Chapter Text
It’s so perfect, perfect, perfect!
Everything was going according to plan. They were all following Clay’s choreography.
As Branch spun he made sure to catalogue everything carefully— no signs of danger.
Harmony’s so gold!
Branch felt Floyd grab onto his arm, and as practiced, he allowed himself to be pulled into the center of all of them.
And you’ll never, ever wanna let it go!
-
“Good job out there, guys!” John Dory grinned at them. “Bitty B, I am loving the shyness, but maybe try not to look too scared.”
Branch nodded and the moment John walked away, he slouched and felt his ears droop. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Clay take a step toward him, hesitate, then shake his head as he walked away.
“You did great out there, Branch,” Floyd said as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
Branch looked up at him. “Thanks, Floyd.”
“So! Your birthday is coming up soon! Are you excited?”
Oh, yes. His sixteenth birthday party.
Where they were going to perform a song written by Branch. For the first time.
Branch gave his best smile. “Super!”
Floyd seemed a little hesitant but, nonetheless, returned the smile. “So, how’s the song selection going? I’m sure you have plenty of song ideas.”
Branch laughed and tried not to puke. “Oh, I’ve got tons!” He pulled away from Floyd.
Floyd blinked at him, a furrow forming between his brows. “Is everything alright, B?”
“Perfect, actually!” Branch answered as he began to back away. “Now that you mention it, I should probably get back to working on them!”
As Branch scurried back to his room, he didn’t notice the way Floyd wilted nor did he hear the defeated sigh.
-
Branch felt like he was losing his mind. He took in another breath, holding it before slowly letting it out.
Writing and performing a song shouldn’t be this hard. John Dory came up with songs all the time, in the beginning, he had been the sole songwriter; that had changed though when, gradually, JD let his other brothers lead some performances.
And now, it was Branch’s turn to take the lead.
That would be fine and all…if Branch was able to come up with a song that wasn’t totally depressing.
Branch chewed on his lip as he paced around, desperately clutching the notebook in front of him.
All he had to do was come up with one song. One upbeat, happy song that didn’t reveal any of his paranoia or fears.
Branch sighed and let the notebook slip out of his paws.
He was screwed.
.
“What if…we didn’t perform one of my songs?” Branch suggested, ten minutes before they were supposed to go out. “For my birthday,” He quickly clarified.
Everything paused.
Branch swallowed and felt his stomach flip at the shocked expressions of his brothers. “Um, just kidding?”
John was the only one who let out a sigh of relief before promptly laughing. “Oh! You had me there, Bitty B.”
Branch jolted when Clay slung an arm around his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Baby Branch. I was nervous the first time John let me lead, too.”
He already knew that Clay was trying to distract him from Bruce knocking John on the shoulder. He saw more than what they thought he did.
“You’ll do amazing, Branch.” Floyd reached out to squeeze his shoulder.
“Everybody gets a little nervous, Branch,” Bruce said as he joined the circle Clay and Floyd were beginning to make.
“I’m sure the fans are going to love whatever you come up with,” John Dory said as he clapped him on his back.
.
It would have been almost reassuring…if Branch could come up with anything.
Not performing wasn’t an option for them. Seeing their reaction after his suggestion of only not taking the lead had told him everything he needed it to.
It wasn’t for lack of trying that he didn’t have anything.
He’d been trying for years. At least, when he had the energy and spare time to. More often than not, he’d find himself getting frustrated and scrapping the entire piece altogether.
Later, if he ever decided to pick it back up to try and salvage it or at least a piece of it, he’d often find the anxiety, paranoia, and insecurity -that he was desperately trying to shove down and pretend didn’t exist- blindingly obvious.
He knew that this day was coming. The fans loved to bring it up and talk to his brothers about it.
“When will Bitty B lead?”
If he didn’t lead, he would disappoint the fans. If he disappointed the fans, then he would disappoint his brothers. If he disappointed his brothers, then the band would split up. And if the band split up, then—
No.
Branch tugged on his ears. He couldn’t watch that happen. Not again. He didn’t know if he’d survive watching them walk out on him, again.
Especially since he was sure that this time, they wouldn’t come back.
~
”Poppy!”
Poppy took a moment to adjust her hug-time bracelet before bouncing out of her pod.
Today was going to be a great day. She was sure of it.
She made sure to greet all of her friends with a beaming smile as she handed out their party invitations.
Nothing was going to go wrong.
.
Poppy smiled to herself as she slipped away from the singing and dancing. She’d be back before the next hug time.
She appreciated how enthusiastic everyone was, and she was relieved that they were able to forget their fear of the Bergens and leave it all in the past. On a bad day, she was almost envious of them.
She weaved through leaves and trees, occasionally using her hair to swing from some of the trees.
“I'm gonna pack my things and leave you behind.”
Poppy paused and felt her ear swivel as she tried to hear where the sound was coming from. What was another troll doing so far out here?
She listened for another moment before carefully creeping in the direction that the singing was coming from.
“...I know that I've made up my mind.”
And why were the lyrics so…sad? Didn’t he know that music was supposed to make you happy?
“...So please let me go.” He had dark hair and was a dull blue, almost grey— but that was probably from the lighting.
“Hello?” Poppy called. His voice sounded so familiar for some reason, but she couldn’t quite place it.
The other trolled yelped and spun around to face her, and finally, she was able to get a good look at his face.
“Hey, you’re from Brozone!” Poppy pointed out. “You’re Bitty B!”
He sighed and his ears dropped. “It’s just Branch, actually.”
“Oh. Okay. Branch it is,” Poppy corrected as she looked around. “So, what exactly are you doing out here?”
Branch shrugged. “What are you doing out here?”
Poppy crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. “I was taking a break from the party.” Her eyes scanned him. “Why do you have a bag?”
There was a beat of silence before Branch quietly admitted: “I’m leaving.”
“Leaving?” Incredulity colored her tone. He couldn’t be serious, could he? “Leaving where? It’s not safe out there!” Poppy grabbed Branch’s hand when he turned away.
There were so many things out there that could easily hurt one of them! Creatures that had no interest in being friends, like the Bergens, and plenty of natural hazards! Floods, storms, fires, and avalanches!
He tugged his arm away. “I know that! But, I- I have to take my chances, Poppy.” Branch looked at her with such desperation and sorrow that part of her was tempted to let him go.
“Branch,” Poppy maintained, “Whatever is going on, I’m sure that there is a better solution than just running away.”
Branch shook his head with a scoff. “Believe me, I’ve tried. But this is the best solution that there is.”
Poppy shook her head. “I refuse to believe that. There’s no way you tried everything if you’re still going through with this.”
Branch rolled his eyes. “I’m leaving now, Poppy. And you can’t stop me.”
“Branch!” Poppy called as she watched him walk away.
Branch didn’t so much as glance back at her as he continued walking. “Bye, Poppy!”
Poppy let her head fall back as she groaned.
What was she supposed to do? Watch him walk away? To what was more than likely certain death? What kind of princess would she be if she just let that happen? What kind of friend?!
“Ugh! Fine!” Poppy relented as she ran up to him. “But, I’m going with you.”
That got Branch to stop in his tracks and whip around to face her. “What?!”
She wouldn’t be the Queen for at least a few more years, plus, she was certain that she could convince Branch to return home after a week.
“I’m not letting you wander off on your own.” She put her paws on her hips. “So, yes, I’m coming with you.”
“What?” Branch spluttered. “You can’t just leave! You’re the princess!” He gestured to the village.
“Exactly! I’m the princess, not the Queen.” Poppy grinned at him. “Which means I’m not technically leaving any responsibilities behind.”
Branch considered her for a moment before he continued on his path, grumbling under his breath but made no further objections.
Poppy grinned as she skipped behind him. She’d be back home with Branch in no time, she was certain of it. Sooner or later, Branch would get homesick and they’d go back.
.
Poppy perked up when her hug time bracelet went off. “Oh! Hug time-”
“No,” Branch rejected with a firm headshake.
“What?! Don’t tell me you don’t like hug time!” Poppy exclaimed, pressing her paws to her cheeks in surprise.
“Okay, I won’t tell you,” Branch deadpanned and kept walking.
Poppy wilted as she closed her bracelet and kept on trudging behind him.
“Are you sure you want to stick around?” Branch asked after a few moments of them silently moving.
“Oh, I’m positive,” Poppy declared. She had never backed down from a challenge, and she was not about to start now.
“Alright. Suit yourself.” Branch shrugged.
Sooner or later, Branch would open up to her and she would be able to offer a fresh perspective. And then Branch would realize that leaving the village was a mistake, he’d come home, they’d party, and everything would be okay.
All she had to do was be patient.
.
Branch stopped to watch her with a raised brow. “What are you doing?”
“It’s hug time, Branch,” She answered, tightening her arms around herself. “And since you won’t let me hug you, then I am going to hug myself.”
Branch nodded with a mild look. “Oh, yeah that works…or you could turn around and go back to the village. If you start now, maybe you’ll even be back in time for the next hug time.”
Poppy blinked at him. “Nice try, Branch. I said I was going with you and I meant that.”
Branch groaned. “Poppy, sooner or later you’ll have to go back. You may as well just go back now and save yourself some time.”
Poppy shook her head. “Nope,” She popped the ‘p’. “I’m not going back without you.”
.
Poppy hummed a small tune as she kept up with Branch. “So, Branchifer,”
Branch groaned. “Do you start every conversation like that? And don’t call me that.”
Poppy rolled her eyes but continued speaking. “I’ve been doing some thinking.”
Branch shot her a hesitant look from over his shoulder.
“I don’t have a lot of memories of you partying with us.”
Branch shrugged and crossed his arms. “Of course, I partied. I was in the center of it, most of the time, at least at the major parties.”
“No, you would perform and then eventually slink away back to wherever you like to disappear to,” Poppy pointed out, “And I never once saw you at any of the holiday events I hosted.”
“Well, I mean,” Branch stumbled, “There’s a lot of trolls in troll village, maybe you just didn’t notice me.”
The defense was weak and he knew it, judging by the way he immediately cringed.
Poppy crossed her arms into an X and shook her head. “Nice try, Branch. But, you stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd.”
The furrow between Branch’s brows deepened.
“See!” Poppy pointed at the creases on his face. “You’re the only troll who routinely looks stressed or upset.”
Branch’s paw went up to his face before he turned away and began tensely walking away.
Poppy faltered for a moment before following. “Hey, I didn’t mean it in a bad way!”
This was going to be harder than she thought.
.
“So,” Poppy started as she dodged a branch, “When I found you, you were singing this song…what was it?”
“Just something that came to me, that’s all,” Branch dismissed.
“It sounded very…sad,” Poppy said, more to herself than anything.
Branch winced and hunched into himself as if trying to shy away from the question.
Poppy hurried to add: “It sounded good, though!”
Branch didn’t respond.
Poppy pressed her lips together. Despite wanting to, ultimately, she decided not to press the issue. The last two times she had tried that strategy it only resulted in Branch completely shutting down.
“So, uh, where exactly are we going?”
Branch made a kind of dismissive gesture. “I’m not sure.”
Poppy spluttered. “What do you mean you’re not sure?!”
Branch turned to glare at her. “I mean I’m not sure. I didn’t exactly come up with a plan.”
“Well, why not?”
“What was there to plan?!” Branch threw up his paws. “I don’t know what’s out there!”
“I do!” Poppy shouted, pressing her paws to her chest, trying to loosen the sudden tightness. “Death! And danger!”
A conflicted expression passed across Branch’s face as he slowed to a stop. Poppy watched as he began to wring his paws.
For a moment, Poppy thought that maybe she had gotten through to him. Maybe patience wasn’t what he needed, maybe what he had needed all along was a solid push!
“I can’t go back, Poppy,” Branch mumbled.
She was wrong.
“Why not, Branch?” She didn’t understand. Even if Branch was a bit of a loner and more than a bit shy, surely he had friends who would miss him? And his brothers! He had four loving brothers who were so excited for him to finally take the lead for the first time!
Poppy gasped when the realization, and a leaf, hit her. “Is it because of the performance coming up?”
Branch huffed and began walking again.
“It is, isn’t it!” Poppy cheered. Finally, she was making some progress! At this rate, they’d be home before the week was done!
Branch walked a little faster. “No! You’re wrong!”
“If I’m wrong then why are you running from me?” Poppy asked when Branch broke out into a sprint.
“I’m not running from you!” Branch denied, looking over his shoulder for a moment.
Poppy groaned. “Just talk to me, Branch!”
“What’s the point?” Branch shook his head. “This is the only option!”
“No, it’s not!” Poppy reached out with her hair to try and grab him.
Branch dodged her attempts.
“Come on, Branch! All of this could be resolved if you just talk about it!”
Branch took a sharp turn. “How could you know that?!”
“I just do!” It was hard to reach out to him as he weaved through the trees.
“Just…” Branch pulled himself up with his hair.
Poppy followed him, only a second behind.
“...Leave…” He jumped to the next tree, using his hair to swing to the next one.
Poppy was finally gaining on him.
“...Me…” Branch just barely managed to evade her— he was slowing down!
“...ALONE!”
Poppy launched herself at him mid-swing, his hair wrapped around a tree limb, and was finally able to grab him around his middle. “Gotcha!”
Branch yelped and suddenly there was a loud cracking sound.
And then they were plummeting off of the conveniently placed cliff that existed for no other reason aside from plot convenience.
They both screamed as they fell down and into some creature's mouth.
.
Poppy carefully pushed herself into a sitting position, slowly looking toward Branch who was in a similar state of confusion.
“Um. Branch?” She asked slowly.
“Yes?” Branch blinked, his eyes still slightly glazed over.
“What was that?” Poppy asked.
“That was a wormhole,” A third voice said.
The two screeched as they whipped around to see a…cloud.
“Hey guys, how’s it going?” The cloud asked as he waved at them.
Branch rubbed his eyes with his paws. “Poppy, I think I hit my head.”
Poppy waved a hand at him. “Um, do you think you could tell us where we are?”
“Oh, no. I have no idea.” The Cloud Guy said as he made finger-guns at them.
“Oh, wow. Well isn’t that useful,” Branch grouched.
“Branch, don’t be mean.” Poppy knocked him on the shoulder.
“Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but,” Cloud Guy sucked in a breath through his teeth, “I can’t. Bye, guys.”
Branch and Poppy watched as the cloud left. Branch looked considerably more angry than she did.
“Hey, Poppy? I think hate that guy,” Branch declared as he pushed himself into a standing position, brushing off the dirt that was clinging to his clothes.
“Branch! Don’t be mean to our new friend!”
“Our?!”