'I know your scared, but I won't let him hurt you' tilting her head so she could see his eyes 'I promise'
They had been following the tracker bug for days now, and drawing closer to Troll tree and the old tunnels.
Viva felt her breath catching as they got closer to the village, Clay heard her breathing getting faster, 'Berry, Berry look at me, what are you thinking' Clay too Viva's chin guiding her to look at him, he watched her breathing stutter as she tried to calm down, this wasn't his Viva, his Viva was strong, he knew her, he knew her fear of ever coming back here, to her father, to the trolls who encouraged their son to try in pin his Queen, he remembered the day of escape, he remembered trusting her, he remembered.
He saw the little grey trolling and ran for him, 'Branch, Bitty B' he scooped the tiny troll in his arms, 'Clay' he felt Branch's arms wrap around his neck, 'its okay bug, I'm here, I'm here, come on, I got you, were getting out of here, hold tight bug'.
He clasped his brother to his chest following the rest of the trolls, he saw a head of blonde hair, 'VIVA, VIVA' he ran to the pink troll catching her in a one armed hug, 'Clay, Branch you found him' he saw her hand run through his brothers black hair, he saw her strawberry eyes soften, he loved this troll, and he was scared,
'Vee, I' she looked at him 'I know' she grabbed his hand and started to pull 'come on' they were running when he felt it, looking up he saw it first and stopped pulling Viva back, they barely missed the shovel, when it went back up he dragged her this time.
Holding tight to his brother and his hopefully future mate, he watched as she stumbled slightly before catching up, they were running side by side, when the next tremors started, he heard it, the roof started caving over them he looked at Viva and felt Branch crying, his brother had a chance but only of he... he whisper 'I love you Bitty' he threw him forward, he saw his eyes widen 'Claaayyy' he watched the as the roof came down between them, he felt arms around his waste dragging him back.
Dust settled around him he was on his back, coughing he sat up dazed from his head hitting the floor, scrambling forward he tried to dig through the rubble, 'BRANCH, BRANCH, BITTY B' he scrambled at the dirt he felt arms pulling, him away 'CLAY, CLAY WE HAVE TO RUN, WE'LL FIND HIM, BUT WE NEED TO RUN' Viva was holding him 'Okay, okay let's go'.
He looked back,be okay. B, I'll find you I promise started running 'were are we going' he looked at Viva and the tunnels left over, 'let's split up, two tunnels two teams'.
He watched as she directed half of the trolls trapped, with her and the other half with him, he could still hear the shouts of 'Trolls' from above, he could smell the fresh air and strawberry vanilla ice cream scent, that was turning into sour dairy.
He started running towards it, he heard it before he saw it growling and snarls,Viva, my Viva,his own scent, started burning up when he saw, that fucking bastard is touching his Queen, 'Carlos'he snarled he remembered feeling like he was burning, he tore the red troll of Viva and started to tear into him, all knew, was he could taste blood and it wasn't his, when he came to, he heard Viva.
'Clay, Alpha' he turned, the pulp in his paws stirred and groaned making him growl he heard the shovels he saw one again, he threw him he needed him away, away from him and away fromhis Queen.
He let a vicious smirk as he watched a gnarled hand reach in and grabbed the troll, he never wished for a troll to be taken, well maybe Peppy, but this one, he took savage glee as he watched, Viva's head on his shoulder, arms around his waist, front pressed to his back, his arms were spread both of them pressed against the wall.
Until he felt it, Viva nuzzling his own scent gland, she was purring, 'Alpha, my Alpha, Clay come back to me Alpha, I'm safe, I'm here, Clay' she he felt her lips pressing on his neck, strawberry and warm vanilla, spinning around, arms wrapped around her, he needed to he kissed her, he could have lost her, 'I love you, marry me Viva' he looked into her strawberry eyes, he trusted her.
He trusted her, his Viva, his strong Queen, he listened to what he his gut told him then, his gut was telling him to listen to his Queen, 'tell me Viva, what are you feeling',
Clay watched her, she took a deep breath
'Clay, there's something wrong, I don't know why, it's a feeling, Clay I don't think he was taken by the Funk tribe, I think he went with willingly, I think it's Poppy who has him against his will' he heard her voice shaking as she said this 'I don't want it to be true Clay' he rested his head against hers, 'I trust you Viva, I always have, lets go find out.'
He felt her arms go around him, tucking his head into her neck, 'but muses, I hope your wrong, and Branch is safe' he felt he sniffled, and felt her arms tighten around him, 'I hope so too, my King, muses, I hope so too'
Pulling away he rubbed the tears away from her eyes and brushed the lock of blonde away, 'I love you Viva' he saw her smile and mischief shine in her eyes, 'you just braided my hair didn't you' her eyes glittered 'you know what it means' he grinned at her and pulled her into his arms, and making a small braid of his own in her hair.
She took his paw in her and looked to the bug was waiting, 'lets go find our baby brother'.
Viva helped Clay out of the tunnel, watching as the bug flew off, they looked around in awe of the colourful pods, and a blue troll in unusually dark clothing towards them, Viva realised who it was when she saw it was, Branch, standing out on his face, then she saw him her father.
She held Clay down, shushing him so they could listen, she could feel her paws shaking as she held Clay and watched what was happening.
She watched as Peppy force Branch to knees, she saw Branch's eyes they were flickering Pink, tears poured down her face, she was stifling her own cries and Clays as she watched in horror at what was happening, she knew in her gut she knew it, Branch was trapped here.
She heard him'NO, NO GET OFF'he fought back, he was on the floor, she pinned Clay harder to the floor she could see the gouge marks the floor from his paws, 'Clay, Alpha you have to be quiet, he's fighting back mi rei, he fighting back, shush, cariño, look' she saw him look, and felt him relax 'he's fighting back'
'No Poppy' she watched her sister hit Branch back to the floor, fury swam through he body and blue filled her senses, she started moving toward the trio, when she felt herself hit the floor, she was snarling at the weight, when she felt her neck sting and her body go lax, 'Clay, what' she felt spacey, she realised what he'd done, she'd lost herself to rage, he'd done what any alpha, would have done to calm their omega, she'd kill him later, after having him fuck her senseless for being so smart.
'I'm sorry Viva, I'm sorry, I know I promised not to, you were right, we can't I'm sorry Berry, she's taken him, you were right, we need to get him out of here Berry, we'll take him to ours, any where he wants, promise me we'll take him somewhere safe, and you can kill me when were all safe, but we need...we need a plan, Berry.'
She could feel the his breath hitched on her back, she could feel both their tears, 'Alpha, mi rey, cariño, estoy aquí' Viva cooed at him.
'Wait Clay, listen' she heard Peppy's voice, she could never even think of him as related to him anymore, 'Foolish girl, after all I did to ensure she got Branch, I made sure his brothers were kept as far away from him, I gave her the steps, drew up the contacts that would keep him hers, he just had to deny her, and they had to interfere, those brats they couldn't do what I said and leave him, no, not even when, I told him I'd ensure the yellow one would have an alpha if he came near again'
'Clay did you hear that' she turned to see him grinding his teeth, and smelt the burning sage smell, he hated anyone who would dare even attempt to force themselves on a unwilling troll, he'd sent three trolls away from the village with a strong reminder, of what would happen to them if they ignored an omega wishes again.
For now she wanted to see the best in Poppy, but with what they witnessed, she wasn't sure she was going to like what she was going to find out.
She knew when she looked at Clay there was nothing else Branch was coming with them, away from Pop village, even if it was to Vibe City, she knew the trolls there would take care of him, they had when their group was wondering for days and starving.
Viva was nervous she wasn't supposed to be the next leader of the pop tribe, it was Poppy, she'd been told often enough, despite the fact that she was the oldest, to Peppy she and her mother were disappointments, her mother because she'd given birth to an omega, he tolerated her because she was a girl, but she wasn't an alpha and was worthless in his eyes, her mother died when she was two, Poppy was born when she was almost thirteen, she was so excited to have a sibling.
She remembered this because Clay had tried to convince her they weren't all that great, then ten months after Poppy was born he showed her a picture of his newest baby brother.
She looked at the Trolls in the clearing they found, all looked beaten and were dirt covered, a few walking wounded and some serious injuries, she looked over at the group in the corner, they had turned grey, a pair were clinging to a torn stuffed bear and another was hold her mates hand neither were moving, a paw each on the blue belly, they had lost their pup before it even had a chance to breath, it had broken her heart when Nurse Plimsy had told her, others had lost family or mates when the tunnel collapsed.
She felt someone grab her paw, looking up she smiled, she couldn't muster a happy one, it was a half smile, and it was mirrored back, she knew what he was thinking as he looked at the group as well, Branch, squeezing his paw, he squeezed back she knew what he meant, 'Hi' he whispered 'Hi' he wasn't looking at her but back at the tunnel ' ' she watched as his lips quirked up before he broke down, 'Viva' she pulled him into her arms letting him cry, she was going to be strong for him, for as long as she could, her own tears could wait, for now he needed her.
She didn't know what to do as she stood and held him 'thank you, Viva, thank you' he mumbled pulling away she took in his red nose and stained face, the dirt from the tunnels smear from crying, she couldn't imagine she was much better.
'Princess, what do we do?' Viva looked at the silver trolling who was pulling at her free paw, she looked at the baby, and over the crowd, who were all looking at the trio, she felt her paw being squeezed, causing her look into the green blue eyes of her intended,wow, she smiled at him brightly, she could do this, she lifted their joined paws, his smile brighten as he nodded, her heart burst Clay had accepted the unspoken request, he took her other paw and linked the circle they created.
She looked over the now homeless trolls, for now they were, together, Clay and her would find them a new home safe from the burgen's, she had him and he had her.
'We don't have much, and we have no idea where we are' she started looking over the group, 'And we have suffered the loss of family and children, but together' Clay squeezed her paws, she took a deep breath, started she looked at him as he finished, 'together we have a chance, Viva's right, we've all lost someone, but right now, we are each others family, we lean on each other'.
She looked at Clay now, her family had crossed the line, Clay and Branch, the putt-putt trolls, they were her family, it was on thing to have Peppy, destroy her confidence, it had taken Clay reminding her she was strong and holding her and just listening, and herself listening and learning what Peppy did was wrong , it had taken years to get everything she has now, she wasn't going to watch them do it Branch, she'd seen enough.
Together they utilised the Putt-Putt ability to blend in to their surroundings, the only problem was they hadn't seen Branch or Poppy since she hit him, then seen glimpses of him, from what they now knew was Poppy's pod, both were greatly concerned, about his colours, Clay was furious more often, as his sweet omega brother was dimming, they tried to get messages to him, but nothing, they could reach him with Poppy in the room it was too risky.
It had been days watching the pod hiding. In the shadows, they had learned a group of trolls called 'The Snack Pack' which had confused them, were Poppys friends and they hadn't approved of anything she was doing now, they hadn't say anything, because they believed once Poppy was actually courting Branch, and was actually treating him properly, now they didn't know what to do.
Viva couldn't believe what she'd heard, her baby brother had lost his home, his tribe, everything that made him a pop troll, she couldn't understand,why, was the only word ringing in her head, when she saw Clay rushed up to the group, he was covered in dirt and made his hair messier than normal, all in all he looked like almost like he did when they escaped.
'Please can you help me' Viva watched as the group looked at him in distrust, the smallest troll was eyeing him carefully, 'sure we can' Viva raised a blonde brow,what was he up to,she saw the calculated look from the small troll, 'I'm sorry, I've been lost for so long, I'm looking for my brother, about this high, teal and blue, big blue eyes, voice like an angel, 19 almost 20, can you help me please,? He panted out,oh, he's good,'I heard he was being forced into a relationship, please, I can't loose him, he's ...he's all the family I have' Viva was impressed by Clays acting, he started crying, very impressed.
She saw the larger blue troll pat his shoulder, stating it was okay and not to worry they could help, 'what's your brothers name?' the small yellow troll asked, ' Bit...Bitty B, sorry Branch, please do.. you know him?' the entire group froze when he said this and looked uneasy at each other, 'Did you say Branch?' the silver glitter troll asked, she watched as her mate lit up, 'Yes, he's alive, he's here, where please can I see him.'
Okay he was really good.
She heard the small troll introduce herself as Smidge, and take her Alpha by the wrist, asking everyone not to mention this to Poppy if they saw her for now, she followed from the shadows, until they reached a yellow and green low hanging pod, the pair went inside, she got as close as possible to the pod window as she could with out being seen, she curled her hair into the traditional putt-putt ball and changed it colour making her look more early pinecone shade, she listened.
Clay was brought inside the green and yellow pod by the smaller female Alpha.
'Sit' she ordered him, 'enough with the theatrics, I've seen enough from someone I thought was a friend and now she's hurting some I do consider one, who that entire group does' she looked over the green and Blue troll, 'who are you really' she dare growl at him, he'd had enough, the fun side he put our for this was done, Alpha Clay was here to play, 'I'm done playing games, I saw what that bitch did to him, NOW, Where's...my...baby brother'he snarled, he felt spit fly from his mouth, he looked at the yellow troll, who remained sat calmly looking at him, 'your really his brother' Clay looked at her, 'another came you know, tall, teal green hair' he felt himself go cold, 'John Dory,' he felt himself burn, 'what did do?'why did he leave Branch here, he wouldn't have left him here, he hated Poppy,he told them about when she tried to challenge him after the mud.
'That's what Peppy called him' with this confirmation Clay knew if Branch was here, John would never have left him.
Clay started pacing the pod,why would John leave, how did Poppy get Branch if he was safe, did John sign the new papers, no Peppy said he still had them, which means he can't have signed them, so why,all these questions spun around his head, he needed Viva, he needed to bounce he questions, before they drove him crazy.
Clay had bad days, yes but he didn't let them show until they were alone, he knew he could be a knot head, he tried everyday to be better than he was when he was in the band, especially after that night. He is terrified of losing his baby brother that he pushed away from him during the cave in, of losing Viva, all of this was playing, in his mind and now, now he was furious, the pink...he had no words for what he wanted to call her, had hurt Branch, had him locked up in her pod, had caused him to start going grey again, his sweet baby slightly demonic brother.
'He went with them to symphonyville, Peppy wasn't happy why he got back, Poppy came back two days later... with Branch, he wasn't awake' he never noticed Smidge watching him with some concern he was pacing.
Grabbing the side of his hair he started pulling trying to stop the thoughts, he smelled strawberry and vanilla ice cream, pink swallowed is own hands, he felt like he was underwater, he could hear Viva, but couldn't male out the words, 'Mr. Clay... ay, mi re..Alpha, look at me' he felt his paws coming away from his hair, he looked into her face 'Vi.. Mia Regina' he was blinking the spots out of his eyes, 'hey' she was guiding him to a seat, a warm cup was pressed into paws as he looked at the sunset pink eyes, she still had her paws over his while he was taking sips of the sweet tea.
She knew everyone thought alphas couldn't be like this, but her mate was and she loved it, they were equals and yes they both had bad days, and he indulged her fiercely on these day and treated her like the omega she was, but when he's started like this and spiralled, she knew he wasn't okay and it was her turn to indulge her Alpha.
She was nervous, she always would be, she was strong and independent, not always, urgently right now a strong omega is what Clay needed, so she catered to him as a omega, while watching him closely, she could see him relaxing before he lost all control, he'd done it once and it was never good.
Viva noticed Smidge sat waiting patiently, watching the pair, and how they were interacting with each other. She also didn't seem shocked when Viva jumped through the window when Clay started spiralling.
'I could smell you outside, I could pick up scent from him' that explained why she wasn't panicking about some random troll breaking into her Pod.
'I'm Viva' she stated her eyes never leaving her mate.
'who are you really to Branch' Smidge asked her, as she was about to answer, she heard Clay growl in warning, 'we haven't lied he is Clays brother and my in-law' she ran her paws down Clays arms as she said soothing him.
Viva had explained carefully everything that happened from the tunnels to now.
'He can't stay here can he?' Viva saw the yellow troll sadness, 'No and you or anyone else is caught helping us, you wouldn't be able to either, but' Viva looked to Clay a question in her eyes, he nodded to her ' we would like to offer you, your mate and any that would help a place with the putt-putt trolls if you'd like it' he finished for her, 'but you'd need to help us get him away.'
'I can do that' the trio had made plans for Branch's rescue, they never knew in this time, he'd lost all but a small ember of hope and turned grey.
It had taken a month before any of the plans could happen, Poppy hadn't left her pod or Branch alone for any amount of time for them to do anything.
No matter what the trio had tried, Smidge had been a massive help, and got the. Snack Pack involved but kept her mate, away from the planning.
Viva had given them directions to the tribes home and a missive to let their seconds know they were safe to enter.
They had take turns in watching the pod, and all Viva can say is she was glad Clay had missed everything, she refused to watch, when the troll she had once considered her sister, force herself on her brother, she could at least give him that dignity.
It was night fall when Clay came to take over the shift, it was then when it all fell apart.
Viva was had to cling to the shadows of the tree with her hair, holding Clay back, after they had witnessed Branch begging Poppy to let him go, the final shout of 'NO DONT TOUCH ME' from him was the last straw, they could hear him vomiting , they needed to get Poppy away long enough to get to Branch.
Viva saw Branch tuck himself into a corner, the poor boy was pale even grey she could see it.
Viva held Clay a little tighter as he stopped clawing at her arm, she knew he'd apologise later for hurting her, but she didn't care, they had both just witnessed their brother practically raped by her former sister, she felt him slow down as he became tired, her scent was as acidic as his, she wanted to kill the Alpha in the pod for daring.
She saw Smidge marching up to Poppy's pod and made her own hair flicker as a warning, Poppy was going to leave.
She also felt Clay calming down, she whispered the plan into his ear, 'where going in she's leaving Clay, where going in, just wait a little more' she saw his ear flick, he heard her, his head swivelled, eyes bordering red, as he watched the other pink troll and small yellow troll they had be come friends with, lead her away.
Viva felt Clay started to pull forward, she slowly released him when he made for the door.
Getting inside was easy,
'Branch, Branch are you in here' her mate called softly, she heard a soft rustle of a sheet and a light intake of breath.
'C...Clay'
It almost killed her when she heard the small voice answer him, this was her brother in law, wide eyes looking at them, fear and hope.
'sì, uccellino, sono io, sono qui' she heard Clay whisper.
Clay's here,Clay's here, he can't be here its not real,
'I'm here Branch, I'm here, I'm real, can you come out, please bambino' Clays voice was getting closer, he was just in front of him, green hair, blue pelt, his big brother, his arms were open.
'Oh uccellino, what did she do' Clay really was here, Branch saw his eyes, it really was his brother, he started to slowly wiggle out from his corner, the blanket secured around him 'Clay' he fell into the open arms 'Branch' he felt the skinny arms, wrap around him, green tea and sage, flashes of memories, ran across his mind, thing he thought he forgot,story books, cuddling on a sofa, Clay teaching him how to dance,his big brother was here holding him, green tea and sage,safety.
A choked cry came from him, until he was all out sobbing into his chest, his paws wormed out from his sheet, and clung to the green romper covered chest 'Clay' he felt the arms locking around him tighter, he was slowly being rocked. Branch never wanted to let go.
'it's okay uccellino, I've got you, I've got you, its okay' he felt Clay's chest rumble under his ear.
'Clay we need to go' Branch heard the voice, and looked up, Pink and pink eyes, he whimpered, 'P...oppy' he started trying to scramble away and back into the corner.
'no, no baby, not Poppy, Viva, it Viva, my Viva remember, look bud, it's Viva' he felt Clay hold him tighter, his hands rubbing up and down his back again.
'Branch, its okay look at me' Clay saw his Uccellino look at him, wiping the smaller face avoiding the large bruise, cupping the stained cheek, he took in the all the pain and fear and heartbreak in the grey face.
He saw it, the bruise on his neck, Clay slowly moved the sheet away from him, he heard the whimper and felt Branch's head, hide in his chest, he saw everything, the bruises, the practically see-through torn shirt, the weight loss, the dried cum on his body, the chain on his wrist, the necklace.
Clay held back his anger, and tighten his hold around him 'Branch', he kept the smaller troll, tucked under his chin the peach and cinnamon, was faint under the almond and marzipan she had coated him in, but it was there along with one other scent, and I was making him sick to know to was there.
Clay felt more than saw Viva kneel next to him, he looked over and never lifting his head from atop Branch's, he was fighting back the rage which was trying to consume him.
'Branch, where taking you away, to out home' Clay whispered into the dark hair, 'you have a home with us, you and your mate' he pressed a kiss into the hair, he heard Viva's intake as she smelt it, he looked to her eyes and saw the tears, and rage behind them, 'wewill get you back to Vibe city if that's what you want that Chiquito' Viva cooed at him, Clay saw her hand hover wanting to touch him but didn't want to scare him.
'What do you want bambino' Clay felt Branch turn to look at Viva, he didn't move away but he did turn his head.
Viva saw those dim eyes look at her, her heart broke when she heard the question 'your..your letting me choose?'
Alarmed she looked at Clay, his own eyes wide, softening her face, she looked back at the scared troll in her mates arms, 'of...of course, can i...' she held here arms out showing she was letting him choose, she watched him slowly lean over to her not letting go of Clay, she leaned in and felt him grab her own white romper, she whimpered when she got close to him, she scent was faint, but it was stronger as she got in on the hug.
She felt his breath hitching as they both held him, 'uccellino' Clay whispered they were huddled, 'how do we get the chain off' she felt Branch shake his head, his body stiffened and a groan and whimper came from him.
Viva pulled back and saw the necklace and the pink flicker in his eyes again, eyes widening when she realised, 'Branch you need to tell us' Clay was begging him, 'Clay he can't, he actually can't with out being hurt' she saw Clay looking at her she pointed to the necklace, his eyes widened as well, he knew Viva had told him Peppy had used it on her mother.
She saw he was about to grab it, and quickly grabbed his wrist, he was growling at her, she felt Branch start to shake, 'Clay stop' as quick as he growl started he stopped and hugged Branch cooing, to calm him again.
'We need get him away Viv' Clay whispered.
'Branch look at me please' she was happy the pink light didn't cover his eyes, 'where do you want to go' she watch a wobbly smile come from him, 'home, I want to go home' Branch started crying again holding them both.
They heard it 'Clay we need to leave, Branch, Branch, Chiquito, were coming back okay,we are coming back but Poppy can't see us,we have help I need you to trust us, Clay help him get in the corner, bud, she can't know'.
She saw Branch panicking, she was internally, 'Clay you need to let him go, she can't find us Clay, youneed to let him go'.
No, no don't leave me 'Clay please don't, please, I'll be good,don't go'Branch pleaded holding tighter to Clays suit, 'please, please I'll won't mess up like before, please Clay don't leave'
He felt a two paws on his face 'BRANCHI'm coming back, uccellino, I'm coming back, look me, I'm coming back,I promise, I need you to get back in the corner, okay stay there if you can, baby' the sheet was wrapped back tight around him, 'I love you uccellino, I love you okay stay there'.
Clay pulled a wristband off pushing it into Branch shaking paws 'its okay, I promise hold this okay' he prayed to the muses his scent wasn't strong, he didn't want to get hid brother hurt any more.
'Clay we need to gonow'Viva was peeking out the door, he pressed one more kiss on to Branch's head, 'quickly B' Clay watched Branch scramble back into the corner, he wanted to scent his little brother so bad, remind him he had pack, that he loved him, to erase her scent from him.
'Clay'he turned away before he caved in, as he pulled the door shut he mouthed to the two scared blue eyes 'I promise, I promise' and followed Viva quickly to Smidges yellow and green pod.
Collapsing on the floor in a pile the two trolls let out fast breaths holding on to each other as they calmed.
'mi rei' 'Mia ragina' Aquamarine and sunset pink eyes clashed fury ripped through both of them.
Now, now they could feel their rage and fury coursing now was the time, they could let it all out, with Branch in their arms, and so sensitive to temperament.
Clays own growl had scare his Uccellino, it never scared him, not even Floyds scared him,what has she done to him, was all he could think he didn't want to think about the other scent he could pick up on, he desperately hoped he was wrong.
Viva was furious her own baby sister had done that, she could smell the under current on Branch clearly, lilac, it normally meant, she didn't want to think about it, because she could smell, his scent hadn't changed to a bonded omega, he couldn't be, but she'd seen what Poppy had done.
Muses, Viva hoped she was wrong and it was anything else.
When Smidge had got back to the pod Viva and Clay told her everything, they'd found, and in return, pinned Smidge in the biggest hug they could manage.
She'd convinced Poppy to let her and the larger blue troll, Biggie to help get Branch out now, they just needed to wait until morning.
4 days before the ceremony (morning after Clay & Viva left)
Poppy had left Branch for the morning finally, she had woken him early to start her play, and his pain, she had promised him another surprise if he was good, she promise she wouldn't touch him again, if she could, he wanted to throw up, but he let her, if only to get her to stop for a few days, he knew, his birthday was in four days and that was the day it broke, still, she wouldn't touch him other than hold him, she promised.
She still wasn't happy with after last night, but he promised he'd do anything of she let him have until his birthday, until their ... ceremony.
Clay had shoved the wrist band into Branch's paws and promised to come back and keep himself tucked in his corner, he had for as long as he could.
Poppy came through the door he watched her face, they hadn't locked the door, they hadn't locked the door.
She was looking around the room, 'Branch, sweetie, are you still here' he couldn't help it, he whimpered, at her tone, 'y...yes... alpha'.
'Branch'he started shaking, 'you wouldn't lie to me again would you' he pushed further back into corner hoping the sheet would off him some protection, 'BRANCH'.
'No alpha I wouldn't lie to you again' he chokes out.
'Sweetie, come of the corner and talk to me' the way she said it had him on edge, he promised to stay here, he promised if it was safe, he wasn't safe, he cried as he crawled out, making sure his sheet was still wrapped around him he looked at Poppy, 'sweetiedrop the sheet'she growled, 'al...alpha' he whimpered 'please no'.
'DROP IT BRANCH'he did, he didnt know why she wanted him to drop the sheet but he did, it left him in only in the torn shirt from earlier, he tried to wrap it around himself 'nowwas there anyone here after I left' her voice took a edge that Branch really didn't like , he was shaking his head, 'n..no, I promise there wasn't anyone'
She walked closer, 'Branch' she lifted the sheet and out dropped Clays band, his eyes widened as he stepped back, she caught his arm and dragged him closer 'what's this' she said with false sweetness, he shook his head, 'I don't know, I found it' he was shaking, 'where' he couldn't answer, she was shaking him 'where Branch' he pointed towards the door, 'it was near there, it...it was soft, please stop, for the pup' his brain caught up, 'I wanted it for our pup, I... I like the colour'..
She had let him keep it, and forced him into the nest, and she only held him that night, which explained this morning.
He was confused, the omega in him was keening at the loss of the alphas touch, where as the rest of him was thanking the muses she hadn't done anything.
Until the morning.
'I'll be back soon Sapphire, okay, eat for me' he looked at the tray of food, as she left, he shook his head and went back to into the corner.
He heard the door open again 'Branchifer'the sickly-sweet voice called, when ever she left him go now he tucked himself into the corner between the dressers and the nest, it was the only safe space he had now and even this wasn't completely safe.
'Branch, come here now' she was angry.
He felt the pain run through his body, moaning in pain he 'I'm... coming, alpha' he groaned, he was calling her alpha, because of instincts, as he wiggled out of the corner, he heard two gasps, he felt his eyes widen as he looked up, he pulled his sheet tighter around him.
She hooked her arm his waist, pulling him into her side, and pressed a kiss against his head he didn't try and pull away, but he did fight back a shiver, 'its okay sweetie, they came to see you, there going to stay while I have to work on our ceremony' Branch nodded, 'you'll be good for them,right'nodding quicker.
Branch felt her paw brush down his back, 'Alpha, my cloths, I...' he saw her look down and moved the sheet, from his shoulder, 'have a seat guys, come my Sapphire', her possessive tone frightening, he followed her, he didn't see the light blue and grey eyes widening, he did hear 'Clay and Viva' he took a quick glance, over his shoulder, and saw them looking at him.
'Branch, BRANCH' she was shouting, he felt himself shiver, 'Alpha,' she was holding a long shirt, and a pair of shorts, 'come here' she had the key to the cuff and her paw was waiting his arm.
'Whatare you doing Branch?' he froze, he'd been about to take the shirt off, 'I'm sorry Alpha, can you help me' he walked over and let her take the shirt off, he saw the mirror over her shoulder, the bruises on his neck were vivid, his body and his core still ached, she made him come three times this morning, but she made him a promise, he didn't know if he could trust it.
'Branch, are you listening,you'll be a good omega, and do as you should, yes' she was rubbing at his neck and pressed her thumb into the fresh bruise on his gland, causing his knees to buckle, and collapse on to her front, 'you'llbe a good Omega for me, won't you, you'll show them how good you are for me' her hand started creeping lower, he leaned his hips away, 'Alpha, you promised'.
He knew he had to be careful she could back out her promise, she was trusting him more and leaving him alone longer, he hoped he would be without the cuff soon,
'Yes alpha, I'll make them some food and drinks, I'll be good, I promise, I'll be good'.
'Iknowyou will, just want one more, my sapphire, let me feel you one more time' she was mouthing at his neck again, his legs were shaking and she was the only thing holding him up, he could feel her rub her fingers against his seam, he felt his body relaxing against her, 'alpha, please' his hips rocked against her paw and fingers, 'what's the matter sapphire, what do you need' she pressed kisses against his neck, his instincts were going haywire, his mind and body were at war, as he started to purr, the alpha was being attentive to him, but his mind was screaming at her to let him go, that it was wrong, she shouldn't be touching him, but it felt so nice, the scent was wrong, it wasn't his alpha, but maybe it could be.
He felt the knot in his stomach tighten and her fingers worked against him bringing him closer, until it snapped he collapsed his full weight falling forward, whimpering in pleasure, 'alpha' he nuzzled her 'alpha, please' I don't want this,the fog from his senses cleared slowly, his body flooded with cold what was he thinking.
'Alpha, our friends' he whispered, 'Yes, yes we should get you to them, for this visit I'll leave this off', Branch felt her rub his wrist, after she put the new darker shirt and shorts back on, 'ifyour good, I'll leave this off, you'll be able to move around the pod' she whispered in his ear, his colour brighten slightly, he only knew because she told him so.
'Well Branch, Biggie and Smidge will stay with okay' she had settled him in the chair next to Smidge 'be goodand my promises stand, okay sapphire' she whispered in his ear, 'yes Alpha, I will' he looked at the blue and yellow trolls 'would you like a drink or some snacks' he saw the pair going to decline, widening his eyes pleading, Smidge started nodding, 'sure Branch we'd love some, do you have tea'.
Looking up to Poppy, 'Alpha' her paws lifted from his shoulders, and he made his way to the kitchen, he listened carefully, 'we'll look after him Poppy, he's already being well behaved right, Biggie.'
Startled by the kettle whistling he quickly made up the tea tray, and slowly carried it in, trying to avoid letting them see his paws shake.
Setting the tray down, he placed the cups in front of the large beta and smaller Alpha, he turned to look at her, and offered a cup, Poppy shook her head, he watched her stand and felt her pull his waist toward her, lips pressed against his head again, a murmured, 'don't let me down sapphire'.
And she left him alone with the two trolls.
'Branch' Smidge looked at the grey omega, they'd been warned by his brother and Poppy's sister, this was a shock as they had seen his brother and that troll looked nothing like him, the other troll looked a lot like Poppy only difference, was the hair colour.
She had listened and confirmed, what they hadn't dared believe to be true, but they knew, they knew when they saw Branch with Poppy at the Mushroom on market day, he wasn't willing in any way or part of this.
She listened to the group after Satin and Chenille had come back, they were surprised to see them without Branch and when Poppy asked where he was, Smidge and Biggie realised they were lying, when they said they'd finished early and Branch asked if they could let Poppy know he would meet her at the Pod, Poppy had gone apocalyptic at them.
When Smidge saw her carrying a sleeping Branch through the square not twenty minutes later, she knew something was wrong.
It had take weeks for Poppy to let anyone near her Pod, it was only last night, when Smidge was going to demand to speak to Branch that she heard it, Branch screaming, only she had never heard him sound like that, the alpha in her wanted to run in and protect him, but she knew, so she ran back to her pod where she had been housing the partners and told them, she offered to distract Poppy enough so they could see him, and try and get him away, if they could it would be dark enough.
'I'll be back in an hour, try and eat something, don't make me force you, my Sapphire, I don't want you getting ill'.
An hour was all she needed, Smidge looked at the blonde and green haired trolls by her side.
Watching them nod and slowly make their way over to the door, Poppy was so focused on the ground, she didn't see them, go in.
'Poppy' she saw the pink eyes look at her, they were slightly narrowed, 'how are you, and how's your pretty omega, last I saw him you were carrying him through town, is he okay?'
Smidge watched as her eyes narrowed 'you said he almost fainted, was it the heat?' he eyes relaxed, 'yeah, yeah, he over heated and wasn't used to being around the crowds, he wanted to spend his time with me alone isn't that sweet' Poppy chirped at her.
Smidge knew Poppy was lying to her, the conversation she'd had with Viva and Clay confirmed it for her.
After stalling for as long as she could, by asking of the wedding preparations and if Branch had any say in the colours, and getting, 'he couldn't decide and let me pick everything' and 'its got to be witnessed first mating, he understands'
Smidge didn't know what else she could do.
She caught the shadows of Viva and Clay leaving the pod and saw them freeze looking at her,
'something wrong Smidge' she saw Poppy, turning to the Pod door, 'NO, I just remembered, the cake, you couldn't pick it because the omega has to, and it has to be a surprise right, what if Biggie and I came over tomorrow, and helped Branch sample some, we know your favourite and could guide him to the right flavour and Biggie's a Beta, and I'm happily bonded, so there would be no issues.'
'I suppose I do have a lot to do tomorrow, and I would be best to get it done and Branch can't I mean doesn't like to be left alone'
'Poppy, we'll take good care of your Omega, he always made the best pies and pastries maybe he could show what you've taught him,' swallowing the bile in her throat ' my omega has been a little lax lately, maybe Branch could tell me where I went wrong'
She would never pressure her mate into anything.
'Okay, deal, I mean maybe you could find out what Branch would like aside from some puzzles and books for our pod as well, he needs something for our pups and I know omegas like to make things for them.'
Smidge looked at Branch he was shaking were he stood, the teapot, 'Biggie take the pot from him before he burns himself, Branch' she left her chair, and made her way to take the shaking omegas paws in hers ' Branch its okay, I know about Clay and Viva'
Smidge watched as his eyes looked anywhere but her, 'I don't... idontknowhoyourtalkingabout'
'Branch they've been with me and Milton for the last week, I heard you yesterday day, I heard you, ' she saw Branch's eyes flicker pink 'Branch, look at me please' his pale eyes looked down, 'Branch do you want to be here' she saw tears fill his eyes, watching as Biggie, put his paws on the shoulders, Smidge saw Branch flinch, he was in pain, 'Branch, we want to help you Clay and Viva want to help, but we can't if you don't tell us'
'I don't want to stay, Smidge, Biggie, please Clay and Viva, they... they listened, they offered me a home, if they couldn't get me to Vibe City and my' Smidge watched as his body tensed and heard groan of pain come from him.
She and Biggie lowered him to the ground slowly, 'Branch, what happened' they were both alarmed when he pointed to the necklace.
'Okay, okay plan, Poppy left us in charge right, so... so ...we could take you for a walk and if anyone asks, you wanted something from your bunker for yours and Poppy's Pup, it was something your Gramma gave you' Smidge looked at Biggie in slight shock,
'Oh ma god. Biggie that's brilliant' Smidge smiled, she looked at Branch who looked slightly hopeful, 'Clay and Viva will be waiting for us in butterfly meadow, no one but Milton will be near there right now, but we have to move quick, Branch?' Smidge was concerned by how pale Branch had become and was glad they were already on the floor.
She realised she could smell something, peaches and lilac, oh gods, her eyes widened, taking in the paleness, and the way he flinched where Biggie put his paw, she nudged the one on his left shoulder, aside and moved the shirt collar.
It confirmed everything, Poppy had been working Branch into a triggered heat and ...oh god.
Biggie hears Smidge gasp as she moved the collar back, he couldn't take his eyes away, Smidge could see the front but he saw the back, the bruises and nail marks littered his shoulder, in various stages of healing, he could tell immediately some of these were a week old, he went to touch one of the recent ones that look red, 'don't please' he head it 'oh Branch, Smidge we need to move him now'
He was getting angry and it took a lot for him to get to that stage, he hadn't wanted to believe that the troll he considered a friend for so long could do this, he had suspected something was wrong when Poppy was mad when Branch broke the contract and though she was just upset, until she said she should have pinned him, it sent alarm bells ringing.
He had taken his concerns to Smidge, who agreed with him Poppy was acting odd, and when she introduced him to Viva and Clay, he was shocked he hadn't realised Viva was still alive, and when she told her story, he agreed she did the best thing for her and the trolls left behind.
He offered to help them, and Smidge told them all what she had told Poppy and he agreed.
They just had to get Branch away.
Branch grabbed a small bunch of letters, he was hoping that he never had to send them, but in case he needed them to get to ... pressing a kiss to them he stashed them in his hair.
The small ember of hope was glowing slowly, he stood between Biggie and Smidge, make sure to look down, he couldn't seem eager to leave, but it was the one order she had never given him., she said he wouldn't have to leave not that he couldn't..
They just needed to get to butterfly meadow just past his bunker, which if anyone asked that was where they were going, he fiddles with the wrist cuff Clay had given him, he wanted his brother, he wanted Clay, he hadn't td him what he was other than leaving here, they both offered him a home, or to take him home.
They listened.
Had given him a choice.
Clay promised him... he could hardly wait, he would be with them.
He should have known everything was going to go wrong.
He should never hoped.
They failed, Clay was furious they failed and it was all his fault.
When he ran into his brothers in the hinterland tribe being practically murdered by two rather aggressive reggaeton trolls, only over hear, it was their fault his Uccellino was in Poppys grasp in the first place.
Cayo and Ligia a pair of his future brother and sister in laws, Viva was thrilled to find out their mates were female as well, she had gained three new sisters and two new brothers, she refused to call them in laws now.
His Berry was less thrilled, with his brothers, muses did he love her, his stood and watched the three trolls, verbally abuse his brothers while they pleaded with him.
Hours later after Cayo and Ligia, had offered to contact Vibe city, fed them and offered the two putt putts some where to rest, he was stood watching the set.
He was holding the bundle of letters Branch had given him,Tresillo, Tesorothat's what he called him for being unable to say his name, a description.
Branch had begged him to take them to Vibe City and put them in his paws, and tell Tresillo to forget about him.
He'd give him the letters, but he would never tell him to forget about him, he ld offer the world, and when he looked at Viva she nodded, they'd give this troll the world if he could get his brother free and back.
He felt Vivas arms around his waist and chin on his shoulder, ' I love you Mr Clay, we'll get him back' he felt her press a kiss to his shoulder, and managed to pull her into his side, a kiss to her head, his eyes never left the sun set, his face in a grime line he didn't want to think what she was doing to him right now, but muses the one thing he hoped he was wrong about, was the one thing that would save him.
He wasn't counting on was, Tresillo asking for the contracts to go to either the Funk family or Branch himself.
Clay didn't tell him one thing, he couldn't risk him, he'd tell the king and queen, but not his brothers mate, he couldn't risk him turning Branch away.
He could only say one thing.
'Deal'