Big bros vs. Sleepy Baby bro

Chapter 44

Branch huffed as he finally managed to shove all four of his brothers on the same bed.

A few hours ago, he had decided that HE would put THEM to sleep, instead of how they normally put him to sleep.

His brothers seemed amused as he forced them to lay down.

They were all half sitting up, and refusing to lay down, so Branch sighed and ran off, "Be right back!" He called.

"Can I just say how adorable this is?" JD asked.

Floyd nodded, "Oh most definitely."

Bruce smirked, "Anyone wanna make a bet with me?"

Clay sighed, "Dude, we've been over this, trolls pay in high fives, well, Pop trolls do, but those giant Vacayers pay with the weird green paper, money, I think?"

Before Bruce could speak, JD shushed him, "Shhhh! He's coming back!"

They all got quiet as Branch walked in with a few books and a few plastic cups filled with warm milk.

"Okay...you guys just.." he panted, trying to catch his breath as he set the books on the bed and the cups on the bedside table.

He groaned and face planted on the bed.

Floyd barely contained his chuckle, watching as Branch rolled onto his back to breathe better.

"You guys.." Branch paused, yawning, "Choose a story 'n drink up." He mumbled, looking like he was about to pass out.

Clay raised an eyebrow, "How did you get so tired, duckling?"

"Ran...entire time...not short.."

Bruce hummed, "I'm honestly impressed."

JD nodded, "Same, props to you for actually making it back."

"Not old...like..like.." he yawned and rolled onto his stomach, "Like you guys.." he mumbled into the blankets, closing his eyes.

The older four shared amused looks as Branch slowly relaxed, but then he jolted up, startling all of them.

"UP! I'm up! What happened? Did you take my pinecones?"

"Branch.." JD said gently, "Come here, starlight, I think you've finally had enough for today."

Branch managed to show him his rude finger.

"You guys..s'eep a'ready.." he slurred, sitting up a bit.

The older four glanced at eachother again, then they smiled at Branch, "Of course we will, angel!" Floyd said.

"Buuuuut, how about you sleep first?" Clay asked.

Bruce smiled, "Yeah, come on, Itsy Bitsy.."

"You can show us how it's done!" JD said with a grin, "Or maybe we can see who falls asleep fastest?" He asked, knowing Branch couldn't pass up a challenge.

"You're on." Branch said, stretching out like a cat.

He climbed onto the bed fully and crawled over to JD, laying on his lap, "Night, suckers." He mumbled, quickly falling asleep.

JD chuckled and pat him on the head, "And THAT my dear brothers, is how you make Branch willingly fall asleep."

The soft claps of the other three were the last thing JD heard as he cuddled up to Branch and he fell asleep as well, "Goodnight.."