Here's chapter 21! A sweet, tender chapter to entertain ourselves.

Sorry for the big delay once more. You know how life is. It just gives you a wake-up slap of harsh reality. I had a new job, training, and whatnot. But enough about me, let's get this story started...or finished in this case. Want to get most of my chapters done before Trolls: World Tour comes out which I'm crazy about it. Aren't we all, right?

Anyway, Enjoy!

A Blue Angel Born From Love

Chapter 21: Parenthood

-In the Present-

"Wow, Branch. What an incredible story. I can't believe it!" Poppy said, amazed by the way his birth was told.

"Neither can I. It's amazing!" Guy Diamond agreed. "But what I can't believe is that they didn't name you Buddy or Star after my father!"

"No, Guy! I meant the blizzard! I didn't know that was how you were born, Branch. It sounded quite...well, unexpectedly magical," she admitted.

Branch blushed, rubbing his head from behind. "Well, technically, I was born after the blizzard, but yeah. That's how it happened. A hundred-percent true! I was a miracle baby, born after a blizzard in a faraway cave surrounded by animals."

"Cooper once told me that he always thought you were born one morning inside a den where as a baby, they lifted you high above a troll's head for all to see under a ray of sunlight," Guy Diamond pondered.

"Oh, Diamond, that's an old classic song about an animal king or something!" Branch argued.

"Oh, yes, that's right! Good times."

"So, what happened after that? Did your parents go back to the village?" Poppy asked.

"Nope, we all lived happily in a warm, cozy cave surrounded by ice and snow with our animals companions," Branch replied innocently.

Poppy made a deadpanned look. She knows he's making that up, but she has to admit, his humor is improving.

"Then where did they go to the bathroom?" Guy Diamond asked, eating what appears to be a red berry.

"Yet another mystery!" Branch shrugged. "Speaking of mysteries, Guy, where did you get that?" He asked, pointing at what his friend was eating.

"Some kind of fruit I've stumbled upon while returning from my last bathroom break. It's delicious! Why?" He continued eating it.

"Those are purfles!" Branch revealed.

"What?!" Guy spat out the bits. "Are they the poisonous kind?"

"Thankfully, no. But they're the ones that caused massive indigestion. Remember?"

"Oh. Right. Hmm, I don't feel any different," Guy said. Then his stomach rumbled and felt uncomfortable. "Oh! Speaking of bathrooms, looks like that purfle is backing up on me! Be right back!"

Branch and Poppy chuckled when their friend ran off in a hurry. "Would you remind me again why we're friends with him?" Poppy joked.

"As long as you don't remind me at all," Branch sighed. But he wouldn't say it out loud, but he's lucky to have such a...one of a kind friend like Guy Diamond.

Moments later, Guy Diamond returned feeling relieved. "Whoo! Those fruits should come with a warning label! They're health hazards for us trolls."

"Huh. Actually, that's not a bad idea. It could prevent many unfortunate events," Branch pondered.

"Branch!"

"I'm just kidding...mostly," Branch said to Poppy. "I learned my lesson in safety after I planted those eyeball plants. Anyway, back to my story. Alright, let's see. Oh yeah! My family returned back in our village with their precious bundle. For the next couple of weeks, as Dad quoted, 'our life is very different now that we have a baby!'"

"You two have a baby!?" Guy Diamond shockingly asked.

Tired of his interruptions, Branch suddenly took out a duct tape roll from his hair and pulled a small length of it in front of the glitter troll. "Diamond, I got a roll of tape and I'm not afraid to use it!"

Guy Diamond's eyes widen in fear and quickly silenced himself, shoving slightly away from Branch.

Branch glared for a second before hiding the tape away. He then continued narrating what has happened after his arrival to the world.

-Back in the Past-

It truly was a winter night to remember. Wood and Primrose welcomed their son, Branch, into the world for everyone to meet him. Though barely a day old, they just knew that he's destined for great things. Then again, what parents wouldn't think that for their own child? As soon as Primrose recuperated from her labor, the trolls, along with their new addition, journeyed back to the village where they were greeted with opened arms and happy faces. Their friends came and congratulated them once they heard the news from Joy whom was told by Rosiepuff before she left with Wood.

King Peppy and Joy were the first to greet them. The royal couple glanced at the new addition to the village with warm hearts. They waved at the baby. Branch curiously watched and broke into a happy chuckle, earning smiles onto the king and queen. "What a great looking boy! You must be so proud!" King Peppy commented.

"We are. All that waiting and preparing, it was all worth it," Wood agreed.

"If it wasn't for that blizzard, I would have prepared such a party for this sweet little angel," Joy said, poking Branch's tummy which made him smile.

"Oh, Joy, it's alright. The important thing is that we're home, safe and sound. And all I want now is to relax the rest of the day before Branch begins giving us our new daily duties," Primrose softly said.

"You're right. You did a great job. A really great job," Joy smiled.

"Thanks."

After their small talk, it wasn't hard for Primrose and Wood to decide whom should be considered as Branch's godparents. The king and queen were deeply honored for the privilege and happily accepted, promising to always watch over him for years to come.

Shiningstar and Amethyst were the next to see the baby. They cooed and awed at the infant which Shiningstar commented that he's his father's son, just as handsome and happy. It made the glitter troll eager for his unborn to arrive soon for him to play with Branch.

Soon all their friends were cooing and making baby talk at Branch. Branch, being recently born, had no idea whom they were and was becoming quite uncomfortable. But Primrose gently soothed him, saying that they were his friends and family. All whom will love him and care for him equally much as they would.

Big Bash, Chester, and Thorn presented their sons to Branch in order to get acquainted. Biggie just suck his thumb innocently and raised his hand as to say hi. Cooper just looked curiously and nuzzled gently to Branch, making the teal troll hug him. All the parents and adults just awed at the sight. And when it was Creek's turn, the one year old just curiously booped Branch's nose. Branch, however, just grabs and swings Creek's nose around, making Creek cry. This result also sets Branch to start crying too.

Luckily for the new parents, he quickly stopped crying once they returned to their pod. This marks the beginning of Wood and Primrose's life of parenthood. Since then, Wood and Primrose's normal routine is a thing of the past. Now, they spend all their time concentrating on Branch.

First were the diaper changes, a chore Wood usually ends up doing mostly with a little help from Primrose of course. He just hopes all the changing won't destroy his nose for all the smells he went through.

Bath times were fun for Branch which he usually splash around while Primrose bathed him. The only downside was that whenever they used the sink to bathe him, Wood would have to wait with a giant pile of dishes for bath time to be over.

Feeding time, however, was quite a challenge for both parents. Branch was a picky eater, pushing away his spoon when they attempted to feeding. Sometimes, Wood and Primrose would be covered in baby food because of Branch playing with his food. The only one who didn't had a problem with him was Rosiepuff. She would gently feed him and as a prize, she gave him a slice of her famous Fluffleberry cake. When Branch took a bite of it, he just couldn't get enough of it. It officially became his favorite dessert of all time, something his whole family agrees considering that for some reason, no one wanted a piece of it.

But the most difficult challenge was bedtime. At night, Primrose or Wood would have to bottle feed Branch like every two hours. If he was fussy or didn't want to drink from his bottle, Rosiepuff had the idea to soak a cotton cloth with milk and let Branch gnaw on it for a bit. Some nights, Branch would just cry and cry. All they could do is rub his back until he tired himself out, even if it took all night. This actually didn't leave them any time to take care of themselves. The only toughest are stormy nights were Branch barely slept at all, so Wood and Primrose would just bring their son and placed him in the middle of their bed between them. This method helped Branch, and themselves, to get plenty of sleep.

But despite all the hard work, Wood and Primrose just love their new son so much, he's changed their lives forever. Wood never even thought that they could be so happy.

A couple of weeks after Branch was born, the village received another new member. Shiningstar and Amethyst were blessed with a bouncy, baby boy. He was a sparkly glitter troll with pale white hair, pale grey blue skin, and blue eyes like his dad's. And thanks to Primrose's suggestion, they gave him the name Guy Diamond. Wood was proud of his best friend and congratulated him in being a father, but no one was as proud as Shiningstar. He loved his son so much that he couldn't get his eyes of him.

One afternoon since Guy Diamond's birth, Wood took his family to a neighborhood picnic in the beach near the village. There were various trolls out playing with their families as well. Some of them even had babies about the same age as Branch or older. Once they found the perfect spot, Rosiepuff spread the blanket down and they set the picnic together. They noticed that all their friends were there too.

Big Bash and Olivia watched Biggie playing in the sand with his shovel. Chester was playing with Cooper, kicking the ball back and forth with each other. And Thorn was relaxing while Ivy was teaching Creek some yoga poses.

Branch's parents knew that this village is a great place for their son to grow up and it has plenty of babies for Branch to play with; maybe they'll grow up to be friends someday. Other babies could be seen around such as Baby Aspen Heitz, swimming in the water like a natural swimmer with his parents, and baby Karma playing with the seashells she'd found.

While Primrose was feeding Branch, Wood waved to Shiningstar and Amethyst with baby Guy Diamond in her arms over to them.

"Hey, guys. Sorry, we're late," Shiningstar apologized. "This little guy's a barrel of fun."

"Just like his dad," Wood said, walking towards and giving them a hug. "What a great-looking boy, he's got your eyes, Star!" He said, tickling Guy under his chin, making the baby do a bubbly laugh.

"And my shiny butt," Shiningstar commented. Wood and his family laughed.

"Don't encourage him," Amethyst groaned.

"So, how's your new life of motherhood, Amy?" Primrose asked as she held Branch to burped him.

"A wild ride, I'd say. Diamond just wouldn't stay still when I try to put his diaper on. When I do, it doesn't take too long for him to take it off!"

"Our son's a party animal, my glitter girl," Shiningstar said. "I can't wait to see him do his first glitter fart! Little Guy will be the shiniest glitter troll of us all!"

"Just pray that it doesn't go all to his head," Amethyst hoped.

The adults happily went on with their picnic lunch while their children settled down on a blanket nearby for their nap under the watchful eye of Rosiepuff. Little Branch snooze on peacefully wit Guy Diamond next to him. It was a miracle that the wild cheers and laughter haven't woken them up yet.

After a couple of hours had gone by, Shiningstar and Wood had returned from their swim and joined the rest of the group. Primrose took out a bottle from her basket for Branch.

"I'm sure Branch would be hungry when he wakes up. He should be up about now," Primrose said.

"Oh yes. It's snack time for the little buddies," Shiningstar agreed.

"I'm surprised they managed to doze off with all this commotion around us," Amethyst added.

"They must be snugged as bugs in a rug," Rosiepuff softly said. "The little darlings."

Wood smiled at their chat. As soon as he turned his head towards the babies' blanket, his smile instantly disappeared. The blanket was there but the boys were not. "They're not here!"

"What do you mean 'they're not here'?" Amethyst asked nervously.

"I mean they're gone!"

The rest of them gasped as soon as they noticed the babies are not there. "Where are they?" Rosiepuff began to worry. They immediately spread out the area, calling the babies' names.

"Guy? Guy Diamond!" Amethyst called out.

"Guy! Buddy? I know you can hear me!" Shiningstar hollered.

"Branch?" Primrose checked her left then right.

"Little angel?" Rosiepuff checked under some other trolls' blankets, but no sign of her grandson.

"Branch! Where are you?" Wood cried out. "Has anyone seen my son?"

Shiningstar was by the shoreline when he heard giggling. He gasped as he saw little Guy Diamond crawling towards the water. "No, no, no, no!" He dashed towards him and swiftly grabs him before the waves could take him. "That was a close one!"

"Shiningstar?"

"I got him. He's okay," Shiningstar replied to his wife's voice.

"Oh, my baby!" Amethyst took Guy from his dad's arms and gently hugged him. "I was so worried! We really need to keep you on a leash."

"I hope the others are having better luck."

Meanwhile, Primrose, Rosiepuff, and Wood weren't having much luck on finding Branch. They've searched high and low and all around, but they have caught no sight or hair on him.

"Branch! Oh, where could he be?" Primrose feared for her child's safety. She felt the gently touch of Rosiepuff on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. We'll find him and we won't stop until we do," she assured her. As hard as she tried to smile, she was just as worried as Primrose was. They resumed their search.

"Branch!"

"Branch? Branch!"

Wood continued on calling out his son's name, but he could not hear him or even see him. Finding a baby in a beach full of trolls and laughter is like finding a gem in a confetti pile.

"Where are you?" Wood panted nervously. Just then, he noticed little Creek pointing ahead, babbling cheerfully.

"Lookie. Lookie!"

Wood faces where Creek's pointing, and sees Branch at the top of a water slide. "Branch!"

Rosiepuff and Primrose heard Wood and joined him at the slide, where they saw the baby on top. "Branch! No! Don't move!"

Little Branch just giggled, not knowing the danger that surrounds him being too young to understand.

Wood climbs up to him. As soon as he reached him, Branch happily sat by the edge and suddenly, he slides down. "BRANCH!"

The women gasped, but thankfully Branch landed safely in a muddy puddle, unharmed in any way. He just laughed and giggled as he played in the dirt. The adults ran to him and grabbed him in a hug, full of relief and happiness. Despite the mud in Branch, they didn't resist in giving him plenty of love and kisses.

Wood and Primrose have been on many fun times, adventures, and dangerous close calls with the Bergens, but they never, not once in their lives, were so scared as when they saw their precious baby on the top of the slide. As they hugged and kissed their boy after knowing he was safe, Wood, Primrose, and even Rosiepuff had agreed with each other as they vowed:

"We'll never let you out of our sight again," Primrose declared.

Later that night, after a fun day at the beach along with an additional scare they had, the happy parents had just finished tucking their son in. They placed him in his crib, under a warm, fuzzy, green blanket and wearing his light blue onesie. In his little hands, he held Crocko, the same stuffed toy his father got for the baby shower.

"You had a big day today, Branch. But now, it's bedtime," Wood said softly.

"We love you. Sleep tight," Primrose smiled, gently brushing his hair as she sang a lullaby with a gentle, soft melody.

[Primrose:]

I'll feel the fear for you, I'll cry your tears for you
I'll do anything I can to make you comfortable
Even if I fall down when you're not around
Don't worry about me, don't worry about me

[Wood:]

I'll climb the hills you face, I'll do this in your place
I'll do anything to go through it instead of you
Even if I fall down when you're not around
Don't worry about me, don't worry about me

Branch smiled at the loving sound of his parents' singing. They always made him feel safe and loved. He yawned and then drowsily closed his eyes.

[Both:]

Cause if I fall, you'll fall
And if I rise, we rise together
When I smile, you'll smile
And don't worry about me, don't worry about me

Cause if I fall, you'll fall
And if I rise, we rise together
When I smile, you'll smile
And don't worry about me, don't worry about me

Little Branch was sounding fast asleep when the lullaby ended. Primrose lowered down and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Sweet dreams, my angel."

"Can't wait to see you in the morning, son," Wood added. The two of them then quietly walked to the door with Wood gently holding his wife and glancing back at their bundle of joy. "Look at what we've created. I've never seen the most perfect child in all of my life."

"I know. He's perfect because he's ours," Primrose agreed. They shared a kiss together. Their bond had grown stronger since they first met and Branch is the result of that said bond.

After separating the kiss, leaving the warm sensation in their lips, Wood lovingly glanced at his love, gently stroking her cheek. "You've made me the happiest troll in the world."

Primrose only smiled, her face filled with blissful love. They embraced in their partner's arms, feeling like they're glued together with no intention of letting go. "You did the same for me, Wood. You truly are the one for me and no one else."

Wood nodded as they glanced once more at their sleeping baby.

"I love every day of our lives together. I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life with my mom and everyone we love, and watching Branch grow and learn more and more with you. I feel so lucky. All I want you to know is that I would do anything in the world for you, my lovely Primrose, and for our dear little Branch."

-In the Present-

Branch looks forlorn at hearing these words, reminding him of the future that never was. His friends look at him, understanding how hard this must be for him.

"Are you okay, Branch?" Poppy wondered. Branch nodded silently. "You know, you don't have to finish this story today. If it's too hard for you, you don't have to continue."

"No. I'm fine...at least, I hope I'll be." Branch rubbed his misty eyes and lets out a huge sigh. "Oh, well, this is it. We have reached the climax. It's a familiar story, for me I mean, and as I said before, this won't have the happy ending like many stories you've heard. I don't know if I have the strength and willpower to conclude this tale or if you guys would-"

"It's okay," Poppy rose and placed a hand on Branch's shoulder while gazing at him with comforting eyes. "I wanna hear it, Branch. And I know that you do, too. It may not be easy, but we're here for you."

Guy Diamond agreed with a nod. "Yeah, buddy. When you retold the part where we were trollings, I admit I recalled my folks telling me this. A little longer and our parents would have become bald from all the stress," he chuckled. "We're here for you and you have our full attention. You're standing in the spotlight."

Branch felt blessed to have irreplaceable friends like these two.

"Alright, uh. Days have passed and life continued moving forward. My parents spent every moment with me and grandma whenever they could. Life truly was simple at first. As a baby, I wasn't expected to know much. Only thing I knew is that home is the only place you know and everyone there is your family. I couldn't imagine that life could get any better. We were happy...for a while."

Please leave reviews!

A/N: Song Credit:

"Don't Worry About Me" by Frances

Neomoon585