Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.
Chapter 74
The only sound of the room for a long time was Creek's tears, the others unable to even imagine a way to make a noise at that point.
It was Daffodil who broke the seal, "I don't understand," she watched Creek and Cinnamon in a worried fashion, wrapping her arms around herself as she looked to the others, "How can someone force someone else into sex? It can't really be sex unless both parties want to, right?"
"That's a good way of putting it," Therapist agreed, keeping on eye on the two consoling each other a moment longer before giving Daffodil his full attention. "It's really more of a sexual assault. And humans refer to it as rape as a distinction from consensual sex."
"What are humans?" asked Daffodil.
"As far as I can tell, humans are furless Bergans with differently shapes ears and differently colored eyes," commented Branch, glad for a slightly less painful subject even as he knew the true issue was still at the forefront of everyone's minds.
"Branch," Cinnamon called the survivalist's attention to him, keeping his arms and hair around Creek as Branch turned to him. "May I borrow one of your shovels?"
"Why?" asked Branch.
"I need to have a," Cinnamon paused for the appropriate word, "chat with what's left of that monstrous thing that masqueraded as a Troll in life."
"Ah," Branch nodded, "I'll join you."
"You're both idiots," Creek managed, pulling back from Cinnamon just enough to wipe at his eyes, "Digging up that thing won't do anyone any good."
"That thing doesn't deserve to rest in peace," Cinnamon argued, lifting a hand to also wipe tears from Creek's face, "He deserves to rest in pieces."
"Any piece being left is a generous statement," said Branch, crossing his arms.
A small laugh huffed out of Creek, the effort making his heart ache in a pleasant way, "You're both impossible, and I forbid you two getting into trouble for digging up an unholy grave but," he smiled slightly, "thank you."
Smiling softly, Cinnamon cupped Creek's cheek, "Anything for you Spirit."
Blush crept across Creek's cheeks at the familiar intimacy.
Clearing her throat, Daffodil frowned at Cinnamon, "Maybe this isn't the best time to be flirting?"
"I am not flirting," Cinnamon dropped his hand with a blush, "It's a statement of fact."
"In a flirtatious manner," Daffodil chided.
"I can guarantee you that Cinnamon doesn't know how to flirt, when he's accidentally flirting, or when he's been flirted with," Creek eyed Cinnamon at the last bit.
His blush deepening, Cinnamon unwrapped his hair from Creek in order to hide in it, "I had forgotten how you two like to gang up on me."
"It's how we bond," smiled Daffodil, glad the distraction was lightening up the mood a bit. Her smile widened when Creek met her in a fist bump.
From under his hair, Cinnamon mumbled in reply.
Taking a moment, Creek wiped at his face one more time and just concentrated on evening his breathing, then spoke, "I am sorry, Cinnamon."
Parting his hair, a little, Cinnamon looked out at him, then sighed and straightened his hair the rest of the way, "There's nothing for you to apologize for Creek. I never should have pushed for your secret when I didn't share mine. I only wished I had thought to poison Brocade the moment I knew how." He forced a half smile, "I guess we both owe a lot to whoever finally did him in, huh?"
Creek stared at the floor, "You shouldn't be grateful to someone for killing a person."
"You can when it was something like Brocade," argued Hefty, going silent when Branch lightly elbowed his side.
"I agree with Hefty," said Daffodil, voice soft, "The village is much safer with him gone considering what he did to the two of you, who knows what he could have done to others or did to the Troll that poisoned him."
Remaining silent, Creek kept his gaze on the ground.
"Creek," Therapist softly called Creek's attention to him, waiting until Creek managed to look up, "Do you want to be done for today?"
In reality, Creek knew that he should push forward. If he didn't tell Cinnamon the whole truth now, he may never get the words out. But he just felt so drained and couldn't stand all the attention on him any longer. He managed a small nod.
"Alright, then no more discussing the matter for now," stated Therapist.
"I feel like there's more to be said though," commented Daffodil.
"Not when it's pushing someone's limits," countered Therapist, "This can continue at another time but only if all parties are comfortable with it."
Watching Creek, Cinnamon saw how relieved the guru looked at those words. Maybe Therapist's influence was a good thing after all? He put his hand on Creek's and gave it a squeeze as he stood, "Would you like something to drink? Tea, or maybe some wine?"
Creek shook his head, "I think I'm giving up drinking for a while," he turned his hand and gave Cinnamon's hand a squeeze back, looking up as he spoke, "But thank you."
As Cinnamon smiled, Poppy looked over at Brainy's sullen expression and leapt to her feet, "Well if we're done for now, there's a few things we need to take care of. Need to find places for Therapist, Stormy and Clumsy to stay during their visit after all."
"Where did they all stay last time?" asked Branch.
Poppy gestured all around, "Everywhere! Lots of Trolls volunteered to host a Smurf or two. I had a few at my pod, Dad hosted Papa Smurf and Willow, the Snack Pack hosted a bunch, but a grand majority stayed at the concert hall."
"It's certainly big enough," commented Branch, trying to imagine all the bleacher seats covered in padding, pillows and blankets to make numerous beds.
Looking over the Smurfs, Daffodil turned to Therapist, "You could stay at my pod if you'd like. I have lots of questions about what it is you actually do."
Before Therapist answered, Cinnamon tapped his arm, "Only agree if she offers to make her Very Berry Pancakes; you'll thank me later."
Rolling her eyes, Daffodil gave Cinnamon a light shove, then smiled at Therapist, "I can assure you, anything I cook is delicious."
"Very Berry Pancakes," insisted Cinnamon, dodging Daffodil's next attempt to give him another shove.
"Um, thank you Miss Daffodil, that sounds lovely," said Therapist.
"Just Daffodil is fine," assured Daffodil. She turned to Cinnamon, suggesting to Clumsy and Stormy, "Why don't you host the cute couple then?"
As Clumsy's face deepened a darker blue and tried to pull his hat down over his head, Stormy's cheeks became dusted a similar color. Neither denied the assumption though.
"Unless they like sleeping on books, I don't have a spare room for them," commented Cinnamon. "I suppose they could take my bed and I could sleep on the couch since it was barely big enough for that Grouchy Smurf, let alone two."
"That's very sweet of you Cinnamon," commented Creek, ignoring Poppy' barely concealed laughter at the statement, "But I'm sure one of the Snack Pack can host them." He couldn't help but smile and tease, "Especially if they share a bed."
"Oh, good golly," murmured Clumsy, his entire body a darker shade now as he curled up his knees in an attempt to hide his face behind them.
Her own face darkening, Stormy shot Creek an annoyed look but didn't seem capable of forming words.
"Spirit, stop teasing the Smurfs," Cinnamon was smiling too much to properly scold him.
"I'm an equal opportunity teaser, no one is safe," countered Creek, glad for the lighter conversation that made things feel a bit more normal.
"Not even Miss Frizz?" asked Cinnamon.
"One Troll is safe," amended Creek.
As the two smiled at each other, Brainy tried to swallow the lump in his throat but it only seemed to grow bigger, making his chest ache.
The group headed out of the pod, the Smurfs getting to the ground quicker with Daffodil helping carry down Therapist and Creek not allowing Cinnamon to carry him any longer. As Cinnamon carried down Stormy, Creek lifted Brainy up.
"I'm sorry," said Creek, once they were relatively alone on the way down. "I can't imagine any of that was easy for you."
The words eased the ache in Brainy's chest a bit but worsened the lump in his throat, "Don't be, my comfort is not what's important right now."
Slowing down a little, Creek noticed Brainy not quite looking at him, even as he held onto him. He spoke softly, "It is to me."
Brainy blinked rapidly, the lump loosening but not allowing it to flow away in tears like it wanted to. This wasn't about him right now. He promised to leave the decision in Creek's hands and that's what he was going to do this time. His voice cracked a little when he spoke, "Thank you."
Once everyone was on the ground, the group headed back into the central part of the Troll Tree, Daffodil and Therapist soon breaking off so they could drop Therapist's bag off at Daffodil's pod.
"You don't have to come," Creek told Cinnamon.
"I want to," said Cinnamon.
"Aren't you concerned about Therapist and Daffodil?" asked Creek.
"Nope," Cinnamon shook his head, "They're both consenting adults and Daffodil is tougher than I could ever dream of being. Would you be this concerned if Cybil was still dating?"
"Oh please, Cybil has been married to Karma since I was sixteen," Creek rolled his eyes, "And if I met Karma before they were dating, I would have been more concerned for her than Cybil."
"But isn't Cybil your cousin?" asked Clumsy, unsure if he was remembering right.
"Technically," grumbled Creek
Frowning, Brainy wondered when he missed this information. Creek still had a living relative, but there was some sort of obvious resentment there. Would it be out of line to ask? Should he try asking Poppy at another time when Creek wasn't around?
"There you are!" Miss Frizz's voice broke Brainy's thoughts and brought the group to a stop as the older Troll approached them, her hair stretched out in order to carry several grocery laden baskets.
"Split ends, Miss Frizz, are you trying to feed an army?" asked Branch, looking at all the different kinds of foods.
As Miss Frizz chuckled, Cinnamon went over and insisted on assisting her carry a couple of the baskets. If only so she wouldn't accidentally hit someone with one of them.
"You're too sweet, dear," Miss Frizz allowed Cinnamon to take a couple of the baskets before turning to Branch, "And I am feeding a small army, tomorrow night. All the kids and their families are coming." She gave Branch a pointed look, "Including you."
"As I recall, I ran away," Branch crossed his arms.
Miss Frizz put her hands on her hips, "And you're still my boy, whether you like it or not." She turned to Hefty, "Sugar, I know you'll do be a good future son-in-law and get him there for me, won't you?"
Hefty absolutely beamed, "Yes ma'am!"
Blushing, Branch narrowed his eyes at his mate, "She's just manipulating you."
"It's working," Hefty grinned.
Sighing, Branch rested his face into his palm.
Smiling, Miss Frizz turned to Cinnamon, "You're, of course, invited as Creek's plus one dear."
"Creek and I aren't dating anymore, Frizzy," Cinnamon reminded her with a fond smile, this seeming like a conversation they have frequently.
"Pish posh," Miss Fizz dismissed that with a wave of her hand, "Just because Creek was silly enough to let you go, doesn't mean I have to." Her smile widened at Creek hiding his face in both of his hands, "And don't you dare call me Frizzy, it's Miss Frizz, got it?"
"I'll try to remember," Cinnamon relented.
Clearing his throat, Creek lowered his hands and stepped closer to his foster mother, "Miss Frizz, I can't attend, I'm hosting Brainy and it would be very rude of me to just leave him in my pod as I go to dinner."
"Brainy?" Miss Frizz questioned, looking at all the Smurfs until she landed on Brainy. She stepped closer, circling him for closer expectation.
Seeing Hefty grin, Brainy just felt like he was under a microscope, every flaw open to the Troll's intense gaze. He tried to stand straighter, breathe more evenly and remain calm.
But utterly failed.
"Hello Miss Frizzy, I mean Frizz, I mean Ma'am," Brainy extended his hand so quickly, he nearly hit her with it. "I'm Smurf. I mean, Brainy Smurf! It's so nice to finally meet you."
Eyeing Brainy a little longer, Miss Frizz finally took mercy on the boy and smiled, shaking his hand, "It's nice to meet you too." She kept a hold on Brainy and turned to Creek, "Bring this one to dinner too."
"Miss Frizz," Creek started to protest.
"No excuses," Miss Frizz cut him off, "I even got Tinsel and his mother to come this time and it would be so wonderful to have everyone at a nice family dinner, don't you think?"
As Miss Frizz took turns beaming at Branch and Creek, their resolve weakened.
"Alright, I'll bring Brainy," Creek agreed, "But you have to harass Cinnamon into coming on your own."
"I think I can handle that, the boy is easily to persuade," nodded Miss Frizz.
"I am standing right here," Cinnamon reminded her.
"I know, dear," Miss Frizz smiled and turned to Branch.
To his credit, Branch stood his ground for nearly a minute before he sighed, "Fine, we'll come, but if your pod falls because you exceeded the max weight limits, don't think I won't say I told you so."
"Of course," Miss Frizz nodded and quickly kissed Branch's cheek before he could dodge her, "I look forward to it." She then kissed Creek's cheek, wondering if the wince she felt was just her imagination. She paused, patting Creek's other cheek as she looked at Creek's gray eyes, having heard rumor of them earlier but still struck by how other worldly, how out of place, how almost supernatural they looked. After Branch, she knew better than to think she could banish the gray by offering all the love and support she could, but she hoped Creek would reach out if he needed her.
With a smile, Miss Fizz released Creek's cheek and turned to Cinnamon, "Help me carry my baskets home dear? I need time to convince you to come to dinner."
"I hear that will be easy enough," Cinnamon hesitated and turned to Creek.
"Go ahead, I'll see you tomorrow," Creek waved him off.
"Alright," Cinnamon hesitated further, "But if you need anything-"
"I'll ask Poppy," Creek smiled a little at Cinnamon's pout, "But I suppose you wouldn't be a horrible second choice."
"I'll take it," Cinnamon gave Creek's hand a squeeze before departing with Miss Frizz, helping her with her numerous baskets.
At last, Brainy could breath again, "She's," he couldn't quite find the right words, "something, isn't she?"
"That's one way of putting it," Branch mumbled.
"She's pushy because she cares," said Creek, "And really, it's the only way she can get Branch to agree to anything." He watched Branch roll his eyes before turning to Poppy, "Why don't you take Stormy and Clumsy to the Snack Pack and see who can host them?"
Poppy pouted a little, "You don't want to come?"
"I don't think it's a good idea just yet," said Creek, then sighed, "I don't want to hurt Biggie's feelings anymore than I already have."
Nodding, Poppy gave Creek a hug, "I'm sure things will get better soon."
Not answering, Creek just hugged Poppy back, waving her, Smurfette, Stormy and Clumsy off as they went to find the Snack Pack.
"It's probably getting close to lunch by now," commented Branch, looking at the sky. He turned to Creek, "Want to go grab something?"
Creek smiled a little at the invitation but shook his head, "No thank you, I'm a bit," drained seemed like the best word but he didn't really want to use it, "Tired. I think I'll just make something simple and lay down for a bit." He turned to Brainy, "Which will probably be a bit boring for you. I'm sure Branch could bring you up to my pod if you wanted to hang with them for a while longer."
Quickly, Brainy shook his head, "I rather stay with you."
"Alright," Creek turned back to Branch, "I guess I'll see you two at dinner tomorrow if I don't see you sooner."
Branch nodded but paused, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather get lunch with us?"
"I'm sure," said Creek, "Another time, perhaps?"
As Branch watched Creek and Brainy head towards Creek's pod, Branch couldn't stop the worry gnawing at him.
Seeing his mate's expression, Hefty wrapped his arm around him, "Creek will be fine, Brainy will be with him."
Still watching them disappear into the distance, Branch sighed, "I hope so."
Creek's pod was closer to the side of the tree than many of the pods dangling from the tree's numerous branches. After an initial stretch to one of the lower branches, one could climb the rest of the way to the pod via a few ladders that each lead to mushroom platforms that grew off the side of the tree. The pod itself was mostly teal with a dark purple bottom that looked like an upward blooming flower, and a similar dark purple at the top with its downward petals becoming a lighter purple.
Lump in his throat forgotten, Brainy couldn't help but run in place in excitement, "Your pod looks amazing! Such a clever use of the mushroom platforms. And the colors are beautiful, it looks a little like a painted vase. Is that all made from your hair? How does that work? Do you use hair that you shed or grow? I know it can grow back quickly after its cut but how much can it regrow? Is it an unlimited resource? How is it stabilized to keep from falling? How often do you have to-" He turned to Creek, voice trailing off as he took in how warmly Creek was smiling at him, his face flushing as he wondered if he was imagining that warmth in Creek's gray eyes as well, making those eyes more alive and lovelier like starlight rather than the empty gray they had been but moments before.
A small chuckle escaped Creek, "How often do I have to do what?"
"What?" Brainy absently repeated.
"You were mid-question," said Creek.
"Oh," Brainy paused and flushed further, "I forgot."
"It's alright," Creek lifted Brainy again for the first stretch, "I have a book on the pod making process that will help answer all your questions."
"Ah, good, that's great, thanks," Brainy mumbled, gazing up at Creek, trying to catch another glimpse of his eyes but unable to as Creek looked up to see where they were going. Once they were on the lower branch at the base of the first ladder, he almost resisted being set down, but let go without a fight. "How come you chose a spot so close to the tree?"
Starting up the first ladder, Creek smiled a little more, "My uncle had built his pod close to the tree as well. He said it made him feel closer to its lifeforce and, though I am unsure if I am feeling the tree's lifeforce like he could, it does make me feel more at peace."
Once Creek was at the first platform, Brainy started up the first ladder, "I wish I could have met your uncle."
Creek paused, "I'm sure he would have enjoyed meeting you as well."
"That means a lot, knowing how much you care about him," said Brainy, hesitating but reaching out to touch Creek's arm.
Though Creek's eyes didn't lose any warmth, his smile became a bit sad, "He's the Troll I'm always striving to be. Much like you and your Papa, I suppose."
"Yes, but we're our own people too," said Brainy, wishing that was something he learned much earlier in life.
"Indeed," said Creek and pulled away to climb the next ladder, going the rest of the way to his pod in silence.
Over the years, Creek had reorganized his pod, redecorated, changed the furniture and many small things. It would be almost unrecognizable to the pod he had six years ago but the layout was basically still the same and once they were inside, it felt the same.
Though still standing in the doorway, Creek could swear he could still smell his burning sheets in the fireplace as he laid in the shower with the water running over him as everything hurt and reality was worse than any nightmare. He stepped but and leaned against the door to slide to the ground as his head began to swim, hoping to stave off another fainting spell.
Instantly Brainy was kneeling by Creek's side, watching all the warmth disappear from Creek's eyes to be replaced by cold fear, "Creek?"
"I'm sorry," Creek began to shake, "I'm sorry," he covered his face, "I just need a minute, I swear."
Brainy's heart ached as he heard Creek begin to cry, changing position to sit beside Creek and wrap his arm around him. He hoped he was giving even a small measure of comfort as Creek turned in his hold, curling a bit against him as he cried.