Brewed With Tender Care (Trolls Fanfic)

Branch is having a dreadful Monday morning, made no better by a waitress with pink hair.

‼️Characters are not mine. Trolls belong to Dreamworks.‼️
‼️CW: abandonment, familial trauma, mention of death, and self-esteem issues‼️
☕️Coffee Shop AU☕️ and 📚University AU📚

Monday.

It just had to be Monday.

Monday’s and Branch never mixed well. They managed to feel particularly more soul-sucking than any other day, at least to him. Mondays were the bane of his existence. Ever since he started university, that is. It seemed like they never fail to suck any life out of him. It shouldn’t be a surprise, though, given the type of guy he is. As if he had much “life” in him at all.

Maybe it was the caffeine-induced all nighters of TV and essays and homework that fed Branch’s distaste of all Monday mornings. Or his insomnia keeping him awake with thoughts of a life he could’ve had. A life with his brothers. A life he wished he could have back.

And it just had to be a wet, snowy Monday. The horrid cold against his skin felt like little needles sticking into him from all angles. Branch shivered. His leaf green coat was only thin. Not a big deal, there were more important essentials to spend your money on.

Branch turned a corner, passing by an obnoxiously bright, colorful café. He cringed. Way too much color for his taste. After only walking past another 3 feet. Branch stopped. He had passed by that cafe many times before but never dared to step foot inside. This time, he spun on his heels. Branch had forgotten to grab a coffee cup before heading out, probably still half asleep. There had to be no harm in going in this once. Branch peeked through the glass windows. No one else was inside, thank heavens. Hopefully, this would be a quick trip

Branch pushed open the door to the café. A bell rang above him as the door closed behind him. The aroma of coffee was instant. It was exactly how he imagined it was. Tacky. All the chairs were as colorful as the outside of the building. Not a single dark coloured chair, or wall for that matter, was in sight. The inside was bright, a contrast to the mellow, dingy atmosphere outside. At least they had the consideration to use warm yellow-coloured light bulbs. Branch took a seat on a warm coloured armchair at a table and looked down at his snow covered boots. He couldn’t wait to get out of here.

“Hello!” A very-much-too-cheery voice called out. “Give us a quick second. We’ll be right with you!”

A second voice was piped up. Wonderful, a second person to deal with. This voice sounded older than the first voice, but not by much.

“I got the ladder, sis!”

So they were sisters. And their relationship seemed to be perfect.

Longing tugged at Branch’s heart.

He finally looked up from staring at the floor and found the source of the voices. One with bright pink hair stood on a ladder and the other with bright yellow hair held the ladder still. Branch could just make out what the girl on the ladder was up to. She faced a chalkboard doodling flowers, butterflies, and the like with intense concentration.

She then descended down the ladder, not without the grace of a newborn fawn on a frozen lake. The girl with yellow hair caught the other before she completely tumbled down. She looked at her with genuine concern until the pink haired girl guffawed. Loudly. The other joined in until they were in total hysterics. Branch groaned and yawned. The two seemed almost too happy. Especially for the time of day. He wondered how they did it.

Branch stretched his back. The seats weren’t exactly the softest in the world. When he repositioned himself, the pink haired girl appeared at his side. Branch nearly jumped right out his chair. Her sudden appearance revealed a wide smile (of course), a teal apron, a flower headband, and a name tag that read ‘Poppy” on it in fancy cursive. Poppy. What an oddly nice name.

“Sorry about the wait!” She was just as bubbly as before. Branch would think her all-to-joyful tone was some façade if it was literally anybody else. But this girl was different. It radiated, like a light, from her so naturally.

“Welcome to “P&V Harmony Cafe!” My name’s Poppy and this is my sister Viva,” she pointed to the counter, Viva standing right behind it, “and we’ll be serving you today! What can I get you, Sir?” Poppy said with enough cheerfulness to give Branch multiple aneurysms at once.

Man, her hyper tone was exhausting. It was no wonder this girl had a café. All he needed at that moment was to get his coffee and leave. His order didn’t take much thought, if any at all.

Branch shrugged. “A large black coffee, 4 shots of espresso”

A look of concern took over Poppy’s features. “4? Isn’t that a lot? You don’t want any sugar or sweetener or-?”

“I said 4 espresso shots!” Branch spat out, interrupting. “No more, no less-“

A song blared over the speakers. One Branch hadn’t bothered to listen to for a long time. A song called Perfect

Branch flinched. If he wasn’t awake before, he certainly was now.

“Oh. My gosh, I love BroZone!” Poppy half whispered to no one in particular. She bobbed her head to the beat as she scribbled down Branch’s order.

A huge range of emotions all flooded Branch’s mind at once. He froze. First came the wishing, the longing mixed in with the inevitable nostalgia of a life left behind. A small smile faded as quickly as it appeared. Then came the pain, overwhelming pain. Why? Why did they leave him? Abandon what they had as if it was all just some useless junk. What had he done to make them leave him behind to fend for himself? He missed them so darn much.

“Hey, are you alright, Sir?”

Branch snapped back to reality. Poppy stood there, her head tilted with concern showing in her expression. She must have seen his sudden change in demeanor. It was a wonder she even cared after being a victim of Branch’s rudeness. It felt strange to witness, but also admirable at the same time.

“Ah, yeah, yes. I’m fine.”

He didn’t need sympathy, nor did he want it. He had cared for himself long enough to not need someone getting in on his business. As Poppy stepped away, her eyes never broke her gaze on Branch. He slumped back in his seat. Poppy walked behind the counter while she and Viva glanced at each other. Maybe it was the sisterly connection, but they could tell they were thinking the same thing.

“What is up with that guy?” Viva said.

“I don’t know. But what I do know is that he needs some serious cheering up!” Poppy enthusiastically replied. “And I know exactly what to do!”

Their conversation was hushed. Quiet enough for Branch to not understand a word, but loud enough to know they were conversing. He rolled his eyes wondering what was taking so long over there. Suddenly, Viva’s voice perked up with the slightest hint of frustration.

“Shoot, the coffee machine’s broken.” She winked at Poppy who winked back. “Shouldn’t take too long to fix.”

Branch wanted to facepalm. He was lucky his morning classes didn’t start for another hour. But horrendously unlucky that he's gonna be stuck here for as long as it takes to fix the coffee machine. Stuck with these two goofballs. Branch sighed. He had calmed down from what transpired five minutes ago, yet the song still rang in his head long after it had switched to the next one.

Branch reached into his coat pocket. A square object found its way into his hand among a mess of other items. He pulled it out and rested his arms on the table. It was a CD. Old, but still functional. Branch made sure of it. The cover, blue and scratched, displayed five figures in creamy white pants and coloured jackets with matching hair colors. They were all posed on the cover. In bold, silver letters, BroZone was written across the top.

In the middle stood John Dory in his classic teal jacket. A pair of orange goggles sat upon his hair. He looked just as cocky as ever. Something that Branch never missed about him. If he even really missed him much at all. To his left stood Spruce in his purple jacket. He was shirtless, and it was no trouble to see his well-known abs. Branch has seen countless ladies faint at the sight of his chest. Now, it just made him cringe.

To John Dory’s right stood Clay in his yellow jacket. The same sort of shade as Viva’s hair, Branch recognized. He was pictured in his popular Rusty Robot dance move. Branch loved it as a kid. He still couldn’t resist a small smile whenever he thought about it. And last but not least, Floyd in his red jacket stood next to Clay. The only brother he truly missed for who he was. Not just for what they had. The only one of his brothers who seemed to really care about him. Even if he left with the others.

And on Floyd’s shoulders sat a little kid. The smile on his face was full of joy, so sunny and lively. Branch, or Bitty B as he was known as then. Back when his hair was blue and his face was decorated with a pair of blue tinted, white glasses. He was the only one without a jacket. He stopped dying his hair after his brothers left. Branch’s hair was jet black and much more fizzled now. The glasses were gone too.

Branch could feel his eyes flood with tears. He frantically blinked them away before anyone could see. Hearing any of their songs together brought back so many overwhelming painful memories, as previous events demonstrated. Even if they did, Branch couldn’t resist occasionally sliding the CD into a player and letting their singing fill his ears. Just so he could hear their voices again.

Just as Branch was about to slide the CD into his pocket, that Poppy girl popped up right at his side. Once again, Branch nearly went flying to the roof. How did she do that?

“You love BroZone too?” Poppy beamed.

“What? N-No, no, I don’t!” Branch fumbled with the CD in an attempt to hide it from sight.

“I can see that CD in your hand.”

“No you didn’t!” Branch managed to hide the CD behind his back. His voice went cold. “What do you want?”

She better make this quick, he thought

“Well, I noticed you were looking down and wanted to help put a smile on that face of yours!”

Branch fought a snort and slid the CD back into his pocket. Oh boy. This was sure gonna be fun. Branch didn't think he had produced a joyful smile in forever. A combination of university studies and past grievances in his life prevented it. If this girl managed to make him smile, he might as well buy a lottery ticket.

Poppy grabbed a menu from the wall. She flipped through it, eyes clearly scanning for something. Whatever it was, Branch didn’t know.

“Would you like light and fluffy pancakes?” Poppy flipped the menus around close to Branch’s face. “Or what about a sugar cookie? We’ve got tons of flavors! Oh! And we have a special on for this delicious chicken soup my Dad made-“

“I’m not hungry.”

“Well that didn’t work,” Poppy muttered too low for Branch to hear. “Want to do some karaoke? That’ll put a smile on anyone’s face!”

“I stopped singing long ago.”

This girl was not backing down, no matter how many times Branch protested. His annoyance was growing. Was it a nice enough gesture, trying to make him happy? Maybe. But was it so, very corny? Absolutely. Brandy stared down at the table. He really hadn’t sung a word since his brothers left.

“What about a hug? Everyone loves hugs! Viva’s a great hugger!”

“No thank you.” Branch said firmly.

“Are you sure? You seem like you could use one-“

“I said no thank you!” Branch replied harshly, venom spilling from his lips.

Branch could feel his teeth clutch and nails dig into his arms. No amount of silent begging would make this girl leave him alone. He wished she would just stop trying. Couldn’t she see he didn’t want any of this? His eyes flooded again, thinking of what he did want.

Why couldn’t she just leave him alone-?

“What about…” Poppy put a hand to her chin, “some scrapbooking?”

“No!” Branch shouted, his voice cracking. “I don’t want any of your stupid specials or hugs or games. I want my old life back! I want to see my brothers again!”

Oh. Crap.

Branch realized far too late what he had said. He squinted his eyes shut, not daring to look at the girl in front of him. A total stranger. She must think he was the weakest, most pathetic human she ever laid her eyes upon. Was this why his brothers left him alone? Because he was just some big baby? His nails dug deeper in his skin, threatening to draw blood from his veins. At least it made that blabber mouth finally stop talking.

Flashes of his brothers appeared in his mind. All the times they sang together. All the fun times they had. The concert that snatched it all away from him. He wondered if they missed him at all. Branch finally opened his eyes. What he expected was a dismissive, even a mocking look from the girl in front of him.

Not the most gentle smile that Branch had ever seen.

Nor did he expect a box of tissues to be laid on his table.

A realization came to him. Branch put a trembling hand to his cheek. Sure enough, it came back wet. He wiped his hand into his dark brown jeans. Of course he had to be crying. Because things were already going so well for him. Poppy sat across from him, that soft smile never fading away. Pity. That’s what she must be feeling. This was just all out of pity for a guy she barely knew. Words became stuck in Branch’s throat. Until some came flying out in a burst.

“Why are you still here?” Branch mumbled. “Out of pity?”

“You’re hurting, Sir,” Poppy breathed. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Branch thought for several seconds. Feelings on their own were complicated for him. Let alone talking about those feelings. “No” was on the tip of his tongue before he held it. This girl…something was off. Even if she just pestered him endlessly to make him happy, to zero success, she seemed to genuinely care deeply about him. Why else would she take time out of her schedule to talk to a guy like him? Not many have shown that same kindness to him before.

Maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Branch took a shaky breath. “My brothers ditched me when I was 6 years old. And my Grandmother was killed a few years later.”

The tears that were once rolling down his face diminished. For the first time, sitting up close to each other, Branch noticed a few freckles scattered on Poppy’s cheeks. A cute feature of hers, not that he cared at the moment. The smile faded from Poppy’s face as she listened. She put a hand to her heart.

“Sir, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through.”

More pained words shot from Branch’s mouth. As his frustrated ranting continued, Poppy only listened in, nodding along.

“I had to raise myself because my deadbeat parents were never around. I had basically no family and all I could think about was how alone I was!”

Branch smacked a fist on the table. Poppy never said a word. Only letting him rant tearfully. The tears that had diminished came back with a vengeance. Branch’s voice broke with every other word.

“I miss my brothers everyday. I wondered everyday what I did to drive them away or if I ever even crossed their minds like they always cross my mind.” Branch said. “All I want is my family back!

Branch’s breathing quickened. Did he really just say all of that to a stranger? He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes closing. Once he opened them again, Branch saw the shimmering eyes of Poppy gazing back at him. Was she…crying? He shouldn’t have even brought anything up. What had he done?

Why must he mess everything up?

“I’m sorry for how I acted earlier. And for talking your ear off about my crappy life. You must think I’m the worst person you’ve ever met.”

“No, no, not at all. If anyone should apologize, it’s me. I should’ve realized sooner I couldn’t pester you into making you happy.” Poppy gently placed a hand on Branch’s.

Branch became breathless and warm, his heart suddenly racing. Why did that make him blush? The freckles across Poppy’s face suddenly seem adorable. She was adorable. Her kindness was indescribable, it was the most kindness Branch has ever received. This girl was special, no matter how much he wanted to deny it.

Branch snuffled and finally took one of the tissues from the bright pink box. For the first time in forever, he truly smiled.

“Thank you for…listening to me. I’m not the type to talk about my feelings like that. ”

“You’re welcome. Everyone needs a person to just sit and listen to them sometimes. Maybe someday you’ll see your brothers again. I’m sure they miss you too.” Poppy smiled sweetly.

It was only now that Branch saw how beautiful her smile was. It was the first time he realized Poppy was pretty. The prettiest girl he’d ever met. Her words were encouraging. But Branch couldn’t help but hear her words as false. If his brothers missed him, the people who walked out on him, it would be a miracle. And Poppy didn’t know who his brothers were, nor the circumstances. If she knew that part of the story, there was no doubt she’d go back on her word, at least to Branch.

Maybe one day, he’d tell her.

The lights above made Poppy’s stunning hot pink eyes sparkled as she got up from her seat. Poppy rummaged through the large pocket on her apron. She pulled out a thick piece of cardstock.

“We’re hosting a nighttime reading event this Saturday for anyone who wants to come by. Only if you’re interested of course.”

Poppy was back to her cheery self. She carried herself with such grace, Branch thought. It seemed like a switch went off in her brain, able to flip between joyful to professional on a dime. That breathless feeling returned to Branch.

Branch took the invite in his hand. It was clearly designed in Poppy and Viva’s signature aesthetic. Bright colors, butterflies, flowers, trees, and the like. This time, alongside stars, shooting stars, and a Moon. In the same fancy cursive as Poppy’s name tag, “Quiet Reading Night” was written out alongside details including date and time. Branch wasn’t much of a reader. And even when he did read, it was university textbooks or books assigned to him by his English Fiction teacher.

“Um, thank you.” Branch laid the invite on the table.

Giving a thumbs up, Poppy glanced over at Viva who nodded. Looked like their job here was done.

“I got the machine working!” Viva called out in a sing-song tone.

An expression of confusion emerged on Branch’s face before Poppy rushed behind the counter. That's when it clicked. He should’ve known it was just a play, the broken coffee machine. The clues were there. On any other day, he would be angry about something like that. But instead, he felt grateful. Grateful to the girl who decided to take time out of her probably very busy day to talk to him. Poppy cared. And that was enough for him.

The sizzling and crackling of the coffee machine reached Branch’s ears. He got up and stretched his back, ambling over to the counter. Behind the counter stood Poppy in the midst of brewing Branch’s coffee. Branch laid an arm across the counter watching Poppy from behind. Her smile was clearly visible in his head. Maybe it was the way the corners of her lips curled up or how her eyes closed with each warm grin. What he knew for sure? It was the best smile he has ever seen. Branch snapped back to reality with the thump of the coffee cup on the counter.

“There you go, Sir!” Poppy said, her cheery mood not faltering. “One black coffee, brewed with tender care!”

Branch’s mouth spoke before his brain could comprehend what he was staying. “Thank you, beautiful-“

Branch’s eyes grew large. He immediately covered his mouth, cheeks burning like they were seared by a torch. Poppy froze, mouth slightly ajar.

“I-I don’t know what that was about! I’m-!”

She only laughed wholeheartedly, taking it in stride. “Don’t worry, I get that a lot.”

Branch sighed in relief and took his coffee from the counter. He laid a five dollar bill in front of Poppy, his coffee feeling like a comforting campfire in his hand.

“Enjoy the rest of your day, Sir!” Poppy beamed with a wave.

As Poppy walked away towards the displays of café-baked goods, Viva shouted out a second goodbye.

“Have an absolutely fantast-amazing day, Sir!”

Branch rolled his eyes. This time, intended in a more lighthearted way. Beginning to walk away, he realized that Poppy had drawn a smiling flower with a butterfly around it on his receipt. A smile stubbornly pulled at his lips. It was so ridiculously corny, but also sweetly charming in some way.

Passing by the table he was just sitting in, the invitation from before caught his eye. He stared at it for a few seconds, coffee cup steaming. Branch walked over to the table and took the invitation in his hand. Maybe he would go to the event. Get out of his dorm room for once other than on weekdays. As he approached the door, Branch tossed the receipt into a trash bin.

The bell rang for a second time as Branch stepped out of the café. Back into the cold of the wintery city. He took a long gulp of his coffee, savoring its strong, bold flavor as it slid down his throat. He grunted in satisfaction. As he walked away, Branch’s fingers danced around a torn, thin piece of paper in his pocket.