he came upon an idea.

Eyes going wide, Poppy jumped back as Hefty tried to tickle her, "Oh no you don't!" She ran towards Branch, Hefty giving chase. "Help me Branch!"

Branch turned, ready to spring in, but paused when he saw that it was Hefty chasing her, "Did I miss something?"

"He's trying to tickle me," Poppy ran behind Branch for protection, grinning when Hefty stopped running after her, knowing full well Hefty wouldn't fight Branch to reach his target.

A beat passed and Branch stepped to the side, suggesting to Poppy, "Be my guest."

"Traitor!" Poppy shouted, then squeaked when Hefty grinned.

Smurfette smiled warmly and held open her arms, "I'll protect you Poppy."

Immediately Poppy launched herself into Smurfette's arms and hugged her tightly, "My hero!"

Not able to help herself, Smurfette nuzzled the top of Poppy's head as they hugged and was unaware of the fact that Poppy looked like she was in heaven.

"I definitely missed something," commented Branch.

"Me too Bro," Hefty shrugged, smiling softly he watched Branch out of the corner of his eye. "I'm just happy she has reason to be mad at you, rather than me now."

"I'm pretty sure she'll thank me later," Branch suggested to Poppy and Smurfette practically cuddling in the middle of the street.

"Oh Smurf," Hefty grumbled.