Tresillo couldn't sleep, he was staring at the sky, in one valiant effort he even tried counting stars. Nothing worked it has been a month since he had seen or heard from his Spitfire.
Searching for his brothers who may or may not even be alive, so they could have an official courting with no questions, no threats of coercion, even though every precaution had been taken, they didn't want to be denied the right to marry.
He looked over to Marimba and Tambora who were happily sleeping away, and wondered if they ever felt like this when they were courting (Marimba) and being courted (Tambora).
He missed Branch.
So, he thought back to the last moment he saw him, and the kiss he wished it could have gone on longer, that when he came back, he would be there.
Here he was a bounty hunter with feared reputation, and he missed his hopefully soon to be mate, he needed to find his amors biological brothers, then he could back in arms.
He'd had the opportunity to meet the other brothers a week after Branch's acceptance.
He was a bounty hunter he didn't scare easily, but those four they terrified him slightly, which made Marim and Bora love them more.
But he'd like them because they made his amor happy and were part of his family.
Tresillo had dragged his sisters and their mates with him to Vibe city, they had been invited by the Queen and Branch and right now he would never pass up a meeting with him.
When they reached the room the saw four trolls they didn't recognise, immediately their trio put their guard up and pulled the two other trolls behind them.
'Good instincts' came from purple and red-haired troll, 'means they'll protect our boy just as good' piped up a purple and white hair troll.
'It means nothing if he can't fight' this troll was made of glitter and looked similar to his amor, he could scent him, but he wasn't in the room.
Tresillo let out a warning growl when the rainbow haired glitter troll came near, he fangs on display this was his family, you do not mess with his family.
Getting the same growl back shocked him but he never let up and the air was starting to burn with cinnamon.
'Boom leave him alone, Tres, look at me,' he felt a hand on his face, but he couldn't look away, he tried to move Branch behind him, away from the unknown troll who dare come near his family, growl at him and was smirking at him.
Hearing an angrier growl come from the troll who had a hand on his face, stunned him, his own and his sisters growl, cut off, this time they were looking at Branch, he didn't even realise his spitfire could do that.
He was impressed and found it a little bit sexy, watching as his spitfire turned on the four growling, who just blinked, 'well we needed to make sure he was suitable didn't we' the rainbow haired troll Boom apparently, as he shrugged his shoulders and wandered back to the others.
Tresillo's musing was cut short, he heard before he saw, tracker bugs, three, when they broke the clearing, the trio were awake as these weren't just any tracker bugs, they were red trackers which means it was urgent.
Seeing the letters attached the trio read.
Three words.
Two weeks since Tresillo left in search of Brozone.
Branch was feeling restless it had been two weeks since he had seen Tresillo, in the time he was gone he had made close ties with Ligia and Cayo, who were calling him brother and teaching him bits of Reggaeton language.
He now had some embarrassing stories about Tresillo, and the Ligia had found baby pictures, which they all cooed over.
Tiny Tresillo was adorable, Branch rested a hand over his belly, he wondered if any pups they'd have would look like Tresillo, he hoped so they would look stunning.
Tresillo smiling and watching as Branch tried to negotiate with a small, dirty, green reggaeton trolling who was determined to escape the dreaded bath time.
'Fine, Soli will just have this nice warm water all to herself' exasperated he looked back. Their daughter gave a tinkling giggle followed by the splashing of said water.
'Mi amor, didn't we talk about bringing wild animals inside' catching the green trolling trying make his escape.
'Papi' 'Ah' rang out twin calls, Tresillo holding their mud-covered son upside down skilfully avoiding being kicked in the face by his little feet.
Joining Branch and Soli at metal bathtub in the centre of the room, he looked up at his smiling mate keeping a paw on their young daughter.
'I say we dunk him' he said with mock seriousness dangling the green trolling over the water, hearing a shriek of 'No' followed by a wave of giggles, 'yes, you heard that, right amor?' Trying not smile Branch nodded 'I did, did you Soli, you heard Tam, say yes right?' As blue fingers tickled the little yellow baby who started giggling happily.
'No, Papi, Papà I sayed No!' called out the little green reggaeton.
'Ah, well I guess a normal bath it is' Tresillo sighed in mock defeat.
Flipping their son right side up, Tresillo plopped him in the water before the little escape artist tried to run again.
Grabbing a light purple soap from the table Tresillo worked in into a nice lather, passing it Branch and a nodding Soli, scrubbing the dirt from their son, listening to the rundown of how he got in this dirty. He definitely took after his aunts.
Finally, with both trolling's happily clean Tresillo stole a sleepy Soli from his arms, giving a quick look as Branch tried to argue and took them to them to their shared room.
Watching the trio walk away, Branch rested a hand on the barely their curve smiling.
'Mini E, what are you thinking about so hard' his Baba Q said snapping him out of his daydream, blushing, Branch snapped his hand away from his belly, ignoring the looks sent at him.
'Leave him alone Q, he misses his Tesoro' his mama defended him with a small smirk on her face, her eyebrow was raised at him as well.
Branch flushed harder, when she said the name, she'd caught him dozing with his courting band near his nose.
D was muttering under his breath how he still owes the troll a beating for kissing his lil Blue, Cooper was growling playfully wiggling his eyebrows.
Grabbing biscuit from the table he stuffed in his mouth to avoid talking about it.
His figured his heat must have been about two weeks or so away if he was having these thoughts. It explained the restless feeling.
When he was in his bunker Branch would go prepare his soft pile. He needed his soft pile, Ligia had snuck one of Tresillo's blankets to him, he gleefully gave it pride of place in his nest, wrapping it around him, after apologising to Cooper for biting him, when he tried to take it away.
But this time, there was something he needed, it needed to be there, it had been bothering him since he had been removed from pop village.
'Nonno' he exclaimed, causing his family to jump, 'sweet one?' His mama Essence asked.
'Can I go to the troll tree?' Branch asked excitedly 'there's something I need, please'
Seeing Quincey, Essence and Darnell looking at each other in concern, Cooper looked at him in sadness, Branch worried his fingers he needed this last thing it was important, 'what if Coop or Darn came with me or Ligia and Cayo'
Quincey looked at his children these boys were his pride and joys.
It didn't matter that Cooper was only with them for five months he had quickly fit in with the family rest of the family and had started to gain his silver pieces as the younger twin.
Branch… Branch was a beautiful addition to the family, he couldn't have asked for a better one, he blended so well with them, as if he was always one of them.
He needed to say no, but the excitement on his face had been missing since he and Essence had asked the Reggaeton trio to track down the brothers.
They had found proof of at least two of them were still alive, it was a good thing despite the agreement of all the tribes, Peppy was still mounting an attack on their boy.
He had changed his tactics and was accusing them of holding Branch against his will, regardless of the fact the tribes were aware and had seen him.
Branch was clearly happier and his colours which were darker in the village were getting brighter everyday becoming more like Essences, it is unclear why perhaps I should have Lownote, and R&B look into his family line there might be m a funk connection we could use, and with the temporary contract to Tresillo he practically glowing with happiness.
He had been making friends left and right and Ligia and Cayo had practically adopted Kismet 'brothers' as well, much to Tresillos concern and Branch's delight.
They had all met the Kismet group, brothers they had insisted, he and E couldn't help but laugh at the name, and with a full pomp they had inducted Darnell and Cooper, as honorary members, when they found out they were all for messing with Tresillo.
Another problem they face was the courting gift, and the stone on it while the Queen had written what she considered a love letter designed to woo, the Omega back to her side, it had terrified all who read it, referencing Ramus and Papaver, how would rule together, with many pups to carry on their line, how the pendent was a part of her family's legacy and she would be honoured if he wore it, that had been mentioned many times which concerned them.
Lownote and R&B started looking into the pendent and Ramus, to see why she was so insistent on Branch wearing it.
All four of the Funk trolls had stopped it before it even made it near their son and brother. It was returned with no reply.
Looking at E who shared his worried look, 'sweet one' Essence started Quincey could she was struggling to finish.
She wanted to let him go, they both did, but the risk to him was too great.
'Branch, I'm sorry, it's …it's … too dangerous right now' Quincey watched as his mini-E's ears drop. 'Branch, Mini E, you can go, soon, I promise' he said as Branch looked back a sad smile on his face his ears still dropped.
Looking at his Queen, she nodded. They needed to know what that necklace was now.
The light spilled on to an open scroll through the open window of a large orange pod.
On a scrap of paper were four names.
John Dory, Spruce, Clay, Floyd.
Peppy looked at the names, they were a desperate attempt, one tracker bug came back but without a troll, the other three hadn't yet, so with malicious intentions he told them their sweet omega brother was going to be forceful mated.
He didn't see the problem with Poppy pinning the blue Omega and fucking him until he was pupped, it was how he had his sweet Alpha Poppy and the unfortunate Viva, in any case it was the best way to get the best match, the beautiful blue omega, would be the perfect addition for Peppy, Poppy.
When the sweet, scented omega had dared stand in front of them and deny his Alpha, he told her not to worry just act, he had the perfect way to make Branch his hers.
He had seen the funk twins dragging the Omega to where the dance had happened.
His Poppys sweet, scented omega was comforting that whore, cooing, purring, trilling, that peach and cinnamon scent rolled over in the light breeze, Peppy managed to stifle a growl of longing.
The little omega would look wonderful in his Poppy's nest, pup in his belly, the sounds he was making.
He looked at the drawing of the necklace on the table, he had Poppy send as a courting gift, he had told her the true history of it, as a child she knew the 'fairytale' of Papaver and Ramus, he had Viva read it to her.
They just had to wait.
Floyd and Bruce had stopped off in volcano rock city, to collect the other half of Branch's courting contract.
Getting to Floyd and Riffs bunker, Bruce stood in the main room, 'just look on those shelves there' fondness laced Floyd's voice, 'Riffs heat hit a couple weeks ago, and he rearranged everything, again' a breath pushing his bangs to one side.
'What am I looking for' Bruce asked as he picked up a photo of Floyd and Riff on stage, 'hmm, oh hot pink folder, it's got a tree on it like yours' Floyd looking over seeing Bruce a photo frame.
The two brothers had been looking for a while, 'you'd think a hot pink folder wouldn't be hard to find, aww, I didn't know he kept these,' muttered Floyd putting a pair of broken bands back in the shelf.
Bruce's voice came from the lower shelf, 'it would help if it wasn't so dark in here' as he looked up.
Floyd looked around taking in the glowing red stones dotted around the room, huh it was dark, 'I must be used to it.'
Floyd's ear flicked as he heard the metal door open to the front of the house, 'let me grab my, FLOYD!' bracing himself as a body collided with him, thin arms and legs surrounding him, he hugged the body close, 'hey drummer' came Floyds muffled response.
Hearing Bruce laughing, Floyd managed to work his way through Riffs hair, a huge smile on his face.
'Yo, Poprock, your back' came a voice from the door. Floyd started growling at the voice eyes narrowing, 'babe, down, who's a good alpha' Riff teased him as he stroked Floyd's weak spot causing him melted into Riffs arms.
Bruce couldn't help it, he burst out laughing 'still a demon I see' watching his brother flip him off made him laugh harder, seeing the demon tamed by his skinny limbed mate.
'Riff, if you could detach from the puddle, we need your help' Bruce asked, stifling his laugh as Floyd made biting motions at him, while attaching himself to Riffs side not wanting the ear scratching to stop.
Bruce saw Riff smiling at Floyd who was clinging to his waist, 'whatch'a need beach boy, cause poprock here has a pretty good grip' the red mohawk headed troll snickered.
Seeing the grey troll going near his brother, Floyd started growling and smirked 'not that it's any of your business, Barb…ara' smirk wider at the wince Barb gave.
Bruce watched Floyd nuzzle the fuzzy grey cheek of his mate, 'Babe, on your shuffle you find a hot pink folder with a tree on it', Riff started nodding pulling away from the clinging alpha, who was grizzling about losing the scratches, (the problem was once Floyd got them, he never wanted them to stop, Riff had been stuck on the sofa more than once.)
'This one' Riff passed the folder Floyd who flipped it open to the centre page and nodded, showing it to Bruce, 'great, now, we just need to beat the other two.'
'What is it anyways' Barb asked as a dropped on the sofa, 'our baby brothers courting, and marriage contracts' Floyd and Bruce said.
'Wait, courting contract' Riff looks at Floyd confused, 'baby brother?' Barb looked confused at the still standing trio.
'Branch, our baby brother, he's an Omega' started Floyd putting the folder in his hair, Bruce finished 'because of how sought after he was our parents and Gramma gave the contract to Floyd' gesturing to Floyd's hair, 'I split it giving the other half to Bruce' watching as he pulled the purple folder out showing the rock trolls.
'Aren't they a bit archaic now' Barb asked still confused, Bruce handed her his letter watching her face as she read.
'Branch, this Branch is your brother' seeing the two pop trolls nod she hadn't realised in her bid to apologise to the kingdoms for her actions on the world tour, the former Pop ambassador was the same Branch, that Floyd pummelled her for (it had become a blip on her to-do list) hiding a wince she when the funk trolls realised they were not going to be happy at Floyd, 'he is not being held against his will, he broke the courting with that little Pop brat Queen' Brab started stamping around the room, 'throne room now, we'll get in contact with vibe city, come on man!' Barb grabbed Bruce and Riffs dragging them out the door.
Floyd always followed Riff, laughing at Bruce's face as the smaller female dragged him out.
In the throne room of volcano rock city, four trolls stood, waiting for the ambassador of Funk and two members of the prince's royal court, knights of Kismet.
Barb had explained Branch couldn't leave the ship for his safety, which made the two letters in Floyd and Bruce's pockets seem heavier, looking at each other their shared thought was their baby brother really being held against his will.
Riff was holding Floyd to stop him from pacing the room, no one stopped Bruce from doing so.
Looking toward the doors when they heard them open letting in three trolls, two orange and a purple.
Floyd and Bruce realised they were being watched by two trolls that niggled their memories.
As the main doors to the throne room opened, the orange funk ambassador in the lead with an unusually severe look on his face, followed by the two Kismet members bearing a similar expression.
Ablaze and Trickee saw the purple and magenta haired trolls in front of them and kept them in their site at all times, fury snapped in their eyes.
These were the brothers, they used the term loosely, who abandoned their little brother
Lownote started speaking, 'Queen Barb, you said you had information on our prince's contract' he could barely look at the two older trolls, let alone say brothers, he would have never done what they did, to abandon Quincey would have just about broken him, he saw what not having Cooper did to Prince D.
Branch had finally broke down and told the family of his brothers about how they left after a failed performance, how the magenta haired one promised to come back but never did, how Kismet became his brothers, from the promise to stay, to making sure he knew they didn't care if he was grey, they never left his side, true brothers.
Lownote looked over to the two Kismet members seeing them staring at the two brothers with rapt attention, he coughed lightly to bring them back to present attention.
The Kismet duo head turned to look at Lownote, but their eyes never left the older alpha pair, they watched as Floyd hid the skinny limbed rock troll behind him growling lowly, this made them smirk, being with Branch so long had taught them how not to back down when a creature tried to make themselves bigger, the alpha clearly trying to scare the younger pair, after bergens they didn't flinch at much anymore.
'Aww, look Trickee' Ablaze started make a cutesy face, 'he thinks he can scare us' Trickee joined in 'widdle baby, must not know how to growl properly, after all seventeen and half years, will do that to someone' Trickee shrugged looking to Ablaze with a predatory grin, as they started moving in tandem.
Slowly circling the two alphas and omega getting closer until trio were pinned growling 'Dearest Ablaze' started Trickee, 'our dear Boom wouldn't be happy with us right now' he continued circling catching the smirk Ablaze sent teeth on full show 'and why is that dear Trickee'
'Because he told we shouldn't play with our food' replied Trickee as if it was little consequence.
The two kismet brothers continued circling listening to the threatening growls the brother made.
'Alas boys, we need them for the prince, and I do believe you promised Boom a chance' came Lownotes smooth voice looking over the two alphas in the circle 'and you wouldn't deny your little brother a chance to see his … other brothers' he finished dismissively
Looking at each other Trickee and Ablaze shrugged 'you guys never let us play' Trickee whined, the duo stopped circling the trio, 'your right, Brother Branch, would like to see them I suppose.'
Ablaze and Trickee stood in front of Floyd, 'B is scarier when he growls' they said going to stand by Lownote, matching predatory grins on their face.
'Branch is gunna fillet them' Ablaze quietly singsonged.
Floyd didn't like these two at all, they were sending threatening scents towards them, circling them like pray. Their names sounded familiar, but he couldn't place them, hearing Bruce growl with him made him feel better, he could protect Riff if the two of them teamed up.
Looking up he saw Barb laughing on her chair, this set him off, until a smooth voice called the duo away, Branch, ear flicking at the name, looking to Bruce to see if he heard it as well.
He had they were looking at the trio, 'you know our brother?' Bruce asked, flinching as twin snarls echoed around the room, 'our brother you mean' the purple and red-haired troll snapped.
Floyd heard Barb ask the funk troll Lownote, to call off the snarling alphas, 'Prince Branch and his guards are extremely close, almost like brothers, then there are the twin princes' the emphasis on the Branch and brothers wasn't lost to Floyd.
Gesturing to Bruce and himself 'We are his brothers' the two brats snarled more.
The purple haired Trickee if he was right growled out 'if you're his brothers, WHY DID YOU LEAVE HIM' he was being held back the purple and red troll.
'Trickee calm down, we need them remember'
The now named orange brat was glaring at the trio 'for B.'
Floyd glared until he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking at Bruce he nodded.
Bruce looked at the trio in-front of him they clearly knew who they were and that they left Branch.
With a hand on Floyd's shoulder, he looked at the orange Funk troll 'look clearly this argument is getting us know where, can we see Branch, talk to him, please.'
Seeing the trio look to the Queen who had been laughing at the earlier display, now calm, looking at them all.
'Ambassador Lownote, you have my sincere apologies' she started Bruce saw Floyd look at her in shock, Barb continued 'had it not been for an oversight on my part, I could have spared the prince the grief of his suited searching for these two' she finished.
Bruce looked at the trio and Queen, the Funk troll who raised an eyebrow, stated 'King Quincey and Queen Essence, understand, and send their thanks for contacting them regarding this issue as we only had knowledge, they were alive, not their location.'
Bruce's eyes brows shot up Branch had a suitor he was being courted, looking to Floyd he saw the shock on his face as well.
Their baby brother was being courted!
Snarls erupted from the pair, until they felt the sting of a drumstick over the backs of their heads.
—
Riff was staring at them disappointedly, which was making Floyd rumble trying to sooth him, Riff just kept threatening him with his drum stick to keep him away, while Bruce rubbed the spot his head and he saw the two pop trolls giving Riff thumbs up, while they were holding each other up.
Riff was disappointed in his mate and made it known, 'he was the baby brother you talked about' he started hissing 'did you even go back like you promised' raising his drum stick again as Floyd tried to get near 'fix it and I might let you back in our bunker' Riff growled getting a good swipe in causing Floyd to yelp and back off.
Turning to Lownote, Trickee and Ablaze, one arms still poised for hitting Floyd if he tried to get near him, 'Ambassadors, don't Floyd, I offer the prince my most sincere apologies for keeping his contract in my home' turning to look Floyd in the eye lifting his beanie slightly, 'until Branch forgives you or you do the right thing, find another couch to sleep on' Riff finished turning back and sitting by Barbs side his burnt coffee scent showing his displeasure at the two.
'You okay man?' He heard Barb but Riff didn't even want to speak, he let out a discontent growl. He liked Branch, he liked his bunker, and he could play a mean bass guitar, he looked at Floyd and frowned, how had he not noticed the baby pop trolling in Floyd picture looked similar.
The trio watched the shocked and upset alphas.
Bowing to Barb, Lownote gestured at the four trolls to follow to the transport to Vibe city.