Tags: Broppy, Not rated, Trolls Mythology Au, Slow Burn Fluff
Ao3 here
Notes: This chapter... is twice longer than usual. I just didn’t see a reason to cut it in half. That would be cruel tbh
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Everything is fine. Isn't it?
Every day and night is the same, as they used to be... Poppy walks on the hill, this very specific hill they used to climb on to pass the Staff along. Then she meets Branch. He asks for one more night or day to finish the thing he works on. And she agrees. He walks away, with the Staff or without it, and Poppy always watches him for so long.
Why.
Why does this feel so bad? Why does it hurt so much? Everything is fine. Poppy didn't lose anything - she still has her wonderful job, amazing friends, and basically everything the Immortal could dream of. Her teamwork with the god of the Night is just... Temporary pendant. Nothing to worry about. Branch is just making some surprise...
The goddess doesn't know how long she has to wait. Two weeks passed, but what is just two weeks for Immortals? Poppy knows it should be nothing... But it feels like forever.
Why. Why she can't just patiently wait? Why the feeling in her heart, so warm and pleasant earlier, now is so heavy and painful. She can't enjoy anything as much as she used to. Her sweet job becomes a boring routine. She realizes she smiles way rarer.
Why?
Poppy feels like a little child with those feelings. So pitiful. She sits every Night under this oak where Branch showed her a shadow. She plays with an oak leaf in her hand, watching lightning bugs flying around the meadow. Or watching the stars above her. They always make her even sadder. No matter how long she sits there, she never sees Branch. She can see him only for a minute on the hill.
And why? Why is this so sad for her? She used to live without him for so long. She doesn't need him to live or be happy, she used to be happy without him too. Didn't she? It's not the end of the world. It's not even forever. It's temporary, isn't it?
And why, why is Branch so into something? What is this? What did the rainbow inspire him to? What is he making? Maybe something with colors... Poppy remembers a spark in his eyes when he stared at the rainbow. He was so amazed by its colors. Yeah, he is making something colorful for sure. Maybe he dreams about colors visible in the Dark. Cause it is known that during the Night colors fade and almost everything is black or grey. Poppy feels her heart getting filled with new hope. Maybe if she makes something with colors that are visible in the Night, she will get a little bit more of Branch's attention? Maybe he would leave his project and come back to her? She imagines his gentle smile on his pretty blue face. His azure eyes meeting hers. She reminds herself of his touch on her cheek. Cold but so tender and affectionate... She misses him so much...
The goddess of the Day stops the thing she is doing and walks toward the Palace. A hope pushes her in this direction. She wants to believe that not in vain.
* * *
- I don't know - Smidge frowns at a flower. - I'm still not sure about the spikes.
- It needs them to protect itself from critters! - Meadow explains.
- Yes, hurting the critters - Milton adds, putting his hands into the pockets of his lab coat. - I'm also not sure about them.
- But the spikes create a good arrangement with its carmine petals - Satin points out, touching the flower carefully.
- Disagree, sister - Chenille crosses her arms on her chest. - It's too edgy for me.
- It's poetic beauty, not so obvious. I'm bored of doing boring things, let me experiment a bit, sis!
- Well, I really like how it looks now - Meadow, the goddess of plants, gets down to the flower. - If we can make spikes less sharp, can we keep them? I want it to be safe, not like other of my mites.
- Let me think a bit about it - Milton grabs his head with both of his hands. He sighs heavily. - But please, later, not now, I'm so tired of thinking about this flower.
- Oh, you - Smidge pats him in his elbow. She is too short to reach any higher. - We do take a break. Let's just change the topic a bit.
- Thank you...
- Hi, guy!
Immortals turn to the pink, bright lady waving to them on the horizon.
- Poppy! - Satin beams at the goddess walking to them. - What perfect timing!
- Why is it so perfect?
- We need to talk about anything else than that flower - Chenille points at the little plant on the ground.
- What is this?
- We want to create a flower with Rose's name - Meadow explains. - Just for sentimental reasons.
Poppy gazes at slender leaves on dark green stem with little spikes. The carmine petals draw around themselves, creating a beautiful red mosaic.
- It's wonderful - She says, but in her voice and her mild smile is hidden a note of gloom.
- Is everything okay? - Smidge asks, looking at her with worry.
The goddess of the Day forces herself to rise the corners of her lips a bit higher.
- I'm fine, everything is fine. Nothing wrong happened, I'm just... a bit tired.
Immortals look at each other. Poppy is known as a very, very, VERY energetic, vivid, and loud person. At least as a person who never gets tired, especially of her job. But no one says anything.
- So, what do you need from us? - Milton asks carefully.
- Well, I need something light and colorful - The pink face brightens a bit. - Something really visible in the darkness. Something like, I don't know, colorful safe flames? - She turns to the twins. - Can you design something like that?
- Let me guess - Chenille clicks her tongue and lifts her eyebrow. - Another 'surprise' for Branch?
- Well...
- Last time we painted with you the whole sky in blue! - Smidge chuckles. - I mean, it is so gorgeous now, white clouds look amazing on it, but damn it, that was a huge thing!
- Yeah, not mentioning the rainbow - Satin adds. - Poppy, isn't that too much?
- What are you talking about, those things are breathtaking! - Meadow protests.
- She means, giving gifts - The tiny, yellow goddess of Honesty crosses her arms, looking at Poppy. - Do you really need those things?
The pink lady stares at them blankly during their talk. She looks up joylessly at the Gold Sphere. “Do they need those ‘surprises’?’’ she asks herself in her mind.
- I don't know - She says, shyly gets her sight down. - But I like it...
- I mean, gifts aren't a bad thing - Smidge corrects herself. - But if the friendship is only giving gifts, so there's gifts, no friendship, am I right?
Poppy doesn't say anything for a long while.
- Hey - The tiny yellow goddess gets close to her. - I just see, you are sad. And I'm asking what's happening? Maybe I'm wrong...
- Actually, you're right - Poppy interrupts her firmly. Then she closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths. - I'm sorry, that was too firm... But you're right - She hides her face in her hand. - You are so right...
The awkward Silence falls among them and passes a minute or two.
- So... - Milton tries to ask again. - What happened?
- Nothing - The pink goddess sighs. The wave of helplessness hits her right into her heart. - Absolutely nothing. And I don't understand... Why is it hurt so much...
- What specifically? - Meadow asks shyly.
- This... This nothing... - She gets her head up and looks at her friends with eyes full of tears. - This Silence... Between me and Branch.
- I know it's a really bad question - Chenille frowns. - But why is Branch so important?
- I have no idea! - Poppy speaks a bit too loud. Her lips vibrate, her sight is already blurry. All she knows now is a hint of sadness.
- Okay, okay, calm down - Smidge says softly. - Just tell us what you know, okay? What do you feel?
Poppy sniffs. She wipes her tears from her eyes. Her knees become weak, so she sits down, not caring what the rest thinks about it.
- What I know - She repeats blankly and takes another deep breath. - I know that nothing wrong happened. We created the waterfall to make some kind of infinity rainbow... And then Branch just walked away... He said he works on some big project... Every time I meet him, he begs for a bit more time to finish it... - She clenches her hands on the Staff so tight. - And now... I don't talk with him too much... I mean... At all...
Poppy sniffs once again and wipes another tear from her cheek. Her words are quieter and quieter the more she speaks.
- It's been two... Maybe three weeks. I know it's nothing, so short... And I know it's not forever. He'll have done what he's doing and everything will be as before...
She sighs heavily.
- But that hurts for some reason... I don't know why... I miss walking with him and... And talking and... And just him. I miss him... - She hides her face into her hand once again. - Not sure if he feels the same although...
- Well, that's a weird kind of friendship - Chenille says after a long while of Silence. - I've never heard about friendship that can hurt.
- So the lack of Branch's presence is painful? - Smidge wants to be sure.
- Yeah... - Poppy sniffs, still avoiding eye contact.
- So let me guess, you wanted to make another gift to catch his attention? - Satin asks.
- I guess so...
- So If he comes back to you, you will be happy again?
The pink goddess gets her head up at Milton's questions to look at him humbly. She takes a long, snatchy breath.
- Yes.
- Well then, what happened that he came to you in the first place? - Smidge continues analyzing. - I mean, what did make you talk or something?
Poppy glances at the Staff, reminding the last months.
- I told him what I felt - She says after a while, with a much stronger voice. - About the situation... You know, this whole "greeting" awkward situation I told you a lot.
- You have to tell him what you feel right now about THIS awkward situation! - The goddess of Honesty jumps up with a sudden hit of energy. She throws her little fists in the air. - You have to tell him! You have to fight! - She grabs Poppy's blue dress and yells right into her face. - I don't know what is between you and Branch, but I saw you happy that you were never before and I saw him smiling and laughing and taking part in Sharing like he NEVER was expected to do, and whatever it is YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT, GIRL!
- Okay! Okay! Calm down - Milton grabs Smidge with both his hands and takes her away from Poppy.
- Well, maybe that was too loud - Satin takes a look at the tiny yellow goddess.
- But It was all true - Chenille ends her sister's sentence.
- Yeah - Meadow adds. - I think... Well, I'm not the god of Friendship, but I'm sure it's not like Branch just gives up on your relationship. As Smidge said, it makes him happy too.
Poppy looks at her with hope. Her heart starts to beat warmer at those words.
- Sometimes a friend gets lost in something and needs a friend to get him out - Smidge puts her hand on Poppy's shoulder. She's much calmer now, she gives her friend a really wide smile, making the pink goddess chuckles.
Poppy takes a deep breath and her face brightens with a little, but real and genuine smile.
- Thank you. Thank you all - She looks around at her friends. - I'll do that.
- And we'll design this colorful-light-thing - Chenille announces with a smile.
- Just because we like challenges - Satin chuckles.
- I feel like we should call R and B to that project...
- But first, we have to finish a rose! - Meadow protests.
Milton chuckles at his friends and then glances at Poppy.
- It's almost twilight - He tells her. - Go talk to him
- You know where to find us! - Smidge adds, with a little hit in the pink arm.
The goddess of the Day chuckles slightly and stands up with the Staff of the Light in her hand. She looks at the horizon, fearing the first step. Her heart beats with hope and doubts, but she doesn't let her mind think of "what-if"s. She wants to try what her friends advised her. She wants to try, she wants to fight... She wants Branch back...
* * *
Poppy is standing. Oh yeah. She is standing like she never did before! Standing so hard, standing so firm, standing so desperate. The pure bold beams from her statement. She is standing with a goal, she is standing on the hill, on that specific hill, ready to fight, ready to everything. The bloody sky fades behind her back. Oh, the goddess looks like a warrior, no, like a winner already! And all her strength is almost touchable...
...until it washes over her and soaks into the ground with a very first sight of the black hair of the Night.
Weak. Weak is the word her whole shaking body is screaming at her. You are so weak, Poppy.
Branch arrives at the hill without a word. So naturally for the god of the Silence. He views her face blankly. His blue eyes are painted with tiredness. He... He looks so exhausted. So pure. There's not a slightest shadow of a bad intention in his husky voice:
- Poppy... - He clears his throat, and continues calmly. - I know it's a lot to ask... But can you give me one more night and day?
The goddess feels her heart melt. How could she be firm to him looking like that, asking like that?
But then, she knows, it looks like that every twilight, every dawn, and it will still be like that as long as she agrees. So when the blue hand reaches for the Staff, she sets it back, giving him a firm look.
- No - She announces.
- Poppy, I have to start the Night...
- I don't care - She throws and feels her lips shake already.
Branch looks at her with a real puzzlement.
- You don't care? - He frowns. His voice gets a bit husky again. - What does it even mean?
- I am not giving you the Staff - She emphasizes every word.
- But why?!
- Because - Her lips vibrate. - I don't let you hurt me like this anymore.
Her voice cracks a bit. She swallows slowly, not being able to look at his face anymore. But she started it, and she wants to finish, no matter how this conversation will end.
- Listen, Branch - She keeps her breath and voice calm, but her sight is already blurry. - It's... Almost three weeks until our last talk. I feel avoided, ignored. Forlorn. I know it's nothing for us, Immortals, but... After the whole time we spent together... After... Many things we shared... - And now her voice cracks. - I miss you so much...
She gets her head down, not knowing what she is looking at anymore. She just closes her eyes tight and feels a few tears streaming through her cheek. She hasn't known she is that weak.
- Do you even still feel... the same heart thing... Do you? - She whispers.
- No! I mean, Yes! I mean... Oh my goodness...
A gentle touch on her chin gets her head up. His cold hand gets her hair from her face behind her ear. It cups her face and starts drying her tears with a thumb. With a still blurry vision, Poppy feels her hand lift without her purpose and suddenly it touches something. A fabric. And she feels a light warm. And a heartbeat. Rushing, loud, strong heartbeat, so similar to her. Something cold is pressing her hand to that. She blinks a few times and sees... It lies on Branch's chest. Covered by his big, strong, and gentle hand.
- I do - The god speaks, kinda rushing. - I do. I feel. I still feel the same. Please, don't cry.
His hand constantly rubs her cheek. His thumb carefully wipes her eye from tears. His tired eyes are filled with genuine misery.
- Please, don't cry. Please... I am so stupid. I am such an idiot. I was so into... - He sighs heavily, closing his eyes. - ...this dumb project, I... I miss you so much too...
His despairing blue eyes dive into her. He cups her pink cheeks with both of his hands. They are cold and shaking slightly. Oh, they are so cold. Poppy can stop enjoying them, his big blue hands covering almost her whole face. She sniffs and smiles at him. Her heart is beating fast and warm, and she feels Branch's under her hand too. She gets much more than she was wishing for, and she can't help, can't help but smile widely and warm at his beautiful blue eyes.
- You were an idiot - She announces like the happiest news of the year.
- I know - He starts shaking his head with disappointment for himself. - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you...
- It's ok - She sighs deeply, still smiling. - I mean, It wasn't ok, but now, now it's ok... Just... - She closes her eyes. - Can we stay like that for a minute? I really need this now... - She says, snuggling her face into one of his hands.
Branch doesn't answer, but she doesn't mind it. As long as she feels his beating heart in his chest and his hands embracing her face. The beatific smile doesn't leave her lips. All the worries wash over her. A great pleasant sigh of relief is everything she can say right now.
- Grab the Staff or I never let you go off my face - Poppy threatens, which doesn't sound grimly with her serene voice. She hears a slight chuckle of Branch, and the sweet cover, almost warm now, leaves her face. He takes the Staff from her hand and she lets go of his shirt.
The goddess gazes at him to meet his eyes, to give him a warm smile. But he doesn't glance at her. His head is down, his face is still full of tiredness and misery.
- Branch?
He closes his eyes tight and twists his face. He hesitates a bit after he heaves a sigh.
- I can't hold the fact that I hurt you... - He rubs his eyebrow slowly and leaves his hand like that, covering his eyes. - That was so dumb... So absurdly idiotic... I was too much into this thing, you know, I felt so... Inspired. And...
Poppy steps close to him. Her little pink hand turns his head to face her. He drops his hand and shows her his weary eyes full of tears.
- I just wanted to deserve such a person like you - Words sneak quietly from his lips. He is gazing at her so miserably, deeply disappointed.
But the goddess smiles at him even wider, her eyes are sparkling with sheer enjoyment.
- I don't need gifts - She puts her other hand on his cheek to cup his whole face. - I already have all I need. Right in my hands.
The god blinks. He laughs aloud and genuinely. A single tear drops from his eyes and streams down his blue cheek until little pink fingers wipe it away. He sniffs.
- I miss you so much - He whispers warmly and gruff, smiling, smiling endlessly, smiling so hard and so dumb at happy, sunny Poppy's face, beaming with honest happiness.
She let go of his face, but not of his eyes. The bags under them make him look a little bit different. She wants to let him rest as quickly as possible after she'll fully enjoy his company.
- Can you show me that thing you were working on? I want to curse it for keeping you away from me.
The god chuckles.
- Whatever you want.
They don't walk so far. The cave, where they arrived, is big and dark, only thanks to the Gold Sphere Poppy can see anything. And there are many, many bags filled with weird, magically sparkling substances.
- Go ahead - Branch encourages, seeing curious in her eyes. - Touch it.
The goddess goes to the nearest bag and sinks her hands into its silver content.
- Silver sand!
- Yep, I call it 'glitter'. Cause it's little and it glows.
Poppy chuckles.
- What is this for?
- You take a bit of it - Branch presents. - And powder somebody's eyelids during sleep. It creates dreams.
- Dreams?
- I mean... You can see your dreams during sleep. You can even feel them as if they are real life.
Poppy looks at the glitter flabbergasted.
- And the sleep will never be boring again...
- Exactly.
- That's so amazing! - She cheers.
- Yeah, but it has two faults - He heaves a sigh. - First, it's disposable. After one use it does nothing. Just glow silverly.
- Does it stay on eyelids?
- No, it falls on the ground. It smooths into the soil actually and masses deep under the ground.
- Is it dangerous or damaging?
- No.
- So why is this a fault?
Branch wrinkles his nose.
- I mean, if trolls find it, they would just play with it! - Poppy suggests.
- Play with it?
- Yeah, look - And with that word she throws a bit of glitter in the air. It sparkles so magically, slowly falling on them. She grins at the god's displeased face, making him chuckle.
- Okay, maybe you're right - He dusts the glitter off his capote. - But disposable still means I would have to make it more and more of it... - He looks away, twisting his mouth. - And that's... That's also the part of its second fault... If I want to use the glitter on trolls, I will have to spend all the Night running through the Land and powdering their eyelids...
Poppy blinks at him and then looks down at the glitter on her hands.
- That's why I was kinda desperate about it - He murmurs tiredly. - I wanted to be able to use it every Night... And still, have time for my main responsibilities... - He swallows and looks into the goddess's eyes. - But the most important was for me... To still have enough time for you.
She melts, smiling warmly at him.
- Oh, Branch...
- I know... It came ironically stupid...
She chuckles gently.
- You could tell me.
- I will do it next time - He carefully dusts the glitter off her nose with his finger. - I promise.
- What if we powder it together? - She asks after a while of thinking.
He frowns and hesitates.
- Then I guess, I will have time for my main responsibilities - He gazes at her. - But still not for you...
- I mean, we'll be spending the whole night actually.
- But rushing with my duties, that's ridiculous...
- Well... - She starts slowly and calmly. - The glitter is a genius invention, and if you want to use it and this is the only way, then that will be enough for me.
Branch blinks tiredly before he turns his sight at the bags full of glitter. He is staring at them for so long, thinking in Silence. Then he starts slowly shaking his head.
- No - He decides firmly. - I'm not choosing anything over you.
Poppy smiles widely, even giggle a bit with joy, feeling her cheeks turn red and her heart gets warm.
Suddenly something flares on the night horizon and both of them turn to see what it is. It walks to them unhurriedly, and soon they recognize Immortal's silhouette. His silver, sparkling skin shines like a diamond in the darkness. He stands in front of them with his hand on his hips and grins at them.
- Hi! - His voice echoes in the cave in a weird, extraterrestrial way. - Who are you, guys?
- Who are you? - Branch asks with clear confusion on his face. He turns to Poppy. - You know him?
- No, but... It's nice to meet you! - The goddess tries to be polite and welcoming to the stranger. - My name is Poppy, I'm the goddess of the Day and Light. The guardian of the Staff of the Light and the Gold Sphere on it. And this is Branch! - She points at the god.
- Yeah, I'm also the guardian of those - He shows the Staff in his hand. - As you can see. I'm the god of the Night, Darkness, and Silence.
- Sounds cool - The silver stranger cheers. - And who am I?
Poppy and Branch look at each other confused.
- You don't know? - The god asks.
- I've just come from this weird black hole at the end of the world.
- Oh, the Chaos - Poppy recognizes.
- Ha! So that hole has a name? - The stranger chuckles, and then frowns. - So you don't know who I am?
- We can give you a name! - She beams. - What about Diamonddd....
- ....Guy? - Branch ends. - Guy Diamond?
- Oh, this is a really good name! - The silver god bucks and poses like a model. - It fits me perfectly.
- Okay, let me guess - The blue god interrupts his rhapsodizing. - You're the god of the Glitter?
Guy freezes at those words.
- I have weird deja vu - He points at the bags. - This is the glitter, am I right?
- Yep - Poppy nods. - You know what is it?
- I feel like I know it more than myself - He sinks his hand into silver sand with amazement. Then after a moment, he grabs one bag and shoulders it. - And I know exactly what to do with it!
- Should I warn you that you will have to create more...
- I can produce glitter much faster than you think! - Guy interrupts Branch. - You can leave me all of this, I take care of it. - He points at the cave filled with bags. - And now, excuse me, I have so many trolls' eyelids to powder! - He yells enthusiastically and walks away with a bag full of glitter. They watch his wandering silver silhouette until he disappears on the horizon. Branch turns to Poppy with his tired eyes and shows her a smile full of relief.
- I kinda start liking Chaos - He jokes, making her chuckle. - So... Now when I'm truly free... What do you want to do?
Poppy looks at his weary face, his weak smile, his half-opened eyelids, and grey bag under his faded blue eyes...
- Come with me. I know exactly what to do - She smiles encouragingly.
The goddess brings him to the meadow where she was spending the last few weeks.
- The oak - He murmurs, looking at the huge tree. He recognizes the place where he showed her a shadow and for the first time he took off his capote in front of someone. It is a place with a beautiful view of the stars and the whole Land around. Many little lightning bugs are flying casually above the grass. He yawns loudly when the wave of tiredness hits him without a warning. - What do you want to do with this oak?
Poppy grabs his arm without a word and pulls him down to sit. He doesn't protest. He needs to sit right now. He slumps against the wide oak's trunk and leans the Staff against his shoulder. Then he notices that little warm hands are still holding his arm, so he turns to her with an asking sight.
- You need to rest - The goddess says calmly and warmly, and her sound voice makes his eyelids heavier somehow. - Take a nap.
- But what about the Night? You can't touch the Staff now...
- I won't - He feels his breath get calmer when she speaks like that. Quietly, warmly, softly. - I'll stay awake. You need sleep, even an hour or two. I'll wake you up, so you’ll be able to do your duties later.
He blinks slowly, staring at her little glowing freckles.
- You have a heart of gold...
- Stop talking, you dork, just sleep!
The god smiles amused. He closes his eyes and slumps his head against the tree. He breathes a deep, glad sigh. But before he falls asleep, he feels a warm touch on his cheek pulling his head down, and soon his chin lands on Poppy's shoulder.
- Are you sure I'm not too heavy for you? - Branch murmurs quietly.
The goddess smiles gazing at his blessed face.
- Your head will fall anyway - She whispers, feeling him briefly purring with a sleepy pleasure on her shoulder, like a big tired cat. - Good night, Branch.
She sees him sighing blissfully. Yes, his head is huge and heavy, but Poppy doesn't care. His arm is cold, as much as his cheek, but it gets warmer under the goddess's touch, which is weirdly satisfying for her. It is so pleasant, although she doesn't dare to touch him more, even if it lures her. She respects him so much, she would never do anything without his awareness and agreement.
But to be honest, now, now is a really huge dose of happiness, of adoring and enjoying their company, their talks, and touch. Her heart is filled with peace, with peaceful happiness.
Oh, she missed him. She missed him so much. It is so, so good to have him back.
Tags: Not Rated, Slow Burn Fluff, Broppy, Trolls Mythology Au
Ao3 is here
Notes: Ok, so in the last chapter were some plot holes or more like understatements, but let me work on them later. There're many chapters before us, there will be a time for fixing them, but now, back to some fluff :3
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It's time. Poppy is bouncing with excitement, the huge grin doesn't leave her fave. She's all happy. She's all one ticking bomb waiting to explode.
- I'm scared now - Branch chuckles, watching as she's almost dancing. - What is this surprise? Is this something erupting from the ground or... How big is it?
The goddess giggles with genuine joy in her melody voice. She looks at him with sparks of thrill in her eyes.
- Bigger than you thought! - She beams. And then she reaches for the Staff. - Calm down, it would be great!
- I hope so - He throws, twisting his face. He hesitates to give her the Staff. - I know it’s ridiculous, but I'm really stressed, this is overwhelming, you don’t have to...
- Nah nah nah, shhh - She puts her finger on his mouth, making him freeze. She looks deep into his eyes, and says slowly with a calm, quiet voice: - It won't kill you, ok? It's a surprise. A gift. All you have to do is just follow me and watch. Easy?
The god blinks when her finger lets go of his lips. He takes a deep breath, keeping his eyes on her.
- Easy - He breathes out, nodding slightly.
She smirks at him and finally grabs the Staff of the Light, taking it from his hands. The world slowly fills with shades of red and pink, birds start their welcoming-the-day serenades. Branch gazes tense at the sky, waiting for a huge loud explosion or something like that.
- Where should I look? - He asks.
- Just sit here and wait - Poppy says. She starts opening flowers' cups on the meadow. - And watch the sky. It will come slowly and smoothly, the first part hasn't got a big entrance or something.
- The first part? - Branch chuckles. - Maybe I shouldn't have asked how big it is, but how long it is.
The goddess of the Day smiles, not stopping her work. The blue god knows he is supposed to watch the sky and wait, but it is so easy to be distracted by her.
Poppy gently opens every little or big flower cup. She touches them so carefully to not damage any of the sensitive pedals. The Staff shines gold in her hand, its Light brightens her rose complexion. Her hair looks so soft and majestic in its golden glow. He wonders how it would feel to sink his fingers into it. And her tiny, twinkling freckles... He wishes she would let him count them all, one by one. The touch of her smooth, warm skin was so delightful…
Not like his. His skin is always cold. He all is cold. But when Branch's with her it's not that bad. Especially if she gives him a bit of her warmth... How is she doing that? Her smile makes his heart gets warm, he feels warmth, a real one, inside him, and it's like nothing else in this world, it is something so addicting, he wants more and more of it, but he's scared of asking. It's like a little fire inside him, a little fire that he wants to burn him one day or night, he wants to be burned by this fire and he doesn't know why...
And this pink beautiful lady, this gorgeous brisk woman, this sunshine dancing with the flowers on the meadow, this spotless gold heart and a bright, pure mind, this cute smiley face and two sparkling eyes, she... She's here. With him. She's giving him a gift. She likes him and likes hanging up with him. It is so hard to believe. But it makes him feel so good.
- I told you to look at the sky! - Poppy laughs girlishly and sound. Her cheeks turn red when she notices he's staring at her.
Branch smiles as he feels his face gets warm and probably purple. He used to get shy because of it, but he kinda starts liking it. Like, a lot.
- Guh, you got me! - He chuckles and lifts his arms. - I'm busted at adoring you. What a shame! I should've known that you're not the sky!
The goddess actually blushes even more after those words.
- It's also kinda your fault, you were interrupting the sky - The god smirks. Oh my goodness, maybe this is cruel, but it’s so satisfying to see her like that.
- Stop it! It's you who is supposed to be red right now - She giggles, sitting down next to him with the Staff in her hand.
- Why?
- Just look at the sky, you dork!
He chuckles and listens up. And now he's wondering how he could not notice that. How could he not notice that the whole sky, the whole frickin sky, the whole existing horizon...
Is BLUE.
Blue. Clear beautiful azure. Not milky white as always. But blue. The exact same shade that his eyes have. Blue. Azure blue. He even doesn't notice that his mouth is open wide until Poppy closes it with her hand.
- Now, I should say - She catches his sight and shows him a sweet smile. - How much I like sinking into your beautiful azure eyes.
He has no idea how his face looks right now. His mind just stops working, his sight gets lost somewhere between the sky and Poppy's eyes and smile. He tries to gather his thoughts.
- I... don't know what to say… - He breathes out, after a while.
- You don't have to say anything! Aren't you the god of Silence?
He spits a chuckle.
- I am
- Branch, I just want to show you that... - She looks down a bit shyly. - I adore you as much as you adore me. I... - She sinks her fingers into her hair. - You know, it's this weird, funny feeling...
- Yeah - He smiles at her, grabbing a strand of her hair that falls on her face. He puts it behind her ear and lets his hand stay a bit there. - I know.
She's smiling, but not this huge, wide sunny smile she has when she gets excited, but a little, gentle one, much more similar to the smiles he does, a cute one. His thumb moves slightly through her warm cheek. Her face is so small, his hand cups almost half of it. It is so weird and so enjoyable that she likes it, but he lets go of her face. He lets go, fearing the desire in his chest, the desire to never let go of her warm soft skin.
Poppy's sigh of delight is such a pleasant sound, another thing he can't get enough of.
- Are you ready for the next part? - She lifts her eyebrows with a smirk.
- I don't think so - Branch smiles.
- Well, you have a break now, I have a few things to do, and then the Midday and... you know - She shrugs her shoulders. - Responsibilities. But after that, I'll show you one more thing!
- And I will be following you whole this time like a creepy ghost - He jokes. - Maybe there is something I can help with?
Poppy gets her eyes up and twists her face as she's thinking.
- Well, I can find something for you.
* * *
- After the first part of the surprise - Branch screams to be hearable in the loud sounds of rain. - I've imagined the second one much different than that!
They are wet, they are so wet. But the feeling of uncomfortableness fades with the sweet melody of Poppy's laugh.
- It's kinda prolog of it! - She yells at him. - We have to wait until the end of the rain!
- Yay! What fun! - Branch jumps and waves his hands, pretending that the situation is really enjoyable. The goddess laughs. It is the only reason he's still here in the rain. He raises his arms, tilts his head back, closing his eyes, and roars with displeasure. Cause this is displeasure. He stays like that. He drops his arms, but his face and hair are facing the droplets with all of their wetness. The tepid water is flowing over his whole cold body. The calming hiss is in the whole forest. He feels like the water cleans his mind leaving nothing but the sound of the droplets’ hits and the warmth of the rain.
After a long nice moment, when the rain lets go a bit and becomes a drizzle, the god hears Poppy's voice calling his name.
- Look! - She points at something in the sky.
He glances at it and gasps. There is a big hole in the grey clouds, with a clear, bright azure shining at the Land. And below it... a long translucent colorful ribbon streams from it down to the forest. The seven colors of it are so clear and beautifully illuminating against the background of grey rainy clouds. Mesmerizing bright colors. Wonderfully clear and pure. Strikingly splendid and simply gorgeous like a tender smile. Branch forgets about the world for a minute. He can’t take his eyes off it.
- I called it 'a rainbow' - Poppy says with pride. - It was so hard to design and to make. But Satin and Chenille, you know, the twins' goddesses of Beauty, are two geniuses! They helped me a lot. But sadly, a rainbow appears only in the drizzle. It's made with a mix of tiny droplets and Light. So I asked Trollazart to make it rain today - She chuckles, looking at the wet god. - I'm sorry.
He stares at the rainbow in Silence. She isn't sure if he adores it or gets lost in his thoughts. But the Silence is way longer than ever was.
- Umm, Branch?
His lips vibrate slightly as if he wants to say something, but he hesitates.
- What if - He starts really slowly and now Poppy is sure his mind is somewhere else. - What if we make an endless source of drizzle?
She frowns.
- When water falls into another water from a high height - He explains, showing the thing with his hands. - It makes a drizzle around. So if we create something like... A river falling from a height in the sunny place...
- It will make a drizzle and rainbow in it all the time! - Poppy gasps. She jumps excitedly. - Branch, it's so genius!
- Let's do it right now - He says, looking around to find the nearest river and starts walking quite fast. Poppy runs after him, bouncing slightly with joy. Are they going to make something together? Oh, this day is so fun!
When they arrive at its shore, the rain stops pouring. Poppy puts her hand into the water and calls the god's name. After a few seconds, the navy face, slightly illuminating violet, shows up from the water and two, big eyes gaze at them curiously.
- Hi Synth! - Poppy beams at the smiley god of rivers.
- Hi Pops! Hello Branch! - He cheers. - What's up, my fellows?
- Can you make a river for us? - Branch asks. - We need a river that will be falling from a high height in a sunny place.
- Crazy! - Synth yells. - I like crazy! Come with me!
And he dives into the water, disappearing.
- Umm, Synth? - Poppy calls him once again.
His smiley face immediately shows up from the water. Again.
- Yes?
Branch clears his throat.
- Oh - The river god realizes. - I'm sorry. Let's go on the Land!
And with that saying, he steps on the ground.
- Do you know a place where you would like to see your river? - He beams at them both, putting his hands on his hips.
- I think I know a good place - Poppy replies and shows the direction.
When they come there, well, what to say more, it is a perfect place for their idea! The cliff is in the beautiful, sunny area, wild horses pasture nearby on the steppe. Synth calls the water from the Ocean and after an hour a brand-new river is ready and beautiful, streaming through the field. They call the place where it falls a "waterfall".
- I give this beauty the name "Lora" - Synth announces. - I don't know why, but this river looks exactly like Lora.
- Sure - Branch nods, not getting. - Thank you for creating Lora for us.
- You're welcome! - The god salutes. - If you want something else, you know where to find me! - He throws, diving into the water of the new river.
- Bye! - Poppy waves him goodbye.
- Ok, come here with the Staff of Light - Branch asks her.
The goddess comes close to the waterfall. She feels the fresh drizzle on her face. They both glance at it and gasp happily.
The rainbow appears above the water's surface.
- It's so beautiful! - The god is amazed. She never heard such a swoon in his voice. - I mean, the colors are so clear and vivid...
- Yeah - Poppy smiles.
They stare at it for a long while, just adoring its beauty. At the very same moment when the goddess wants to suggest that maybe they could sit down here and spend a bit of time together, the god jumps up with saying:
- Guh, it's so inspiring. I have a huge idea - Branch turns to her. - Can I keep it as a surprise?
Poppy looks at him kinda confused.
- Well, yes, of course!
- Then, I'm going to make it - He says, walking away.
The goddess of the Day stands very still, close to the waterfall, watching the smaller and smaller silhouette of the god of the Night on the horizon. She imagined that they would be sitting somewhere, talking about anything and just enjoying each others' company, as always. But now? She is just shocked. Only one, simple word, filled with surprise and disappointment, slips from her lips.
Tags: Not rated, Broppy Fluff, Slow Burn Fluff, Trolls Mythology Au
Ao3 here
Notes: I can't believe I've finally written the whole fanfiction, from the very beginning to the very end. I'd never finished anything in my entire life. And I also wrote it in English! You have no idea how many hard was for me to learn another language. Guh, I'm so proud of myself.
I know that the end isn't very satisfying. I mean, I suppose to be a fluff, and yes it is, but the end is a bit... Ambitious? I didn't want to finish it with a kiss, I planned to explain how the strings were created from the very beginning.
Tell me your impression in the comments. Thank you for being my reader :)
- Dad, why do we have to sleep? - A little violet kid hides his face deeper into his father's shirt. - I thought you said once that Immortals don't have to sleep. But we sleep every night! It's... - He yawns. - ...frustrating.
Branch smiles at him, stroking his hair gently.
- I don't know - The blue god admits calmly. - I've never been a child. Ask your mother. She was.
A small girl looks up at the pink goddess, showing her eyes filled with surprise.
- You were a kid and dad wasn't? - She asks aloud.
- Dad came from Chaos - Poppy explains quietly, hugging her daughter a bit tighter. - And I was born just like you. That's why you have a grandpa and others don't.
- So why do Immortal kids have to sleep?
The last question comes from the oldest child, lying a bit aside from the rest. He doesn't like hugging that much. He prefers to sleep alone.
- I don't know, Aster - Poppy turns to him with a smile. - I needed it when I was a kid, that's all I know. We don't know much about immortal kids, they are really rare.
- That's why you are so special - Branch adds, smiling at his kid. He yawns, making everyone, one by one, yawning too. - You really need to sleep now.
- Are you sleeping with us? - A little girl lifts her sparkling eyes.
- Star, do we ever leave you during sleep?
- How can we know? - Aster points out. He really likes discussions. - What if you leave us when we get asleep and come back in the morning?
Star looks worryingly at dad.
- I swear we don't do that! - The blue god declares openly.
- Look, Happy is already asleep - Poppy glances down at the kid cuddled into Branch's arms. She takes a look at her daughter, kissing her on her light pink forehead. - Just close your eyes, little Star.
The girl smiles and listens to her mum. A few minutes later the grasshoppers' concert is disturbed only by calm breaths from children's mouths.
- That was fast - Branch whispers, gazing at his daughter. - What about Aster?
Poppy turns to her left where her son is lying a step or two from them.
- I think he's sleeping too - She announces.
They both look up at the clear nightly sky. They are staring at the twinkling stars for a while, listening to the soft melody of the grasshoppers' song. The light blue moon shines above them, watching the whole Earth from the sky. Everything is pleasantly calm.
- Let's figure it out again - Poppy starts out of nowhere. She doesn't have to explain she means their work. They both think about it most of the time. - What do we know about Love?
- The last time we separated six things it needs to be full and true - Branch starts listing. - Free will, awareness, affection, honesty, attachment, and emotionality.
- Six inseparable parts of Love - The goddess looks at the god, frowning sadly. - And trolls don't have even one of them.
Branch heave a deep sigh. He carefully moves closer to her, trying to not wake up his son cuddled to his right side. He slips his free hand under her head and embraces her shoulders, touching her to him. She has no hand to hug him back, but they both get used to it. They all like a “family” sleep hug, it’s really cozy and warm. Besides Aster, he doesn’t like hugs that much.
- I don’t want to repeat myself on and on, but I’ve already told you - The god says softly, gently touching her ear with the top of his nose. - We can do anything more by ourselves. We have to ask others for help.
- But what can they do! - The goddess huffs. - They will never agree to give trolls free will. It’s too risky. My dad especially will disagree. He told me about Creek and Chaz last time…
She stops, staring helplessly at the stars. From the moment they both became the goddess and the god of Love, they are thought of as the most powerful Immortals. Even if their main mission is to bring Love to trolls and teach them everything about it, other Immortals also come to them for advice and solutions to their problems. They have everyone’s respect and trust, they are welcome with open arms anywhere they go. Their kids are well-known and loved, their names are sounded with a warm smile on face.
If they can’t do something, who else can do?
And giving trolls free will and awareness, giving them an ability to feel and think independently, letting them choose… would open the door to wars and conflicts, like when Chaz came from the Chaos. Do they really want this for trolls?
- Don’t overthink this again - Branch’s low whisper in her ear gets her back to reality. - We all know how risky it is. But tell me honestly… - She feels his hand tenderly caressing her arm. She sighs calmly. Years passed and she’s still enjoying his touch as much as for the first time. - Isn’t it worth it?
Poppy turns to him, catching his sight. He smiles affectionately at her in a way that always makes her melt and want to kiss him. She can’t resist but smiles back gently at him.
- You think it’s so easy… - She says.
- I’m not - He drops his smiles, looking at her seriously. - My first step on the Fest wasn’t easy. But I’ve never regretted it.
She gazes at his blue eyes for a while, thinking.
- And I also needed help back then - He adds, moving his head closer to her. - Your help.
The goddess is still hesitating, staring at him in silence. She touches his forehead with hers. She sighs heavily, closing her eyes. They stay for a while like that, nodding off.
- Do you need one more night to think about it? - Branch asks softly, the care is hearable in his voice.
- No - Poppy says quietly. - You’re right…
- You don’t sound convinced - He points out after a moment.
- I don’t know - She admits. - I have bad feelings about that…
- Things worth effort are always challenging. Look at me and tell me if I was easy to bear at the first meet
Poppy smiles widely.
- It was always hard to not love you - She says, chuckling quietly.
Branch giggles heartily, grinning really wide. He presses his lips against her and they share a long, slow, passionate kiss.
- You’re lucky our kids are hugging us right now - Branch smirks at her when they finally go away. - I would not stop myself in any other case.
Poppy giggles gently, nestling her face into him. She sighs calmly, smelling his warm scent.
- We’ll ask others for help - She announces, now with more confidence. - Tomorrow.
***
- ...and in those circumstances we are helpless.
King Peppy looks patiently at Branch and Poppy from his high throne. In absolute silence, the sounds of kids playing outdoors are really hearable. There are not only Branch and Poppy’s children; after they taught Immortals about Love, many of them start building similar relationships and some of them also have offspring. There are six immortal children now, not counting Poppy. The youngest of them, little Star, as a Peppy’s favorite, is sitting on his lap now, taking an afternoon nap.
- We need your help - The pink goddess looks around, trying to address it to everyone gathered. But no one says anything. Immortals glance at each other, looking for anyone who would know the possible answer. Above their heads, the single thought is floating loudly in silence: “How could anybody know more about Love than the god and the goddess of Love as large as life?”. Poppy glances at Branch helplessly, knowing what this situation means for them.
- Well, if no one has any idea - The blue god starts slowly, looking around. - There’s only one other option. We have to give trolls what they haven’t got yet.
King Peppy opens his eyes widely at him in sudden realization.
- Is that necessary? - Delta Dawn, the goddess of Justice, asks, crossing her arms on her chest.
- There’s no Love without the free will - The god explains.
- But the ability to feel and think independently opens trolls the door to not only fight with each other - The god of Wisdom, Stacy, points out. - But also to kick out against us.
His speech wakes up murmuring all around.
- Listen, now trolls don’t understand how much we care about them - Branch goes on. - They don’t even know we love them. They can’t love us back. They are empty souls listening to our every order. They are our slaves.
His last words make everybody freeze in silence.
- I’m also scared of what will happen if we give trolls absolute freedom - Poppy finally finds her words, joining her lover’s speech. - They will reject us, fight with us, ignore us, tell us they don’t need our love for them. They will also fight with each other because Chaz’s seeds don’t disappear from their hearts, we all know that. - She holds Branch’s hand, looking into his eyes. - But… How long can we pretend that they love us back? I’m not even sure if they have ever been happy. They’ve never known what happiness is.
Branch smiles gently at her.
- We’ve never let them be themselves - Milton whispers thoughtfully from his seat.
- It’s not that easy - Queen Barb says with a low voice. - Those are very strong powers.
- It would destroy them! - Smidge takes fright.
- Umm… Can I… - Suki lifts her hand shyly to say something. - I’ve already got an idea…
- Tell us - Peppy nods encouragingly.
- We can use music - She beams, smiling unsurely. - I noticed that the feelings I put into my song stay in their souls for so long. If… If you help me I can make music that will be giving them those things partly, stretching it in time.
- Maybe we should put it into an instrument? - Minuet, the goddess of instruments, suggests. - Poppy says there are six elements of Love. we can put them into separated strings.
- We can make a harp then - Laguna, the goddess of Analyze and Math, writes something in her notebook.
- That’s a lot of work - Gust notices. - We will need a lot of hands to help.
- I can help! - Cooper beams.
- And I!
- I’m in.
- Don’t start without me!
Poppy smiles widely, watching Immortals joining in one by one. All fears she had in her heart slowly fade away. She squeezes Branch’s hand, making him look at her.
- You were right - She admits, watching his smile grows wider. - But I’m still scared.
- Me too - He plants a loving kiss on her nose. - But we’re in this together and that’s all I need.
She giggles, adoring his sweet azure eyes. She sighs briefly and nods with a confident smile.
- We’re gonna do this.
***
They were making Strings almost for the whole year. Every single Immortal was concerned. Stacy, Essence, Coffee, Prince D, and Lownote Jones created the violet string of the Attachment. Minuet, Dante, and Trollazart worked on the yellow string of the Awareness. Trolex, Synth, and Laguna made the blue string of Emotionality. Queen Barb, Riff, Val, and Demo created the red string of Free Will. Gust, Holly, Smidge, and Delta Dawn made the orange string of Honesty. And Poppy and Branch were coordinating the work on the last, pink string. The string of Affection.
When everything is ready, Suki puts all the Strings on the beautiful gold harp created by Satin, Chenille, Guy Diamond, and Minuet. The time is ripe, they need only a delegation. Someone who will handle the Harp to troll. Most Immortals want it to be Poppy and Branch, but they reject it. In that case, everybody votes for their kids to be delegates. But the goddess and the god of Love still persist, that it would be unfair. Finally, they all decide that all six Immortal kids will handle the Strings.
The moment is huge. Everybody’s watching in tension us Peppy and Gust, the god of Order, gather all existing trolls in one place. Six kids present the Harp in front of trolls and then put it down for trolls to reach it. The creatures don’t know what to do at the first moment. They are staring at the beautiful instrument in misunderstanding amazement. The Silence passes for so long and Immortals are patiently waiting. Then, a little shy troll goes from the crowd and unsurely comes to the Harp. He reaches the first string, the yellow one, and touches it carefully.
And then he pulls it slightly and the soft sound of liberatory music peals in the world, freezing all the trolls.
- Welcome, everyone! - Poppy beams, raising the Staff in her hand with a big, honest smile. - I'm so glad you all agree to help us with this such a huge project!
Immortals cheer loud, clapping their hands and screaming. They didn't have to, but where's Cooper, the god of Fun, there's cheering from everything cheerable. The pink goddess laughs heartily and glances at her blue company, standing in his Silence on her right. His face is blank and serious. He covered himself with his capote and left uncovered only his head and only of his courtesy to Poppy. She used to try cheering him up, amusing him or something, but she has learned a lot about him during the last months. She knows what that face of his means. Branch's stressed and out of his comfort zone. Poppy catches his sight and gives him a warm, adoring smile. It's okay, it's okay, he doesn't have to enjoy everything she enjoys. She starts liking even that.
The god of Night blinks, calming down a bit. The corner of his lips trembles up a little.
- Thank you all for arriving on my call - Poppy turns to the group of colorful Immortals. - To make the party, we need all of us! But first, Barb, can you tell us what is the party? - She looks at the Queen of Underground. The dull goddess needs no more encouragement. She jumps in the middle of the crowd and yells happily.
- WHO'S READY FOR PARTYYY??? - She throws her fists up and everybody cheers again.
Poppy hears a slight chuckle next to her. When she turns back, Branch gets closer to her ear and says:
- If the whole meeting goes like that, there's no way we'll prepare the whole thing for tonight.
- It can be tomorrow - She answers, smiling. - No reason to rush, right?
Branch twists his mouth.
- You know I want to get this over as fast as it's possible.
- We have different goals then, my dear.
He gives her a disapproval look, but his ears get slightly down and turn purple. She gazes at them with a hint of genuine satisfaction. She notes in her mind to call him like that more often.
Barb is yelling something to Immortals, explaining how the party looks like, but Poppy can't focus on it, can't hear even a single word. The pink goddess and the blue god have their little world here, and she's so into it. Which is, and she knows it so well, kinda distracting right now. She should focus, focus, not thinking about Branch being so close, so close...
She takes a deep breath and forces herself to listen to Barb.
But the Queen of Underworld has finished actually. She turns to her, waiting for her to continue. Poppy blinks, confused.
- Um, yes - She beams awkwardly, not knowing what to say to not reveal that she didn't listen at all. She forgets what she wanted to do next. And the longer she stays in Silence, the more she feels embarrassed. - We... um?
Luckily, Branch notices her fazing. He clears his throat.
- Now you know what the party is - He announces loud enough that everybody can hear him. - So it's time to assign roles, right? - He looks at Poppy, putting his hand on her shoulder. She takes a deep breath, feeling the wave of relief and courage.
- Right! - She beams at him gratefully and then looks around at the assembled. - First things first, we need the Music! Suki? - She glances at the orange hair goddess.
- I'm already creating something - Little strings, twining and spinning, light in her red hands. - But I need Barb's help.
- Here I come, gurl! - The husky voice yells.
- Then, we need our dance pack - Poppy points with a finger gun at the group of the colorful trio with dreadlocks.
- When the music is ready, we'll be on - Tresillo nods knowingly to his two sisters.
- Satin and Chenille! - The pink goddess calls the twins.
- Let me guess, decorations?
- That's right! Lownote Jones and Guy Diamond help you make everything sparkle and cool - She takes a look at the god of Coolness and the silver god of the Glitter and Dreams. She smirks at the red-navy hair god. - Am I right?
- Oh, you got that right, babe - Lownote says with his low, man voice. He gives Guy Diamond a high five.
- And what do you need ME for, Poppy? - Cooper giggles as if he's already happy with his role.
- You and Gust will prepare some party games!
The orange god of Order cheers and steps to Cooper. They fist bump.
- How much time do you need? - Poppy looks around. - We're making it tonight or tomorrow?
- Tomorrow! - Some voices call out.
- Okay, so we'll meet here tomorrow! Branch and I will be joining your groups one by one and helping with your stuff, but first, we have to find a good place for a party - She smiles widely at everyone and announces: - Thank you all for help! Now, let's make this party great!
Everyone cheers loudly and starts slowly scattering, going somewhere with their groups to get their role on.
- You don't have any special role for me? - Branch asks unsurely.
- Your special role is doing things with me. You don't like it?
- But it's your project, not mine. I don't want to run after you this whole time... - He twists his mouth.
- Hey, I don't want you to be my minion. I need you to be. Here. With me. Equally. Like really great teamwork! No... Like one. Like unity. Not like “you and me”. Like “we”. - She smiles at the azure of his eyes. - Leadership is being for others. And that's what I want to do now. Afterward we'll find the place for the party. Are you with me?
He gazes at her eyes, sinking deeply into them. Every time he thought there's no way to adore her more, she says something like that, something profound, mature, thoughtful, something deep from her pure, wholesome heart and clear, bright, intriguing mind. She enchanted him, charming more and more.
- I am - Branch confesses with a low voice and his answer meets a sound, girlish giggle. Poppy's little hand lands on his face, trying to cover his eyes.
- Don't look at me like this! - She giggles, blushing. - Not now! It's pretty disturbing. We have something to do, remember?
His blue lips form into a wide, warm smile. Now he can't get enough of the word "we" in her mouth.
- By the way, thank you for saving me in front of them - She adds, letting her hand off his eyes to show him her smirk. - You shy dork could do that more often.
- I don't feel like a good leader...
- I swear you'll be a great leader if you want - She titles her head knowingly. - Just give yourself a chance.
Branch chuckles.
- Let's start looking for this place then. Like leaders do.
****
Poppy puts her hands on her hips. She heaves a brief, full of satisfaction sigh, grinning. Oh, her eyes like what they see. The colorful, sparkling lights, clear flat green grass dance floor, Dj Suki standing on the wooden stage with her whimsical, magical machine she calls "a sound equalizer", tasty-looking snacks and refreshments on tables. Oh, the curly serpentines and squat balloons. Oh, the sweet sound of the music, so loud and catchy, it beats into bones, resonates in the whole body, provoking it to move, to let the music take control, to let it wake the mind, making it dizzy and drunk with the overwhelmingly thrilling vibe. Oh, the whole floor is shaking or it's just Poppy ready to dive into the dance crowd the moment it'll appear.
She's bouncing, swinging up and down on her feet, like always she does when she is really excited about something.
And Branch?
Branch was really helpful this whole time. She had been worried that she would have to take care of him, telling him constantly what to do and how. But it was quite the opposite actually. He was watching her helping Immortals and quickly did the same. After two or three situations like that, she noticed, he knew how to lead others, he advised them the way she would advise, or even added something from himself. Soon he got the party vibe and he started suggesting to others his own ideas. The little lights and tables with snacks were his investments, and Poppy wasn't only proud of him, she really felt his support and care. Everywhere she couldn't help, he came. They are truly two unity leaders of this project, as she asked him for. It’s so nice to share her responsibilities with someone.
But even if the preparation was going well and Branch looked genuinely committed, now, when everything is ready, he stands at a safe distance from the party with the Staff of the Light in his hand. It's okay though. Poppy is so grateful for his support, he deserves some time and space for himself. She won't force him to dance until trolls come and insinuate themselves into the party.
The plan is simple: Immortals made the party and invited trolls. If they like it, gods will teach them how to throw one by themselves. So now the main goal is to let them have fun, keeping the party swell. This means, most of the Immortals making this party can just jump on the floor and get a charge of the rave.
Soon trolls start coming. Poppy, as the main host, greets every single one and encourages them to have fun. Tresillo's pack shows them how to feel the music and Dj Suki turns up the music. When everybody's there, getting their grooves on, Poppy decides that this is the perfect moment to take Branch into this juicy beat.
She comes to him and smirks, standing in front of him with her arms crossed on her chest. But he has a prepared answer for that:
- I can't dance with the Staff in my hand. - He announces, showing the thing. - And you know I can't just leave it somewhere.
Oh. He’s right... Her smile falls from her lips. Why didn't she think about it earlier? She gives the Staff her discontent sight.
Her dad, King Peppy, is always saying, that where there's a will, there's a way. Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. And Poppy's heart is definitely willing. She looks around intently, looking for an idea. After a minute, something lying under the nearby tree catches her attention. She goes there to uplift it.
- What are you doing? - Branch lifts his eyebrow with puzzlement, watching as she brings a limb and checks its length against the Staff.
- Nah, too short - She twists her mouth and throws the limb back, walking away to find a better one.
- What do you need it for? - The god gets confused.
- It would be quite embarrassing to dance with the Staff, wouldn't it? - She says, bringing another branch. - Look, that one is perfect!
- For what?
- We both will dance with staffs - Poppy smiles at him, presenting the limb like some genius idea of her. - It would be less embarrassing if we do it together!
Branch collapses a laugh, but noticing that she's standing very still he frowns with shock.
- You're serious...
- Yep.
- But... How do you imagine dancing with a long stick in your hand?
She wonders for a while and starts moving to the beat with her limb. Firstly bouncing slightly and then getting up steam.
- Yeah! - She cheers, now full-on dancing. - What does it look like?
The grimace on his face speaks instead of him. Poppy laughs heartily.
- I don't wanna do... this - He points at her loathly. - And you can hit someone with this limb.
- We'll find the place without that many trolls - She doesn't stop dancing even for a second. She gets close to him, moving her shoulder into the beat. She presses her arm to his, grinding her cheek to his. - Come dance with me - She whispers, showing her teeth.
He looks at her with terror. His eyes are wide open.
- What are you doing - He murmurs.
- You promised to come - She presses at him even more
- I promised to help, not to dance - He groans out.
- But I'm putting pressure on you to dance - She said, still pressing. - Feel my pressure.
- Yeah, I feel it, can you...
- Nope.
- But...
- No.
- Poppy...
- Nah-ah.
He heaves a sigh and begs calmly:
- Sweetheart...
That finally stops her. She lets go of him, letting him stand straightly. She grabs her limb with both hands and gazes at him shyly. He looks away, feeling guilty and awkward.
- I'm sorry - She puts her heart in these words. - If you want, we can stay here.
- You never give up on me, huh? - He looks at her. She shakes her head of course. And he doesn't want her to know how much he actually likes that of her. And how much life energy it gives him. She fights for him to live a real life. How did he live before he met her? He didn't remember any of day or night from those times, but he remembers every single day and night spending with Poppy. Their eyes meet and he feels like that moment of Silence between them calms him down. Oh, her vivid pink eyes, full of waiting joy, make his heart beat faster. Oh, he wants to wake up this joy to flame in those eyes. And maybe in his too...
Branch sighs loudly and smiles.
- Okay, let's try it - He announces and unclenches his capote. It would put him off dancing.
Poppy jumps excitedly and squeals. The moment he leaves his capote under the tree, she grabs his wrist and drafts him into the party. Of course, with the limb in her hand.
They find an area spacious enough to not hit anyone with their staffs. And Poppy immediately gets the flow and starts to move with the beat. But Branch... The loud music and smells of the party, ground shaking under his feet and lights blinding his eyes - those all just hit him in his face, making him freeze. He gazes at the pink goddess dancing next to him with sudden panic. He looks around and notices that nobody actually cares about him standing in the middle of the crowd. Nobody, besides him, finds him an idiot or weirdo. He glances at Poppy once again and her encouraging smile beams at him.
- Just move your arms with the beat! - She yells through the music.
So he tries, shyly moving his hands up and down. The beat is juicy, almost touchable, Branch feels it in his head, in his bones, in his whole body. He doesn't even notice when he starts to move faster, he just dives into the music.
- That's right - Poppy praises him with a smile, looking at him with surprise. - You're doing great!
The god laughs. Dancing with the Staff isn't that bad. Even with it, he can dance, spin, jump, throw his hands in the air. He feels the flow. His heart beats fast. His body moves without his thinking about every step. It just gets the rhythm, the melody, the song which’s playing everywhere. He doesn't notice when he starts singing it. Singing loud, so loud, with others, with the whole crowd. But he notices when Poppy joins in. Oh, she has a beautiful voice. They harmonize so well, even though the noise he hears how smoothly they blend in with each other.
Songs pass, one by another, and they don’t stop dancing and singing. He’s laughing, he’s smiling, nonstop smiling, his cheeks ache, but he doesn’t stop smiling.
Oh, she was right, she was so right. This is so much fun!
Tags: Broppy, Slow Burn Fluff, Not rated, Trolls Mythology Au
Ao3 is here
Notes: Umm... Feel free to leave a like or a comment? xD I noticed I have many readers, but I barely got any feedback from you. Even if you don’t like it (but still read it somehow), feel free even to openly hate me xD
- Yeah, you were right - Branch admits with a gentle smile. - That was fun.
They're leaving the little village they've just visited to check if everyone sleeps well. But Guy Diamond already was there and powdered some glitter on trolls' eyelids. The townsfolk have sweet dreams for sure.
- Chaos can be so surprising sometimes - Poppy chuckles, thinking about the last Night. - Who would expect the group of Party Goddesses?
- "Silver Party Goddesses" you wanted to say - He shakes his head with amused disbelief. - What were their names, again?
- Wani, Ari, Baby Bun - Poppy starts counting with her fingers. - Kim-Petit and... Gonbori?
- Gomdori - He corrects her.
- Yeah
- I'm glad they came at the end of the party - He confesses. - I mean, that was fun, but I don't want to party every Night.
- Me neither, to be honest - She smiles at the stars up her head. - I really took to the calm sounds of the Night.
Branch smiles warmly, glancing at her. Their eyes meet and she adds:
- But we'll come to parties sometimes, right?
- Of course! - He beams.
- You were wild on the dance floor!
The god explodes with a laugh.
- I was dancing just like you!
- You humble dork! You are a really great dancer! And oh my goodness, you sing so well... I mean, your voice was always so warm and calming, but when you sing, guh, you do such amazing things with your voice!
Branch blushes, feeling a bit shy. He starts rubbing his neck awkwardly.
- Well, thank you - He murmurs quietly. - I always thought that your voice is... Well, angelic. Sound, soft, melody. I just had your beautiful voice to harmonize with at the party, that's all I can say.
He corrects his cape near his neck and finally looks into her eyes. Her cheeks are magically charming with a rose blush decorated by her sparkling freckles.
- Aww - She smiles tenderly at him. He looks away with an awkward smile.
- And now we're all red and shy - He chuckles shyly.
- Yeah, now we're all red - The pink goddess grins.
- There has to be some medicines for that or something - He rubs his face. - It's ridiculous to turn all shy every time we complement each other. No one reacts like that!
- I don't know - She smiles at him sweetly and grabs his arm. - I like it this way. We are dorkly original.
He gazes into her joyful eyes, being so close now. His cheeks get warmer, of course. Her wide smile forces him to smile back. A deep, glad sigh escapes from his lungs.
- You are so adorable - He says warmly.
- And you are so handsome - She whispers playfully.
Branch giggles.
They walk like that for a while. The long sandy road guides them in the dark,coniferous forest. One of the stops on their way. The god of the Night has to check here if critters are in their homes, caves, minks, hollows, and nests. He always needs to find every lost one and helps them. Being in a safe and warm place during the Night is really important. So the moment they arrive at the woods, they split up, walking around and making sure if every critter is in their place. It's Branch's job of course, but they started sharing their responsibilities more and more during the last months, doing almost everything together. It has one, really attractive advantage - they do their jobs much quicker, so they have much more time to waste with each other.
Therefore, Poppy's part is to find lost ones in the woods when Branch is tending sleeping animals. She walks around the whole forest, but luckily this area is empty. No one got lost here. She comes back to the god, finding him near to a little hollow in the big pine tree.
- No one gets lost or hurt here? - The god guesses, when she stands by his side.
- No - She tilts her head aside with curiosity. - Is that a squirrel hollow? Can I take a look?
- Sure - He makes space for her and invites her with a hand gesture. She stands on her toes to peek in the hollow.
The squirrels are sleeping peacefully, gathered in one place. The biggest one is surrounding its offsprings with a long, fluffy, deep orange tail. Little squirrel's children are squatting, hiding their noses in their parent's belly.
- What are they doing? - Poppy asks.
- They're sharing warmth - She hears Branch's answers behind her. - I like to call it "hug". Or "cuddle". They are lying really close to each other and keep the warmth between them. All animals do that during the Night.
- Why? - She frowns.
- Why?? - He sounds really surprised. - It's really cold during the Night! Don't you notice that? They can freeze if they are not with their close ones.
Poppy is still staring at the little squirrel balls. Their tiny, orange muzzles show comfort and serene peace. They all look safe and happy. She can't take her eyes off them, they are so adorable.
- Why is the Night so cold? - She asks another innocent question with the purest curiosity in her voice.
- How is it possible you don't know that? - His voice is a bit impatient now. - The Night is cold because I am cold.
The goddess finally turns to him. She blinks, tilting her head like a surprised puppy.
- But why? Why are you cold?
Branch heaves a sigh, slouching a bit.
- I just am - He looks aside. He sounds a bit disappointed in himself. - I always was.
- You feel it? Do you feel cold? - She peers worryingly at his face. - I mean, are you freezing? It has to be unpleasant...
He shrugs his shoulders blankly.
- Yeah, but I got used to it.
She steps close to him. She's always warm, even during the Night, so she just didn't realize what Branch can feel. How horrible is to always be so cold and not be able to do something with it? She remembers his touch, she knows how cold he is. And she knows, he doesn't like to be cold at all. Her every touch makes him calm, blessed... He desires warmth so much.
- So that's why you always wear your cape? - She asks.
Now the god chuckles at her innocent question.
- It's funny that you noticed those only now. I thought it was so obvious for y...
Branch stops with his eyes wide open. It hits him sharply. The soft warmth, the scent of the wildflowers, shiver on his back... He loses his breath. Her little arms embrace him around, place on his back, little warm hands on his back, under his cape, her heated soft beating chest on his chest, fast strongly beating heart, her chin on his cold shoulder, and her cheek pressing gently into his...
- What are you doing - He blows weakly. His arms, wide open, get lost, and freeze lifted in the air.
- I share my warmth with you - He hears her sweet shaking whisper right in his ear. - I'm hugging you. What is it like?
He blinks. He still tries to get his lost senses together. Poppy is... Poppy is everywhere. So close. Her warmth hits him from every possible direction. His whole body desperately absorbs it like a thirsty animal in the desert. Her soft warm touch... It makes him melt and shiver, it makes him burn and calm down, it fills him like empty vas, it fills him with unknown feelings, it makes him forget about the whole world, about himself, about everything. All he knows now is the warm arms of the pink goddess around him and her sweet scent in his nose...
His breath gets calm and deep. He carefully puts his free hand on her back. She's so little, so fragile, his fingers cover almost the whole of her back. Her skin is so delightful to touch, soft like silk. Oh, her supple body clings to his, surrounds him. The sweet, fragrant cage, the exitless trap of her arms... He closes his eyes, sinking into an infinity abyss of bliss.
- It... - He tries to answer her question from the last minutes, but his mind is still dizzy with feelings. His whispering voice turns husky and low. - It's... Let's just say... Please, never let go of me...
Poppy chuckles softly into his ear, making him quiver again. She nestles up to him even tighter, and he starts wondering how it's even possible to be even closer, to touch even more, to feel even deeper... Their hearts beat like one, their chests breath in a common rhythm. They freeze like that, in the middle of the warmest moment in their life.
Branch sighs blissfully. He corrects his grasp on the Staff. Now the hand on it is the only quite cold part of him. He wishes he had both hands free. He wishes he could just leave the Staff somewhere for a while... He wishes he could embrace Poppy with both of his arms, trapping her in him, and never let go if she doesn't refuse. Oh, is there any limit of intimacy?
His nose gets stuck in her silken strawberry pink hair and he breathes in her warm scent. Oh, how amazing she is, she’s a huge mysterious world he can explore endlessly. An ocean without the bottom, he can dive in and never come back, swimming down deeper and deeper and never looking back. He can't ever get enough and equally he always has much more than he could even wish, than he could ever dream or imagine. His nose gets deeper in the sea of her beautiful hair till it touches her warm neck. It makes her skin shiver, it forces a sudden pleasant sigh of her. Branch smiles. So she likes to be touched here.... But he doesn't move anymore. Even if he wants to, he feels his body weak and strong, burning and melting, his heart can explode if he moves even the slightest step closer. He stays where he is, and he doesn't need more in his entire life. Just to be. To be a man in Poppy's arms.
Neither of them knows how long they are cuddling. Maybe an hour, maybe a half. But also neither wants to push others away. They cling to each other, feeling so safe. They're in hog heaven. Calm, but also burning. They're all heated. Much warmer than Poppy was at the beginning. Sharing the warmth makes them both warmer somehow...
The goddess heaves another deep, content sigh. Her hand gently strokes his back under his cape.
- We should finish - She murmurs into his shoulder.
Branch purrs lingeringly as if he misses her at the very thought of letting her go. He fondles her neck gently with his nose, snuggling his face. Her hands on his back grab his shirt and clench into it.
- Branch... - She breathes out shakingly, during another deep sigh. She puts her chin on his shoulder to be more hearable. - Really... I really enjoy this... But your responsibilities... We need to stop...
He chuckles softly into her ear.
- It's you who is hugging me, sweetheart... - He whispers warmly, with a tender smile she can't see.
Poppy heaves a sigh one last time. She slowly, unwillingly leaves his arms. She steps back and immediately loses her balance. The god grabs her arm, stopping her from falling. She staggers a bit until she stands on her leg. She puts her hands on her face and then sinks her fingers into her hair.
- I'm so dizzy - She mumbles, squinting.
- So am I - He chuckles dorkly, staggering and then lying down with the Staff.
- What are you doing? - The goddess giggles, getting on her knees next to him.
- I'm drunk - He confesses, gazing adoringly into her eyes with such a wide smile. - Drunk with you.
She rubs her cheeks, smiling at him.
- You are so cute and handsome... - She whispers purringly.
- And you are so stunningly beautiful and adorable... - He replies with a low, husky voice.
They gaze at each other tenderly, until Poppy chuckles sweetly.
- Look, we don't turn red! - She points out, giggling.
Branch laughs heartily, closing his eyes. For the first time in his life, the ground under him is colder than him. He's warm. He's really warm. He laughs with happiness inside him. He's so purely happy.
Then, the sudden sound of clearing someone's throat interrupts their laughs. They both look up at the orange god who appears in front of them out of nowhere.
- Can I ask you what are you doing? - Gust frowns at them with puzzlement.
- We're nuts - Branch giggles. - There are so many weird things about us. You don't want to know. Just keep walking.
- Branch! - Poppy laughs, covering her eyes with her hand with amusement.
- Actually, I'd like to know - The god of the Order looks at them calmly. - King Peppy sent me to you to ask why the Night became warm.
Indeedly, the world around, even if still covered by the blanket of Darkness, feels warm. Not as warm as during the Day, but not cold at all. It is really nice temperature, the grasshoppers sing happily on the nearby meadow.
- It's her fault - The blue god points at the pink goddess next to him. She shrugs her shoulders, grinning.
- Well, how to say it - She chuckles. - I shared my warmth with Branch.
- She's amazing.
- I know, I know. And now we're both kinda drunk.
- We didn't drink. We were just hugging.
- Basically, we have no idea how we work.
- We work amazingly for me - He smiles at her dreamily as if Gust isn’t there.
Poppy giggles. She points at Branch, turning to the god of the Order.
- See? Just look at him, isn't that the most charming and taking smile in the world?
The blue god sits up.
- Disagree! Your smile is the most adorable, breath-taking and mesmerizing miracle that could happen on the Earth.
- Ok, stop - Gust chuckles awkwardly, lifting open hands with the peace-offering gesture. - This... I don't know what's happening with you two, but you seem to have some sort of fun, so I'm going to tell King Peppy that everything is great.
- Yeah, It is great - Poppy smiles dreamily.
- Super great - Branch adds, lying down again.
- One thing - The god of the Order says with a bit firmer tone. - The Staff. The Gold Sphere should not lie on the ground.
The god of the Night turns his head to the side and glances at the Staff in his hand. He drops his dorky smile and blinks. Reminding him about his responsibilities sets him up. He stands up straight, brushing his clothes down with one hand. He corrects his grip on the Staff, dusting the Gold Sphere off a bit. It is so fragile, so fragile that a slight hit can crack it. He should never forget to care about It. He clears his throat shyly, seeing Poppy standing up next to him out of the corner of his eye.
- Sorry - He says, looking down a bit ashamed.
- It's okay - Gust smiles at them comfortingly. - Just be more careful about It.
Branch nods with a serious face.
- Farewell - The orange god says and disappears, just like Immortals like to do.
- Well, that was embarrassing - Poppy announces, turning to her company. She frowns with surprise. - And what are you doing now?
Branch is unclenching his cape, trying to take it off with one hand.
- I feel warm, I don't need this anymore - He throws the cape on her shoulders.
- Hey, I don't need it either!
- But you want it - He smirks at her, trying to lay the cape on her with only one hand.
- Branch! - She giggles, grabbing the edges of the fabric. - It's huge!
- Let me see you in it - He steps back and views her slowly. Poppy giggles and puts the hoodie on her head. She rubs the fabric across her cheek and smells it.
- Okay, agree, I want it - She admits. - It smells like you.
- And how do I smell? - He chuckles.
The goddess looks aside, smiling shyly.
- Like the woods, trees, leaves. Like safeness and care.
Branch smiles warmly at her.
- Well, you look pretty safe in this - He puts the top edge of the hoodie on her eyes. She puffs, amused. - Come come, we have res pon si bi li ties
Poppy lifts the hoodie, looking up at him with a smirk.
- I really like your mood now - She says genuinely.
He grins in the way she usually grins at him, making her smile even wider.
****
- The Night is almost over - Poppy announces, unclenching the silver buckle under her chin. - Maybe you want your cape back?
- No, not really.... - Branch starts, but the goddess is already getting the cape right on his shoulders. - Oh, okay. You don't like it though?
- No, it's really comfy, especially when I hide in it whole - She smiles, clenching the buckle on Branch's neck. - It just can bother me during the Day.
She brushes the cape on his arms to get it right. She meets his adoring eyes and caresses affectionately the corner of his smiling lips with her hand.
- Grab the Staff - He orders quietly.
She frowns.
- It's not the time.
He squints at her with discontent.
- It's just a few minutes - He argues. - Can't you start the Day a bit earlier?
- For what?
He looks up, smiling dorkly.
- What is it? - Poppy chuckles. - Can't it wait a few minutes?
- Can't you grab the Staff earlier?
- Tell me what you want! - She beams at him.
- I want you to take the Staff from me - Branch smiles mysteriously.
Poppy is gazing at him with puzzlement. She hesitates for a while. Her curiosity fights with her head. A few minutes aren't a big deal, right? She carefully grabs the Staff, the sky gets lighter and beams with the colors of the dawn, and almost at the very same moment Branch embraces her suddenly. His arms cover her whole. She loses her breath.
- You waited to hug me with both your hands? - The goddess breathes out, giggling. He purrs "uh-huh'' into her shoulder, which wakes up pleasant butterflies in her stomach.
Poppy closes her eyes. His big hands drape her whole back, she sinks into him, in his warmth, in his care and safeness. She cuddles tight, letting him hide her into his arms, conceal her from the whole world around. She breathes his warm heavy scent. Now she notices why he was so desperate to hug her with both arms. The Staff in her hand doesn't let her fully snuggle with him, it stops her from diving deeper, she has to keep the Staff as far from Branch as it's possible, cause he can't touch it during the Day.
But even with the Staff in her hand, she's in their small, pure, warm heaven. His fingers sink tenderly into her hair, forcing her to sigh. Oh, may this moment last forever...
