"Poppy, look!"

"Just a second, Sunshine," Poppy said, pouring batter into a cupcake tray, "Let me get these cupcakes into the oven real quick."

She didn't have any special reason to be making cupcakes right now; she just felt like making some "Just Because" treats for her friends.

"Poppy," she heard Sunshine whine behind her, "You're not looking!"

"I'm almost done, sweetie," Poppy replied, "Be patient." That last part was mostly for Sunshine, but partly for herself. She wished someone had warned her that there would be times when she wanted to tear her hair out, but she had enough experience with kids to know how to keep her cool.

"Okay, Sunshine," she said with exasperation as she slid the cupcakes into the oven, "What is it you want to show…" She trailed off, filled with amazement at what she saw when she whipped around.

The baby troll had made it almost halfway across the pod, holding her arms out in front of her as she toddled towards Poppy.

Poppy was sure her heart would explode with how much pride it contained. Tears filled her eyes as she flashed her signature overbite smile. "Look at you," she squeaked out, "Look at you, big girl."

A soft knock sounded outside as the door to the pod slowly opened. "Hey, Poppy," Branch greeted as he entered, "Sorry to barge in, but I just wanted to check on—"

He was interrupted by an excited shout of his name. "Branch, you're just in time," Poppy yelled, kneeling down with arms wide open, "Sunny's taking her first steps!"

Sunshine's attention shifted when she heard his voice, almost losing her balance as she turned away from Poppy. If it had been anybody else, that might have hurt her feelings.

"Aw," Poppy gushed, "She's coming to you, Branch."

It didn't show, but Branch was just as amazed as Poppy, if not more. "Come on, Sunny," he beckoned, "you can do it. You're almost there."

Her pace quickened as she got closer to him. She was so eager to run into his arms, that she didn't have time to catch herself when she started losing her footing.

Luckily, she had someone else to catch her before she could fall.

"Gotcha," Branch said with perfect timing; a high-pitched ding chimed right as he grabbed her. "Hug-Time," Sunny garbled, but when the adults glanced at their bracelets, they hadn't opened up yet.

"Oh," Poppy said, laughing when she realized what had happened, "The cupcakes are ready!"

Sunshine frowned, lip quivering as she asked, "No Hug-Time?"

"Not quite, sweetie," Poppy replied, "But that doesn't mean you can't give Branch a hug now."

The trolling's smile returned as she wrapped her arms around Branch's neck. "We're so proud of you," he told her.

"And just for that," Poppy added, handing her a cupcake with rainbow frosting, "You can have the first one."

"Yay," Sunny cheered, taking the cupcake and digging into it messily. When she was finished, she gave her caretakers a satisfied smile, frosting smeared all over her face and teeth.

Lovely, Branch thought.

…

I love the thought of Sunshine being a Daddy's girl before Branch even became her dad.

I hope you all liked this one. I couldn't think of a better way to end it.