Protecting Branch

King Peppy

Branch had turned 8 years old last week and King Peppy was very proud of himself.

He'd adopted Branch on his birthday!

With Poppy being just a month older then Branch, she adored teasing him about being older. (My au.)

While Branch pretended to hate it, King Peppy and Poppy both knew he secretly enjoyed it.

But anyway.

Branch had called him, 'Papa' the other day!

It had been four days ago when he'd said it and Peppy couldn't be happier! His baby boy had called him 'Papa'!

He remembered how anxious Branch had gotten, he remembered his little ears turn red, remembered how he grabbed Poppy's hand for support.

And lord.

His colour.

He'd seen colour in the 8 year old, not a lot of colour, but some!

It was a great sign and he hoped Branch would keep improving!

But today he saw something concerning, Branch had been on the same part of the tree his Grandma had been on, almost like he was waiting for something..

And then it clicked.

Branch had been trying to get taken by a bergen.

Now that he knows this, he has Poppy with him wherever he goes, Creek also follows him around so that makes it a bit better.

As much as he hates leaving them alone, he can't lock them up inside the pod, it would most likely make Branch feel even more unsafe.

More paranoid then usual.

King Peppy sighed, now he couldn't decide whether he should actually lock Branch up despite how he would feel, or allow Poppy and Creek to try and get him more comfortable.

He rubbed his head and stretched, they would be leaving tommorow so he wouldn't lock up Branch for long anyway, maybe Viva would like to look after Branch tommorow, they do have a special bond.