-O-

Picturebook Romance

A Trolls fanfic

By Dreamsinger

Chapter Seventy-Five

Memory Lane 4: Letting Him Go

Author's Note: Since PBR is set in the movie universe rather than the cartoon series, Creek is definitely dead. Branch suspects he is, but no one knows for sure, since no one ever saw what happened to him.

-O-

Just like then, Poppy was hugging Branch. Clinging to him, really. "Hey, what's with the death grip?" he teased gently.

"Sorry," she said, relaxing her hold. "I just wish I could go back and give you even more hugs." The pink troll leaned back and put a hand to his cheek, looking soulfully into her boyfriend's beautiful sky-blue eyes. "I could see that you were in pain, Branch. So much pain that even your eyes had lost their color," she said sadly. "When I tried to ask you why, it was like you went away somewhere in your head. I was so worried about you. I hadn't seen much of you before that Trollstice, but the few times I had, you seemed to be full of energy. Almost enthusiastic, for you. So I could tell that something was really wrong that day. If only I hadn't been asleep when you left…"

"If you were asleep, then how did you know where to find me? I've always wondered," he asked curiously.

A sly little smile passed over her face as she let him go. "Oh, a little birdie told me."

"Poppy, seriously- Oh. You mean an actual bird tattled on me?"

She nodded. "I knew you did a lot of stuff in the forest around the village, so I was used to asking the local wildlife where you were whenever I needed to get ahold of you. A friendly bird pointed out which way you'd gone. Eventually I heard the sound of hammering and followed it."

Branch snorted. "Figures. Can't keep anything around here a secret. Honestly, it's a wonder it took Chef as long as it did to find us. Why were you looking for me, anyway?"

"I'm not sure. I just woke thinking about you," she explained. "Maybe because I hadn't seen you at the Trollstice party. I hadn't seen you in months, actually - at least that's how it felt – so I decided it was time to visit you."

Her boyfriend's voice was low and tender, making her heart flutter in her chest. "Maybe you just knew I needed you."

"Maybe I did." She stepped close to murmur in his ear. "Or maybe it was because I needed you." The pink troll pressed her lips to his ear and he shivered delightfully, making her grin. "During Trollstice I'd made a few seriously awkward blunders that had me doubting that I'd ever be a good queen. I guess I needed to hear that you believed in me, since you were the one person I could trust to tell me the truth without sugar-coating it."

"I did believe in you," he told her. "How could I not, when you tried so hard? Honestly, it surprised me that you could even doubt yourself. But I'm glad it happened, because that was the day I truly saw the person you would become, and I knew that I wanted you in my life." He looked downward, his face going all serious. "To be honest, if you hadn't come when you did, I'd probably never have gone back to Troll Village. Not ever."

Poppy started to shrug and say something about how that wouldn't have happened, but hearing his version of that day had brought it all back. I think he really might not have. I didn't have to know about the golden door to see that he'd shut down again, like he did after his pod fell. It was happening again, and it scared me. It felt like he was in danger. He was hurting so bad, and all I could think to do was hug him.

She recalled how relieved she'd been to see the life -and the color- come back into his eyes after that wonderfully long hug. He'd been so sweet to her, too. Despite all he'd been through that day, he'd been worried about her. She could still remember the caring look on his face as he opened his arms to give her the best hug she'd ever received from him. It had made her realize how much he loved her, even if he couldn't say it.

"I felt it too, you know. The connection between us."

"Really?" he asked softly.

She nodded, her heart in her throat as she gazed at the man she wanted to be hers forever. "I always have, Branch. You were so different from everybody else, so special. Cranky, yet sweet. So afraid of the world, yet so brave, so determined to protect me and the village no matter what. So scared to let people in, yet craving to be seen and loved and wanted. And then that day, even though you were hurting, you set your own pain aside to comfort me. I loved you then, Branch. And I love you even more now."

Adoration shimmered in his eyes as he put his warm arm around her lower back, his other hand threading itself into the hair at the nape of her neck. "Me too, Poppy," he murmured. "I was ready to cut myself off for good, but then you came. You saw my pain, and you gave me your love. Even though you probably figured I'd gotten into yet another conflict and made a mess of things, as usual, you didn't hold it against me. How could I turn my back on you then?"

"Oh, Branch…"

His expression was so tender she wanted to melt. "For so many years you were the only true bright spot in my life, my sweet Sunshine. I love you so much!"

They kissed then, passionately. His hand massaged her neck, making her moan with pleasure. She felt him smile against her lips before his hand moved down her spine, then underneath her t-shirt, sending a rush of tingles over her bare back. She moaned again, louder, letting him know she loved how he was making her feel. If not for how tightly their bodies were pressed together she would have put her hands inside his vest and caressed him, too. She could feel his heart beating in double-time along with hers, and felt closer to her boyfriend than ever.

The sweethearts shared several more heated kisses before Branch suddenly chuckled.

Curious, she pulled back a little. "What's so funny?"

"I was just remembering what else happened that day. I had no idea if I'd ever see another troll again, and then boom! Along came a cute little messenger, dancing at my door…"

-O-

P fills B in on what he missed after she left him and went back to the village

Princess Poppy hurried into the village, looking for her dad. As she headed toward the pod they shared, she caught sight of something strange and skidded to a stop.

Nobody was smiling.

Alarmed, she stopped to ask what was going on. They told her that her dad and Branch had had a big fight right on stage in front of everyone, and then Branch had stormed off. She thanked them and broke into a run. I've got to find Dad!

On the way she was hailed by a group of her closest school friends. To her relief, her father was with them, deep lines carving his normally-genial face. "Poppy! Poppy, do you know where Branchkin is?"

"Yes, Dad. I just saw him- Oops." Just in time, she caught herself from breaking her promise. "He's fine. He's just, um… That is…"

Her father's worry shifted into the exhausted expression people often wore when talking about Branch. "What did he do now?"

Poppy got the impression that her father expected to hear something bad. That Branch had insulted her, or yelled at her, or ruined something on purpose. That happened sometimes if someone really pushed him past his breaking point. He was usually sorry about it later, though, and then he'd do something extra-nice to make up for it. But this time it seemed as if her father expected to hear something…worse than bad.

"He didn't do anything bad," she assured her father. "He says he's just working on a project, but he was really, really upset about something. He's hiding, I think. I promised not to say where."

"Ha! After what he did, I'll just bet he's hiding!" scoffed Guy Diamond. He looked so affronted that he didn't even bother to enhance his voice with fancy trills.

"What did he do?" She spread her hands wide. "What happened, Dad? What's this about you two having a fight?"

"Branchkin heard my announcement about lifting the restrictions on fireworks and noise levels, and… Well, let's just say he didn't take it very well."

"I'll say," Biggie agreed.

"He freaked out," Cooper said matter-of-factly.

"He called the village a deathtrap!" Satin said indignantly.

"And he tried to tell the king what to do!" Chenille added even more indignantly.

"It got really intense. Branchkin basically told your father that if the bergens found us, it would be his fault if we all got eaten," DJ Suki told her, her usual laidback tone unusually sober.

"He said that?" Poppy couldn't believe her ears.

"Yeah, he did. I've never seen Branchkin lose it that bad before." Ten-year-old Smidge, who had more than a little temper of her own, seemed impressed. "He was so mad he actually said he's moving out of the village!"

"Man…" Poppy shook her head in disbelief. "How did things blow up so fast?"

"It's my fault," her dad said quietly. "I frightened him. Knowing how he feels about the bergens, I should have thought to tell him privately before making any public announcements. That's on me. It's only natural that he would object. And then tempers were lost, and well…" He spread his hands and gave a long, weary sigh. "And if that wasn't bad enough, then I went and hurt his feelings."

"You did what?" Poppy was shocked. Her father could be excitable sometimes, but never deliberately mean.

"I made him feel unappreciated, I'm afraid. I know he was only trying to help keep us safe."

Everyone was quiet for a moment, caught up in the same dilemma that had troubled the village for many long years now. It was true that the gray troll had a hangup about safety. Everyone knew that. It was nice that he cared so much, but he took things too far. Whatever his reason, Branch was still part of a community of people who were all expected to behave with consideration for each other. How much longer were they expected to put up with such behavior?

"Listen, I consider Branchkin to be a friend. Despite his fuddy-duddy attitude, he's not such a bad guy most of the time." Chenille put her fists firmly on her hips. "But even so, there is no excuse for being so rude! Especially to the king."

Her sister copied her. "No excuse!" she echoed.

"Well, if it helps, I know he's very, very sorry he behaved so badly," Poppy said sincerely. "He was so upset he actually let me hug him. Twice."

Jaws dropped.

"Seriously?" asked Smidge. "Branchkin never wants hugs."

"Well, he did. Then he started crying."

"Aww." Compassion lightened the anger on the faces of the trolls around her.

"Oh, dear." Her father put a hand over his eyes. "I've handled things badly. Poppy, can you take me to where you saw Branchkin? I need to apologize."

A big smile brightened her face, but then it disappeared. "I – I can't. I promised him I wouldn't tell."

Into the silence that followed, thirteen-year-old Creek spoke up. "Don't feel bad, King Peppy. You did what you had to do to keep the harmony." The orchid-colored troll crossed his arms and made a disapproving click with his tongue. "It's not your fault Branchkin is so…Branchkin."

Poppy was surprised when her normally even-tempered classmate actually scowled. "If anyone should be apologizing, it's him. He's always been like this, ever since we were trollings," he complained with uncharacteristic bitterness. "You saw what happened earlier. Always causing problems everywhere he goes. Never listening to reason. Always losing his cool and ruining-" At the shock on everyone's faces, he suddenly seemed to realize his own lack of cool and cut his tirade short.

"My apologies, King Peppy." His glittery cheeks sparkled as he took a deep, cleansing breath, then swept a hand over his perfect hair. When he spoke, his tone was as composed as ever. "My point is, he's never going to change. If he wants to leave, then I say let him go. The village will be a much more pleasant place without his negative vibes."

-O-

P realizes that C was deliberately goading B into fighting

Poppy paused her tale when Branch made a sound of scorn. "Typical." Imitating Creek's accent, his voice lifted into a whine. "'Why can't everyone just pretend problems don't exist-" He finished the rest in his own voice, filled with contempt, "-so that nothing disturbs my precious harmony?'"

The Creek she remembered had indeed always counseled people to remain calm, no matter the situation. She used to admire him for that. Now she wondered aloud, "So you think his calm was just a veneer over how he really felt? Like a type of denial? Because I'd never seen him speak out against anyone before, not like that. I had no idea he could lose his cool just like everybody else."

"That's why I've never trusted him. That whole "wise guru" thing? It's all an act. Plus, he's a coward. Put enough pressure on him and he caves," Branch said scornfully. "And people wonder why we used to argue so much."

"You did argue a lot, didn't you? Practically every time you two were together."

She could picture the two of them onstage. Branch arguing with her dad, and then Creek showing up and saying something that made Branch snap, like always. "You know, for someone who wants harmony, you'd think he'd know better than to… Hey… Wait a minute…"

Poppy's eyes narrowed as an uncharacteristically suspicious idea struck her. "He must have expected you to argue with him that day. Do you think he deliberately goaded you into losing your temper in front of everyone, to make you look bad? He even tried to talk my father out of apologizing and making up with you. It's like Creek was trying to get you kicked out of the village."

She jumped when Branch slapped his own forehead. "Now she gets it!"

"Huh?"

"Poppy, Creek's been doing that ever since we were trollings. Always trying to make himself look good at my expense. He knows exactly which buttons to push to get under my skin." He made a noise of irritated disgust. "I can't stand to be around that guy."

She stared at her boyfriend in horror as a flood of memories passed through her mind. Thousands of arguments between Branch and Creek, usually ending with Branch storming off in a huff. Often after throwing or breaking something. Little Poppy would comfort Creek, who accepted her words, gifts, and hugs with commendable gratitude and grace. He would often make a comment about harmony being restored, which she'd taken as jokes; his way to put on a brave face after an unpleasant experience. Now she wondered if he hadn't really been upset at all. What if he had deliberately provoked his cantankerous classmate's touchy temper?

As a lifetime pattern clicked into place, she covered her mouth with a hand. "Oh my gosh. He did, didn't he? I know you've told me that before, but I didn't believe you. He always made it seem as if the fights were your fault. I never believed he might actually be doing it on purpose, to make you look bad, or drive you away. That's…" As the social implications of such a twisted strategy hit her, she felt sick. "Oh my gosh, Branch, because of him everyone at school thought you were so hard to get along with. If not for Creek's relationship sabotage, you could have had a lot more friends! You might never have left the village at all if he hadn't…" He small fists clenched at her sides. "Why that…that awful… Argh!" Outraged, she stomped a foot, almost wishing she knew a word bad enough to describe such treachery.

Strangely enough, Branch smiled. As always, it was a beautiful sight, making her lose her grip on her fury. "What?"

"It's just nice to finally have someone on my side."

Her anger dissolved entirely, and she reached out to stroke a loving hand across his cheek. "Always, sweetie. Always."

He put a hand over hers, then pulled her hand over so he could kiss her palm. "Thank you."

She felt an impulse to kiss him back, but there was something she needed to say. "As the queen, I promise you, Branch, if he ever comes back, things will be different." Her eyes narrowed fiercely. "He has a lot to answer for."

"Thank you," he said again. "I really appreciate that. But let's not talk about him." His voice deepened to a soft murmur. "I'd much rather hear the end of your Walk down Memory Lane."

-O-

Leafe advises that the trolls let B go

Poppy looked around in dismay at the sea of frowns on trolly faces. Some were nodding, agreeing with Creek's censure of her friend. Others looked unsure. One of the trolls who was frowning lightly was her current teacher, Leafe DreamSage. A tip from Poppy's recent leadership training came back to her. Objective feedback can often clarify a tricky situation.

No one was more objective than Leafe. And as his friend and former roommate, no one knew Branch better. "Hey, Leafe? Since Branch isn't here to speak for himself, what's your take on this situation?"

Her teacher took in a deep breath, then let it out in a funny little puff, as he often did when thinking deeply. Finally he said, "As long as I've known him, Branchkin has been searching for a safe haven. He gets along fine when he feels secure. But in a place like Troll Village, where things are constantly changing, it stirs the pot, so to speak. His natural reaction is to try to control everything around him, and while that's not necessarily a bad thing-"

"It's not?" asked about a dozen trolls in disbelief.

"Knowing that there's someone who's thought things through and is prepared for anything is actually quite reassuring. At least I find it so." The teacher's smile was perfectly sincere.

"So do I," said his wife Cherry Blossom, who stood nearby.

"I suppose that is the bright side of pessimistic thinking," Poppy said thoughtfully. "Since he's always thinking about what can go wrong, you can always rely on Branch to have a backup plan."

In a lighter mood now, the crowd broke out into a dozen conversations, sharing stories where Branch had fixed their stuff or otherwise helped them out. Usually not without a complaint or five, but he did have a knack for problem solving. Listening to the general chatter, it seemed to Poppy that most people saw Branch as a competent, if grumbly, Mr. Fixer-Upper. That made her happy. Grumbly or not, Branch did care about his people. She wanted them to see that side of him. She wanted people to value her friend, as she did.

The pink princess said strongly, "So we're agreed. This village needs a troll like Branch. What can we do to convince him to stay?"

Several trolls began to speak, but quieted as Leafe raised a hand. Poppy realized he hadn't had the chance to finish giving the opinion she had asked of him. "Oops. Sorry, Leafe. Go on. You were saying?"

"Well, first let me say that I agree with you. Branchkin is my friend, and I think the village is a better place with him in it. Having said that, knowing him as I do, I feel that I ought to point out that his unique needs have never been wholly compatible with the environment that this village has to offer."

She and many of the other trolls gave him confused looks. "What are you trying to say, Leafe?"

"I don't want him to go," he clarified solemnly, "but if he really has found a someplace to live that can give him the feeling of security he needs so much, then…I think we should support him."

The yellow troll glanced at his wife, who gave him a regretful nod. "Branchkin is my friend, too," she said. "But if choosing a different lifestyle is what he needs to finally be happy, then I want that for him."

"But… No…" Poppy shook her head. She wanted Branch to be happy, of course she did, but trolls belonged in Troll Village. How could she watch over him if he left? How could he even consider leaving this place? It was home, the only home she'd ever known.

Seeing her distress, Leafe added reassuringly, "It doesn't have to be permanent. Think of it an experiment, to see if he's finally found what he's been looking for. He can always return if it's not, provided we make sure he knows that he'll always be welcome here."

Everyone was quiet for a minute. Finally DJ Suki said reluctantly, "Then, that's it?"

"Just like that?" Guy Diamond seemed stunned. "Without even a going-away party?"

Her father's forehead wrinkled in concern. "Are you sure we should just let him go, Leafe?"

"Yeah, Branchkin is always saying the forest is a scary place. I don't want him to live someplace scary," Smidge protested.

The teacher put a comforting hand on the little trolling's shoulder. "I understand your concerns, but there really isn't much we can do to stop him." He looked around at the rest of them as he continued, "We all know that Branchkin is a pretty strong-willed troll once he sets his mind on something."

"Yes. He's never been afraid to challenge norms." Cherry Blossom said encouragingly. "He has his own brand of logic."

"Well, that's true." Biggie smiled proudly. "Quite the rebel, isn't he?"

Leafe smiled back. "Indeed. I've found that it's better to not directly confront him when he makes, shall we say, an unconventional choice." He held up a forefinger. "Note that when I say 'unconventional' I don't mean irrational. In fact, I admire how Branchkin's plans are usually finely tailored to fit the needs of the situation."

"Finely tailored, eh?" Future fashion-expert Chenille chuckled. "That's cool and all, but somehow his plans always seem to suck the fun out of things, you know?"

Satin chimed in. "Yeah, if he's so good with plans, can't he factor in some fun?"

Leafe laughed. "I think Branchkin's definition of 'fun' is one of those things we can agree is outside the norm. Although from personal experience, seeing multiple sections of a well-executed plan snap together with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle can be quite thrilling."

"Ooo, I agree, dear," Cherry Blossom said with enthusiasm.

A number of the trolls stared doubtfully at the teachers, as if wondering whether they were joking. Most were smiling with fond tolerance at two of the nerdiest trolls in the village. Poppy thought just as fondly of her friend. Branch could be adorably nerdy too. It was no wonder he'd gotten along so well with them.

"Um, so that's real good and stuff, but if Branchkin leaves I'm gonna miss him," Cooper whined, pouting.

Poppy felt like pouting too, but she had to set a positive example. "So will I, Cooper. So will many of us. But it's his choice. We can't force him to stay."

The four-footed troll looked down, his lip quivering. Poppy wrapped her arms around his long neck to comfort him. "Maybe Leafe is right. Maybe Branch will be happier. Who knows?"

When he hugged her back, she felt better. Then all of them were hugging; a big warm group hug even though it wasn't Hug Time. Poppy decided not to say anything about breaking the rule. They all needed the comfort.

When the hug ended, most of the trolls went back to their usual activities. Soon only Poppy, her dad, her friends, and the two teachers remained. Leafe said kindly, "We'll all miss him, but if it makes you feel any better, he's more than capable of looking after himself. Trust me on that."

"Right," Poppy said with energy. "We just have to look at this as new beginning, not an ending."

Cherry Blossom's wistful tone carried the hope of a thousand daydreams. "You know what I wish?"

Leafe asked, "What, my flower?"

"I would love to see Branchkin have whatever experiences he needs to have in order to find his voice again."

Leafe's face lit up. "Yes! Maybe he needs to strike out on his own. To grow, to change, to truly spread his hair. Who knows what he might accomplish? He might even finally regain his colors. Wouldn't that be something to see?"

Poppy's father put a hand over his heart. "It would indeed. It's always been one of my greatest hopes to see him fully recovered. I just wish I could go check on him."

"Me, too," said the teachers.

Poppy raised her hand. "Oh! I'll do it! I know where he is. I'll keep an eye on him!"

"Thank you, my dear." Her dad was quiet for a moment. "Then could you bring a message to him?"

She grinned jauntily. "Poppy's Delivery Service, at your service."

-O-

"Wow. I had no idea so many trolls didn't want me to leave. No one ever said anything," Branch commented in wonder. "I thought they didn't care."

"Of course we cared. We were all just trying to respect your decision. Well, after a little more persuasion," Poppy added with a smile. "Leafe may have known you well, but I needed to hear it from you."

Dreamsinger's Corner:

I couldn't resist including a reference to my favorite Miyazaki film, Kiki's Delivery Service.