When Branch had told him why he was crying it wasn't surprising.
It didn't even surprise him when Branch clung to him.
It just really hurt his heart.
When he'd asked, Branch cried harder and explained.
He explained how, 'Creek said he would be back and he was.'
He said how, 'Flo Flo promised to be back but he's not.'
Then he looked up with the saddest face with the biggest eyes and asked, "Flo Flo's not coming back...is he..?"
King Peppy barely held back tears and cradled the small troll close, "I'm so sorry, Branch..if I could find them and bring them back I would."
Branch cried harder and clung to him even tighter.
King Peppy stood up, holding him close.
He then decided that this child needed a home.
He already has three great children, one of them being adopted.
Poppy always wanted a little brother...
King Peppy smiled warmly and walked over to the other three, he kneeled down, still holding Branch and spoke, "Alright little ones, come meet your new baby brother!"
Maybe he should've asked Branch first.
But the boy was alone and wouldn't stay in one foster home.
He's much too little to be on his own.
His other kids lit up with joy as they began to bounce around.
As he watched them with a warm smile, he felt Branch cuddle closer.
He smiled even wider and held him a bit tighter.
After a while of them celebrating, King Peppy took on a more serious tone as he held Branch.
The older three kids watched their father, waiting patiently for what he wanted to say.
He kneeled down in front of them, "I need you three to really watch Branch tommorow, okay? His legs are a lot smaller then yours and he won't be able to keep up himself."
Viva tilted her head, "What do you mean, daddy?"
King Peppy grinned, "We're escaping tommorow."
All of the kids looked up at him, even Branch pulled away to see him better.
They all cheered quietly.
Viva then spoke again, "I promise to keep them all safe!"
Creek nodded, "Me too!"
Poppy bounced in place, "And me!"
Branch cuddled back up to King Peppy and whispered, "I'll keep them safe too.."
King Peppy smiled proudly at all of them, they had all only become siblings not even 30 minutes ago yet they were already willing to protect Branch, who was also willing to protect them.
