𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓐𝓻𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼 | 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓼 | 𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 {𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴}

❄️𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵-𝓐-𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷❄️

𝓙𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓹𝓮𝓻'𝓼 𝓟𝓞𝓥:
My shoulders are starting to visibly slump, the weight of exhaustion pressing down harder with each passing note. I'm using every ounce of strength I have left to keep my vocals up, even though we've been at this whole "Show Poppy why she was wrong" performance for at least twenty minutes straight. The forest around us has become a whimsical stage. Flowers sway in rhythm, and woodland creatures twirl, hop, and dance along to the melody that Branch and I keep alive. But Poppy... She's still sprawled out on the ground, unmoving, her body framed by grass that bends around her like a soft outline. 🎵Oh. You're the best friend, that I've ever had!🎵 Her bangs flutter with the wind, brushing against her eyes. She tries to blow them away with quick puffs of breath, but they just fall back in place, persistent, like her thoughts.🎵I've been with you such a long time-🎵 Then, she finally snaps. "JUNIPER, BRANCH. ENOUGH!" Mid-sentence, she shoots up from the grass with an abrupt outburst that knocks us both into stunned silence. The animals scatter in a rush of startled movement. Branch and I freeze, our voices cut off instantly as her sudden eruption jolts us into place. "I keep telling you two to stop, and you just keep singing! It's like you're not even listening to me-" Her eyes meet ours - already wide, already filled with guilt. "Oh, my, holy realisation. That was what I just did to Bridget, wasn't it?" She grimaces, her face folding into something pained and apologetic. "Phew. There it is! We were running out of songs.." Branch sighs, his shoulders drooping to match mine. I nod slowly in agreement with his mumble, too tired to give a response with actual words.
"Ugh, man." Poppy exhales, her breath thin and shaky. "I got so exited about me and June's plan, and our only intention was to take care of Bridget. And we... I.. wasn't even listening to her." Her head drops forward until her chin rests against her chest, eyes now lost in her lap.
"I'm sorry, Juniper. I've ruined everything." My brows pinch with empathy as I watch her retreat inward. My lips press together, running along themselves, before I move toward her. I sit beside her again, lowering myself to her level with care. I reach out, placing a gentle hand on her back. "You didn't ruin everything. Bergens just doesn't celebrate holidays like we celebrate them. It's not your fault that they refused all of our suggestions." She turns her head toward me, our eyes meeting, something unspoken passes between us, and a small, fragile smile touches her lips.
But then - something catches our attention. A bubble floats between us. Shimmering, light, and almost glowing in the dim forest air. Another follows. Then another. One by one, bubbles drift past our faces like drifting stars. We both push ourselves back to our feet, curiosity pulling us out of the moment. We turn just in time to catch Branch's reaction, his face just as confused and intrigued as ours. Without needing to speak, we begin to follow the bubbles together. Branch's hand brushes mine, then gently takes it, our fingers lacing as we fall into step behind Poppy.
The bubbles lead us toward the edge of the forest, and suddenly, we realise we're standing on a hill. From here, the BergenTown unfolds below us, transformed completely. Every building is wrapped in strings of glowing lights - alternating between green and red - casting the town in a magical glow. But it's the Troll Tree in the center of town that takes our breath away. It's... different. Several branches have been trimmed and shaped with care. The crown of the tree is styled upward, almost like a Troll's mane. The sight is strange, striking, and somehow, deeply touching. We glance down to where the last of the bubbles float. They merge with a thick foam now blanketing the town square. The paths of stone has vanished beneath it, replaced by a white, fluffy layer that looks suspiciously like snow. It's stunning.
The three of us begin walking again, this time down the hill, drawn toward the heart of the town. The foam crunches softly beneath our feet as we step into the Bergenstreets. Everywhere we look, there's more to see. Decorations hang from every window, every lamppost. Bergens stroll by in cozy scarves, mittens, and puffy hats, some with earmuffs snug over their ears. Their gloves are clasped in front of them, and their lips are pressed in quiet concentration as they hum together. And then we find the source of the bubbles. Two Bergens stand out among the crowd - castle guards, dressed in their usual uniforms but now partially hidden beneath warm layers. They stand next to a curious machine, releasing one glistening bubble after another into the frosty air. The bubbles drift upward before planting themselves gently across the foam-covered streets. For the first time, all night, I can feel the world slowing down. Like everything finally found its rhythm.
"Hey everybody! The tree looks like Troll Hair!" Our attention finally snaps upward at the sound of King Gristle's voice, booming from above. He's standing at the crown of the Troll Tree, carefully shaping the branches with determined precision. He's the one styling the Tree's mane. Bridget soon comes into view, stepping beneath the hovering branches, her chin tilted up just like ours. Her eyes glow with admiration as she watches him work, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Grissy! It's so beautiful!"
Poppy turns to me, and I to her. We share a wide, beaming smile. Without another word, she turns and takes off, running straight toward Bridget's silhouette beneath the glowing tree. I gently slip my hand out of Branch's and follow close behind, feet quick against the foam-covered ground. Our voices rise in unison, calling her name. "Bridget!"
Bridget spins at the sound, and when she sees us, her entire face lights up with joy. Her grin is wide and genuine, her eyes crinkling with relief. It's clear she's just as glad to see us as we are her. "Poppy! Juniper!"
We reach one of the Tree's thick, knotted roots that curves up above the ground like a wooden bridge. Climbing up, we crawl along its surface toward her. Bridget approaches from the opposite side, bending down so her face meets ours through the canopy of branches.
Poppy twirls in place, her energy returning. "This is amazing! You guys really outdid yourselves."
"I'm so glad to see you, Poppy." Bridget lets out a soft sigh, her smile full of warmth and relief. She must've been just as worried as Poppy was... worried that everything we had, the friendship, the trust, had been balancing on a thread too thin to hold.
"I'm so sorry, Bridget. I was not being a good friend." She offers her apology, her eyes flickering between us. "And not a much better sister..." Then she turns to me specifically, adding a second one into the first. Just for me. There's no bitterness, only sincerity in her voice. "I got so caught up in telling you what to celebrate, that I didn't even think about why." The moment hangs still.
And that's when it hits me, my behavior wasn't any better. I have been just as reactive, just as selfish. I didn't stop to listen, not really, not when they needed me to the most. Regret tightens my chest. "My behaviour must not get overlooked, I have been a poor listener too. I'm sorry about that." My expression falters, eyes wide with realisation, and I glance at Poppy to see the same guilt mirrored in her face. We both look down, our heads tilting in quiet shame, hands clasped in front of us like kids owning up to something we should've seen sooner."Hey, it's okay. You two actually helped us!" When Bridget continues with her voice unexpectedly calm, we finally lift our chins again. Our eyes meet hers, and in that moment, everything shifts. "We realised, that the holidays aren't about all that stuff."
"Right?" I beam. "Oh! It's not about the glitter or the presents or the decorations. Although, man. Do I love decorations!" I grit my teeth slightly, trying my best to sound convincing as I speak, forcing the words through a stretched, nervous smile. I fully understand and agree with Bridget's point of view. And honestly? The fuzzy sweater she's wearing makes her eyes pop in the most stunning way.
"Oh the decorations..." Poppy sighs beside me, almost caught in a daze, her gaze drifting over the town's decorations. "But no. You're right. It's not about that.. I'm learning as I go." She waves her hands through the air, like she's physically brushing away hesitation, settling on an agreement with herself.  "Me too." I nod, quietly proud of her.
"I think the holidays are about celebrating the awesome things in life. And the super-awesome things in our lives, is our friendship with you guys. The Trolls." Bridget continues, her voice grateful and steady. She reaches her hand down to us, offering a single finger for Poppy and me to hold onto. The friendship we've built with the Bergens is real. And it's going to save lives. Lots of them. And the best part? We'll have fun doing it.
"And a friendship like ours is definitely something worth celebrating." I smile. But suddenly my vision blurs, a well of tears building faster than I expected. I blink quickly, but a single droplet escapes, slipping down my cheek before I can stop it.
Okay, Juniper. Contain yourself.
Before the tear can fall completely, Poppy reaches out and gently brushes it away with her finger, her touch feather-light. Bridget leans the rest of the way down, giving Poppy the chance to press her little arms around one side of her cheek. I do the same on the other, both of us hugging her face with affection and warmth.
Unnoticed at first, Branch has quietly crawled his way up onto the root behind us. I catch the crunch of wood beneath his foot and turn my head, pulling away from Bridget just in time to see him - smiling. "Branch!" I gasp, my hands flying up to cover my mouth. "You're smiling!"
"I-I am? I am! Wow, that's what it feels like." He meets my eyes as I approach, and I flash him a smile of my own, playful and soft. "You have a very nice smile." Behind me, Bridget chuckles nervously, almost shyly, like even she's afraid to say what she's thinking.
"Thanks! Now I can't stop... yeah. This is kind of starting to hurt." Branch's smile stays wide, and with both hands, he tugs at his sore cheeks, wanting to rip that tense smile off of his lips again. The gesture sends a laugh tumbling from my chest, and his gaze drifts back to me. I step closer, until I'm standing right in front of him. Lifting my arms, I gently place my palms on his cheeks. The moment I touch him, his entire expression softens beneath my hands. The tension melts away.
Behind us, I can sense Poppy and Bridget watching with quiet awe.
"Thank you Branch." Branch blinks at me, his voice soft and puzzled. "For?"
"For always supporting me, supporting the crazy ideas Poppy and I often share, and the impulsive actions following." I tilt my head toward Poppy, still standing behind me, by Bridget's bend form. He knows every signal by heart - the ones Poppy and I share every time our plans is getting out of hand. We always count on him to make sure we don't end up in trouble.
"Why, of course, Princess. I care about you, both of you." His arms move without hesitation, snaking around my waist, his hands warm against my skin. A shiver dances down my spine at the closeness. Even now, even after all this time, he still makes my heart beat faster. My expression falters for a second, nerves rising. He must notice it.
My left hand drops from his cheek to rest on his shoulder, while my right retreats entirely, settling against my own neck, instinctively trying to soothe the fluttering in my chest. Without a word, he reaches for my hand, gently moving it from my neck and guiding it back to his face. Then he pulls me closer by the waist, leaning down to close the distance.
His lips meet mine with gentle care. I'm not complaining. I melt into the kiss almost immediately, his touch grounding me. My arm curls tighter around his neck, fingers interlocking at the nape as if I never want to let go. Eventually, our bodies begin to lean back, our lips parting with a soft, reluctant peck. Too soon, if you ask me. Even as we pull slightly apart, he keeps me wrapped in his arms, holding me in the warmth of his embrace. And with BergenTown glowing around us, music in the air, bubbles drifting like snow, and love all around... The mood couldn't be more perfect.
"Seems like you're passionate about Romance after all, Branch." Poppy's snicker carries from behind us. Branch glances over his shoulder while I look past his, and we both catch the sight of her and Bridget wearing matching grins, eyes wide with that knowing sparkle. I shake my head with a small laugh as Branch turns back to me. Then, without a word, he leans in and plants another kiss - this time on my cheek. It's gentle, thoughtful. One of those quiet ways he's always expressing love without actually saying it. He's so good at that, at showing me how he feels. Even if he's never said the words aloud. I wish he would. I really do. Mostly because I'm too scared to say them first.
The big words: I love you.
What if it's too soon? What if I scare him off?
The thought circles my mind, fogging it up, but then Poppy's voice breaks through, cutting through the heavy swirl like sunlight through a cloudy sky. "This is really nice, Bridget." She's speaking with that radiant smile of hers.
"Happy Troll-A-Bration, everybody!" Gristle's shout cuts in, booming through the air. We all turn our heads to see him standing proudly beneath a giant banner: Trollstice. though it's been altered with marker, letters scratched out and rewritten to something new, something shared.
Poppy beams. "I love it!"
"And since we're celebrating the Trolls, why don't we Troll-it-up a little bit?" Bridget whips around, grinning from ear to ear. "HIT IT, GRISSY!" And just like that, the celebration begins.
Bergens have poured water across the stone-paved streets earlier, and the winter chill has frozen it into a glossy, shimmering rink. Gristle, decked out in earmuffs, ice skates, and yes - another fuzzy sweater (he pretends not to like them, but we all know better) - skates out onto the ice. Strapped across his torso is his keyboard, hanging from his neck. He starts to play, fingers moving smoothly across the keys. As he spins, his back faces me for a brief moment, and I catch a glimpse of the tattoo we gave him. "Hug Life."
I laugh softly to myself. Branch lets go of me and darts across the ice, joining Gristle with eager energy. 🎵Holiday!🎵 He's given a hand to hop up onto the keyboard, literally playing and dancing along its length, scarf whipping around his neck with every step. 🎵Holla-day! Celebrate!🎵
🎵Cela-brate🎵 Poppy, Bridget, and I head toward the ice. Bridget creates a flowing motion with her arms, then lowers one hand down to us. 🎵If we took a holiday.🎵 Poppy hops up first, singing as she does, her voice carrying through the festive air. 🎵Took some time to celebrate!🎵 I follow close behind, adding my voice to hers. 🎵Just one day out of life.🎵 Then Bridget joins in too, her voice strong and warm as she glides onto the ice to join Branch and Gristle. 🎵It would be, it would be so nice. Everybody spread the word!🎵
She passes by her boyfriend, which gives me the perfect opening to leap across the space and land beside mine, both of us laughing as we bounce from key to key. 🎵We're gonna have a Celebration!🎵 More and more Bergens gather at the edge of the rink, then begin to skate onto the ice, joining in the song. 🎵All across the world, In every nation!🎵 One by one, voices rise, hands clasp, feet glide, laughter fills the air.
A burst of colour streaks across the pale blue sky. At first, I think it's another rainbow. But as I focus, I realise it's the Caterbus. It crashes gently onto the edge of the rink, foam flying up around its wheels. The rest of our friends pour out, joining the celebration. Even Cloud Guy, who's somehow managed to slide into our circle of trust. Don't ask Branch about that, he's still processing.
🎵It's time for the good times! Forget about the bad times.🎵 Branch keeps singing, leaping across Gristle's keyboard with practiced rhythm. Then Gristle lifts one skate high, and Branch grabs my hand, jumping onto the raised boot. 🎵One day to come together, to release the pressure.🎵 Gristle steadies us with both hands circling his ankle as we sing together, our voices harmonizing. Branch twirls me with a sweep of my arm overhead, spinning me effortlessly. As Poppy and Bridget skate past, she calls out to me, motioning for me to jump back in with them. Branch stops me with a gentle touch, framing my face with his hands before pressing a kiss to my forehead. Then he's off again, bouncing back to the keyboard. I return to the girls. As we reunite, Poppy and I's hug-time bracelets chime and glow. The soft light spreads between us. Bridget twirls herself around, arms lifted to frame us in her palms. We press ourselves gently into her cheeks, just like before. 🎵We need a Holiday!🎵
One by one, every Troll's bracelet begins to glow, scattering spots of light all throughout BergenTown. The tiny creatures hiding in the forest, in the trees, under decorations, reveal themselves as the soft glow illuminates their shapes. Up above, the Troll Tree lights from within, its crown shimmering, the glow pushing through every leaf and branch. I close my eyes, letting the comfort of the embrace surround me.
But then, I catch something unexpected. I blink, refocusing, and there he is - Branch. He's climbed onto Gristle's frame, arms around him in a full-on hug. A real hug. He clings tight, a rare, genuine smile stretched across his face.
He's hugging a Bergen. And in that one moment, it becomes crystal clear. He's grown to like them. Maybe even without realising it.
We all have.

𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓿𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 '𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓐𝓻𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼'
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𝓢𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓼:
Third Book: 𝓓𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓭  | 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓼 |𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 {𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴}

Next Holiday Special: 𝓣𝓲𝓼' 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓢𝔀𝓪𝓹 | 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓼 | 𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 {𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴}