Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A little gray trolling sat on the edge of a dusty road, a worn looking bag sitting beside him. Branch held his ankle with both hands, it throbbed with pain and he was struggling not to cry.

A few weeks ago Branch had decided to leave his village once and for all. He was tired of being bounced around from foster home to foster home, full of people who either hated him or tried to turn him into something he wasn’t. He was tired of living in a village full of trolls who didn’t care how close they were to Bergen Town, that one loud party could lead the Bergens right to them.

So he packed a bag of his prized possessions and a few essentials and snuck out in the middle of the night.

At first things were great! For the first time in years Branch didn’t have overbearing adults looking over his shoulder or other kids staring at him and whispering behind their hands. Branch could just… Be. He could just exist without hurting anyone.

And then he left the forest and ended up in this desert of a wasteland, Branch did okay at first. He was careful to ration his food and slept with a weapon in his hand. Not wanting to be caught off guard and lose his life.

But today everything came crashing down, literally. Branch had gotten his foot caught in some kind of hole and tripped and now his ankle really hurt. He quickly found that he was unable to put any sort of weight on it without facing an antagonizing amount of pain.

He sniffed and whipped at his eyes, trying not to cry. Branch didn’t know what he was going to do. He was stuck here with a hurt leg and he had run out of food last night.

But before he could come up with any sort of plan a strange clip-clopping sound filled the air. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small knife. He was alone out here and who knew how many things out in this strange land liked to eat trolls.

Dust had risen up into the air as the thing approached and got into Branch’s eyes, he tried to rub it away as the strange sound got closer and closer. When his vision had finally cleared he saw the figure that matched the clopping sound.

And….

It was a troll?

The troll looked like one he had never seen before, she had orange skin and red hair which did remind him of the trolls back home. But that was where the similarities ended, for she had four legs with hooves and a fluffy looking teal tail. Her clothes weren't neon, pastel, or covered in glitter, but fairly plain looking; with a few dirt stains and patches. The woman seemed to notice him too for she started to walk over to him, the clopping sound following her.

“Hey sugar” she said, her voice sounded strange with a light, singsong tone to it. Nothing like Branch had ever heard before. “Why’re you out here all alone?”

Branch sniffled and tried to scoot away on his bottom, dragging his injured leg along the ground. The hand holding his knife shook a bit.

“Hey, hey” the woman said, her voice gentle. “s’okay, I’m not gonna to hurt you.” She knelt in front of him “what happened?”

Something about this woman felt calming and she had an earthy smell to her. Branch didn’t know why that relaxed him so much. “I tripped,” he said, tears finally spilling down his cheeks. “It hurts really bad.”

“I’m sure it does” the woman said “mind if I take a look?”

Branch hesitated before nodding, the woman knelt down and carefully took his ankle in her hands. He winced a bit in pain but stayed still. The woman tutted softly “looks like you sprained it honey.”

“Oh…”

She pulled out a piece of dark green cloth and tied it around his ankle. “We'll have to put some ice on it.”

“I don’t have any ice,” Branch said.

“Not to worry,” she smiled at him, “town’s not too far from here.”

There was a town out there… In the desert?

“How?” He asked, “it hurts to walk.”

“Climb on my back” she said “I’ll carry ya.”

“Won’t that hurt you?”

She chuckled “you’re sweet, sugar, but not to worry. I’ll be fine.” The women helped Branch climb onto her back before slowly standing “hold on darlin’.”

Branch held his bag in one hand and to the women’s shirt with the other. And she began to walk, the clopping sound following them as her hooves hit the ground. It was then Branch realized he had no idea what this lady’s name was.

“Ms” he said “I’m sorry but… What’s your name?”

She chuckled “no need to apologize hon. I’m Delta Dawn. What’s your name?”

“Branch.” He said “my name is Branch.”

—--------

It didn’t take too long before they made it to the town Ms Delta Dawn had been talking about, a wooden sign declared the place to be called ‘The Lonesome Flats’ and it looked nothing back in the forest.

Back in the village the whole place was bright and colorful, full of flowers, glitter, and lights. The Lonesome Flats was nothing like that, there were string lights and lanterns strung between buildings and instead of big colorful flowers the main decor was cacti and the smaller flowers growing on them.

It seemed like the main colors were browns, gray, oranges, and dark greens and reds. Unlike back in the forest village which was full of pinks, purples, blues, and yellows. Branch found he preferred the colors of The Lonesome Flats, it didn’t feel like he was going to get a headache just by looking at a building.

The trolls were also different, like Ms Delta Dawn they all had four legs. And unlike the trolls Branch grew up with they wore clothes made out of burlap, denim, flannel, and gingham. Fabrics the trolls back home wouldn’t be caught dead wearing.

Ms Delta Dawn walked through the town, still carrying Branch and several people turned to stare at them. Branch shrunk in on himself, wondering if they were staring because of his grayness or his lack of four legs. Probably both.

They soon reached a house with a wrap-around porch and planter boxes with some flowers Branch didn’t recognize growing inside.

The house was nice and cool inside, offering relief to the dusty, sandy, dry heat outside. The inside looked nothing like the pods Branch was used to. The floor was made with shining, polished wood and the walls were wallpapered, cream colored with little flowers.

Branch was carried to what must have been the dining room and kitchen, but the table was short and close to the ground and instead of chairs there were cushions. Which made sense, Branch figured that it was hard to sit in chairs when you had four legs.

“Alrighty” Ms Delta Dawn said “home sweet home, I’m just gonna put ya here sugar while I get some ice for that leg of yours.”

Oh right, his ankle. “Okay. Thank you.”

She carefully lifted him off her back and set him on one of the cushions and disappeared into the kitchen. And Branch took a better look around, the table was decorated with a red and white checkered tablecloth and vase full of some of the flowers from outside. The walls were decorated with a few paintings and framed photos.

Ms Delta Dawn soon returned with some ice wrapped up in a towel. “There you are.”

“Thank you Ms” Branch said, taking the ice and setting his ankle.

Ms Delta Dawn smiled at him “was no trouble, now, you hungry? Thirsty?”

“No,” he lied, not wanting to be any more of a bother than he already had.

Unfortunately for him, Branch’s stomach decided to betray him. Letting out a loud growl. Ms Delta Dawn smiled knowingly “I’ll go whip ya up somethin’.”

“You don’t have to” Branch protested “I don’t want you to go through all that trouble.”

“Nonsense” she waved a hand “think nothing of it.”

Before Branch could protest further she had already headed back to the kitchen. He sighed and looked down and he poked at his ankle, it was already starting to feel better.

Ms Delta Dawn came back over with a plate of what looked like biscuits, a jar of jam, and a glass of some kind of brown liquid with ice. “Here ya are, sugar.” She set the food in front of him.

The woman sat down across from him, carefully folding her legs underneath her. Branch looked down at the plate before picking a biscuit up, unable to deny that he was hungry. The bread was soft and a little crumbly and didn’t taste like much.

Branch must have made a face because Ms Delta Dawn laughed lightly “it’ll probably taste better with jam.”

“Oh” Branch blushed “sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” she said, pushing the jar closer to him.

Branch hesitated, in his experience jam was full of added sugar, often to the point where you couldn’t taste the fruit. But he didn’t want to be rude so he used a knife to carefully spread a little on a biscuit.

The bread was still crumbly but now there was an added sweetness, but unlike the jam he grew up with, this one had a more tarty taste. “Mmm” he hummed involuntarily. “This is really good, what is it?”

“That’s fig jam honey” Ms Delta Dawn said, Branch nodded and looked down at the plate. Not wanting to be greedy. “You can have another.”

“Really?” He looked up at her.

“Of course.”

Branch ate a few more biscuits and drank what the older troll called ‘iced sweet tea.’ When he was done she looked over his ankle, the swelling was starting to go down and she predicted that he would be ‘as right as rain’ by the end of the week.

He didn’t know how to tell her that he wouldn’t be here for that long.

—--------

When Delta Dawn had set out to Grumble Gulch she hadn’t expected to find a young, strange looking trolling hurt on the side of the road.

The boy, Branch, had gray skin and black hair and only two legs. He wore a too-big vest made of fabric leaves and a pair of worn shorts. She had never seen anyone like him before but she wasn’t about to let that stop her from helping him.

She brought him home, put some ice on his sprained ankle, fed him, and now she wanted a few answers. Branch only looked to be no older than eight and was quite dirty and skinny. Clearly someone hasn’t been taking good care of him.

“Are you feeling better?” She asked.

“Yes Ms” he said politely “thank you.”

Branch had to be one of the most polite children she had ever met. Parents around here may teach their young good manners but they were still children. They still ran around like a bunch of miniature whirlwinds, causing ruckus and destruction wherever they went.

“Branch” she said, keeping her voice casual “it’s not often someone your age is wanderin’ about by themselves. Where’re your parents?”

“Oh um…” Branch looked down “they died… When I was an egg.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She said gently, “do you have someone takin’ care of you?”

There was a pause before he shook his head “no” he said softly “not anymore. Nobody wants to take care of me.”

“I see…” Delta Dawn said “may I ask why?”

“What do you mean why?” He looked up at her, gesturing to himself “I mean… Look at me! No one wants to take care of a gray troll!”

She frowned, why would that…. Oh.

Delta Dawn had heard stories of trolls who had lost all love and joy for music losing their colors. But she had never seen it before. And she had definitely never heard of one so young.

An idea began to form in Delta’s head, it was clear that this child had no one to take care of him. That the adults in his life who were tasked to do so clearly didn’t want to or had failed to.

“Well darlin’” she finally said, mind made up. “If you don’t have anywhere else to go then you’re welcome to stay here.”

“Here in Lonesome Flats?” Branch said.

“Yes,” she confirmed “with me. But if you don’t want to” she added “I can find someone else to take care of ya.”

“Do I have to stay with someone?” Branch asked, “I can take care of myself.”

“Honey,” she said, “even if that’s true you can barely walk right now.”

The boy seemed to consider that, frowning at the ground with a thoughtful expression. After several moments Branch seemed to come to a decision and nodded to himself, looking back up at her.

“Okay,” he said “I’ll stay. But only until my ankle is better.”

Chapter Text

Branch woke up feeling more well rested than he had in weeks, when he opened his eyes and saw an unfamiliar ceiling he was very confused. This wasn’t the colorful, felt-like ceiling of a troll pod or the canopy of leaves of the woods. Then he remembered, he wasn’t in the village or traveling through the woods. Instead he was in a strange town with strange trolls in the middle of the desert.

Last night he had wanted to put up more of a fight, to insist that he didn’t need anyone to take care of him. That as soon as he was able to walk again he would be fine and be able to take care of himself. But for some reason, Branch found himself agreeing and he didn’t know why.

Sitting up he looked around the room, instead of a bed like he used this one was a large mattress and what was basically a bed frame but without the legs. It was covered with a homemade quilt and pillows and there was a pair of small bedside tables each holding a lamp. The walls were wallpapered but otherwise blank.

The room reminded him of many of the guest rooms he stayed in back in the village, empty and impersonal. His foster parents had always assured that he could decorate however he wanted but he often didn’t stay with them long enough to get the chance. And on the rare occasion that he did they never liked what he picked.

Branch slid to the other side of the bed and picked up his bag, pulling out Floyd’s vest that had been folded and placed inside last night. He pulled it on and did his best to brush off the dust and dirt that covered it.

He stood and carefully put weight on his inquired leg. To his surprise there was only an aching pain instead of the sharp pain from yesterday. Branch started to walk, with a limp, to the door. He reached up for the doorknob but hesitated.

In his experience that first meal with a new foster family was always the worst, full of get-to-know-you and ice-breaker questions. Glancing out the window Branch could see that it was pretty early, the sun having just risen. He doubted that Ms Delta Dawn was awake yet, he could probably sneak out to the kitchen and eat something before she woke up. That way he could spend the rest of the day in here where he wasn’t a nuisance.

Decision made he slowly opened the bedroom door and limped down the hall, trying to stay quiet. As he got closer to the kitchen he could hear the sound of someone singing.

“We fell on hard times and we lost our bright color”

“You went to the dogs and I lived by my charms.”

“I danced for my dinner, spread kisses like honey”

“You stole and you gambled, and I said you should”

“We sang for our suppers, we drank up our money”

“Then one day you left, saying I was no good.”

Peeking around the corner, Branch could see Ms Delta Dawn in the kitchen, singing. The song was strange, it felt… Sad. He had never heard a sad song before. Back in the village everyone always said that music was supposed to be happy and that a song with any other emotion was wrong.

Like him.

He watched for a moment and then her eyes met his and she smiled. “Good mornin’ Branch.”

“Morning,” he said, walking over. “It’s really early.”

She chuckled “that it is, sorry if I woke ya. I expected you to be tuckered out for a while, given the day you had.”

“You didn’t wake me” Branch said “...Why are you up so early?”

She smiled “this is the best time to get things done. Why waste time when the sun’s up?”

“Oh,” Branch said, thinking that over. “I guess that makes sense, the trolls back in the village never wake up this early.”

“Is that so?” She said “and where is this village of yours?”

“It’s out in the woods,” Branch said. Ms Delta Dawn turned to grab something out of a cabinet and hummed thoughtfully. “...Is that okay?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” She asked, turning back to him. “How your ankle feelin’?”

“Better.”

“Good, good.”

The woman continued to move throughout the kitchen, grabbing things. “What are you doing?”

“Just fixin’ us up some breakfast,” she said, “would you like to help?”

“Oh…” He said “um… I don't know how to cook. Sorry.”

“That’s alright sugar” she said “I can teach ya.”

“But I won’t be any good,” Branch said. “I’ll mess everything up.”

“I expect you to mess up” she said “but that’s okay, after all, how else will ya learn?”

“Oh um… Okay then” Branch said nervously.

It ended up going better than he expected, Ms Delta Dawn taught him how to peel potatoes without cutting himself with the peeler. He learned how to mix pancake batter without getting any lumps and how to slice fruit into even pieces.

It was almost… Nice. Ms Delta Dawn was so patient, she didn’t get upset when Branch dropped or spilled something. She didn’t pester him with questions or talk his ear off, she would smile and praise him once he finished a task. It felt…. Good.

Branch had to remind himself not to get attached, he knew that by the time his ankle was better she would be relieved to see him gone.

A couple hours later the two were sitting down to eat homemade pancakes with fresh fruit, hash browns, and bacon. It was satisfying, in a way. To eat a meal he helped create. Back with his brothers Spruce was the one to do all of the cooking and always said he was too young to help, Grandma never had the time to teach him, and whenever he asked one of his many foster parents they always told him that they didn’t want him underfoot.

—----------

Early afternoon Delta Dawn decided to go and visit her parents. She asked Branch if he wanted to join her but the boy refused and locked himself up in his room. She had some suspicions of her new ward’s origins but wasn’t quite sure if they were correct. If anyone would know it would be her mother.

“Delta!” Her mother opened the door with a big smile “what a surprise!”

“Hello Ma” she said, giving her a hug.

Abigail Clarkson was the current mayor of Lonesome Flats and had red hair like her daughter with streaks of gray from old age and amber colored skin. Her mother smiled at her and waved her inside.

“Where’s Pa?” She asked.

“He’s out messin’ in the shed,” Abigail said. “Did you need him for somethin’?”

She shook her head “no, I wanted to talk to you. Need some advice.”

Her mother smiled “of course, why don’ you sit down and I’ll get a coupla drinks?”

It wasn’t long before Delta was sipping a glass of sweet tea as she explained the whole story to her mother “it is quite clear that he’s not a Country Troll” Abigail said.

Delta Dawn nodded “I agree, meaning he’s either Pop or Rock.”

Abigail hummed softly “you said that he came from the woods?”

“That’s what he claimed,” she confirmed.

Her mother stood and slipped into one of the back rooms before appearing with a rolled up map, the map of all the troll territories. There weren’t very many copies out there, but Abigail had one as part of her job as both mayor and the string holder.

She unrolled it on the coffee table and the mother and daughter began to study it. Abigail pointed to the drawing of a forest with an outline of a bright pink, two legged troll. Pop.

Abigail hesitated “are you sure ya want this boy to stay with you?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” Delta Dawn raised a brow “are you suggesting that I let him wander about on his own?”

“No, no” her mother quickly said “I meant more of… Bringing him back to his village. After all, how do we know that this isn’t a plot by the Pops to steal our string?”

“I don’ think that’s it,” Delta said. “It seems to me that he’s a child whose tribe has failed him.” Abigail didn’t look fully convinced and she sighed. “He’s gray Ma.”

“What? No!” Abigail gasped “that poor boy.”

Delta Dawn nodded in agreement. “But despite that Branch is a real sweet boy and I doubt he’s here to steal our string. But if he is then we’ll deal with it then. However, I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Chapter Text

Branch double checked his bag, making sure he had everything packed. Then he stood and swung it onto his back and moved to the door of the guest bedroom that he had been staying in for the past week and started to head to the kitchen for the last time.

His ankle was finally feeling better and now it was time for him to move on and stop taking advantage of Ms Delta Dawn’s kindness.

“Hello Branch” she smiled.

“Hi” he said “I… I’m leaving now, I just wanted to say goodbye.”

“Ah” she nodded “I see, well, I made you somethin’ to take with you.”

Branch was surprised when she handed him a bag of food. He was expecting her to put up more of a fight, insisting that he stay. It happened in the village all the time, King Peppy often saying that a ‘child his age shouldn’t be left alone’ when he protested being left with yet another foster family.

“Thank you,” Branch said, putting the food in his bag.

“If you don’t mind me asking’.” Ms Delta Dawn said “may I ask where you planning on goin’?”

Branch shrugged, “I don’t know, I was just going to keep walking.”

She frowned “Branch….” She said “while I don’t want to dishearten ya but are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Branch asked.

“The desert is very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing” Ms Delta Dawn explained “and there aren’t many towns or settlements out here.”

Branch frowned, as much as he hated it… She had a point.

When he was traveling he had encountered many creatures and critters that he had never seen before in the woods. Thankfully he had been pretty good at hiding and avoiding them… But who’s to say that he would be so lucky next time?

“What do you think I should do?” Branch asked.

“Well,” Ms Delta Dawn said “I could take you back to your village or, if you’d like, you could stay here.”

Branch winced, not liking either idea. He refused to go back to the village and even living in the wild forest was too much of a risk because of the Bergens. But staying here…

“I don’t want to be a bother,” Branch admitted, looking down at the floor. “You’ve already been so nice… I don’t want to take advantage of that.”

How many times has he heard that? How many times have foster families told him that he was selfish? That he took advantage of their kindness and generosity? Because that’s all that Branch was, a burden. He weighed people down by troubling them with his problems.

The women considered that “well, how ‘bout this” she said “you stay with me and help out with chores and such?”

Branch thought it over, it seemed like a pretty good deal. He gets a place to stay for a little while and Ms Delta Dawn gets some help. The trolls back in the village were always complaining about how much of a bother he was, maybe this way he wouldn’t get kicked out sooner.

“Are… Are you sure you want me to stay?” He asked, “I’m not exactly a normal troll… I’m broken.” He whispered.

Branch felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Ms Delta Dawn kneeling in front of him. “Are you talking about being gray?” She asked and he nodded “sugar, why would that mean you’re broken?”

“Because I don’t want to be happy” he said, repeating the words so many of his foster parents have said. “And won’t sing or dance, that I just have to decide to be a normal troll and I will. But I’ve tried and nothing I do works, so something must be wrong with me.”

“Has anyone told you what being gray means?” Ms Delta Dawn asked.

“I just said what it means,” he said, tilting his head in confusion.

“Oh no honey” she said “that’s not what it means at all.”

“Then what does it mean?”

“A troll turns gray when they go through something very hard” Ms Delta Dawn said gently “but it doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you. It means you are strong.”

Branch was confused “strong?”

“Yes,” she said “because you went through that hard thing and survived.”

He looked down at the ground, he doubted Ms Delta Dawn would feel that way if she knew why he was gray. If she knew that it was his fault that Grandma was dead.

“Are you sure you want me to stay with you?” Branch asked.

“I do,” she said softly.

“Okay then…” He said “but only if I can help out with chores!”

She nodded “of course.”

—------------

Branch had insisted on working right then and there so Delta tasked him with washing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. She was pleased that her plan had worked, she didn’t want the trolling to wander about by himself but she also wanted to give him a choice in the matter.

Delta Dawn headed outside to get a little gardening done, before it got too hot. She was interrupted by the sound of someone approaching and looked up to see her neighbor, Daisy. They weren’t super close but they always greeted each other kindly when seeing each other.

“Good mornin’ Delta Dawn,” she said.

“Mornin’ Daisy” she greeted “beautiful day it is.”

Daisy was a light orange skinned troll with pale yellow hair. She wore a blue and white gingham pattern dress. “It sure is” she said “now, what’s this I hear ‘bout you acquiring a trollin’?”

“Yes,” she said cautiously “I have.”

“I heard he’s two legged” Daisy said “doesn’t that mean he’s Rock or Pop?”

“I suppose” Delta sighed, alreadying knowing where this was going.

“Are you sure ya’ wanna keep him?’ Daisy asked.

Delta Dawn knew she meant well, she was concerned, but right now it was not helpful. “He’s gray,” she said bluntly, “and ran away from his tribe.”

“Oh!” Daisy’s eyes went wide, everyone knew how serious going gray was. Even if it wasn’t common. “I see, that poor boy… Let me know if you need anythin’.”

She nodded “I will. Thank you.”

Her neighbor headed off back to her own home and Delta sighed, well, that could have gone better. But maybe this would be a blessing in disguise, Daisy was a huge gossip and with her help word of Branch’s situation would spread fast. Which, hopefully, would lead to less trolls asking her questions.

Or worse, asking Branch himself. That was the last thing he needed.

Chapter Text

Branch followed Delta Dawn outside in the dry, dusty heat. It had been about a day since their new arrangement and she asked if he wanted to help her with a few things around town.

Delta Dawn told him that since he was going to be living with her for the foreseeable future that he should drop the ‘Ms’ and just call her by her name. It made Branch a little uncomfortable, he had been raised to always be polite. But he was also raised to listen to adults so he figured it was okay.

He could feel people staring at him and whispering when they spotted him, but Branch ignored them. People stared at him all the time back in the village, he was used to it. What Branch didn’t notice was the glares that Delta Dawn was giving out to those individuals.

Branch did his best to look around and take in and memorize his surroundings. Many of the buildings looked to be made with wood or hallowed out plants that Branch remembered reading about in a book. They were called cactus, or cacti.

He could spot several buildings and businesses that intrigued him, things that they didn’t have back home. There were a few he could guess as to what their purpose was, like the general store. But there were many more that Branch didn’t recognize. Like something called a ‘saloon.’

“Alrighty” his thoughts were interrupted when Delta Dawn brought them to a stop. “Here we are.”

They had stopped in front of two different buildings, one was smaller than the other. The smaller one had a sign reading ‘Sheriff's Office’ and the bigger building was the ‘County Jail.’

Branch knew what a jail was, they did have a small one back in the village but he couldn’t recall a time they ever used it. In his experience trolls tended to pick forgiveness and friendship over punishment, the village didn’t even have many rules! The only expectation was him.

It seemed that the people of The Lonesome Flats didn’t have the same philosophy, Branch didn’t know what a ‘Sheriff’ was but he figured that they were some kind of authority figure. Like King Peppy.

There was a troll sitting up against the county jail in the shade, his hat was pulled low over his face to block it from the sun and seemed to be reading a book of some kind.

“Hello Pete,” Delta Dawn said.

The man looked over at them with a stoic stare that made Branch swallow hard, nervous. Pete stood and walked over to them, Branch could see that he had dull pink skin and green hair and mustache.

“Good mornin’ Delta” Pete said, he peered down at Branch and he resisted the urge to hide behind the women. “Who’s this fella?”

Delta Dawn placed a hand on his shoulder “this is Branch. Branch, this is Growley Pete. He’s our deputy.”

The older man nodded “yup, been working for Delta Dawn and her Ma for a few years now.”

“Who…” Branch frowned, confused, but not being able to finish the question.

Delta Dawn chuckled “my mother is the mayor.”

“Oh!” His eyes widened.

“Delta here is Sheriff.” Peter explained, “and she’s mighty good at it. Will likely be mayor one day.”

“Oh I don’ know about that,” Delta Dawn chuckled.

Branch listened as the two continued to talk and joke lightly, finding himself relaxing a bit. “So,” Pete said “what brings you by?”

“Branch and I are out running errands” Delta Dawn explained “and I thought I would see if you needed anything.”

“Well that’s mighty kind of you” Pete said “but I’m alright.” He looked back down at Branch “is Delta Dawn takin’ good care of ya?”

He nodded, his nerves coming back and keeping him from verbally responding. “Branch agreed to help me with chores and the like while he stays with me” Delta Dawn explained.

“Ah I see” Pete nodded “seems like a good enough trade. I’m sure it goin’ to be a lot of hard work. You ready for that Branch?”

Branch nodded “I like hard work… The trolls back in the village don’t do much, a lot of singing and dancing… It gets boring.”

Pete raised a brow “huh, is that so? Sounds like Pop Trolls to me.”

“What are Pop Trolls?” Branch asked, tilting his head.

The two adults stared down at him before looking at each other in shock. “Do you not know?” Pete growled in anger. Branch now understood why he was called ‘Growlin’ Pete’.

“Yeah…” Branch shrunk in on himself in fear. “I’m sorry” he said, his voice sounding small.

Quickly Delta Dawn was kneeling in front of him “oh honey,” she soothed “don’ apologize, it’s not your fault. We aren’ upset at you, we’re upset that no one told you.”

Pete nodded “she’s right, sorry for scaring ya.”

“It's okay,” Branch said softly.

“To answer your question Branch” Delta Dawn said “I’m gonna have to give you some context. Is that alrigh’?”

He nodded, “that’s fine.”

“Well,” Delta Dawn said “long ago, all trolls lived together with the six strings. These strings could play any type of music, were a physical representation of ‘hem. The six main groups each had their own.”

Growley Pete picked up the story. “But Pop wasn’ satisfied with their music. They took the strings and everyone’s music to try and make everything like them. The rest of us grabbed our strings and ran.”

“And I’m a Pop Troll?” Branch asked.

“That’s what we assume,” Delta Dawn said.

Branch nodded slowly “what kind are you?”

“We’re Country” Delta Dawn said “the others are Rock, Funk, Classical, and Techno.”

“Okay” Branch said, his head was swimming with all of the new information. “But… Why do you want to take care of me?”

“What do ya mean?” Delta Dawn asked.

“You said that Pop tried to steal everyone’s strings” Branch said “and I’m Pop… So doesn’t that mean I’m bad? Why would you want to take care of someone who’s bad?”

“Oh darlin’” Delta said “there is nothing wrong with being Pop.”

“Besides their poor taste in music” Pete muttered under his breath, Delta Dawn shot him a look but Branch didn’t mind. He agreed, pop music was really annoying.

The women continued “and even if there was, that is not your fault. You’re not to blame for the sins of your ancestors.”

But it wasn’t just being a Pop Troll that made him bad, because the Pop Trolls said he was bad too. Branch wanted to tell Delta Dawn this but couldn’t form the words to express his thoughts. So instead he just nodded.

—---------

Delta was fuming, but she was careful not to show it. Branch was already a shy and timid child, she didn’t want to frighten him.

She could not believe that he didn’t know his own history! What kind of trolls were leading his tribe? Not very competent ones if Branch’s condition when she found him said anything.

This only solidified Delta’s decision to take Branch in. While she might not know much about the Pop Trolls or how he was raised, in the past week she had grown increasingly more concerned.

Suffice to say, if Delta Dawn ever met the Pop Trolls’ so-called King he better beg for mercy. And even then she might not grant it.

Chapter Text

Branch was approaching the three week mark of staying with the Country Trolls when he realized something. He never told Delta Dawn about his ‘music issue’. So far it hadn’t been much of a problem, Country Trolls didn’t seem to have the same big, extravagant musical numbers that the Pop Trolls did and so far no one had brought up him singing.

And while it wasn’t uncommon for Delta Dawn to sing as she worked around the house, Branch was usually able to avoid it by moving to a different room.

He should probably tell her, he should have told her when she first found him. But Branch had been in so much pain and was more relieved at being found then worrying about if someone was about to break into song.

Honestly, there were a few times when Branch could have brought it up. When Delta Dawn made the offer for him to live with her or when she and Growley Pete had told him about the trolls’ history. But during both events there had been so much going on that it had completely slipped his mind.

Not that it was an excuse. He should have told her the day they first met and he didn’t and now he was lying to her.

Delta Dawn seemed like the type of woman who valued honesty, she had to be, being the sheriff and all. What would she think when she found out that Branch, the kid she was kind enough to take in, lied to her?

Branch took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm his nerves before heading outside where Delta Dawn was weeding the flower beds. There was no point in putting it off, he needed to tell her.

He stood on the back porch and squinted in the bright afternoon sun, using his hand to block the light. It was then he spotted his caregiver and, sure enough, she was still weeding.

Delta Dawn quickly noticed him and sent him a smile “hello Branch, is there anything you need?”

He opened his mouth, ready to confess “can I help you weed?” Once again he had chickened out.

“Oh sure,” Delta Dawn said, “that would be great.”

Branch hopped off the porch and soon he was kneeling in the dusty dirt beside her and pulling up the invasive plants. It didn’t take long for Delta Dawn to start humming to herself.

Branch held back a flinch, gritting his teeth and forcing himself to continue working. Plenty of his past foster families had sung in the past and he had always managed to endure it. He could do it again.

The music stopped abruptly and Branch looked up to see Delta Dawn looking at him, concerned. “Branch are you alrigh’?”

“I’m fine” he forced himself to say, even if he wanted nothing more than to run back inside. Instead he tried to distract himself by working on pulling up a particularly stubborn weed.

Delta Dawn gently took his chin and turned it towards her “sugar” she said, looking more worried “if something the matter then I need to know so I can help.”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he pulled away from her touch. “Besides, you can’t help with this.”

Delta Dawn raised an eyebrow at him “why don’t you tell me what’s goin’ on then we’ll see if I truly can’t help.”

“It’s nothing” he sighed “I just….” Branch hesitated, using his trowel to draw shapes in the dirt before deciding to just get it over with. “I don’t like singing.”

“Oh” Delta Dawn sat back, clearly surprised. “I see…. May I ask why?”

Branch threw his tiny shovel down in a sudden burst of anger and the metal part bounced against the edge of the brick flower bed with a loud ‘clang'. “Because it ruined my life!”

The guilt quickly replaced his anger and he peeked up at Delta Dawn, expecting to see a look of disappointment. He could practically hear her saying the words that so many foster parents had said in the past.

‘We’re just trying to help, there’s no need to throw a tantrum.’

But instead her face was one of light surprise and calm patience “so is it just singing or music all together?”

“All music” he said “the idea that a quick song and dance makes everything better is stupid.”

“Of course it is,” she agreed. “It takes a lotta work to sort through your emotions. Thank you for telling me, I appreciate it.”

“Really?” Now it was Branch’s turn to be surprised. “You’re not upset?”

She shook her head “I only wished you’d told me sooner, that way I could of made sure not to sing around ya.”

He stared up at her “you’re…. You’re not going to sing around me?”

“Not unless you want me too,” Delta Dawn confirmed.

“Why?”

“Why would I?” She asked, “you aren’t comfortable with it.”

Delta Dawn said it like it was so easy, as if not singing was the easiest thing in the world. Like she wasn’t going against the very thing trolls were made for. But it wasn’t easy, if it was then why had so many foster families in the past refused to suppress their music around him. If it was so easy then why had they forced him to listen or try to make him sing?

But this woman, this woman who he barely knew, this strange troll from another tribe acting like Branch wasn’t being unreasonable or difficult. It was hard for his head to wrap around.

Delta Dawn had gone back to the weeding, not noticing the war going on inside of Branch’s head.

Quietly he got up and went back inside.

—-------------

Branch ended up staying in his room for the rest of the day, by the time it was scheduled to make dinner he had yet to move from his bed. There was a light knock on the door and it was opened just a crack to reveal Delta Dawn.

“Sorry to bother ya” she said “but I just came to tell you-” She then noticed the tear marks on his face and rushed over to the bed, kneeling down beside him. “Oh honey, what’s wrong?”

“I… I” more tears slipped down his cheeks as he tried to repress the urge to sob, “I don’t understand. I said I don’t like singing and you just…. Said you would stop. Like it was easy! But it’s not!”

Despite his young age Branch had a pretty clear view on how the world worked, or rather how it worked in regards to him.

Other people got second chances, not him.

Other people got accommodations, not him.

Things were his fault, not theirs.

“It’s not,” Delta Dawn said.

“Huh?”

“Caring for people aint easy,” she said. “It takes hard work and grit, but we do it because we love the person. So we make sacrifices for ‘em, cause we care. When we truly care for someone we take part of their pain and struggles, but just cause it’s hard doesn’ mean it’s not worth it.”

Branch frowned at that, he had always heard that loving someone was the easiest thing in the world. That it wasn’t work at all and that caring for that person was as easy as breathing. The only expectation was, of course, him. It was hard to love him, his brothers leaving was only proof of that. Branch was too much work, why else would so many foster families have given him up?

“But that doesn’t answer why you said you would stop singing around me,” Branch said.

The look Delta Dawn gained in her eyes was one of sadness “because I care for you.”

“But you barely know me!”

“Maybe I don’t know all the little details,” she said, reaching out to cup his cheek and brush away the tears. “But what I do know is that you’re just a child who needs someone to care for ‘em. And, if you want, I can try and be that person.”

“Oh…” Branch looked down at his hands. Back in Pop Village it had often felt like he was forced on families, that they only took him in out of some obligation.

But the way Delta Dawn spoke it sounded like she truly wanted him here. At first Branch thought it was because she felt bad for him, because she found him injured on the side of the road. But now…

He mentally shook himself. No. He couldn’t let himself get comfortable, he couldn’t let himself hope. For if he did then it would hurt much more when Delta Dawn finally decided that she had enough and gave up on him.

Branch looked up at her before quickly looking away again. “Can… Can I be left alone?”

“‘Course you can sugar” she agreed “I’ll go get supper ready, you call me if you need anything. Alright?”

He nodded and watched as she left the room.

Chapter Text

Branch opened his bedroom window and stuck out his head, looking up at the dark sky. From his calculations the sun shouldn’t come up for another hour, maybe two. Just enough time to do what he wanted to do before Delta Dawn noticed he was gone.

He climbed up unto the window and hopped down to the ground and shivered in the cold, early morning. The desert got very hot during the day when the sun was up but it seemed that it was the opposite before it rose. Branch wrapped his vest tighter around his body and took a look around to make sure no one was watching.

In the past couple of days Branch was slowly starting to be introduced to the other residents of the Lonesome Flats, most of them were adults who would come by to talk with Delta Dawn.

One of those trolls was a lady who lived close by named Daisy, while she and Delta Dawn talked Branch overheard them talking about another troll. Daisy had explained that an older man named ‘Joshua’ had gotten hurt and won’t be able to tend to his garden until he healed. Branch had decided to wake up early and go take care of it before anyone else woke up, that way Joshua wouldn’t have to worry about it until he got better.

Back in Pop Village Branch would often do small favors or leave out gifts for the other trolls. He was always careful not to be seen and to make sure no one knew it was him. He didn’t think he would be able to deal with the passive aggressive comments and the shock that ‘he could be so thoughtful!’ Or worse, flat out denial that it was him at all.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long to find the small house with the back garden that was being overcome by weeds. After another look around to make sure no one was watching, Branch knelt down and got to work.

It took longer than Branch expected to fully clear out the invasive plants but once he was done he had quite the pile sitting next to him. He looked around to find a place to dispose of them and spotted a compost bin.

That’ll work.

He gathered the weeds in his arms and dumped them inside and then looked up at the sky. Branch could see the sun just barely starting to peek over the horizon, if he had to guess he probably had about fifteen minutes before the sun started to rise properly.

Branch dusted the dirt and dust off himself as best he could before running back to the house. He climbed back into his room through the window, just in time to hear Delta Dawn heading to the kitchen to start breakfast.

—-------------

Delta stood in Joshua’s back garden, to say she was shocked was an understatement. After hearing about the older man’s accident she decided to stop by to check in on him and drop off something for him to eat. She was also going to assess his garden and try to take care of it.

But it seemed like all of the weeds had disappeared overnight, not a single one was left and she spotted them in the compost bin. And whoever had done the weeding had also watered before they left.

“That is so odd,” she said to herself.

There wasn’t much she could do so eventually she started to head to the Sheriff’s Office to check in on things. “Delta!” She turned to spot her mother approaching “Delta!”

“Hello Ma” she smiled “how are you?”

“I’m doin’ good,” the mayor smiled. “Thanks for askin’. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

“How’s Branch settlin’ in?” Abigail asked.

“Fairly well, I’d say” Delta said “I’ve been workin’ on introducing him to folks around here, trying to be slow about it. I don’t want to overwhelm him.”

She was careful not to mention his breakdown from the other day, not only was it not her story to tell but she didn’t want to break Branch’s trust by spreading it around.

“Makes sense,” her mother nodded, “so when do I get to meet him?”

Delta Dawn sighed, she should have expected this “I don’t know Ma. I’m tryin’ to give him time.”

“And I understand that,” she said, “but that boy has been here for three weeks and I wanna meet my grandbaby.”

“He’s not your grandson” Delta Dawn reminded her gently “I know you want to meet him but you gotta remember, Branch’s an orphan and I don’t wanna force him into any familial relations.”

“I know” she waved her off “but this is the closest I am to being a Grandmother. Seeing as your sister and that ‘friend’ of hers keep skirting around each other.”

Delta sighed softly, knowing that her mother wasn’t going to drop the subject “alrigh’ fine. Let me talk to Branch and see if he’s open to it.”

“Excellent” Abigail smiled “why don’t you two come around for supper here in a coupla days?”

—----------

Branch fidgeted with his vest nervously as he stared up at the house. He had been surprised when Delta Dawn came to him and said that her parents wanted to have them over for dinner. At first he had thought that they just wanted her and he would be left alone for the evening.

But no, apparently they wanted him to come over too. Delta Dawn said that her parents were eager to meet him, though he has no idea why.

Delta Dawn smiled down at him “you nervous?”

He shook his head “no” he denied.

“It’s okay if you are,” she said, “I’m sure it’s strange to meet new people.”

Branch didn’t respond as he followed her up the front steps and the door flew open, he jumped back, started. The woman who stood in the doorway was a Country Troll like everyone else in The Lonesome Flats, she was older than Delta Dawn but the two looked very similar. They had the same red hair and orange skin, though it was a different shade.

The women smiled at them “hello darlin’.”

Delta Dawn smiled, “hi Ma” she turned to him “Branch, this is my mother, Abigail Clarkson.”

“It’s nice to meet you Ma’am” Branch said, proud of himself for keeping his voice steady.

Mrs Clarkson knelt down and shook his hand with a frim, yet gentle grasp. “It’s very nice to meet you Branch” she said “but you may call me Abigail, or Abby. If you’d like.”

“Okay um… Abigail” Branch said.

She straightened and waved them inside, “come in, I apologize for supper isn’t quite ready yet.”

They were led to a kitchen and dining room area that was pretty similar in terms of layout to Delta Dawn’s. Though Branch immediately noticed that instead of the short table and cushions that Delta Dawn had, Abigail had a full sized table with chairs.

Branch had been so sure that Country Trolls didn’t use chairs! But now it seemed like some did? Maybe it was more of a personal choice?

“That’s okay” Delta Dawn said “do you need any help?”

“Oh sure,” Abigail said, “that’d be great. Why don’t you introduce Branch to your father first?”

Delta Dawn agreed and led Branch to another room of the house, this one looked like a living room. Or a ‘parlor’ as Country Trolls called it. The room was brightly lit thanks to the big windows and there were a couple of mismatched couches and a large, brown armchair. There was a quilt draped over the back of one of the couches and a knitted blanket was on the other and the coffee table held a small stack of books and a few newspapers.

The room felt very lived in but was clean and tidy, unlike most Pop Troll pods which were often filled with clutter and covered in craft supplies. In the armchair sat a troll had one of his front hooves propped up on his knee of the other leg and his back two legs were folded on the seat chair.

His face had been covered by a newspaper but he peered over it as he heard them come in, smiling when he saw them, or rather Delta Dawn. He folded the paper and set it aside. “Delta! So good to see you.”

“Hey Pa” Delta Dawn smiled at her father.

The man slowly stood up from his chair and moved over to them. He had teal hair that was the same color as Delta Dawn’s tail and dark yellow skin. He wore a red flannel shirt and overalls, both looked well worn, and glasses.

Branch watched as the two Country Trolls hugged and talked briefly before the man looked down at him, his eyes crinkling as he smiled “now who’s this?”

“Pa, this is Branch” Delta Dawn introduced “Branch, this is my father. Rye.”

“Nice to meet you Sir,” Branch said.

Mr Clarkson didn’t crouch down like his wife did, instead leaning over and sticking out a hand. Which Branch shook. “Nice to meet you young man” he said “you can call me Rye, no need for any of the formal stuff.”

“Why don’ you two get to know each other while I help Ma with supper?” Delta Dawn suggested.

“Sure sure” Rye said “don’ you worry. I’m sure Branch and I can entertain ourselves.”

Delta Dawn chuckled and turned to Branch “come and get me if you need anything, alrigh’?” Branch nodded and she headed to the kitchen.

Branch looked up at Rye who sighed softly “mind if I go back and sit down?” He asked “my knees aren’t what they used to be.”

“Go ahead.”

Rye walked back to his chair and carefully eased himself into it, he looked back at Branch who was still standing by the door. “What are you standin’ over there for?” He asked, “come, sit.”

Branch walked over and climbed onto the couch, it was taller than ones he was used to but he managed. He then noticed Rye’s newspaper which he had draped over the arm of his chair with a pencil sitting on top.

“What’s that?” He asked, pointing to it.

“Oh that?” Rye looked at the paper “I was just working on a crossword puzzle.”

That caught his attention. Branch loved puzzles! He used to do jigsaws all the time with his Grandma but had never heard of a crossword before.

He scooted forward eagerly, trying to look at it. “What’s a crossword puzzle?”

Rye smiled and flipped over the paper to show him, on the page was a grid of black and white squares and with some of the boxes numbered. About half of the boxes had been filled in with letters, spelling words either horizontally or vertically.

“The goal” Rye explained “is to enter words that fit into the boxes that answer the clues” he pointed at the list of clues at the bottom of the paper. “Each white square is for one letter and the black squares are used to separate words.”

Branch took the paper and looked it over, his face showing one of focus. What he didn’t notice was Delta Dawn poking her head in to check up on them and Rye waving her off with a smile.

The crossword puzzle seemed to have a theme of wild plants and Rye had already found the answers for plants found out here in the desert. He looked up at the man, “number five is ‘lichen’.”

“Is that so?” Rye took the paper back and wrote it in “huh, would you look at that. You’re pretty good at this.”

Branch shrugged him off “it was nothing.”

“What is lichen anyways?”

“Oh!” Branch said “it's a plant that forms a low crusty, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees.”

“Fascinating” Rye said “say Branch would you mind helping me with the rest of this crossword? With your help we might be able to finish it before supper.”

“You want my help? Really?”

“‘Course!”

“Okay” he agreed, “I’d like that.”

—------------

Delta slipped back to the kitchen after checking on Branch, he had been looking at one of her father’s crossword puzzles and seemed to be doing just fine. Abigail turned from the oven, checking up on the bread rolls. Delta Dawn moved over and started chopping veggies.

“How are they doin’?” Abigail asked.

“Pa and Branch are working on a crossword” Delta said “Branch seemed real excited over it. I haven’t seen him this happy before.”

“Are you really so surprised that your father managed to pull that boy outta his shell?” Her mother asked.

“I suppose not” Delta admitted “but I barely know anythin’ about Branch and what I do know are mostly from my own observations.”

Delta Dawn looked down at her cutting board, not for the first time she felt underqualified. She had never thought that she would ever have children, least of all like this. A hand was set on her shoulder and she looked up to see her mom smiling at her gently, her face one of understanding.

“You’re doin’ just fine” Abigail said “it will take some time for you two to get into the swing of things.”

“I know,” she said, “I just worry and I have so many questions. Why was he out in the desert? What happened to his family? Why doesn’t he sing?”

“And I’m sure you’ll get your answers one day,” Abigail said, “but you can’t expect it to happen right ‘way.”

Delta nodded “I just wonder if I’m what he needs.”

“Honey” her mother looked at her seriously “do you care for that boy?”

“Yes.”

“Are you tryin’ to help him the best you can?”

“I am.”

“Then you’re doin’ the right thing” Abigail said “will you be perfect? ‘Course not, but no one is. What matters is that you’re trying.”

“Thank you.” She said, feeling a bit better.

“You know if you need anything” Abigail said “you’re father and I are here for ya.”

Delta smiled “you just wanna spend time with Branch.”

She laughed “you got me there.”

—----------

The Clarksons had gone above and beyond with supper, making ‘a true country meal’ as Abigail called it. The amount of food was enough to feed an army and there were a ton of leftovers. Leftovers that Delta Dawn’s mother insisted on passing off to them.

Abigail, Branch discovered, was a very good cook and made one of the best pies he’d ever had. Unlike Pop Troll desserts which were cavities in baked or frozen form and covered in a mountain of frosting or sprinkles, Abigail’s apple pie had a more subtle sweetness.

Branch stood by the door and yawned, this was the third time they had attempted to leave and failed. He was full of good food, Rye had given him a book full of crossword puzzles, and he was fully content and relaxed for the first time since ending up in this strange place.

The adults looked down at the young boy and they all chuckled when they saw that Branch had practically fallen asleep on his feet.

“Well,” Rye said “looks like we tuckered him out.”

Abigail laughed softly and smiled at her daughter “you should get him home.”

Delta nodded and knelt down, scooping Branch into her arms. The boy didn’t protest, instead his eyes fluttered shut and leaned into Delta Dawn. She often forgot how young her charge was, given how he insisted on acting more mature than the average trolling his age. But now, fast asleep in her arms, Branch looked like he was eight years old.

Chapter Text

In the past several weeks Branch was finally starting to get used to his new life and build up a routine. Every morning he woke up early with the sun, just like he always did, something he discovered that Country Trolls did too. Unlike Pop who liked to sleep in. Sometimes he would get up earlier and do some extra chores for someone who needed it in secret.

He would alway help Delta Dawn make breakfast, one of his favorite parts of the day, and then they would eat together before working on dishes. Then Branch would help out with whatever needed to be done.

But today was different, after breakfast Growley Pete came knocking. He and Delta Dawn spoke quietly before she turned to him. “I have to go do somethin’” she explained “I’ll be back in a bit. Will you be alrigh’ on your own or would you prefer to spend the day with my parents?”

Branch nodded, he was used to taking care of himself and he didn’t want to bother Abigail and Rye. “It’s okay, I’ll be fine here.”

“Good, good” she said “I’ll try to be home before dinner but if not there are things to fix yourself somethin’ just don’t go usin’ the oven or the stove.”

“Okay, I’ll be fine,” he repeated.

Delta Dawn gave him a smile that made him feel warm inside before rushing out the door. And for the first time in over three weeks, Branch was completely and utterly alone.

Well, there was no reason to change up his routine so Branch started clearing up the breakfast dishes. He packed up the leftovers, putting them in the icebox and tidied up the kitchen for good measure.

Branch then went around the house and started finding things to clean, Delta Dawn already kept things as ‘neat as a pin’ but Branch had always been a little nitpicky. Something that annoyed many of his past foster families but Delta Dawn never seemed to mind.

The whole thing took him a good few hours and soon it was midday and Delta Dawn was nowhere to be seen. Branch shrugged it off and went through the process of making himself a sandwich. She probably needed a break after she was finished with whatever it was she was doing. Branch knew he could be exhausting.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

The boy hesitated before moving to answer it, standing on the other side were two trolls around his age. The first one was a girl with light blue hair in a big curly hairstyle, her tail was also blue and she had orange skin. She was wearing the Country Trolls equivalent to dress, it was yellow with embroidered flowers around the collar.

The second troll was a boy who looked to be a year older or so than Branch. He also had orange skin but it was lighter than the girl’s. He had brown hair and had a matching tail and wore blue denim overalls.

“Hi!” The girl said “I’m Holly Darlin’ and this is Gust Tumbleweed.”

“Howdy,” the boy said, giving him a nod.

“Uh hey…” Branch said, confused “um I’m Branch… Is there something I can help you with?”

“Oh no” Holly said “we just knew that Sheriff Dawn had taken in a foster and wanted to introduce ourselves!”

“Oh okay” Branch fidgeted awkwardly “well, um, it’s nice to meet you.”

“We also wanted to know if you wanted to play a game,” Gust added.

“A game?” Branch repeated “why?”

“Cause they’re fun” Holly giggled “why else?”

“No… I mean” he said “why with me?”

Gust titled his head a bit “how else are we suppose ta get to know you?”

Branch frowned, why would they want to get to know him? He was weird, gray, and didn’t look like any of the other trolls here. But the two were smiling at him and it seemed like they still wanted to play with him even after seeing how strange he looked.

“If you don’ wanna that’s fine” Holly said “we won’t be offended.”

He hesitated before opening his mouth to say no, “sure.”

“Great!” Holly said “let’s go.”

Branch’s instincts were telling him to go back inside and slam the door but he found himself stepping out onto the porch and into the dry heat of the outside world. He glanced briefly back at the house and wondered if he should leave a note before deciding against it.

None of his past foster families cared if he went off on his own, why should Delta Dawn?

Branch followed Holly and Gust through the town, he had been through Lonesome Flats a few times with Delta Dawn when she ran errands and by now most people seemed to be familiar with him and didn’t stare as much as they used to.

As they walked Branch had the sudden realization that he might not even know how to play Holly and Gust’s games. They were Country Trolls and from what he’s seen so far they did things very differently than Pop Trolls, what if games were another difference?

“You alrigh’?” Gust said, moving to walk next to him.

“I… I’m sorry” he said “but I don’t know if I’ll know how to play your games.”

“Oh” Gust said “that’s no big deal.”

“It isn’t?”

“Yeah,” he said.

“But I won’t know the rules.” Branch said, then waited for the familiar phrase ‘oh this game doesn’t have rules’ or ‘we can make it up as we go along.’

Pop Trolls didn’t care about rules, often saying that they made things less fun. And the few times they did care about the rules they would make them up on the spot, mid game, only to break them.

But the other boy just nodded understandably “don' worry, I’ll teach you.”

Gust puffed out his chest proudly as he said that, seemingly excited by the idea. Holly rolled her eyes playfully and pretended to whisper to Branch. “Gust cares a lot about rules and things being fair.”

“Really?”

“‘Course,” Gust said, “how can things be fun without ‘em?”

“That’s what I always say!” Branch exclaimed, excited, “I say the same things about safety too. But the trolls I grew up with always say that those things don’t matter.”

Gust looked aghast “how can anyone say that rules don’ matter? Of course they matter! I don’t know much ‘bout safely but I do know it’s sure hard to have fun if you’re worried about getting hurt.”

Holly rolled her eyes and groaned, “oh no, now there’s two of ‘em.”

Branch winced as Gust laughed “sorry.”

Gust smiled at him “don’t be. Holly’s just tessin’, she knows that rules and safety are important.”

Holly nodded “I just thought it was funny how similar you and Gust are.”

Branch flushed, feeling embarrassed “oh. Right.”

The three stopped just on the outskirts of town, right behind a small building with a sign that read ‘The ​​Puffalo Express’. “This seems like a good place,” Gust said.

“You sure?” Holly asked “what ‘bout your Pa?”

“He’s still gone” Gust explained “Mama said he won’t be back till the end of the week.”

“What does your dad do?” Branch asked.

“He delivers mail!” Gust said proudly “took after my Memaw, she’s the one who started the Puffalo Express. One day I’m gonna do it too.”

“Where does he deliver mail too?” Branch asked, back in Pop Village people hand-delivered cards and party invitations. So he was curious to learn about someone whose job was to do just that.

“There are settlements of trolls all over,” Gust explained, “so Pa goes there.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Gust said “I’ve never been to any but Pa said when I’m older I can go with him.”

“Cool.”

Holly nodded “very cool” she agreed “but are we gonna play a game or what?”

—---------

Delta Dawn sighed tiredly as she opened her front door, the emergency she had been called away for had taken much longer than she expected. She looked around the house to find the front room and the kitchen empty, though it looked like someone had been cleaning.

She smiled softly, Branch sure was a hard worker. Though she wished he would relax and take a break every once in a while, but if this is how he felt comfortable in her home then she wasn’t going to stop him. She headed to his room to check in on him, figuring that’s where he was hiding.

Delta raped her knucks on the wooden surface “Branch?”

No answer.

She slowly pushed open the door “Branch, honey, is everything-” she looked inside his room to find it empty.

For a moment a flood of panic coursed through the young woman’s body, where was Branch? Had he been taken? Did his tribe come for him? Did he run away? What if a critter got to him?

That’s when she noticed Branch’s bag sitting next to his bed and she let out a sigh of relief, if he had left Delta Dawn was sure that he would have taken his things.

But now she had to wonder. Where was he?

—----------

Branch was surprised at how much fun he ended up having with Gust and Holly. He expected them to get bored of him or weirded out once they had more time to interact with him but, to his surprise, they didn’t.

Back with the Pop Trolls none of the other kids, and many of the adults, didn’t like him. They thought he was strange because of how much he talked about things like the different types of dirt or said he was a ‘kill-joy’ when he would make suggestions for safety regulations.

But despite what the village thought, Branch wasn’t against having friends. He often watched other trolls his age with their friends and wondered what it would be like to have someone stand beside him. Someone who defended him and didn’t care how strange he was, maybe even someone who was willing to listen when he rambled on about things like sap collection.

The only person who was nice to him was the Princess, Poppy. But even she got tired of him after a while and only really interacted with him to invite him to parties or to play games with her and her friends. Which he never accepted unless forced too, usually by his current foster parents.

Even though Holly reminded him of the Pop Princess they still had their differences, things that helped Branch tolerate Holly more than he ever did with Poppy.

For example, whenever she got a point or won a round in a game Holly would let out a loud cheer or do a victory dance. But she noticed him wince when she yelled into his ear and quickly apologized, making sure to step away before doing it again. Unlike Poppy who never noticed, and if she did then he doubted she would have the same quiet consideration.

Branch got along with Gust really well, the other boy was good at explaining the rules of each game to him and making sure that they ran smoothly. Branch was interested in a book Gust was working on, he said it was going to be a step-by-step guide on how to run games. It would cover things like different group sizes, how to split teams, and what to do when things go wrong.

At the same time Gust was intrigued by his plans to make a sort of guide on the culture of Country Trolls and a separate guide on how to survive in the desert. He and Holly even offered to help and in between games they explained a lot of the strange phrases and words that Branch has heard since arriving in Lonesome Flats.

The games were pretty fun too. They weren’t anything like the ones back in the village, which tended to include a lot of glitter. One was a marble game that had them draw a circle in the dirt and try to knock out the marbles inside with one of their own. Another was a game played with hand carved tops to see which one could spin the longest.

The three kids had gotten distracted when Gust and Branch started up a passionate debate on which piece of silverware was the best. Gust agreed that spoons were a solid fourth but disagreed on the rest of his rankings.

“No I’m telling you” Branch was saying “a knife is number one and a fork is a two.”

“As you’ve said,” Gust said, “but I still think they should be swapped.”

“I think a spork should be number one!” Holly piped up.

“What’s a spork?” Branch asked.

“It’s a spoon with prongs like a fork” Holly explained “so you can eat tons of different foods with just one utensil!”

“That sounds like a nightmare,” Branch said.

Gust nodded “Holly, I love ya, but sporks are terrible and should be ranked below spoons.”

“Oh look” Branch said, a tad sarcastic “something we agree on.”

The other boy started to laugh and then looked over Branch’s shoulder and stopped “oh, hello Sheriff Dawn.”

Branch turned around and sure enough, Delta Dawn was standing behind him. He suddenly remembered how he left without informing her or even leaving her a note. While most of his past foster families didn’t care about what he did, some got really mad when he left without permission. What if she was like that too?

But she was smiling “hey there kids.”

“Howdy Sheriff” Holly said “we were just gettin’ to know Branch.”

“Good” she said “I’m glad y’all are havin’ fun but you two should probably be headin’ on home soon. It’s gettin’ dark and I’m sure you both have chores to do.”

The other two kids nodded without complaint and started packing up their things. Holly turned to him with a smile. “Well, it was nice meeting you Branch.”

Gust nodded “yeah! I had fun, we’ll have to meet up again soon.”

Branch blinked, surprised. They wanted to see him again? This wasn’t a one-time thing? “Yeah, sure,” he agreed, trying not to sound too eager.

The two ran off, yelling their goodbyes, and Branch turned to look up at his foster mom. He expected to see her warm smile fade away to one of disinterest or anger now that the other kids were gone.

But… it didn’t. She was still smiling. And not the fake smile made to put on a good appearance, but a genuine one.

“Let’s head home,” she said.

The two walked back to the house in silence as the sun began to dip behind the horizon. Branch’s heart was in his throat, Delta Dawn was probably waiting until they got back to the house before scolding him. They headed inside and Branch braced himself.

Instead she headed into the kitchen “right then” she said “let get some supper.”

That was it? No yelling? No lecture?

To say Branch was confused was an understatement.

Delta Dawn looked over at him “why don’t you go wash up and then you can help with the cookin’?”

Branch’s body moved before his mind could properly process and he headed into the bathroom, or ‘washroom’ as Country Trolls called it. He washed his hands and face and stared at himself in the mirror, why hadn’t Delta Dawn said anything yet? Was she waiting until his guard was down? For him to think he wouldn’t get in trouble?

He headed back to the kitchen to see that Delta Dawn had already started prepping for whatever they were making and various ingredients were spread across the counter.

“Ah Branch” she smiled at him “perfect timing so I was thinkin’-”

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Branch said, then cringed as he realized that he had interrupted. “I mean, I ran off, without asking you or leaving a note or anything! Why aren’t you upset? Shouldn’t you be yelling at me? I mean, you’re nice enough to let me stay with you and I just left.”

Delta Dawn stared at him and Branch braced himself, he had really done it now. And now she was going to realize he wasn’t worth the trouble and dump him with another family or send him back to Pop Village. Or just decided he wasn’t worth the effort and kick him out to fend for himself.

He watched as Delta Dawn walked around the kitchen counter and kneel down in front of him “you aren't in trouble.”

“What?”

“I’m not upset,” she said.

“Huh?”

“Branch,” she said, “you are allowed to go out and make friends and spend time with ‘em. But you do need to tell me or leave a note.”

He stared at her “....Oh.”

“Do you know why?”

“Because you said so?” Branch guessed, that was the usual ‘reason’. Explanations didn’t matter to adults as long as the child listened to them.

She shook her head “because I worry, how am I supposed to know how long you’ve been gone, when you’re supposed to be back, or who you’re with. I need to know those things in case somethin’ happens.”

“Oh,” he considered that “I guess that makes sense. So… I’m not in trouble?”

She shook her head “no, it’s clear that this was all one big misunderstandin’.” He let out a sigh of relief “you were worried you would be, weren’t ya?”

Branch nodded “yeah… I guess.”

“I’m sorry” Delta Dawn said “we should have had this talk first thing. I’ve… I’ve never done this before, takin’ care of a child. I don’ know what I’m doing.”

“I think you’re doing a pretty good job” Branch said “you're loads better than my past foster parents.”

For a moment Delta Dawn had this sad look in her eyes “thank you Branch. Now, do you wanna help me with supper?” He nodded “great, let's get started.”

Chapter Text

After breakfast one day Delta Dawn explained that she had some paperwork to get done at the Sheriff’s Office and asked if Branch wanted to tag along.

“You don’t hafta come” she said “but if you want, you’re more than welcome.”

Branch bit his lip, debating. On one hand he didn’t want to distract her from her work but on the other hand he hadn’t seen the Sheriff’s Office since the day he met Growley Pete, and he certainly didn’t see the inside. Branch didn’t know why but he wanted to know everything there was to know about Lonesome Flats.

He had already been given a basic tour, seeing the layout, but Branch hadn’t seen the inside of many places outside the General Store. Most of Branch’s time was spent inside and… He should probably change that.

“I’ll come,” he said, “if you’re okay with it.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn't,” Delta Dawn said.

That was a lie, Pop Trolls offered things all the time that they didn’t mean. They would say something to be nice and then act surprised when you took them up on it, making quick excuses to not follow through.

But Delta Dawn didn’t look upset that Branch wanted to come, if anything he would almost say that she was excited. But why would she be excited to spend time with him?

Still, Branch grabbed his things and they headed out.

—----------

The Sheriff’s Office was a small, single room building right next to the jail. There was a desk in chair in the corner, up along one wall was a couple of shelves and filing cabinets. But the thing that caught Branch’s eye were the paper drawings of trolls up on the wall.

“What are those?” He asked, pointing to them.

“Those are wanted posters” Delta Dawn explained “each of those drawings are of trolls who did a crime. We have those so that if we ever see ‘em we can act accordingly.”

Branch peered at the posters, underneath each drawing was their name and a list of whatever crimes they committed. Some lists were longer than others and usually included things like stealing, destroying something, or (on occasion) hurting someone.

“What do you do if you find them?” He asked.

“It depends,” Delta Dawn said, “though we usually throw them in jail while we wait to go ta court.”

“What court?”

“It’s a group of trolls who get together and decide if the person is guilty of what they did” she explained “they also decide what their punishment will be.”

“Huh” Branch looked back up at the posters.

“Don’t Pop Trolls have anything like this?” She asked.

“No” Branch shook his head “not really, they have a jail but never use it. Even when someone should be locked away they aren’t.”

“What?” Delta Dawn stared at him “why?”

“They don’t like to punish people” Branch said “they would much rather be friends and fix everything with a hug.”

He looked up to see Delta Dawn’s face, a mix of confusion and something else he couldn’t read “I see…” She said slowly.

Wandering over to the bookshelf Branch looked over the titles to find that most of them were on things that were related to running Lonesome Flats, those books were dusty. Which kind of made sense, he would imagine that leadership was an experience type of thing versus something you could just learn in a book.

There were a couple of titles that caught his eye, ones on troll history. Specifically Country Troll history. He grabbed one and held it up to Delta Dawn. “Can I read this?”

“Go ahead.”

Branch was soon settled in a chair next to the desk and opened the book. It read more of a story book, starting when all the Troll Tribes separated and talking about how they settled into the desert. One thing that interested him was that it sounded like there were multiple settlements of Country Trolls spread throughout the desert. There wasn’t one main town or leader.

He supposed that’s what Gust meant the other day when he said that his dad traveled to the other settlements to deliver mail.

The book was pretty thin and outside of the basic history, a few holidays, the Country Music String (though it didn’t say who currently had it) it didn’t talk about much. No chapters on important figures or leaders, nothing about the music (though Branch did see a book that seemed to talk more about it).

He frowned, surely this couldn’t be all that there was.

“You alright Branch?” Delta Dawn asked “you seem to be thinkin’ real hard.”

“I’m confused,” he said. “Why is this book so small? Do you guys just not teach people your own history or anything.”

“Oh we do,” she said, “but you’re not gonna find much in books.”

“What do you mean?”

“We share our stories through the spoken word,” Delta Dawn explained “though stories. And while we can write ‘em down most trolls prefer to share them while working in the fields or round a fire.”

“But… Aren’t you worried about them becoming inaccurate” Branch asked “because people can misremember things or make things up to sound more interesting.”

“Oh sure” she said, “but that’s part of the fun. No two people share the same story in the same way.”

Branch frowned, he wasn’t sure he liked that. At least it was better than Pop Trolls, who only really talked about the Last Trollstice or the history of Hug Time.

—-----------

The two spent most of the day in a sort of comfortable silence, Delta Dawn sat behind the desk working on her paperwork. Branch was working on the crossword puzzle book Rye had given him. While crosswords weren’t the same as jigsaws Branch liked them all the same. He liked to believe that grandma would have enjoyed them too.

Branch frowned, puzzled on a word “need any help?” Delta Dawn offered.

He shook his head “no I got it.” The frown soon lightened as he figured it out.

“I’m surprised how fast you’ve caught onto that thing” Delta Dawn commented “I’m impressed, I never could get the hang of crosswords.”

“I like puzzles, they’re one of my favorite things” he said, reading over the next clue. “My grandma and I used to do jigsaws all the time. I like them because the pieces always fit together, just like they’re supposed to. That’s what grandma always used to say.”

Branch froze as he realized what he had done, he had never mentioned his grandma to Delta Dawn before. A wave of sadness washed over him, it was one thing to remember her through puzzles. But it was another to talk about her.

He peeked up at his foster mom, expecting her to ask more about the only family he’s mentioned since arriving here. But she seemed to notice that he didn’t want to talk about it and, thankfully, didn’t push.

Instead she nodded slowly, a considering look on her face. “That makes sense.” She then glanced at his crossword “I think that one is ‘infinitesimal’.”

Branch looked back down at the page and tried it. “It fits!” He grinned, grateful for the distraction.

Chapter Text

Since meeting Delta Dawn’s parents Branch had been going over to their house semi-regularly to help the older trolls with chores that they had a hard time doing themselves. It was a nice way to stay busy when Delta Dawn didn’t have anything for him to do and it made him feel useful.

And he was often rewarded with some kind of baked good afterwards which was certainly a plus.

“Thank again for your help Branch” Abigail said, setting a plate of snickerdoodles and a glass of sweet tea in front of him. The two had just finished up weeding her garden and were taking the time to cool off from the heat.

“You’re welcome” he said, taking a sip of his drink.

“Now” Abigail said “I heard you made a coupla friends here recently?”

Branch slowly nodded “yeah, I guess you could say that.”

“What are their names?”

“Holly Darlin’ and Gust Tumbleweed.”

“Tumbleweed?” She repeated “doesn’ his father run the Puffalo Express?”

“I think so.”

She gave a soft hum “I don’t know too much about Jesse but Gale is a nice woman.”

Branch nodded, guessing that Jesse and Gale were Gust’s parents. “Gust is really nice” he said “he’s writing a book all about games.”

“Yes I heard about that” Abigail chuckled. “Sure is an interesting project.”

“I think it’s cool,” Branch said, “I’m doing something similar.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah” he said “I have a notebook where I keep track of the cultural differences between Pop and Country Trolls and I’m also working on a survival guide for the desert.”

“Really?” Abigail looked intrigued. “You know, I’ve seen quite a few survival guides in my day but I’m excited to see what things you’ll focus on.”

“Other people have written guides before?”

“Oh yes.” She nodded “though most tend to focus on one thing and write ‘bout that. Like one book would focus on plants and ‘nother would be on critters.”

Branch nodded, remembering the books in the Sheriff's Office. “That makes sense” he said “it’s easier for people to find something on one topic if it’s all in one place. My guide is more for me.”

“I think Rye has some books on desert critters,” Abigail said. “If you'd like, I'm sure he’d lend you a couple.”

He nodded eagerly “yes! I… I would like that a lot.”

Abigail led Branch over to the parlor as pursued through one of the bookshelves before pulling a few off “here ya are.”

Branch took them and looked them over “these are great!” He said “but… But is it really okay if I borrow them?”

“Sure it is,” Abigail assured, Branch bit his lip. He felt a bit uneasy, it wasn’t like he was borrowing from a library, it was different taking someone else's things. “How ‘bout this” she said, noticing his nerves. “Why don’t you help me with a few more things?”

“What kind of things?”

“Just a few things ‘round the house I have trouble with” Abigail chuckled “I’m not a spring chicken anymore.”

Branch set down the books and followed her to another room “what does that mean?”

“It means I’m getting on in my years” Abigail explained “I’m not as young as I used ta be.”

—------------

After helping Abigail, Rye pulled Branch off to show him some jigsaw puzzles he had recently gotten, much to the young boy’s surprise. The box depicted a picture of a cactus and flower scene instead of the cupcakes or butterflies that the few puzzles in Pop Village had.

He looked back up at Rye “why did you get these?”

“Why not?” He asked, sitting down at the table. “You like jigsaws, don’t ya?”

“Yeah…”

“So I got some,” Rye said.

“But that doesn’t answer why,” Branch stressed.

“Cause I want to spend time with you” he smiled at Branch.

Branch frowned, ignoring the ‘want to spend time with him’ bit for now “but that doesn’t explain why you got jigsaws.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Rye asked “it’s hard to have fun and relax if you don’ enjoy the activity.”

He bit his lip and looked back down at the box, at the puzzle Rye had gotten just so they could do it together…. Branch could feel his lip wobbling and squeezed his eyes shut, forcing back the tears.

A gentle hand rested on his shoulder and Branch opened his eyes to find Rye kneeling down in front of him “Branch, do you not wanna do a puzzle? ‘Cause it’s okay if you don’t.”

He shook his head rapidly “no! I do, I really do.”

“Do you need a moment?”

Branch hesitated for a moment and then shook his head “no, I’m okay” he said “thank you… For the puzzles.”

Rye smiled “you’re welcome. Now, I’ve never done a jigsaw before so you’ll hafta teach me the best way to do it.”

He nodded and climbed into a chair, grateful for the change in topics. Branch opened the box and dumped the pieces all over the tabletop. “Well first I like to flip them over so we can see the colors, and then I find the corners and edge pieces.”

Branch worked on flipping the pieces over and noticed that they were made with painted wood instead of the sturdy cardboard that Pop Troll puzzles were made off. They also didn’t have the same glossy finish that they did, this was handcrafted.

It had been a long time since Branch had last done a jigsaw puzzle, it wasn’t an activity most Pop Trolls preferred. Them all see it as boring and a waste of time when they could be doing other things like singing, dancing, or scrapbooking.

It took them a couple of hours to finish and the two barely talked the entire time, causing Branch to worry that Rye didn’t have fun. After all, the older troll said he was doing this to get to know him better. How was he supposed to get to know him if Branch didn’t talk?

But Rye had never once complained. Branch was used to Pop Trolls making passive aggressive or even rude comments about his lack of speech. Saying things like ‘I went to all this trouble to do this with you and you couldn’t even talk to me!’ Always making sure to point out how boring the activity was.

Branch looked down at the finished puzzle, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Rye frowned at him.

“For not talking the entire time” he said “you went to all this trouble to spend time with me and get to know me and I just focused on the puzzle.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to focus on it?” Rye asked.

“Because you wanted to talk and get to know me” Branch explained “and I was being rude by not doing that.”

“I didn’t want to talk to you” Rye said “sure, I wouldn't have opposed ta it but what I really wanted was just to spend time with ya. In whatever way you wanted.”

“Oh…” Branch frowned, normally spending time with people consisted of what they wanted to do. Not what he wanted. It was… Different than what he was used to. But nice all the same.

It must be because Country Trolls had similar interests in him, Branch decided. Of course they wouldn’t oppose doing what he liked if they liked the same things! That’s all it was.

After all, if it was him that they liked then why had it been so hard for Pop Trolls to enjoy being around him too?

Chapter Text

Branch sat in a spare chair in the Sheriff’s Office, for the past few days he had been joining Delta Dawn as she worked. He would sit and read, do a crossword, or write in one of his notebooks while she did paperwork or had meetings with Growlin’ Pete. Right now he was reading the book Abigail and Rye lent him on desert plants and he was carefully transferring the information into his desert survival notebook.

The atmosphere was peaceful, the only sounds were of pencils scratching and the door was open giving the room some better airflow to keep it from getting too hot. Branch could hear the sounds of people working and living their lives outside but inside it was a quiet oasis.

“Howdy Branch!” A voice called out.

Branch jolted and was barely able to catch his book before it fell off his lap and made a painful connection with his bare feet. He looked up and saw Holly Darlin’ in the doorway. Quickly he set the board and the crossword book aside.

“Uh… Hey Holly.”

Delta Dawn looked up from her work and smiled at the girl “hello Miss Holly. How are you today?”

“Hi Sheriff Dawn!” Holly smiled “I’m good, I just wanted ta know if Branch was busy.”

“I think that’s a question you gotta ask him” Delta Dawn smiled, amused.

Holly turned to Branch “are ya?”

“Um no.”

“You wanna go play?” She asked.

Branch blinked,it had only been a few days since he’d met Gust and Holly and already she was wanting to spend time with him again. He glanced over at Delta Dawn who smiled at him before going back to her work, so it didn’t seem like she minded him running off.

“....Sure.” He hopped off his chair and walked over to Holly who grabbed his hand and started to lead him away from Delta Dawn’s office.

As they left he could hear the women call after him “be back home before dark!”

—------------

Branch followed Holly through town, not really sure where she was taking him. “So… Where’s Gust?” He asked.

“He’s helping his Ma with somethin’.” Holly explained “so it’s just the two of us!”

“Oh…” Branch didn’t know how to feel about that. He and the other boy had gotten along really well the other day, but he didn’t know much about Holly. Would they be able to hang out without a third party present? “So what are we doing?”

She beamed at him “lots of things, gotta give you the full Country experience after all. You’re gonna love it!”

As he was tugged along Branch was, once again, reminded of Poppy. Just like the five year old Pop Princess, Holly was full of seemingly never ending energy and without Gust to balance her out she pulled him into things before he could protest against it.

Holly tried to pull him into a variety of games and activities that Branch figured was normal for Country Trolls. Branch tried to participate, Holly seemed to like him and he didn’t want her to regret befriending him. But it was so hard.

For example; when they tried to race potato sacks Branch tripped and fell on his face because the bags were made for trolls with four legs. While bobbing for apples Branch panicked and started choking, then Holly tried to teach him a game called ‘horseshoes’ and he got hit in the head by the heavy metal.

He was slowly starting to get annoyed but forced himself to suppress it, Holly was just being nice and didn’t deserve to deal with his bad mood.

The blue-haired troll smiled at him “okay and next I thought I would teach ya how we Country Tolls dance!”

Branch felt himself bristling, “no.”

Holly faltered “what?”

“I said no,” he repeated, “I don’t want to dance.”

“But…” Holly said “why not?”

“I don’t dance,” he said.

“Oh” she said “so you don’ know how? That’s okay, I can teach-”

“It’s not that I don’t know how” Branch interrupted “it’s that I don’t want to.”

“How come?”

“Because I don’t want too!” He snapped. Branch didn’t want to yell at her but this conversation reminded him far too much of the ones he had with trolls back in Pop Village.

Holly stared at him with wide eyes “Branch…”

Branch swallowed, feeling guilty. His problems were his own, he shouldn’t take them out on her. “I’ll see you around” he said softly, avoiding her gaze before walking away.

—------------

Branch was back in the Sheriff’s Office and he could feel Delta Dawn glancing at him every so often, it was clear to him she was curious about why he was back earlier than she expected. But thankfully she didn’t ask. Branch didn’t know what her reaction would be if he explained what happened with Holly.

Probably disappointed or upset, that was how most of his past foster parents felt when Branch failed to befriend a troll. They also tended to blame him, asking him what he did wrong. Which was a fair question, it was usually his fault. If he wasn’t so weird and could just be normal then he would have been able to go along with Holly’s activities and avoided upsetting her.

Branch tried to focus on his crossword book but was having a hard time focusing. He thought he would be relieved when he finally escaped Holly but instead he felt kind of sad. Despite everything he liked Holly, sure she had a lot of energy and was kind of pushy but she was nice to him and didn’t ditch him as soon as he messed up one of her games. In fact, she seemed to feel bad that he kept getting hurt!

“Ah Miss Holly,” Delta Dawn’s voice cut through his thoughts and Branch winced, it seemed that he had been so distracted he hadn’t heard her approaching. “Can I help you with somethin’?”

Branch risked peeking up a bit and could see Holly standing in the doorway, looking nervous. “I was just wonderin’ if I could talk to Branch?”

He looked over at Delta Dawn who looked back at him, clearly confused but, thankfully, didn’t ask him for details. “If he wants too.”

“Uh sure” he stammered when Holly turned to him “I guess we can talk…”

Branch walked with Holly outside and shut the door behind him so Delta Dawn couldn’t overhear. The two were quiet for a moment.

“I wanted to apologize-” Holly said

“I’m sorry,” Branch said at the same time.

The two stared at each other and Holly laughed a little and Branch rubbed a piece of his vest nervously. “You go first,” she offered.

“I’m sorry” he said again “I shouldn’t have gotten upset at you, you were just being nice and I should have sucked it up.”

“What? Branch no!” She said “I’m sorry I kept pulling into things I like, I shoulda worked to learn more about you and what you like!”

“Wait…” He frowned “really? Why?”

“Cause you're my friend!”

“We’re friends?” He asked, his voice quiet.

“Yeah, course!” She said “... Unless you don’t wanna be.”

“No” he quickly said “I want to! But… Why would you want to be friends with me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Cause I’m weird and gray” Branch said “and I don’t like music.”

Holly blinked “you don’t like music?” He shook his head “all music?”

“All music” he confirmed.

“Huh yer right” she said “that is weird,” Branch slumped his shoulders “but that’s okay! Everyone’s a little strange.”

“Huh?” That was the last thing he had expected.

“Everyone’s a little strange” she repeated “I mean, you’ve met Gust” she joked “but if we were all the same or ‘normal’ then the world would be boring. Ya know?”

Branch started at her the Pop Trolls liked to say stuff pretty similar too, encouraging people to be unique and to ‘just be yourself’ but when Branch was himself and different it was suddenly wrong and ‘why can’t you just be like everyone else?’

But Holly seemed to be genuine, she kept smiling at him, her face free of judgment or hatred. But as the silence went on longer she started to frown, looking concerned. “Are you alrigh’?”

“I…” he hesitated. “Yeah, I’m alright.”

Truthfully Branch didn’t know what he felt but he wasn’t about to question Holly’s acceptance. Eventually she was going to see how weird Branch was and see how much work it was to be his friend and then she would leave him, just like everyone else.

“If you still want to… Do you wanna try hanging out again?” Holly asked “find something we both will like.”

He hesitated, while he appreciated the offer it felt like all of his energy had been drained and all Branch wanted was to go back inside and read his book. “Not today” he decided “but I would like some other time though. Sorry.”

“That’s okay” Holly said “that’ll give me time ta figure out different activities. Though next time I’ll ask ya first before we do any of them.”

Branch nodded and waved Holly off as she galloped away before heading back inside to finish his book.

Chapter Text

Delta Dawn sat in her home office late evening frowning at a piece of paper, for the past couple of months she and Pete had been getting reports of seemingly random things happening to the town folk and the two were stumped as to who was behind it.

Luckily none of it was harmful but still rather puzzling, people would wake up in the morning to find various chores had been done; gardens waters, weeds pulled, fences painted. Delta was hoping to find some sort of pattern so that maybe she could predict where this mystery helper might strike next. But so far there was nothing.

It was almost like the person in question didn’t have a method to their helping, or they knew Delta was looking for them and had planned accordingly. She didn’t know which option she preferred.

Some might wonder why Delta Dawn was looking for this person in the first place, after all, it’s not like they were causing any damage. But the truth was that she was curious, she wanted to know why this person was hiding. Why didn’t they help out in the open? She knew that many people wanted to thank the individual so why didn’t they let them?

As Delta Dawn peered over the papers she noticed something. It seems that the secret helper didn’t start showing up until after she found Branch. She frowned to herself, if her theory was correct then she was starting to get an idea as to why this troll stayed so hidden.

—---------

Branch walked into the kitchen, still yawning and rubbing sleep in his eyes. Last night he had helped another person in town and didn’t get as much sleep as he probably should, not that he minded.

He was suddenly pulled from his tired stupor when he noticed that Delta Dawn had already started cooking. He stopped in his tracks, standing in the doorway, and for a moment felt the painful feeling of hurt and betrayal rise in his chest, the two of them always cooked breakfast together. Why was she doing it without him?

The hurt slowly faded into confusion as Branch noticed that his foster mother wasn’t making typical breakfast. Why was Delta Dawn making a casserole? And was that bread dough?

Branch slowly walked the rest of the way into the kitchen and Delta Dawn smiled at him “good morin’ Branch. Sorry we’re not makin’ breakfast together this morning, I gotta lot to make before tonight.”

He sat down at the table where he noticed a still-warm plate of eggs and toast “it’s fine… what’s tonight?”

“The Petersons are having a barn raisin’” Delta said, sliding the casserole dish into the oven.

“What’s a barn raising?”

“It’s where the community all comes together ta help build a barn” she explained “the Petersons’ old one burnt down so we’re helpn’ them out. Afterwards we’re havin’ a potluck and maybe some music.”

“So… Like a party?” He asked, a feeling of dread rising in his stomach.

Delta Dawn turned away from the oven, whipping her hands on the apron tied around her waist. “I suppose, though I doubt it’s anything like the Pop Trolls had.”

He doubted that. Branch had been told time and time again in the past that ‘this party will be different’ and to ‘just try it out’ only for him to go and be miserable and fearful the entire time.

“You don’t hafta go” Delta Dawn placed a hand on his shoulder, having moved to the other side of the counter.

“No” he shook his head, Branch didn’t want to disappoint Delta Dawn by not going. Or worse, have her stay behind with him and miss out. “I… I want to try.”

“If yer sure” she said, frowning a bit. “But if at any point you wanna leave, you let me know. Okay?”

“.... Okay” he said reluctantly.

—----------

The two arrived at the Petersons’ farmland in the early afternoon both laden with food for Delta Dawn ended up making not just the casserole but also two pies, collared greens, and a big basket of bread rolls.

Branch had no idea how she cooked it all in such a short amount of time; the only people he’d seen work so fast and so efficiently were Pop Trolls when it came to stuff like cupcake decorating or scrapbook making.

The two set the food down on a long table which was slowly becoming covered with dishes that other trolls had brought. Branch took a moment to look around and noticed that a handful of people had already arrived and were already working.

A lot of what people were doing now was cutting and preparing long planks and logs of wood under the direction of Growlin’ Pete. Meanwhile Abigail was rearranging the food and Delta Dawn was talking with a middle aged couple, the Petersons if he had to guess.

Branch stood off to the side, feeling a bit awkward and unsure what to do. Thankfully he wasn’t left alone too long. “Branch!” He turned to find Holly and Gust galloping up to him.

“Hey Holly” he said, finding himself smiling a little “Gust.”

“Glad ta see you could make it,” Gust said.

Holly nodded “yeah, we were a little worried that you weren’ gonna come.”

“Why?”

Gust shrugged “no offense but this doesn’ really seem like your kinda thing.”

“You’re not wrong,” Branch admitted, “but I wanted to try.”

The two shared a glance “well we’re glad you’re here” Holly said cheerfully “but if ya need anythin’ let us know, okay?”

“Delta Dawn already made me promise to let her know if I get overwhelmed or something” he said.

“Good,” Gust said.

The truth was Branch was actually doing better than he thought he was going too. Maybe it had something to do that this wasn’t a proper party (yet), the lack of loud music, or how trolls were only just beginning to arrive. But he wasn’t one to look a gift puffalo in the mouth, as the Country Trolls liked to say.

The three kids then proceeded to spend the next several hours running around and helping where they could. While they couldn’t work on the actual building, being kids and all, they were able to help gather supplies for the adults. They were also tasked with a variety of other chores as well, many of which made them separate.

Branch worked hard, doing anything he was asked to the best of his ability. He tried his best to stay unnoticed and stay out of people’s way, not wanting to bother anyone. Some of the tasks given to him were fairly similar to some of the things he had already been doing around town in secret, and the ones that weren’t he was able to learn pretty quickly.

The hot day soon turned into a cool evening and the skeleton of the barn had been finished but some of the finer details, like the siding, hadn’t been added. Apparently this was normal and the rest of the barn would be done over the next couple of days.

Then they had dinner which came from the potluck that had been set up easier, and like with most food here it was really good. He had tried to be careful not to have too much though, wanting to make sure that everyone had some.

That was common amongst Pop Troll parties. Most were so focused on decorating the food or the venue that there wasn’t enough to eat, especially of the more popular items.

Though Branch had quickly learned that Country Trolls did not have this problem as there almost seemed to be too much food. It reminded him a bit of when he and Delta Dawn had that first dinner with her parents and it seemed making a lot of food was not just an Abigale thing.

Another thing he learned was that Country Trolls were really into feeding people. It felt like every time he finished eating a elderly troll was shoving another full plate into his hands softly chiding on how he was ‘just too skinny.’

Eventually Delta Dawn had to rescue him, something Branch was grateful for as it was getting to the point where he was starting to feel uncomfortable.

Overall though Branch was surprised by how much of a good time he was having. Everyone was pretty nice to him and no one got upset by him helping out or telling him he was ‘too young’ like the Pop Trolls. If anything they complimented him for being ‘such a hard worker’ something that had never happened before.

And then came the part Branch had been dreading….

Someone started playing music.

—-----------

Branch sat off by himself, away from the rest of the trolls. Gust and Holly had both offered to sit with him but he waved them away, not wanting to ruin their fun. He wrapped his best tight around his body as he watched everybody do what Holly called ‘square dancing’ from his place several feet away.

“You alrigh’ son?” Branch turned to see Growlin’ Pete standing in front of him.

“Oh yeah… I’m fine” he said.

“You sure?” He asked “then why don’t you join the others?” He nodded to the other trolls dancing.

“I don’t dance,” Branch said, “or sing.” He added, speaking firmly, ready to hear the protests and defend his decision.

Pete just nodded “alrigh’ then, we can just sit here then.”

Branch blinked, surprised “wait… Really?”

“Yeah, really,” the man said, “if that’s what you want.”

The boy grew quiet. This has never happened to him before. Trolls always tried to push him into singing and dancing, Delta Dawn being the rare exception. He waited to see how long it would take until Growlin’ Pete tried to ask him to dance again but… It never came.

Branch turned his attention back to watching the other trolls in an attempt to distract himself from the strange feeling in his chest.

Country Troll dancing was very different from Pop Troll dancing. With Pop Trolls dancing was a prefect choreographed number that the whole village, typically, did together. It was either that or pure chaos (usually at parties) where each troll was trying to show off their best dance moves in a packed crowd.

Branch had always hated the last one, even before he went gray.

With the Country Trolls, however, there seemed to be three different types. Growlin’ Pete had been more than willing to explain each one for him so he could write them down in his notebook.

There were two different types of swing dancing, one was done in a group while the other was done with a partner. And then there was line dancing which was done with everyone.

Line dancing reminded Branch the most of pop dancing as it was a set of choreographed moves. Only differences were that there seemed to be a limited number of moves and they were done over and over again for the course of the entire song. The other difference was that, unlike with Pop Trolls, it wasn’t perfect and uniform.

The older, more experienced dancers threw in their own little moves in and the younger ones messed up and looked to the skilled trolls to figure out what to do next. Branch couldn’t remember the last time he saw a collective dance like this so… Individualized.

Branch had never once thought about dancing since the day he went gray. But if this is what it had been like when he was little then maybe he wouldn’t have been so quick to stop.

He shook the thoughts out of his head and turned his attention back to his notebook. Branch had long decided that he was done with anything to do with music and he wasn’t about to change that over the course of just a few months.

Chapter Text

The day after the barn raising Delta Dawn got up before the sun and headed to Branch’s room. She slowly eased open the door and peered in to see his bed empty, she sighed to herself before shutting it.

For the past couple of weeks she had started to suspect that Branch was the mysterious individual that was helping around town and this confirmed it. A part of her had been hoping that she had been wrong but well… There was a reason why she was such a good sheriff.

Which now meant that she needed to have a long talk with her young ward. Delta wasn’t upset at him, but she did have some questions that needed to be answered. Why was he doing this? And why in secret?

Delta Dawn headed to the kitchen and glanced out the window, noticing that the sun was beginning to rise. Which meant that Branch, should, be back soon. She got to work prepping breakfast, deciding to wait until after to have a talk with him.

—---------

The rest of the morning went by as normal, she and Branch made breakfast together and he helped her clean it up and put the leftover food away. Normally by this point Delta would head to the Sheriff’s Office while Branch worked on his chores but instead she led him to the living room.

“Is everything okay?” The boy asked, sitting down.

“I just wanna have a talk with you” Delta Dawn said, taking a seat “yer not in trouble, but I need to ask you a coupla things.”

“Oh, okay” Branch looked nervous, despite her attempts to reassure him.

Delta mentally ran through what she wanted to say, she had been reading books on parenting and children as of late. One thing that they all said was to talk to the child like they were an adult- or rather avoid speaking to them (especially with more serious topics) like they were stupid.

“As you know I’m the Sheriff of the Lonesome Flats” she started and Branch nodded “which often means folks come to me when somethin’ is wrong or they have questions.”

Branch nodded again “let me guess…” He said “people are upset that I’m here.”

“No no no” she quickly reassured, “if anythin’ it’s quite the opposite. Folks keep coming to me and tellin’ me how much they’ve love having you around. Besides, that’s not what I wanna talk to you ‘bout.”

“Hmmm” Branch didn’t look like he believed her “okay… So then what did you want to talk about?”

Delta Dawn took a deep breath and did her best to keep her posture open and non-threatening “several months back Pete and I started hearin’ word that someone was out and about helping them in secret. People would wake up in the mornings to find chores havin’ been done, chores they did not do themselves.”

“Oh?” Branch asked, clearly trying to sound casual.

“Mmm hmm” she nodded “I was wonderin’ if you knew anything about it?”

“Why would I?” He asked.

It wasn’t a lie, for Branch wasn’t denying anything but Delta knew he was hiding something. Even without the information she already had. While she could just tell Branch outright that she knew, Delta wanted to give the boy the chance to tell her on his own.

“The reason why I’m askin’ is cause I noticed that this secret helper showed up around the same time you did.”

Branch hesitated, looking down and avoiding her gaze. “Yeah… It’s… It’s me” he admitted softly. “I’m sorry.”

“What? Sweetie, you have nothin’ to be sorry for.”

“Are you going to kick me out?” He asked, voice small.

“What?!” She asked, shocked, “why would I kick you out?”

“Because I did something I wasn’t supposed to and now you’re upset?” He guessed, almost as if he wasn’t sure himself.

Delta Dawn felt a flash of worry and concern. There was no reason for Branch to be worried of being kicked out for something so small, for such a non-problem. How many times did his previous foster parents kick Branch out for no reason? Was that the reason why he left his tribe?

“I’m not upset” she reiterated “and no one is gettin’ kicked out. I just want to understand why you’d do this without tellin’ anyone.”

“I… Uh, what?” Branch looked so confused “you’re not upset?”

“Not in the slightest” she confirmed. “No one is upset that someone is helping them but everyone wants to know who it is.”

“Why?”

“Cause they want to thank ‘em.”

“Oh well they don’t have to do that” Branch said, rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t even have to tell anyone it was me.”

“Is that so?” She asked “why is that?”

Delta Dawn was curious to see if Branch was just being humble and shy or if there was a deeper reason why he didn’t want folks to know.

“I know they seem grateful now” Branch said “but if they know it’s me then they won’t be. Or they’ll be surprised that someone like me could do stuff like that.”

“Someone like you?” She repeated.

“You know…” He said “someone who’s gray.”

Delta Dawn frowned to herself, while she may have never met a gray troll (outside of Branch) before she did know a fair bit about it. Like some of the situations where it occurred and how folks had been able to regain their colors in the past.

But she had never heard of someone being outcasted for their lack of colors. Delta had always been taught that gray trolls were to be treated with the same respect as anyone else. And from all the little comments Branch had made these past few months and this conversation alone, it was clear that Pop Trolls did not have the same mindset.

“Branch” she said slowly “there is nothin’ wrong with being gray. And being gray does not mean people are about to doubt yer abilities.”

“Yeah but I’m not just gray” he said “I’m mean and pessimistic and I ruin things for people. How could anyone believe that someone like me could be helpful?’

“I don’t think yer mean,” she said, “or pessimistic. There is nothin’ wrong with being cautious. Do you think Holly and Gust would be friends with ya if that were true?”

“No…” He admitted “but-”

“But nothing,” Delta said, softly but firmly. She carefully reached over and cupped his cheek “Branch, sugar, you are an amazing and incredibly kind boy and there is nothing wrong with ya.”

“Then… Then why….” He blinked rapidly, as if trying to hold back tears “then why do people leave me?”

“I don’t know” she admitted “but it is not yer fault that they did. And, if you ask me, it’s their loss for they missed out on knowing a great kid.”

It didn’t look like Branch believed her but that was okay, she would continue to say it as many times as needed. She let her hand fall, no longer touching him as the boy pulled away from it.

Delta Dawn had never been too interested in romance like most women her age. In fact, most folks in their late twenties (like herself) were already in some kind of relationship or even married by this time. But not Delta, she didn’t need to be in one and she had never met someone that made her want to be in one. By this point she had long accepted that being someone’s gal wasn’t in the cards for her, and she was okay with that.

Children, on the other hand, was something that she had always been interested in. Growing up her parents had taken in quite a few fosters, taking care of trollings who had been orphaned or their parents imprisoned until someone else could care for them. Delta had always liked the idea of doing the same and now she was, but Branch was her first and she was still learning how to properly care and help him.

“Is that all you wanted to talk about?” Branch asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

“No,” she said, “but we can take a break if you want.”

He shook his head “no, I’m okay.”

She nodded, trusting him. “I also wanted to ask you why you feel the need to help folks, while there’s nothin’ wrong with it. You don’t have to.”

Branch frowned with confusion “I don’t?”

“Of course” she said “why would ya think otherwise?”

“You said I could stay with you if I helped around the house and did chores and stuff.” He explained “so I thought I should work around town too.”

What was he- Oh! “Ohhh” Delta said softly “I did say that, didn’t I…”

“Branch,” she said slowly, carefully. “The only reason I said that was because when you first arrived yer were so determined to leave I needed to say somethin’ to stop you. The desert is no place for a child, especially one by themselves.”

“So you tricked me?”

“In a way, yes,” Delta admitted. “But I do appreciate your help, I’m sure the other folks you’ve helped feel the same. But you don’t have to.”

“I like helping people,” Branch said.

“That’s a good trait to have,” she smiled, “and if these are things you want to do, I see no problem in it.”

“Really?” The boy asked, looking surprised.

“Course!” Delta Dawn said “but I do ask one thing.”

Branch straightened, a serious expression on his face “what is it?”

“Tell me if yer gonna sneak out” she requested “just like when you go out with your friends. You don’t have to tell anyone else but I want ta know.”

He nodded “okay and….” He hesitated “you can tell people it’s me, if you want.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” Branch nodded, “I am.”

Delta Dawn smiled, Branch really was a good kid. The Pop Trolls clearly had no idea what they lost, on how they missed out on something great. No matter, he was hers now.

Chapter Text

Branch lay on the floor of the living room on his stomach, both of his notebooks were spread out before him along with several of the books he was reading. Nearby Gust was sitting at the coffee table, writing in his own notebook.

The two boys had gotten into the habit of meeting up at the same time every week to work on their respective guides. Branch would work on either his Country Trolls culture notebook or his Desert Survival Guide while Gust worked on his game book.

It had been around mid-spring time when Branch first appeared in The Lonesome Flats and now the seasons were beginning to change into summer. As such it was getting hotter so they started meeting at Branch’s house to work where it was cooler versus finding a place to sit outside, which was what they had done up until this point.

The two worked in silence, the only sound coming from the soft scratching pencil on paper or pages turning. This is what Branch liked about Gust, he was always willing to sit and work in peace without feeling the need to ask him questions or fill the air with words.

Sure, Branch liked Holly and enjoyed spending time with her but the girl had a lot of energy and always had something to talk about. She often reminded him of Poppy but, unlike the young princess, she understood he needed some time to himself and respected his boundaries.

A soft groan broke the peaceful quiet and Branch turned to look at his friend, Gust’s brow was furrowed and he was glaring at the pages of his book. “Are you alright?” He asked.

“Hmm?” Gust looked over at him “yeah… I’m fine.”

Branch sat up “you don’t seem fine.”

He sighed, “I’m trying to write the rules for different card games but I can’ remember what they are.”

“What games?”

“Poker, rummy, and blackjack” Gust explained “I’ve never played ‘em.”

“I have” he said “I can teach you, if you want.”

“Really?” The boy’s eyes lit up.

“Sure” he nodded “I’ll be right back.”

Jumping up, Branch ran out of the room, soon returning with a couple decks of cards. He sat down across from his friend, spreading them out and began to teach Gust the basic rules of poker. Afterwards the other boy insisted on playing a round, wanting to get some first hand experience.

Poker was a bit hard to play with just two people but they managed and it didn’t take long until Branch was ready to declare a victory. He grinned, laying down his cards. They were a six, a five, a four, a three, and a two; all of different suites.

“This is called a Straight,” he explained, “and is one of the better hands you can get.”

Gust looked down at his own cards “what’s mine?”

Branch observed the other boy’s cards which consisted of two threes, a four, a five, and a king. “That’s a One Pair” Branch explained “it’s the second lowest hand.”

“But I have a king,” Gust said.

“Yeah but it’s not about the rank of the cards but the matches you have” Branch explained “unless you get one of the two Flushes.”

“So…” He said slowly, frowning “you won?”

“Yup!” Branch grinned, pulling the ‘pot’ of nuts they were using as game chips from the center of the table towards himself.

“Let’s go again!”

“Sure” Branch agreed. It had been so long since he played a good game of cards so he was more than happy to keep going.

After a couple more rounds of poker, all of which Branch won Gust wanted to play a different game so he taught him rummy. That one he won as well, having gotten a lot of practice playing against his Grandma growing up.

“And it looks like I win again!” Branch declared, laying down his cards. Gust threw down his own, face flushed. “Are… Are you okay?”

“No” he said, glaring at him “I’m not. Why do you keep doin’ it?”

“Doing what?” Branch asked, confused.

“Cheatin’.”

That didn’t help “I’m not cheating.”

“Oh, so yer saying that you keep on winning by accident?” Gust asked, his voice getting more heated.

“I… I’m just good at cards” Branch tried to explain.

“I don’ believe you,” he said.

Gust stood, grabbing his things and heading to the door “wait!” Branch scrambled to his feet “where are you going?”

“Home.” He said “I don’t play with cheaters.”

“Wait Gust-” the door slammed shut and Branch flinched a little at the loud sound, standing frozen in the middle of the room.

It took a while before Branch was able to will himself to move again, slowly working to clean up the living room as if on auto pilot. His mind was racing with what had just transpired, hoping that as time went on it would start to make more sense.

It didn’t.

Why did Gust claim that he cheated? Branch knew that he didn’t, he never cheated and always tried to follow the rules to the letter. That’s why he and Gust got along so well, because they had that in common… Or at least, Branch had thought that they did.

Living room now clean, Branch sat back down on the floor, leaning up against the couch and began absentmindedly shuffling one of the deck of cards. He could kind of understand why Gust thought he cheated, after all, he did win every game they’d played.

But what was he supposed to do? Let Gust win? Branch had gotten the impression that his friend wasn’t like that, after all, he never let Branch win when teaching him a new game. It wasn’t like when he was with the Pop Trolls who insisted that he ‘go easy’ on the younger kids… At least that’s what Branch thought. Maybe he was wrong?

He sat there for a while -at least an hour- unsure of what to do. He had never done this before, Branch had never had any friends long enough to fight with them, much less try and make up.

The Pop Trolls always said that when you upset a friend you should apologise, regardless of if it was your fault or not. With Country Trolls it seemed like while apologies were still accepted and were considered polite it was usually done during an honest conversation, something Branch learned through Delta Dawn.

Maybe he should try talking to Gust? Branch didn’t know what he could say to make things better but maybe, just maybe, they could still be friends.

—---------

It had been a few days since Branch and Gust’s fight -if you could even call it that- and he was doing everything he could to distract himself from it. Today he was helping Delta Dawn with her sheriff work but instead of sitting in the office they had gone out to talk to people.

It ended up being just what Branch needed to talk his mind off of things as he got to learn more about Delta Dawn’s job and about the Country Trolls. As it turned out, being the sheriff wasn’t just about catching bad guys or helping the mayor run the town, it was also about working with other trolls.

Today the two went around to find volunteers to make meals for the Applewood family whose trolling had just hatched. Branch didn’t know the details, as he didn’t ask, but it seemed that the young couple were having a hard time caring for their first baby and Delta Dawn wanted to help make things a bit easier. As such she set something up that she called a ‘meal train’ so that every day for the next couple of weeks the Applewoods wouldn’t have to worry about cooking.

Branch followed Delta Dawn as she headed to the next troll she wanted to ask, their path ended up going past the building for the Pufflo Express building. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Gust, working on his book in the same place that the two of them had played games with Holly when they all first met.

Gust looked up and spotted him, his cheeks went dark and he went back to his writing. Branch hesitated, he wanted to talk to the other boy but would he even let him? Last time they talked Gust had gotten angry and stormed out.

Delta Dawn stopped and peered to see what Branch was looking at “why don’ you go talk to him” she encouraged softly, noticing his hesitation.

“I don’t know…” Branch said “what if he doesn’t want to talk to me right now? Shouldn’t I wait until he comes to me?”

“You could…” She said slowly “but I think it’s best if you do it now.”

That made him frown “why?” Branch always hated it when people tried to force him to open up before he was ready, what if Gust was the same way?

“Well I may not know much about your friend” she said “but I do know that boy is incredibly stubborn, I think that he might just need a good ol’ push.”

“I guess….”

“Why don’t I go on ahead while you try and talk to ‘im?” Delta Dawn suggested “if it doesn't work out you come and find me.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, “I won’ go far.”

Branch turned back to Gust and hesitated again, only moving when he felt Delta Dawn lightly nug him forward. He slowly moved towards the flat-ish rock the other boy was using as a table.

“Hey Gust…” He said, anxiously fiddling with his vest.

“Branch” the other boy greeted, tone cordial.

“I uh…” He took a deep breath and straightened “I wanted to talk to you. About what happened.”

“Are you gonna apologize?” He asked.

Branch hesitated, thanks to his Pop Troll uprising he had planned on apologizing to Gust (even though he really didn’t want to) just so he could keep one of the only friends he’s ever made. However, when he talked with Delta Dawn something she said had really stuck with him.

‘Don’ set yourself on fire ta keep others warm.’

She had explained that it was a Country Troll phrase and that it basically meant that one should sacrifice themselves just to make others happy. While it is good to think of others you shouldn’t risk yourself to do it.

“No.”

“... What?!”

“I said no,” Branch clenched his fists to keep them from trembling. He knew that if Gust decided that he was done with him then Holly would follow and then he would be alone. Again.

He took a deep breath “I did not cheat” he said, it was easier now to force the confidence in his voice as he knew this was true. “I’m sorry if it seemed that way but I didn’t.” This was the hard part “and… And if you don’t want to be friends with me anymore then… Then I understand.”

“What!” Gust yelled “what are ye talking about? ‘Course I wanna still be friends.”

“... Really?”

“Yeah it’s…” The other boy stalled for a moment. “I… I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

“I… It’s my fault” Gust said “I know you didn’t cheat, I knew that from the beginning."

Branch was confused “then why did you say I did?”

“Cause you kept winning” he admitted “and I… I didn’t like that. I… I’m a bit of a sore loser” Gust ducked his head, clearly embarrassed.

“Oh…” Branch didn’t know what to say to that so instead he told Gust his own secret. “I don’t like music.”

Now Gust was the surprised one “you don’t.”

He nods “yeah, it's weird. I know.”

“A little” he agreed, “but at least you throw a hissy fit when you lose.”

Branch slowly moved to sit down across from his friend “guess we’re both a little weird.”

“I bet that’s why we’re friends,” Gust said with a grin.

Personally Branch thought that Gust wasn’t nearly as odd as him and he couldn’t help but wonder why the other boy wanted to remain friends, especially now that he knew about his hatred of music. It would only be a matter of time before he learned of everything else that was wrong with him, then he would change his mind about their friendship.

“How are you so good at cards?” Gust asked, unknowingly interrupting his thoughts.

“Oh… It’s cause my Grandma taught me, she was really good.” He explained “rummy was her favorite. She basically raised me before I ended up here.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Gust admitted, “where’s she now?”

“She’s gone.”

“Oh… I’m sorry” he said “what happened?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he snapped.

Gust winced “sorry, I shouldn’ have asked.”

“It’s fine…” It wasn’t but Branch didn’t want to make Gust upset again. “I gotta go, Delta Dawn is waiting for me.”

“Alright” he said “I’ll see ya later? We gotta finish that game.”

Branch smiled a little “sure, though you know I’m gonna win. Right?”

“Yeah” he sighed, also smiling a little “I know.”

Standing up Branch brushed the sand off his shorts, giving a little wave back to his back to his friend as he ran off.