a/n: hi guys! here's some GOOD OL fluffy family stuff! this features their oldest, rose holloway, named after her great-grandmother, at age five. reviews are awesome! thanks for reading!
ii. don't move
"Poppy, I swear to God-"
"We're dead, we're dead, we're dead," Under Poppy's breath comes a frantic whisper ending in nervous giggles, her fingers fisting the front of Branch's sweater. Glaring at what little he could see, Branch pulls Poppy closer to him, risking the coats shrouding them and hanging on the racks to rustle. He feels her anxious peppermint breath hitting his neck, and he shudders, exhaling slowly.
"If you don't shut your damn mouth," Branch hisses, an impulsive smile looming over his lips in a faint twitch, "dead is what we're gonna be."
Branch practically sees her head snap up to frown at him, he practically hears the tone of the stubborn, fiery retort that's about to commence, Poppy's mouth opens and -
The doorknob turns. It rattles with effort before the door swings open, sending Poppy's retort into a panicked wheeze that beats against Branch's hand rising to muffle her noise.
Light bleeds in and careful footsteps pad the closet's carpet. Everything goes still.
Branch thinks, We're in some deep-dished shit, and Poppy's grip on him tightens, amber eyes widening.
A little hand suddenly yanks back heavy jackets and coats to the side. The found yelp in unison. Branch and Poppy are exposed, locked together in a stressful, upright pretzel.
"Found you!" Rose Holloway squeals, excitedly hugging her plush elephant to her chest, bouncing on the tips of her toes.
Poppy untangles herself from her husband and dramatically falls to her knees, wailing a dramatic, "Noooo!", her fists risen and shaking towards the ceiling. "I thought it was such a good hiding place, too!" Giggling, their daughter sits to comfort Poppy in her lament.
"I guess I'll never beat you at hide-and-seek," Poppy mourns, gently pulling Rose onto her lap, "You're too good at it."
Branch joins them on the floor. "Mom is right, you are too good at this game," He grins and leans in towards them, kissing his daughter's forehead.
"But.." Branch pretends to be aloof.
Rose's smug brow furrows curiously, round eyes flicking upwards. "What?"
"I'm the best at another one."
Poppy snorts, her smile wide and amused. "Aaand what game would that be? Seeing how many 'Caution: Wet Floor!' signs you can set up in the grocery store?"
"What? No!"
Rose's laugh cuts off at Branch's glare.
Branch pretentiously huffs, "It's called," He pauses for effect, the sly smile curling on his lips causing Rose to kick her feet in anticipation. "Tickle fight!"
His treacherous fingers spring into action, attacking Poppy and Rose in full, tickling force.
The laughter and squeals and shrieks that followed were, to Branch, the happiest sounds in the world.