Chapter Text
"This happens when you don't follow my lead!" Said an annoyed Jonh who looked at his brothers.
"No, this happens when we follow your leadership!" Replied an equally angry Spruce, who had had enough of the leadership role his older brother liked to play, though it wasn't far from the truth.
"It used to be fun; now you act like the boss." Spruce leaned on clay; both were against JD, and they had reasons, even Floyd had reasons to complain, still he just watched them from afar, decided not to intervene in the fight.
On the other hand, baby Branch was watching his brothers fight, it wasn't the first time this happened, but he wished it would be the last. The tension between the brothers was increasing as time went by and apparently today everything exploded.
"I'm leaving, I'm leaving alone then, goodbye forever!" shouted JD already outside the capsule. After he left, he didn't show up again for the rest of the night. Not that he was going to be welcomed with open arms... not everyone felt the same way.
After he left, there were a few seconds of silence. The discussion was loud, so it was a safe bet that JD would not return. That left Spruce as the new caretaker of the family. Spruce loved his family very much, he loved taking care of his siblings, but still... he didn't feel ready for this kind of responsibility, he definitely wanted to make his own life, find the love of his life and start a family, if he stays in the troll tree he would never get that.... And now that JD was gone, he also took the opportunity to do the same.
The moment Clay saw Spruce leave he decided to leave too, he wanted to find trolls that understood him and as much as he loves his family, they didn't fulfill that role, "me too" he didn't say goodbye, because he didn't plan to leave forever, he would be back, of that he was sure, he left Floyd in charge of everything... he told himself it wouldn't be for long and with that lie in mind he left quietly.
"Hey wait!" Floyd tried to catch up with them, but it was too late, he knew his mind was already made up... and he didn't like it one bit, he let out a sigh. The situation they had left him in was far from the best.
Then Floyd stood there, understanding that she was now in charge of Branch and his grandmother. She didn't interrupt them in the discussion, she never interrupted them.... Floyd wasn't sure if she had intervened they would have listened to her, probably not.
He turned to look at his brother who looked scared, sad and very small, he was just a baby still, it was cruel to leave him like that... but Floyd didn't want to stay either, since the band broke up, it was his time to be a solo artist, he couldn't take care of his little brother if he took him with him
"You...you're not leaving too, are you Floyd?" Branch asked. Floyd's heart sank a little as he saw the expression on his brother's face, "no...not for long". He started to smile a little, trying to calm his youngest down.
He knew that what he was doing was wrong, but... he really wanted to follow his dreams, he couldn't take his brother with him, but he couldn't stay here either, if he didn't leave now, he was sure he would never leave and it was definitely time to make a decision... and he chose the same as the rest of his siblings
He talked to Branch unlike the others, he really made it a point to let him know that he would be coming back, as he really intended to. He would just get a taste of the fame and come back for Branch, he didn't plan on just abandoning him.
He left him the task of taking care of Grandma, gave him his vest so he wouldn't be lonely and then Branch showed him the plans for a bunker. Floyd...had to ponder if his decision was the right one and decided that yes, it was now or never. He promised himself to come back to build that bunker next to his brother, he would only be gone a year or two, he would come back to watch his youngest grow up.
"Goodbye, little branch," he said goodbye, picked up his guitar and at the door he looked back one last time. Despite being abandoned by most of his family and left alone with grandma, he was smiling at him as he waved goodbye. Floyd recorded the mental image of his brother.
"Just a year or two" he repeated to himself, then he would go back to his brother, get him out of the troll tree and they would live happily somewhere else. After that he turned and left the pod, planning to return in a few years.
Branch was left alone in the pod, even though he said goodbye with a smile to Floyd, it didn't take long for him to start crying, barely a few minutes passed and he already missed them, Grandma comforted him.
"Don't worry Branch, they won't be back long, who could leave a sweet boy like you" Rosiepuff said fondly as she carried Branch and wrapped him in a loving embrace, she respected the brothers' decision, but even she who has known them since the egg is not sure if she will ever see them again.
"Now let's go to sleep, tonight I'll tell you any stories you want." After that Rosiepuff carried Branch and left him on his bed. Now he was alone in a room where 4 more trolls used to sleep.
That night was not nice at all, since Branch was born he was never alone, even at bedtime he was surrounded by his siblings, so at night there was no such thing as silence, you could always hear the snoring of a sibling or something like that.
That night, however, was silent, falling asleep was difficult, even when grandma told him his favorite story, Branch disliked the silence, but he believed that his brothers would return, he had total faith in them.
After that night days passed, which turned into months, time went on until a year had passed since that day. Branch by this point had gotten used to the silence, he used to help rosiepuff a lot now that he was a "big boy", he used to sing from time to time and he still kept the hope that someday Floyd would come back. For the rest of his brothers... he is not very clear about it, but even if they come back he will welcome them with open arms, they are his brothers after all
Over time Rosiepuff and Branch became very close, as they were the only family they had for each other; however, Rosiepuff was already old and the years definitely got to weaken her, right now she was lying in her bed, she looked peaceful but she was quite sick.
Branch was standing on the side of the bed, he was scared, because he was worried that his grandmother's condition was serious, Rosiepuff noticed his grandson's look and gently caressed one of his cheeks in an attempt to calm him down.
"Don't worry Branch, I'll be fine" the little boy looked at his grandmother, still worried. It went on for days until someone came to check on Rosiepuff's condition and indeed, it was nothing serious, but he must have been in bed for who knows how long.
Branch was calmer, but if he was serious about taking care of his grandmother, he literally forced her to lie down most of the time
"Breakfast grandma!" said smiling a barely turned 5 year old boy, he brought along with him a small tray where there was a couple of toast with jam on top and some fruit juice, the appearance didn't help little Branch's dish
"Oh branch" Rosiepuff smiled fondly as she watched her grandson make her a simple breakfast, that's not to say she despised him. She took the tray and looked at the boy "I'll make you lunch today" as soon as she said that Branch shook his head.
"No, you rest and you'll recover faster!" The intentions were genuinely he wanted to see his grandmother better. Rosiepuff could only smile more fondly and nod, she had already tried to tell the boy that she would take care of him, but even if she wants with all her might she was still weak, he really needed to rest
Branch was a 5 year old troll, still too young to take care of himself and that's why Rosiepuff wanted to take care of him, but she couldn't because of his condition, she doesn't know when she would get better but definitely not soon. She was worried about how Branch would take care of himself during the time she was in bed.
Branch knew basic things, he knew how to make toast and the occasional simple thing, he cleaned up as best he could and went frequently to pick up food for the two of them to eat. But how long could this go on for? He was still a child and while he could do all of the above he had his limitations, many limitations
"I'll go get some Strawberries, sleep while I'm gone" he said smiling, Rosiepuff said goodbye to the boy and watched him go, she really wanted to go with him, but in her condition it would only get worse. She'd better stay and rest to get better fast and get back to the routine she and Branch had established.
On the other hand, Branch walked quite calmly to the designated place to pick up the strawberrys, he began to pick up the ones he thought were good, it took him a long time, because there were places where he could not reach and many strawberries were bad.
He stayed there until he managed to get a considerable amount and then decided to return to his grandmother, after all she needed to eat as much as he did. Once he returned home he saw a troll sitting in a chair, waiting for him.
"DORY" Branch shouted and ran towards him, the other troll just turned to look at him and when he recognized him he smiled and hugged him tightly, he even lifted him up a bit
"Hey bitty b!" JD was smiling, glad to see the younger one again "since when did you get here?" asked Branch once JD put him on the ground.
"Just a few minutes ago" he said smiling as he looked at Branch, after that he looked around, seeing no one else he asked "and the others?""they are gone, they all left that same day... but I know they will be back soon" Branch kept his smile all the time, it had been a year since that day, but he still kept his hopes and seeing that they finally paid off he was not willing to give up now. He would welcome his brothers with open arms, no matter how long he had to wait
"Oh" JD was speechless for a few minutes, he just gave his brother a slight pat on the head. He didn't know the others were gone that night, in fact he had thought Spruce had stayed to take care of them... now that there was no brother around JD guessed that Grandma took care of Branch all this time
"And Grandma?, where is she?", he definitely had things to talk about. An feeling of guilt accent in his chest, it didn't sit well at all to leave the burden of taking care of such a small troll to his grandmother, she was old and deserved to be quiet and doing her own thing, not out there taking care of the youngest. JD didn't get an immediate response, so he turned to look at Branch who lowered his head a little.
"Branch?", he knelt down to his brother's height, put his hands on his shoulders and the boy just looked at him, JD asked again with a bad feeling forming in his stomach "where's grandma?", he asked once more and at least Branch answered this time
"she's in her room, but she's sick, the doctor said that she has to be rested and that's what she's been doing, she doesn't usually leave her room" the smile that Branch originally had on his face was wiped off as he said that, he really was worried about his grandmother
JD noticing the change in Branch's attitude decided to calm him down a bit, he was never good with words and even less with actions, so hopefully a warm and big hug would help his brother, usually Floyd was usually the one to handle this type of situation.... but he seemed to handle it well, as Branch calmed down a bit after that
"let's go with her" Branch nodded and they both walked to their grandmother's room, they entered without making much noise, but it didn't matter much, as Rosiepuff was awake and sitting up in her bed, she looked up when she saw Branch running towards her
"Grandma!", the boy stayed on the edge of her bed, he didn't want to hurt his grandmother if he lunged at her or something, Rosiepuff looked at her youngest grandson and smiled fondly, then she saw another shadow and as soon as this shadow came closer she recognized him, even with such low lighting she could recognize the very rectangular shape of her oldest grandson
"Jonh?" she asked and he came closer as he nodded, he stood at the edge of the bed and saw his grandmother. She looked tired and weak, she looked like she had the flu, but if she needed that much rest then it wasn't just that, the guilt that had been building in him for minutes now, only increased, it hurt him to see his relative like this
Rosiepuff noticed Jonh's long face so she took him by the cheek, caressing it gently "you look a lot like your father when he was your age" she said smiling, JD smiled and took his hand "I guess I have good genes" he replied with the same affection, on the other hand, Branch looked at the whole scene with a noticeable smile. Now that JD was back they could go out together again, couldn't they? Now they just have to wait for the others to come back so they can be a family again, it will only be a matter of time
Right?
The 3 of them stayed there for the rest of the day. JD told them about his adventures, which kept Branch entertained for quite some time, Rosiepuff just kept quietly listening although she was still interested in the world outside, she was born in the tree and never left although it's not like she could, she was old and couldn't move as fast as her grandchildren to escape. Still, she would like to get out and explore the world together
Recently, she heard that King Peppy started the digging of a tunnel for everyone to leave, Rosiepuff has faith in that project, so they are only months away from being free. She can definitely wait a few more months in exchange for freedom for her and her family, she just has to be patient.
The rest of the afternoon passed that way, when it got dark and Branch fell asleep on the edge of the bed, JD had to carry him and leave him in his room, once he made sure his brother was sleeping peacefully and safely he went back to his grandmother
"And how serious is it?" he asked bluntly as he sat down next to his grandmother, now that the youngest was gone they could talk about other more important issues. After her question they were both silent, Rosiepuff answered.
"It's not lethal, I just had an... accident with a tick and well, I ended up sick" Rosiepuff was calm as she gave her explanation. "I had an accident with a tick and well, I ended up sick"
Rosiepuff was calm while giving her explanation, something that spread to Jonh, because thanks to that his nerves went down "all the hard part is over.... Now I just have to rest until my health improves completely, of course. The years don't help this any faster."
A sigh was heard in the room from JD seemed more relieved, but still the fact that she was sick only raised a question in his head «who will take care of Branch?» he asked himself, now it was Rosiepuff who asked
"why did you come back John?" JD looked down at his hands, he knew this question would come up sooner or later, "I had plans to.... visit you in a few more months, but I forward the plans because it was close, I wanted to see how Spruce and the others were doing, but it looks like everyone left" Rosiepuff looked at her grandson and then was silent for a few seconds
"visit us...I see you have no plans to stay" JD closed his eyes as if that made Rosiepuff's words disappear, he felt ashamed, for what he said was true. He didn't plan on going back with them, he just wanted to stop by and say hello and then go back to his life as a lonely, independent troll, he liked that life, he loved that life.
"Jonh...I'm glad I could see you one more time, but if you leave again, please tell Branch" JD opened his eyes and turned to look at his grandmother, he was surprised that she didn't claim his decision, but also for what he was asking of him
"You know him and you know his perseverance, after you left...it wasn't all happiness and hopes, he had to face life without his brothers and it wasn't easy for him" Rosiepuff kept her gaze all the time on Jonh Dory "If you leave not to come back say goodbye to him how it should be, and if you can, tell him where he can find you so we can visit you someday, ok?" she finished with a smile, she didn't want Branch to get false hopes that his older brother would come back to life with them, he didn't deserve that
Jonh was silent for a few seconds, he knew that if he left it was not to come back, because as much as he loved his family the life in that tree was not for him, he wanted to be free, without having to take care of his grandmother or without being a big brother, he just wanted to be him, Jonh Dory
"I understand grandma" he replied not too sure of his words, the guilt still consumed him and this talk did nothing to ease it a little, JD and his grandmother caught up after that, they had a quiet and serene talk until they both went to sleep although JD actually just went to lie down on the couch, he couldn't fall asleep
He kept thinking, now he had two options. The first was about him leaving his family again, leaving behind his sick grandmother and baby brother, but going back to his desired life, the life where he was so comfortable and happy. The second option was to stay and take care of his grandmother and his brother, but sacrificing his desired life and some of his happiness in the process.
He rolled on the couch while he was thinking about those two decisions, he wanted to be selfish and leave them behind, he wanted his happiness and in other circumstances he would take that option without even hesitating... but the guilt that was consuming him was affecting his decision... he ended up taking the second option. Once he made up his mind he remained silent
He seem it... unfair, why the rest of his siblings did leave and followed their dreams and he didn't? Why should he, who was in charge of taking care of them for so many years, who was in charge of the band and who was the head of the family for a long time, have to have this burden now? Wasn't it already his time to rest? It seemed unfair, very unfair, to the point that he became angry and began to blame everyone for his bad luck.
if only he had visited them as he had originally planned, he wouldn't have to endure this situation, he wouldn't have to stay and say goodbye to his dreams, he wouldn't have to bear this burden.
"Wait...burden?" JD panicked at his own thoughts, he didn't see his family as a burden...no? He loved and cherished them dearly, they weren't a burden, they were his family! JD sat still, reflecting on his earlier outburst...he wasn't the one who thought that, he didn't want to live knowing that a part of the him seeing his family as a burden , his grandmother.... his siblings...
Once he calmed down a bit he stopped to think, his decision didn't change, but now calmer he decided that... that was the curse of the older brother, but it wouldn't always have to be bad, it could also be good, couldn't it? He could spend time with the younger one and once his grandmother got better they could spend time together as a good family, he would make the most of this, he would see this opportunity as a good way to spend time with his family
With that more positive thought in his head he was able to fall asleep. The next morning he was not greeted by the singing of birds or the noise of the leaves of the trees, which moved thanks to the wind... instead he was greeted by the noise of the bergens, the noise of the city and the hurried steps of his younger brother who was running from one side to the other, he let out a sigh, this will be his new life... he would have to get used to it.
JD got up from the couch little by little, he went to the kitchen and found the youngest trying to make a sandwich right, it didn't look very good, but overall it was edible, JD greeted Branch and he greeted him back with a smile, it was nice to see his brother in the mornings again
"Can I help you?" he asked as he approached, Branch looked at him with a smile and nodded his head, after that they both made breakfast together, they joined to eat together with their grandmother and once they finished JD and Branch sat down in the living room, Branch started coloring on some leaf, while JD just sat and stared at the ceiling.
It was just the first day he was back home and he was already getting bored, he had definitely fallen in love with his life full of silence and one or another adventure a day... now his normal life seemed a bit monotonous and boring, he got up from the couch while he let out a sigh
"Branch, do you want to go for a walk?" he asked calmly, he wanted to do something with his last brother and, since grandma would spend most of the day resting, it was better to go out than to stay at home, as expected, Branch accepted more than happy, he hadn't seen his brother in a while and he also wanted to spend time with him.
Both brothers got out of their pod and began to walk through the branches of the big tree they lived in, it was the best they could do in the absence of a forest to walk, they considered it dangerous to go down the tree, one could never know when a bergen felt like stealing a troll.
They walked through the branches calmly, Branch went ahead while JD watched him from behind, as he was still worried that his brother would fall or something like that, both came in a comfortable silence until Branch decided to ask
"so how did you survive in the woods out there Dory?", Branch asked curious, as he heard from his brother about his survival "adventures" where he did everything he had at hand, JD instantly got a smile on his face, he liked talking to him about how it went, nothing compared to seeing the admiring eyes Branch gave
"it was hard... but thanks to my survival skills I was able to settle down" he was talking calmly, he almost started to ramble, but once again Branch interrupted him with a question he wasn't expecting
"could you teach me? Sounds interesting" JD fell silent and looked at Branch. He was always one of the more curious brothers, as he seemed to want to learn about everything, crafts, types of music and something or other. JD's smile only grew wider, for while he didn't expect that question he did appreciate it, it would help with their relationship
"sure! you never know when you could use it" JD smiled and patted his brother's head who just smiled back, they both looked for a branch near their pod so they could get back quickly if night fell, once they found the perfect place, Branch sat on the ground while JD stood in front of him
"the first thing is to learn to distinguish where is north from south, for this you just have to observe the trees..." JD started talking with a smile while Branch just paid as much attention as he could, the classes started from that day on, it was an efficient method to keep JD busy and Branch entertained
The classes started with pure theory and it was all fun and smiles, they both had a good time, JD enjoyed talking and Branch enjoyed listening, once the theory was finished they started with the practical, that's when things started to get.... ugly
The first classes were quite entertaining, as everything was more about getting situated, getting water or seeing good areas, JD enjoyed knowing that his brother was learning something useful, he felt proud. The ugly part started when they started with some things that required more strength, something that Branch lacked as he was still small, although if he tried hard he would surely make it, however, JD's patience wasn't big, it never was
"Branch, how come you can't even light a fire?" asked JD who was scrunching the bridge of his nose. Branch could not light the fire as he instructed him, several attempts had already passed and he gave up, he looked at Branch who just kept trying to light the fire with the two stones.
"come, let me show you for the thousandth time how it's done" he snatched the stones from him and started the fire himself, Branch didn't take any notice of his actions or the way he looked, he was used to seeing his brother angry or stressed, he always got like that when they were together rehearsing so he smiled at the fire, impressed that something that was so complicated for him was done with ease by his brother
"How can you do it so ea-"
"it's because it's easy, you don't make it because you don't want to, you're not trying hard enough, Branch" JD interrupted as he looked seriously at his brother, Branch's smile faded, he tried to respond
"but I just can't, the stones keep slipping out of my ha-"
"that's no excuse, is that you want to learn at least?" JD got up and started to walk to his pod "put out the fire, I already taught you how to do it" after that he walked away without saying more, Branch watched him go with a sad look, he saw the fire and put it out.
"I have to try harder" he said to himself repeating JD's words over and over again in his head, of course they hurt him and he didn't like that his brother was mad at him, so to change that he would try harder to impress his brother, to show him that he did want to learn.
So with that thought in mind Branch stayed up late trying again and again, it got dark and thanks to the lack of light he pinched himself or hit his fingers by accident, even with the pain he kept trying until he learned how hard to hit it so that it would spark.
Maybe it wasn't much, but for Branch it was a great achievement, he would have run to tell his brother, but it was late at night, so he just put out the fire and went to sleep, maybe that helped his sore hands.
The next day he woke up a little later than usual, JD prepared breakfast by himself and didn't look very energetic, Branch didn't say anything and just thanked him for the food. Then they started their classes once again
"Let's see if you can now" JD had regained his patience apparently, he folded his arms and stared at Branch who nodded, determined to make his brother proud this time.
He tried, he grabbed the stones, placed them and began to crash them... and it was until the twelfth crash of stones that he managed to get sparks and from then on it was just a matter of stoking the fire. Once the fire was completely lit, Branch looked up smiling, excited.
JD looked with a slight smile, he gave a few caresses on Branch's head while he nodded, Branch was smiling happily, JD said
"Your technique is not perfect, but you can improve" while Branch still felt good about it... But something felt wrong, he still decided to enjoy his success.
After that day the classes went on like that, classes went by and the more classes went by the less Branch liked it all. It was fun to be with his brother, but when he managed to do well (because he always made an effort to achieve it) there was always some kind of comment...
Branch managed to set up a camping tent correctly, JD just folded his arms "it's not perfect but it can work".
Branch managed to make a shelter out of leaves and sticks, it was even raised off the ground in case it rained "mh... it can still fall apart easy, if I remove this stick, it should be perfect, Branch" replied JD as he indeed removed the stick that supported everything and his shelter came down "It could be much better"
"Branch, you did great!" smiles JD as he watches as his brother applied first aid in case he ever got a sprain or broke a bone, Branch's eyes lit up, first time he said just that to him "But you could do better, you should perfect your technique, be faster" and Branch lost his smile once more
The more time JD spent the more he acclaimed total perfection in Branch's techniques, the classes continued to a point where there was no more to teach and that only a month had passed.
Branch got up and once again they had breakfast as a family, then everyone went to do their own thing. Branch stayed playing in his room, even after JD's perfectionism fell on him, he wasn't upset with his brother, after all he was the oldest, wasn't he? So he was right, Branch would strive to improve his techniques, but for now he would take a break, the last few weeks he had been practicing a lot and his hands hurts very bad now
JD, on the other hand, was crushed into the couch as he stared at the ceiling, back to his boring, do-nothing day.... At least when he was tutoring Branch he had something to do...that was his way of taking out his frustration with his situation
Even after spending time with Branch his anger for his situation and his inability to leave built up inside him, he lived angry and his way to release that was with the classes he gave Branch, he knows he wasn't the best teacher... he could see the change in Branch's mood all that month... but it was for his own good wasn't it? That way he released stress and Branch learned, it was a win-win... right?
Time went by and the days went by the same, that routine of doing nothing continued for 5 more days... grandma was just recovering, she could get out of bed at least, something that made both brothers happy. However, JD's frustration grew with each day and he began to blame others for the way he was living.
One day, as he sat on the couch staring at the ceiling, he wondered how he had been able to live like this for 17 years... before, at least he had his other siblings, the rest of the gang.
That's when JD realized a truth... if only the band was back, maybe his life wouldn't be so boring, maybe he wouldn't feel like he was in a prison... so with that in mind he walked to Branch's place... he considered himself a genius right now, he would have something to do and he would be with Branch.
He considered himself a genius right now, he would have something to do and by the way he would be with Branch, this wasn't like in class... so nothing could go wrong, they would just sing and have a brotherly moment, they would have fun and JD would regain his love for his home.
JD approached Branch and sat next to him, he was drawing... something, it looked like a bunker with some kind of slide and some names written, he wasn't interested so he considered it a doodle and didn't pay more attention to it
"Branch?" He spoke calmly, the youngest just turned to look at him curious, he put his drawing aside and sat down to look at him better "you like to sing, don't you?" He began to speak calmly
"Sure, I like it a lot" he replied smiling, JD reciprocated the smile and continued "I know we didn't get to rehearse much before...so do you want to try now?" Branch looked hesitant, it seemed that standing in front of an audience still brought back bad memories
"It'll just be you and me bitty B, no audience, just two brothers...besides, we can give the others quite a show when they come! Don't you want to make them proud with a flawless performance?" I ask smiling, he know Branch would accept with that.
"Good! It'll be fun right?" Branch stood up, JD did too "yes, it'll be a lot of fun, I promise"
It wasn't fun
Before, when the whole band was together, JD had comments to hand out to all the brothers, about dancing, looks, attitude or voice, but there was always something to improve on for JD
However, that was never a problem for Branch, because he never got to touch that, his other brothers always ended up protecting him, especially Floyd. So he listened to what they said, but nothing was directed towards him.
However, now there was only JD and Branch, what would happen if the others were not there and Branch failed in many areas? Definitely nothing good. Branch was small and while he learned easily there wasn't always that perfection that JD so pursued
"No, no! Branch, remember. First left, then right and from there you slide" JD was standing in front of Branch who was just looking at his brother, without any smile.
It had been 2 weeks now since they started practicing, it wasn't fun at all. Ever since the comments about perfection or about mistakes and little details started, Branch wanted to leave, to stop doing it and be able to go back to playing with his toys or talking to grandma, who was already recovering more noticeably.
However, JD would always convince him with something to come back, many times he went so far as to apologize to Branch at least
"Branch...bitty B, sorry I don't know what came over me there" JD sat down next to his brother who was annoyed sitting in the corner, as soon as he heard his brother's voice, he turned to look at him lightly
"I promise I won't talk to you like that anymore, come here and give me a hug, yes?" He opened the arms and branch... a child of barely 5 years old believed him and accepted, the excuses of his brother again and again. However, it all came to a point where JD himself had enough.
He felt as imprisoned as when he left that day, he felt again the pressure of having to take care of the family and he felt again the annoyance that someone was not trying hard enough, he felt the same feeling that he felt monts ago, when he left
With that feeling in her chest he gave up again to sing with her brother, he told him loud and clear, it all happened after a stressful day
"I give up...you don't try hard Branch! I'm the only one who cares about getting this right here" he looked at his brother, Branch looked sad, he was giving his thousand percent...but in his brother's eyes it wasn't enough "I give up, you were supposed to be perfect with everything we've practiced, but you still don't get there. The day you can do all this perfectly we'll go back to singing together."
Branch looked down at the floor, JD went to the pod and Branch followed him, but the duo was in no mood at all, they didn't talk to each other the rest of the night...not because Branch didn't want to talk to JD, it was the other way around, he didn't want to listen to the boy
Branch went to his room feeling sad that his brother was mad at him. He was trying to do his best, but even with his best effort it wasn't enough. JD wanted a perfect Branch and he wasn't... so from that day on he was practical and hands-on, looking for the perfection his brother wanted so badly.
A few more days passed, Grandma improved enough to return to her normal routine. JD and Branch talked a couple of times, but John looked annoyed all the time, Branch interpreted that as still being mad at him, so... he just practiced more, that was the way to get the anger out of him. Once he reached perfection, his brother would forgive him and they would be a family again, right?
JD was actually upset about everything, he hated his situation, he hated being upset, he hated not being able to leave and he hated feeling this way. It was his home so why didn't he feel comfortable here? He hated himself for treating his brother this way, Branch just wanted to do his best to be with his brother, but something... just made him angry and he didn't use to control his emotions much
He saw that Grandma had improved a lot, she could do her normal routine like before, he was glad about that. JD was relieved, in fact, when he realized that grandma was technically cured, it was one of the happiest days he had.
It was evening, Branch and Rosiepuff were talking quietly, JD had gone to bed early, he settled into an empty room there, as he didn't want to go back to his old room, no one was bothered. They had a quiet talk. Branch told his grandmother about John Dory's anger and she felt.... upset and a little disappointed to hear that her grandson fell back into his same mistakes.
"Don't worry Branch, I'm sure he'll get over it" she said calmly as she stroked her grandson's head bringing him some comfort, Branch appreciated this, but it didn't quite calm him down
"But I don't want him to be mad at me anymore... I want to spend time with him like the early days" he replied sadly, the grandmother was silent at the younger boy's comment, but after some thought she replied.
"And why don't we all go on a picnic tomorrow? I'm sure that will relax him a little" she proposed and Branch looked at her, he understood the idea and his smile slowly appeared on his face.
"You'll come too, won't you?" Branch jumped out of bed and stood on the floor, he looked at his grandmother.
"Sure, I'm fine now after all... now go to sleep, we'll leave early tomorrow" Rosiepuff looked with a smile on her face at Branch, she liked to see the little boy so cheerful. After everything he's been through, he still couldn't wipe the smile off his face one bit... it was amazing....
"Yes! I'll wake Dory up tomorrow so we can all leave early! Rest Grandma" then the little boy ran off to his room. He laid down on his bed and did his best to sleep, he was excited for the next day, he would be able to calm his brother down and everything would be back to normal now that grandma was healed, they would go out and be happy.
The next morning Branch jumped up, jumped out of his room and ran to his brother's room. He was so excited that he didn't knock on the door, he walked in and said.
"Dory, wake up, we're going on a picnic and Grandma's coming too!" The little boy ran to the bed, went over and.... realized no one was there, he smiled. His brother was getting up before him, he had forgotten.
He turned around and started walking towards the exit of the room; however, he noticed something that made him erase his smile, he scanned the room looking for something, something specific, but he found nothing....
The room was clean, like new, it didn't even look like someone had been living in that room, John was gone... again.
"Dory?"