Harmony spent hours in tears after Floyd walked out of her dressing room, leaving an emptiness that echoed in her chest. When she finally gathered the strength to look in the mirror, panic surged through her. Her eyes were swollen and crimson, betraying the emotional turmoil she had tried to mask.
The carefully applied makeup, usually a vibrant shield, was now smudged and peeling away, revealing her ashen skin beneath—a stark reminder of the pain she felt inside. The color she had painstakingly painted into her hair was fading, leeching away like her sense of self. In a flurry, she scrambled for her makeup kit, desperately trying to restore her facade before anyone could catch a glimpse of her vulnerability.
This was a relentless battle, one she had been waging since Floyd's departure, a grief sharpened by the haunting thought of losing Branch as well. The weight of it all felt unbearable, as if the very essence of who she was was slipping away.
"Stop crying," she chided herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tears won't change the past. Just take one step at a time and focus on the next thing." With a renewed sense of determination, she opened the sleek wooden drawer of her dressing table, the familiar scent of polished mahogany filling the air.
Her fingers grazed over the pages of a well-worn notebook, filled with the lyrics and melodies she had shared with Floyd during happier times. Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside the wave of emotions threatening to overtake her and redirected her attention to the new songs she had been pouring her heart into. The notes danced in her mind, urging her to create something fresh and meaningful.
As she flipped through the pages of her well-worn notebook, the familiar scent of aged paper filled the air, guiding her to the section where her creative thoughts had come alive in song before she left her dressing room.
Stepping into the music room, she was greeted by the sight of a grand piano, its polished ebony surface gleaming under the soft chandelier light. The instrument seemed to beckon to her, its ivory keys whispering promises of melodies waiting to be discovered.
Harmony's notebook, a tattered collection of pages brimming with the heartfelt lyrics for her upcoming concert tour, lay open on the polished grand piano. The soft glow of the evening light illuminated the words, casting gentle shadows that danced across the sheet music. As she approached, anticipation tingled in the air.
With a delicate touch, she traced her fingers over the carefully penned lines, savoring each phrase. She closed her eyes for a moment, envisioning the connection she would soon share with her eager fans, all waiting to embrace the emotions woven into her music. The notes she was about to play would carry her heart, and she longed to create a moment that resonated deeply with them.
The soft strains of music, a delicate vessel of emotions, gradually envelop the once-quiet room, creating an atmosphere rich with warmth and tranquility. Harmony, lost in her world of notes and rhythms, becomes wholly absorbed in perfecting the intricate melody that dances in her mind. Unbeknownst to her, she is no longer alone; Branch stands in the doorway, silhouetted against the fading light, a soft smile playing on his lips as the familiar tune resonates deeply within his heart.
A tender memory unfurls in his mind—Harmony lovingly tucking him into bed, her voice a gentle balm as she sang soothing lullabies to chase away the shadows of nightmares that had left him feeling panicked and isolated. The echoes of her song fill the air, stitching together past and present in a comforting embrace.
Branch sat in the dimly lit music room, his heart swelling with a mix of admiration and nostalgia as he watched her play. The light illuminated her, casting a radiant glow that enhanced her every gesture. He was astonished to see her not just alive, but flourishing as a star, a vision he had always believed she would become. Her voice soared through the air, wrapping around him like a warm embrace, and he couldn't help but smile at how far she had come.
However, amid the joy of witnessing her fulfilling her dreams, a twinge of sadness tugged at his heart. He realized that he wasn't part of her journey to success, and the thought cast a shadow over his happiness. As her performance unfolded, he found himself torn between pride for her accomplishments and the bittersweet ache of longing for a shared experience
The moment Ethan stepped into Harmony's dressing room, a surge of protective instinct washed over Branch. He regarded her with the fierce affection of an older brother, ready to defend her at all costs. When Ethan grabbed Harmony's wrist with a painful intensity, Branch's heart raced with anger, his fists clenching at his sides.
He felt a primal urge to confront Ethan, to wrap his hands around the man's throat and teach him a lesson. Fortunately, Floyd's timely intervention broke the tension, preventing the situation from escalating further. Though years had passed since he'd last seen Harmony, the deep love and loyalty he felt for her remained as strong as ever, a testament to their unbreakable bond.
Separated in the dark, labyrinthine tunnels, he was struck violently, rendering him unconscious. In those unsettling moments, he had no idea that Harmony was desperately searching for him, her heart racing with worry. When he finally came to, groggy and disoriented, a chilling realization hit him: she was nowhere to be found. Panic surged through him as he dug his way out, clawing through the debris of the collapsed tunnel, searching for Harmony only for his search to come up empty no matter how much he called her name.
Overwhelmed with despair, he feared the worst, especially when he stumbled upon one of her cherished scarves, its vibrant colors dulled by dirt and rubble. The sight of it crushed his heart, solidifying his belief that she had tragically perished in the chaos.
But then, amidst his despair, a flicker of hope ignited within him: he spotted her familiar face on a poster. The rush of relief that washed over him was indescribable, a powerful wave that swept away his anguish and filled him with joy at the realization that she was alive.
As he cleared his throat, the sound reverberated softly in the stillness of the room, slicing through the air like a sudden gust of wind. Harmony, deep in her musical reverie, was jolted from her focus, her body tensing as she leaped in her seat.
The shock made her fingers stumble over the keys of her instrument, resulting in a harsh, off-key note that pierced the silence. Whipping around to face him, her wide eyes sparkled with surprise and confusion, capturing the moment as if time had briefly suspended. Her heart raced, and the music that had once flowed so effortlessly from her now seemed a distant memory, replaced by the electrifying awareness of his presence.
She turned in her seat, surprised to see him. "Branch! I didn't expect you to still be here," she exclaimed, her eyes bright with curiosity. He walked over, his footsteps soft against the wooden floor, and settled onto the bench beside her.
Rubbing the back of his neck in a slightly nervous gesture, he replied, "Yeah, John-Dory has this armadillo bus named Rhonda where we're staying. I wanted to talk to you without anyone else around." The late afternoon sunlight cast a warm glow around them, creating a warm atmosphere for their conversation.
"I can't believe you're alive," Branch exclaimed, shaking his head in awe as he settled beside her on the piano bench. The familiar scent of polished wood and dusty sheet music surrounded them, conjuring memories of laughter and late-night practices.
He looked at her, his eyes soft as he took in his sister's appearance; she had changed so much, yet in some ways, she was still the same. Branch had grown taller, his frame more robust, and he no longer felt the weight of needing her protection. Instead, he marveled at the resilience that had brought them back together in this moment, a bittersweet reunion steeped in nostalgia.
"What do you mean you thought I was dead?" she asked softly, her voice reflecting her confusion. She furrowed her brow, studying him with concern. "I thought YOU were dead, Branch. All I saw were the tunnels collapsing, and I couldn't find you anywhere," she recalled, her heartache from that moment still vivid. The memory of believing he was lost weighed heavily on her, causing her to clutch her chest. "It was one of the most agonizing feelings I've ever had to endure," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Branch gazed at Harmony with a look of deep intensity, his eyes reflecting a mix of warmth and determination. Slowly, he leaned in and enveloped her in a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around her as if to shield her from the troubles of the world. The sincerity of his actions spoke volumes, conveying a powerful urge to comfort her in her moment of distress.
"I'm alive, Harmony," he said softly, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "I'm overflowing with more happiness than I've ever experienced." A radiant smile spread across his face, illuminating the space around them. "I have an incredible girlfriend who supports me, and I've finally reunited with my brothers. But most importantly, I've discovered that you are alive!" His words hung in the air, a testament to the joy and relief swelling in his heart.
He leans back, his eyes scanning her face as he takes in the sparkle of mischief in her playful smile. "Speaking of which," she teases, giving him a light nudge with her shoulder. "Queen Poppy, huh?" she coos, her voice lilting with amusement. As she reaches up to gently tousle his hair, a familiar gesture that brings back memories of their shared past, he feels a warmth spreading across his cheeks.
"You're quite the regular Mr. Casanova, aren't you?" she laughs, her eyes twinkling as she notices the deepening blush on Branch's face, a mixture of embarrassment and delight.
"So, what's the situation between you and Floyd?" he inquired, shifting the conversation in hopes of uncovering more about their relationship. His eyebrows furrowed in genuine curiosity, he recalled that Floyd and Harmony had once shared a romantic past, but the details of their current dynamic remained a mystery to him.
Harmony cast her gaze downward, a shadow of unease flickering across her face as she wrestled with her emotions. Her brow knitted tightly, revealing the inner turmoil she felt.
"I'd rather not discuss him, if that's alright with you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers danced nervously against each other, betraying the anxiety that churned within her. "It's just... it's still too painful, Branch."
With a furrowed brow and a heavy heart, Branch gazed at her, feeling the weight of her distress. He was acutely aware of the pain that had etched itself across Floyd's face earlier, a reflection of the turmoil they were all grappling with.
Softening his voice, he approached the moment with care, gently asking, "What happened?" He knew that revealing her feelings wouldn't be easy for her, but the urgency of the moment compelled him to seek answers. To truly help them, he needed to understand the source of their anguish.
Harmony's heart felt heavy in her chest as she let out a deep sigh, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. She knew that Branch wouldn't let the issue go as she had secretly hoped. "He abandoned me, Branch," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of pain and betrayal. "It became all too overwhelming for him, and without a single word, he just... vanished. No note to explain his sudden departure, no warning that he was leaving.
He simply slipped away into the night." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued, "I was left to pick up the shattered pieces of our life alone, constantly holding the weight of everything as I took care of you, all while he roamed free, unburdened." Her words trailed off, leaving an unmistakable aura of sadness and lingering resentment that hung thick in the air around them.
With a firm grip on his hand, she gazes deeply into his eyes and declares, "I will never regret caring for you, Branch. You are my brother, and I will always love you." Her voice, strong yet tender, fills the space between them. But as she continues, a tremor of uncertainty creeps in, revealing a softer side.
"But sometimes," she confesses, her gaze dropping to the ground, "I wish I weren't the one left behind to pick up all the pieces." The unexpected vulnerability in her voice takes Branch by surprise, leaving him momentarily speechless as he processes the weight of her emotions.
With a soft hesitance, Branch turns to her and inquires, "Do you think there's any possibility for you two?" His voice carries a sense of urgency as he continues, "Yes, he made a huge mistake. I'm not suggesting that you should forgive him immediately, but could you at least consider giving him a chance to explain himself?" Branch's heart aches for her as he hopes that his words might help bring some sense of clarity to the conflict raging within her heart.
Harmony paused, her brow furrowed in thought as she let out a heavy sigh, a mix of frustration and trepidation evident in her expression. She gently pushed Branch away, creating a small space between them. "I'll listen to what he has to say just this once, even though I want nothing to do with him," she declared, her voice unwavering and resolute.
Branch, sensing her inner conflict, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. "Thank you, Harmony," he murmured softly, his grip tightening as if to anchor her in that moment, offering both support and understanding.
She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection as she patted his back reassuringly. Gently, she pushed him back just enough to meet his gaze. "I'll have a conversation with him in the morning," she said softly to Branch, her voice steady yet kind. "It's getting late, and I still have a few things to finish up before tomorrow. But for now, I truly want to savor this time with you." The warmth of the moment enveloped them, making the world outside fade away.
After years apart, the two siblings reunite, sharing laughs as they lean into each other and savor their time together. They reminisce about a wide range of memories, from Branch and Poppy leading the Bergens to find joy without eating trolls, to stopping the rock apocalypse that was initiated by Queen Barb.
In a surprising turn of events, Harmony drops a bombshell: she reveals that she is close friends with Queen Barb, a revelation that leaves Branch visibly stunned. The weight of this unexpected connection hangs in the air as they continue their conversation, which shifts to Branch's recent experience of reconnecting with John at a mutual friend's wedding.
Memories of laughter and celebration contrast sharply with the darker news that surfaces—Floyd had been held captive. With wide eyes filled with disbelief, Harmony expresses her shock, asking, "He was in trouble?" The atmosphere is charged with a mix of intrigue and concern as the implications of this news set in.
She hadn't heard any rumors about him getting into trouble; she only knew that his solo career was thriving. To avoid any awkward encounters, she made sure to stay away from the towns he was visiting. "Oh, there were these two pop stars named Velvet and Veneer who were trying to steal his talent to boost their fame," Branch informed her. "But don't worry, we saved him with the perfect family harmony." He reassured her, noticing the brief look of concern on her face.
"I had no idea," she murmured, her eyes wide with shock. "I had heard whispers about those twins, but I never realized they had Floyd." She gently reached out and took Branch's hands in hers, her grip warm and reassuring. "I'm so deeply sorry I couldn't be there for you, Branch. You didn't deserve to go through that."
As Branch softly clasped Harmony's hands within his own, he couldn't help but recall the memories of years past when her hands had seemed so much larger than his. The warmth of her touch stirred a mix of nostalgia and affection in him.
"It's okay, Harmony," he said, his voice soothing, like a gentle embrace. "You're here now, and that's what matters most." The sincerity in his words filled the space between them, creating a moment of comfort amid the echoes of their shared history.
The evening sunlight faded into a warm glow as they lost themselves in a blend of shared laughter and enchanting tales, recounting every detail of their recent adventures. The sound of their joy filled the air, and for a while, the world around them faded away. As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, they suddenly became aware of the time, stifling yawns that hinted at their fatigue.
With a hint of reluctance, they exchanged knowing smiles and fond goodnights, their hearts heavy as they prepared to part ways. Stepping into the cool night, they walked off in opposite directions, the echoes of their laughter lingering in the air like a sweet memory.
A/N
Hello awesome people! I did quite a bit of change for this chapter, taking inspiration from BookWriter1235's story What colors I decided to make Harmony a grey troll desperately trying to hide it so as to not show just how much Floyd leaving her has actually effected her, on top of her thinking she lost Branch.
It felt more appropriate then a a brief mention of her going grey and fighting it when there hasn't been anything showing that trolls can fight that process.
I hope you all enjoy the switch up here as I feel it would make the most sense for someone who has dealt with loss after loss in such a relatively short time.
I wish you all the very best in life and hope you all know you are loved, wanted, and so very strong!