Chapter Text
Branch leaned over the toilet as waves of nausea overtook him, expelling the remnants of his breakfast from earlier that day. The heaving lasted for a brief twenty seconds, but it felt like an eternity as he struggled to catch his breath. Once the worst had passed, he sat back for a moment, feeling the coolness of the bathroom tile beneath him, and reached for some tissue to clean the lingering traces from his lips.
Ugh, dammit.
It was the third time that morning that he had been violently ill, struggling to hold down any food for the last three months. With a weary sigh, Branch flushed the toilet and then settled himself against the tub, cautious not to stray too far in case another wave of nausea hit him. He pulled his knees close to his chest, wrapping his tail securely around his waist for comfort.
What the hell is going on with him? He hasn't been feeling too well since. . .
Since he was with him.
Branch could feel a flush creeping up his cheeks as his heart raced, thumping audibly in his ears. The memory of that tender touch lingered vividly in his mind, a gentle caress that seemed to ignite every nerve ending. He could still sense the warmth of the kiss that brushed against his lips, his neck, and every other part of him, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. What resonated most were the sweet words that had been spoken, from the sincere confession that had touched his heart to the heartfelt declarations of how deeply Branch had affected him.
"I've been in love with you for so long, and I keep flirting with you but it's like you don't notice! Am I doing something wrong? Am I doing something to upset you?"
Branch experienced a sudden chill that coursed through him, intensifying the warmth spreading across his cheeks. The unexpected words from that particular Troll caught him completely off guard, leaving him in disbelief. He couldn't shake the feeling that the Troll's statement was insincere, particularly given the fact that he was under the influence of alcohol from the lively party happening that evening.
"I'm not lying to you, Branch! You are the most beautiful Troll to have ever existed! I don't care that you're grey, or that you don't sing or dance like everyone else! I'm sure that there's a reason for it all! Branch, I swear that I love you!"
Branch recalls the moment he had to prevent him from crashing to the ground. Despite his skepticism about the truth of his confession, Branch chose to accompany him back home. He felt it was important not to abandon him in the woods, especially in such a vulnerable state, completely intoxicated.
"You see? You walking me home, just too make sure I'm safe, just further shows how kind you truly are. It's one of the many things I love about you."
Branch spent that entire walk back through the village with him hanging off him, saying such sweet things that continued to make Branch's heart race. And the walk was unfortunately longer than it should have been, since they had to take the longer route to his Pod just to avoid the party that was still going on. But even still, when they had finally made it to his Pod, he wouldn't let Branch leave.
"Please, Branch. Let me prove that my love for you is real. Just one kiss, one kiss to prove to you how much I love you, please. I swear, I won't ask for more. Just one kiss, please."
For some odd reason, that Branch to this day still doesn't understand, the survivalist agreed to it. Branch allowed him to wrap his arm around his waist, let him intertwin their tails together, allowed him to cradle his head, and let him kiss him. Taking his first kiss. And that should have been the end of it. Just one kiss, and then Branch would have left. But it wasn't the end. He kept his promise to Branch, and didn't ask for anything beyond that kiss, but he didn't have to. The 'one' kiss, that started out as a sweet and tender one, turned into one that was full of passion and desire. It quickly became heated and addictive, and the next thing Branch knew, he was being gently pinned down onto his back, on his bed with him over him, discarding their clothes gently. He doesn't even remember entering the other's Pod, let alone his bedroom.
Branch let out a frustrated sigh as he bent forward, pressing his forehead against his knees. It was hard to comprehend how a single kiss could spiral into a night brimming with intense passion. How was it possible that one simple kiss had led him to willingly give up his virginity to someone he was convinced had no real interest in him at all?
"Oh God, Branch. You feel so good. You're so beautiful. I love you so much, Branch."
Branch blushed more, remembering the feeling of being filled, how incredible it felt. Each and every slow and deep thrust felt too good. It felt like he was being given something that he had been missing for so long. Like he was being completed. And Branch didn't want it to end.
"Oh fuck. Fuck, I'm so close."
"I-Inside! Please! D-Don't p-pull out!"
"Oh Branch, I love you so much!"
Branch groaned as his own voice rang through his memories. He was so needy, so desperate to keep him inside. He didn't want him to stop. And he didn't. That was just the first of many rounds of sweet, passionate sex they did that night.
"Oh God, Branch. You look so stunning riding me like that. So fucking beautiful."
So. . .
"Fuck Branch, it feels like your body was just made for me. Sculpted by Gods, so divine. Being inside you feels so good, so perfect."
Many. . .
"I love the way you moan. The way you call my name. It's like a symphony. I want my name to be the only one that you call like this. I want to be the only one to hear you sound like this."
Fucking. . .
"You're so perfect, so fucking beautiful. You look like an angel. It's almost like a beautiful fantasy, the way you look. Fuck, I want to be with you forever. Mark you as my Mate. Start a family with you. Shower you with endless love and affection."
Rounds!
"Fuck, I want a family with you so badly. Fuck I hope you get pregnant from this. I love you so fucking much Branch, fuck please get pregnant."
Branch raised his head in alarm as that last memory ran through his mind, his eyes going wide, feeling his blood run cold. With all the rounds of sex they did, not once did he pull out. Branch always begged him to not too. And he always complied. And ever since that night, Branch hasn't been able to keep most anything down.
He. . .
He couldn't be, right? Not after only one night! Oh God, was he pregnant!?
Tears welled up in his eyes as he sprang to his feet, rushing to the sink while his gaze locked onto his reflection in the mirror. He could see the tears streaming down his face, soaking his cheeks in a cascade of emotion. With trembling hands, he pulled his vest away from his abdomen, and to his utter dismay, he discovered a small, unsettling bump. A choked sob escaped him just as a wave of nausea crashed over him, propelling him back to the toilet where he violently retched for the fourth time that day. The sound of his sobs intertwined with the harsh retching, leaving the grey survivalist in a haze of despair, unsure of how long he remained there until he felt a comforting hand on his back and another gently stroking his hair.
"My sweet little Angel, are you alright?"
Branch lifted his gaze at the sound of his adoptive father, Sky Toronto, and through his tears, he noticed the deep concern etched on the older Troll's face. Overwhelmed by his feelings, Branch couldn't hold back any longer; he rushed into his father's embrace, sobbing uncontrollably as he sought comfort in the warmth of Sky's presence.
***
Sky Toronto embraced his middle child with a firm yet tender grip, holding Branch close as the boy wept. The concern etched on the older man's face was palpable, as he had just learned from his two eldest sons, Ablaze and Hype, that Branch had been struggling with nausea and vomiting for several months. Initially, they had dismissed it as a simple stomach bug, but as the situation worsened, their anxiety for their brother grew. Trusting his instincts, Sky decided to check on Branch personally, sensing that this was more serious than a mere case of an upset stomach.
As he comforted Branch, Sky gently rubbed his back, providing a soothing presence while his son cried. He remained patient, continuing this nurturing gesture until Branch's sobs began to subside. Gradually, the intense cries transformed into soft hiccups, which eventually faded into quiet whimpers. Once he noticed that Branch was calming down, Sky carefully released him from their embrace and tenderly wiped away the last of his tears, offering a reassuring smile that conveyed his unwavering support.
"Branch, my sweet Angel, your brothers told me about your issues with keeping food down. Are you alright?"
Branch gazed at the ground for a moment, gently clasping Sky's hands to keep them resting against his cheeks, seeking the warmth and reassurance that only a father could provide. Although his son was silent, Sky possessed an incredible patience when it came to his children, willing to wait as long as necessary for Branch to find the words he needed. Fortunately, it didn't take long; after just a few moments, Branch finally broke the silence, his voice trembling from the tears he had shed.
"I need Hype to do a test."
"What kind of test?"
". . ."
"Branch?"
". . .I need a pregnancy test."
Sky's eyes grew wide in disbelief at his son's unexpected announcement. Could this be the reason he had been struggling to keep his meals down? Was he actually going through Morning Sickness? The thought raced through Sky's mind—when had Branch even found a romantic partner? How far along could he possibly be in this unexpected journey? As these questions swirled in Sky's thoughts, Branch misinterpreted his silence as disapproval, and soon tears began to stream down his face, his body shaking with deep, heartfelt sobs.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
"Oh, no! No, no, no, no Branch," Sky said softly as he brought his son back into his arms, cradling him in his arms as he wrapped his tail around Branch's waist, pulling him closer, "No, you're alright, my son. Shh, you're OK. No one's mad at you, I swear. Everything is alright. It's alright." As Branch sobbed, clinging to him with a fierce desperation, Sky felt a pang in his heart, knowing how much his son needed him in that moment. To comfort him, he began to hum a soothing lullaby, hoping the gentle melody would ease Branch's fears and remind him that he was loved and protected.
As he comforted his child, another thought rang through Sky Toronto's mind. If someone had forced themselves onto his child, blood will be drawn.