Disclaimer:
I do not own trolls. Dreamworks has all rights. First three chapters are a fanfic of a fanfic; Lone Concert originally by Dawnbuneary. The story has been dead since 2017 and I desided to pick it backup so here is my take on this trollverse. Hope you enjoy.
Poppy went to bed with a smile on her face thinking about the almost she had with Branch. She still had so many questions that she wished he would answer. Like why does he feel the need to protect everybody? She knows it's his way of showing that he cares but by. She really wanted to know who this mystery troll was but she figured today she would drop it. And more than anything why was Branch so grey? What happened to him? Well she had a feeling that today she was going to get some of her questions answered. She could just feel it. Poppy hopped out of bed to get ready for the day just singing to herself.
Trolls just want to have fun,
Oh Trolls just wanna have,
They just a wanna they just a wanna
Oh Trolls just wanna have fun.
During this she made her father and herself some breakfast. When someone knocked on their pod door she jumped up and opened it revealing her friends she invited them inside before heading back to her father to give him a kiss on the cheek. "So what are your plans for the day?" King Peppy asked his daughter. "Will Smidge finally has her date with Milton. Creek has a full day teaching yoga classes. Cooper was planning on spending his day with his twiborther D. So we were going to keep it a bit more low key." Poppy explained to her father. "And you were hoping to see Branch today, right." Suki said teasingly. Poppy just blushed. King Peppy just looked at his daughter concerned. "You've been spending a lot of time with Branch lately." King Peppy said. "Um yeah. Is that ok?" Poppy asked hesitantly not seeing an issue with spending time with their resident grey troll. "No. No. No. Please don't think that I have an issue with the boy. On the contrary I quite like the boy. I just don't want to see him get hurt more than he already has. That's all." King Peppy said getting back to his food.
Poppy just lookat ther father confused. "What do you mean by that?" Poppy and her friends slowly sat down in the living area waiting for King Peppy to join them. When he noticed they were waiting for him he took one last bite of his breakfast before joining. Once he sat down since they were all looking at him. "Dad, what did you mean by that? About Branch I mean." Poppy asked in concern. "Just that Branch has lost a lot and not that I don't think you'd hurt him but oh. Maybe it would be better if I just told you so you'd know what I'm trying to say." Poppy bit back an airy laugh. "It usually works best if you do that." King Peppy just smiled weakly at his beloved daughter.
"Oh where to start. Branch used to be such a happy troll. One of the happiest I've ever seen." Poppy and the Snack Pack listened closely, almost not believing that Branch was once happy. "He lived with his four brothers and sister. His parents and grandmother." King Peppy said. "Branch has siblings?" Poppy said in disbelief. King Peppy just smiled remembering the family he had considered friends. "Branch's mother died before he turned one. It was extremely sad. His father was once my best friend." Peppy said happily remembering his old friend Ozzie still missing him. "I didn't realize you were that close." Poppy said feeling sorry for her father's loss. "Yes we grew up together, he was the one to actually introduce me to your mother." Peppy said with a smile. "Branch's parents had six wonderful children. With Branch being the youngest. His older siblings formed a singing group with him. You might have heard of them. What was the group called?" Peppy thought about it for a bit. Poppy just couldn't help but think. What happened to all his siblings? "Brozone that's what it was called." Peppy said excitedly.
Poppy could not believe what she was hearing. Her favorite band of all time. Was Branch's family! No way!!!!!!!! "Are you serious?!?" Poppy asked her father who just nodded yes. "Yes, but unfortunately his other brothers could not get along and the oldest three left. Leaving Branch with his father, grandmother, and his brother and sister who just so happen to be twins. They were born a few years before Branch. He would have been about two when that happened. Poor thing blamed himself." Peppy said sadly. He remembers talking to Ozzie about how Branch was just so upset that his brothers were gone and how he kept saying it was all his fault even with Flyod and Barb telling him otherwise. The Snack Pack felt sad about hearing Branch's family. No one deserves to go through that. Especially someone so young.
Peppy took a deep breath before continuing. "About a year or two later was the first attempt of our people to leave the troll tree." Peppy looked at his daughter cupping her cheek lovingly. "Your mother helped lead it alongside Branch's father. You remind me so much of her." Poppy leaned into her father's hand. "Ozzie. Branch's father said that I needed to stay here with you and to take care of his mother and Branch if things went south." Peppy said with a frown. Only the older trolls and a few of the younger ones knew about the failed first attempt to escape trollstice. "Ozzie took Barb and Floyd Branch's older siblings leaving Branch with his grandmother. Rosiepuff." Peppy smiled thinking back about the woman. "She was the sweetest thing you'd ever seen. Helped me get out of trouble more than a few times." Poppy enjoyed listening to her father reminisce about his life. She sometimes forgets just how much he lost too.
"She was like a second mother to me. Could not bake to save her life or decorate. She macramed everything. But she was known for more than just her baking or decorating skills. She would always know what to say when you were down and had the loveliest voice you've ever heard." Peppy said with a smile. Poppy wished she could have met this woman. "You know she was the one to walk your mother down the aisle when we got married. Sadly her father did not approve and decided to miss it." Poppy frowned at that. "Oh but Rosiepuff she wouldn't have any of that. No. After the wedding he gave your grandfather a piece of her mind but before that she told your mother. Viva if that old crow won't show up then I will. You won't go down alone." Poppy smiled along with her father and the Snack Pack. This woman sounds wonderful. And she always enjoyed hearing about her mother. Poppy knew that her father missed her greatly so she didn't ask as much as she wished but she had her dad and that was enough for her.
"What happened next King Peppy? With the escape." Guy Diamond asked innocently. Peppy sighed heavily. "We don't know we all assumed they all perished. We were supposed to hear word back and nothing for a year and a half. We weren't planning on another escape attempt so soon but then something happened that I won't be able to forgive myself for nor could Branch even though it wasn't his fault." Peppy explained, trying to hold back tears. Poppy went up to hug her father. So far she has heard that Branch lost his parents and all five siblings. What could be worse? "One day when Branch was five he was singing actually you were still very young and we were listening to him give you a private performance while his grandmother was hanging up laundry." Peppy said with a laugh. The Snack Pack snickered at the thought that Poppy has always been interested in watching Branch sing. "What song?" Satin asked. "Was he singing?" Chenille finished. Peppy thought about it for a moment. "If I am not mistaken it was Total Eclipse of the Heart."
"He was so lost in song we all were we didn't hear Rosiepuff try to warn him. It was the day before Trollstice so we didn't expect any danger but a Bergan was going after Branch." A gasp could be heard over the pod. "Rosiepuff pushed him out of the way. The only thing I could hear was Branch calling out for her." Peppy said with a tear falling down his face. She could barely remember that day but a faint melody did start playing I. Her head.
And I need you now tonight,
I need you more than ever,
You know that nothing can make this right.
"I raced down to where he fell with you in my hair but when I got there it was too late. He'd turn grey and blamed himself for everything. That was the last time he sang. As far as I know he hasn't sung a note since. We made our escape the next day. Worked all through the night just to make it possible."
Once Upon a Time
There was light in his life
Now there's only love in the dark
Nothing left to say but
A Total Eclipse of the Heart.
The Snack Pack sang solemnly at what they all had just learned. Poppy's heart broke. No wonder why he's so grey, everyone he's ever loved is gone. Either they've left him on purpose or not by choice at all. "Thank you for telling us dad. I promise I won't hurt him like that or in any other way." Poppy said, determined. "It really does warm my heart that even after everything that has happened not only do you try to still take care of Branch but that he is letting you. Your mother made me a better person through her persistence and I am sure you will do the same. She broke me out of my shell and you'll do the same with him." Poppy blushed deeply and heavily. "What no Branch and I aren't. I mean I'm not um." Peppy just laughed at his daughter alongside her friends. "I was in denial too till Ozzie pointed it out to me. Trust me don't waste this time you two have together. You never know when it will be gone." Peppy said before getting back up to head back over to the kitchen to finish his breakfast. "Thank you for telling us and for talking about mom. I know that was hard but I do love hearing stories about your life." Poppy said, giving her father one last hug and kiss on the cheek. "Anytime. Have fun today."
The Snack Pack left the royal pod and made their way to do one of Creek's yoga classes. "So that was insightful." Poppy said still with some blush on her cheeks. "Yes it was." Suki was starting to say before her niece CJ came rushing over. "Aunt DJ! Aunt DJ! Tiny fell off a mushroom and hurt his leg!" DJ Suki and Guy Diamond went rushing after CJ Suki. "Do you want us to come with you?" Poppy shouted. "No we got this covered but thank you." Guy Diamond yelled back. Before any of them could continue forward Biggie was abducted by Leggsy and Synth who needed to show him something. So all that was left of their little group was Satin, Chenille, and Poppy herself.
"So what are you gonna do about Branch?" Satin asked. "Yeah you still have feelings for him?" Chenille finished with a giggle. Poppy was just trying desperately to get rid of her blush. She didn't see what was so funny about her liking Branch. He was a good guy. Sure he grumbles under his breath and he's sarcastic a lot but he does everything he can to protect others even if they give him a hard time for it. He's sweet when he wants to be and he's honestly the coolest troll ever, he's kind and funny and cute. Also she thinks it's really charming how he's weirdly over prepared for everything. Poppy then realized what all she thought about. And strangely she liked it. But before she could delve further into her thoughts Fuzzbert came rushing towards them. Apparently he needed Satin and Chenille's help dragging them away from Poppy leaving alone with her thoughts. Maybe she will visit Branch. But it's getting late and the weather looks like it's going to turn bad. So she better hurry.
Well it seems like Poppy did not have any luck on her side today. She got caught up in the storm when she was closer to Branch's bunker so there was no point in turning back. When she reached the Go Away mat she was met with wide eyes that were definitely not expecting to see her there. Especially seeing her completely drenched. "Poppy what are you doing out in this weather? Quick, come inside before you get sick." Branch said quickly, leading her into his bunker. Poppy was ringing her hair while they rode the elevator down. "You still haven't told me why you were out in the rain." Branch looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she tried to stop shaking. "I was on my way to see you before the strom hit. Gues--s-s I lost the rac-c-ce." Poppy tried to joke, shivering as the water soaked her clothes. "Sorry you must be freezing. Let me get you some dry clothes and herbal tea. Before you get sick." Branch said, leading her into his room where he looked for some of his smaller clothes that might fit her. She grabbed one of his spare blankets and wrapped herself while she waited. "You know you shouldn't risk your health just to see me." Branch said finally finding what he was looking for.
"Like I said I thought I could beat the storm and by the time it did hit I was closer to you than the village, so it didn't make sense for me to head back." Poppy explained sitting on his bed. "Here this should fit. It's a flannel I've outgrown so you can keep it the same with the shorts." Branch said, handing her the clothes before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Poppy was grateful for the change of warm clothes and she couldn't help but smile at the fact that they smelled like Branch. Poppy removed her wet dress and buttoned up Branch's old flannel and pulled up his shorts he gave her. She instantly felt warmer. Poppy noticed Branch's bathroom connected to his room, so she headed in to place her damp clothes to dry and grab a towel for her hair. Once she put her hair up she heard a slight tapping on the door. SHe opened the door to reveal a startled Branch holding up two cups of tea. "Thought this might help." He said, handing her the warm cup. "Thanks, let's drink these in the living room." Poppy said heading towards the sofa. "I hung my clothes in the bathroom. Hope that was ok?" Branch nodded as he joined her on the sofa. Branch had pulled out another blanket while making the tea.
Branch sat down placing his cup on the table, Poppy did the same before she nuzzled up next to Branch forced an indigo blush on his cheeks. He placed the blanket on her and the two grabbed their cups and just listened to the rain. Poppy could hear Branch's rapid heart beat; this all felt nice. She continued to think about what her father had told her about how he was with her mother. Maybe she does love Branch. Maybe this wasn't going to turn out terrible. For the first time she actually allowed herself to thnk of the possibilities of having a life with Branch. Being able to snag his clothes if she felt could. Her bringing over cupcakes and him making tea. The two just sitting with one another in silence or having a sereal conversation that they can't have with anybody esle. She would help him with finding surplise and he could help her run the kingdom one day. It then hit Poppy just how far ahead she was dreaming. Marriage, a family, possibly having kids one day. Would Branch even want that? She didn't even realize she wanted that until that very moment. But she wanted to figure out more things with Branch by her side.
"So why did you try to come see me?" Branch said as he wrove his arm around her placing his hand on her shoulder adding in some extra warmth. "My dad was talking about his past today and brought you up. He was worried that I'd hurt you if I didn't know the truth." She said, placing her head on his shoulder. "Truth about what?" Branch asked nervously. "About you. He was trying to look out for you. I know you didn't want to tell me but my dad barely talks about my mom and his past. I couldn't help but listen." Poppy said, trying to explain. "I understand I'm not mad." She looked him in the eyes. "You're not?" Branch shook his head no. "So what did he tell you?" Branch asked curiously. "Oh nothing much. The fact the you were in Brozone for one." Poppy said, smiling into her tea. Branch nearly choked on his cup. "He what?" Poppy could not help but snicker. "Yeah. He also talked about what happened to your parents and five siblings. That's a lot by the way." Poppy said before taking a deep breath. "He also told me what happened with your gramma and how you turned grey because of it." Branch couldn't look her in the eyes. He felt too ashamed. "You know it wasn't your fault right. Nobody blames you for what happened; if anything it was that bergans fault." Poppy said defiantly. She gently turned his head so he would face her. "Hey I'm sure right now she is in a better place." Branch gave her a small smile before she gave him a hug. "Whoa it's not hug time." She just giggled into his chest. "I know but I felt like you needed one." He begrudgingly returned the hug.
When they broke the hug they looked at one another. Right now Glitz was asleep so there was little chance of them interrupting them again. Branch and Poppy slowly leaned into one another until their lips met. Branch cupped her cheek with one hand and the other grabbed her waist firmly. Poppy still had her arms around his neck and her hands were now playing in his hair. It wasn't until Branch nipped her neck snapping her back to the big issue at hand. What about Branch's mystery troll? "Wait. Wait. Wait. This is wrong." Branch was a little confused and worried that he had misread things. "What are you talking about?" Poppy looked like a deer in the headlights. "Aren't you in love with some mystery troll or something?" Poppy was just panicking, but Branch could not help but laugh. "This isn't funny!"
"I know it's not, but do you remember why I wouldn't tell you who I was in love with." Poppy nodded. "That it wouldn't be much of a secret if I told you." Poppy was about to rebutel with the fact that she could keep a secret. "It won't have been much of a secret that the troll that I'm in love with is you." Branch finally finished. Poppy just looked at him. She couldn't find the words. "Wait, you like me?" Poppy said with disbelief. Branch was starting to feel self conscious about the whole thing. He was about to make his way to leave when Poppy tackled him with a kiss which he returned. He played with her damp wet hair while she laid on top of him kissing him passionately. Poppy felt like a whole world just opened up to her. She wasn't sure how everyone would respond to her actions or this whole night but at that moment she didn't care.
The two eventually did stop kissing and snuggled comfortably together on the sofa. Branch pulled the blanket over them. They stayed like that for a while. Just content on how the night has gone. Branch could not believe the girl he was in love with was in his arms. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you Poppy." He whispered not expecting her to hear let alone respond, but with a big yawn Poppy replied. "I love you too, Branch." Branch felt happier than he has in years but did not see his colors return. Maybe he's just been grey too long. But maybe that didn't matter because Poppy fell in love with him when he was grey so that's all that matters to him at that very moment.
Soon Branch could hear Poppy's breathing become slow and steady. She was asleep and soon Branch followed the same road. They stayed like that all night, the two just holding each other as they slept. When Glitz woke up he was shocked to find Branch and Poppy sleeping on the sofa. He buzzed around Branch's head waking him up. "What Glitz?" Branch said while putting his face back in Poppy's hair. Then her strawberry scent brought him back to reality. Last night really didn't happen. This wasn't a dream. The girl of his dreams really is in his arms and she really did say I love you to him. He realized that she might need to get up soon or else people will start looking for her. It's not that he was ashamed of her, quite the opposite but he knew that this could cause lots of trouble for her and that's the last thing he wanted. But for now let's just worry about making breakfast. Not that he had much to serve. He slowly tried to untangle himself from her without waking her which somehow he managed to do. He headed to the kitchen as Poppy curled up into the blanket for a little bit longer.
She was dreaming of singing which was no surprise but what was a surprise was that she was thinking of a song to sing to Branch like all those songs he has written for her. And when he was ready to show her them she wanted to be ready with a song of her own.
You always wanted to be hiding
Like no one wants you around
Hold your head a little higher
It's pretty simple
I'm in luck, I'm in luck, I'm in luck
'Cause we're together now
Never stop looking up, if it's love don't even mess around
Together now's
Poppy was singing her song to Branch. After hearing all his songs to her she just couldn't help but sing back now. She dreamt she strummed the melody on her ukulele. Glow bugs started to fly and they were on top of Branch's private mushroom.
You said you didn't wanna light up (Light up)
So you turn the radio down
Maybe you was in denial (Yeah)
But we've changed a little
I'm in luck, I'm in luck, I'm in luck
'Cause we're together now (Together now)
Looking up, looking up, looking up
Don't need to look around
'Cause I know
I'm in luck, I'm in luck, I'm in luck
'Cause we're together now
I'm in luck, I'm in luck, I'm in luck
'Cause we're together now ('Cause we're together now, 'cause we're together now)
(Together now)
It feels so good to see you again, you know? (Yeah)
Ha, come here (Together now)
Together now
Branch then took the ukulele out of her hands and started to dance with her. The glow bugs dimmed their lights and the scene became romantic. He held her close and she was love ever minute of it.
The bad days are over
'Cause we come together
The bad days are over
'Cause we don't stop
Looking up, looking up, looking up
Don't need to look around
'Cause I know
I'm in luck, I'm in luck, I'm in luck
'Cause we're together now
Together now, now, now (Yeah)
Together now (Yeah), now (Yeah), now
Together now
Poppy and Branch finished slow dancing as she finished her song to him. He pulled her into a warm hug as the song ended. Just the two of them.
The bad days are over
'Cause we come together
The bad days are over
'Cause we come together now
Poppy smiled as she was still huming the song in her dreams. She just loves Branch so much. How could she not have seen it sooner? Branch started to make the coffee and make some toast for them to eat. While he was cooking he started to sing a little tune that did end up waking Poppy up. She stayed like that on the sofa for a bit just listening to the man she loves sing thinking he was alone.
You're the morning angel,
Just touch my right cheek before you leave me baby,
I'm heading down to the bunker angel,
I'll be sipping on coffee in the morning baby.
Branch sang while he was going to fetch his notebook because he had an idea to finish a song he long forgot about until last night. When he grabbed his song book he poured himself a cup of coffee. Having already cleaned the dishes from the night before and got himself a piece of toast and spread some of his homemade jam on it and got to work finishing that song. Meanwhile Poppy was just quietly watching from behind him with a smile on her face. She listened as he just switched songs humming to himself happily.
You're all I ever wanted, baby,
You're all I ever needed, yeah,
So tell me what to do now,
When I want you back,
Do-do-do-dya,
Do-do-do-dya,
Ya-ya-ya-ya.
Poppy was a little giddy that he was singing a Brozone song. Then she noticed something odd. It felt so weird that none of this felt weird. It felt so right. This domestic scene in front of her and she was loving it. She saw that Branch had a second cup of coffee ready and another made a piece of toast. He really didn't eat much in the mornings did he? She thought to herself. She slowly made her way to Branch and sat on his leg. At first this surprised him but quickly adjusted to the situation at hand. He placed a spare hand on her thigh and started to run slow circles. She placed her head down on his shoulder like she had done the night before and grabbed the second cup of coffee. It was nice and warm. She was still loving the fact that she was still wearing Branch's clothes.
"Morning." Poppy said, kissing Branch's cheek. "Morning." Branch said kissing Poppy's temple. "So last night revealed a lot." Poppy said slowly. "Yeah." Branch said with a sigh. "Hey, what are you thinking about?" Poppy asked worriedly. She was really hoping that Branch wasn't having second thoughts. "I just where do we stand after last night? Because I need you to know that if you are willing I'm all in but I won't play games Poppy I just won't." Branch said sternly. Poppy gave him a soft smile before grabbing his cheeks and pulling him in for a kiss. "I am all in too. 100%. I promise." Branch smiled into her lips. She only pulled away because she was hungry and grabbed her piece of toast. "Sorry, surprisingly I don't have that much breakfast stuff."
"It's ok. Actually this jam is really good. You made it right? And the tea last night too?" Poppy asked, covering her mouth full of toast. "Yeah. I did." Branch said back. "Honestly if the village knew half the stuff you did. They'd welcome you in with open arms. I just don't understand why you hide all the time." Poppy said sadly. It hurt her little heart to see all of Branch's great qualities not be seen. "Poppy can we please not talk about this, this early in the morning?" Branch begged. Poppy sighed but eventually agreed. "Hey, what time is it." Poppy asked curiously looking over to see his song book. "And what are you working on?" She asked coyly. "This is nothing to worry about right now but it is almost 6:30." Poppy's heart stopped for a second. No one knew she stayed at Branch's bunker last night and there would probably be a search party if she didn't get home soon. She did not want to leave but her father would be getting worried about her soon.
"As much as I'd love to say I think I need to get going soon." Poppy said and Branch understood even if he wanted her to stay. He pulled her into one more kiss. Not that she was complaining. Maybe she could stay a few more minutes.
So this chapter I wanted to focus more on Broppy. Also on King Peppy talking about his past. Setting up for future chapters. As for the songs I wanted all the little bits of singing through the movies and specials to be present. But be prepared. I do plan for three more chapters before we catch up with the start of the first movie and we will have some setbacks but don't worry this is a Broppy positive fanfic so things will eventually work out but not for a while sorry. That's all the spoiler's I got so far. Also once we catch up to the movies these chapters should be coming out a bit fast since I dont have to do so much. So here's to hoping. Thanks for reading.