#brozone x reader

"Well, it's very nice to meet you both. I expect you both know what's happening?" You received a nod from Poppy, while Branch just kept his eyes square on JD; who tried to play it cool, but you noticed the tiniest sweat drop rolling down his forehead. "Well then, Poppy, would you like to help me search for clues? I'm trying to find where Spruce is-" You didn't even have to finish before Poppy bounded over, grabbing your hand and rushed over to the pile of documents and files you had pulled out. It genuinely shocked you how much energy she had. But you were not going to let that scare you! What you and Poppy didn't notice, as you were sorting and shuffling around clues, was the 'I'm watching you' fingers that Branch gave to JD. In which JD just extended his arms, wondering what Branch was going on about. Branch, in response, glanced over at you and then back to JD with a cock of his eyebrow. Confused, JD turned towards you and Poppy and then back at Branch wondering what he was getting on about. But Branch wasn't going to say his thoughts out loud, not yet.

@!; Bruce would be the second one to meet you, and much like Branch he was confused on how this even happened. Unlike Branch, he was happy that JD finally had someone who could tolerate him and his bossy ways; That's not to say that Branch was unhappy for you or JD, he was just a little jealous and sour that after all this time JD had changed yet he couldn't have been there for Branch when he needed it. Those feelings shifted from time to time the more Branch saw you and JD interact, and he couldn't help but slowly feel guilty; Yet, still standing the fact that it wasn't all that fair. Either way, Bruce met you when Poppy, Bruce, and Branch came back to Rhonda after a successful mission and a dance number about Brozone being back. You were sat in the driver's seat, mindlessly shuffling a deck of cards; You had been asked if you would like to join the three, mostly by Poppy and JD, but you had declined as you weren't much of a people person. It's what drew you to JD at first, when you heard he was going solo around the globe in a 'soul-searching' journey. You asked more about it and slowly the two of you had grown closer than you ever thought would be possible. As such, you always tended to miss him dearly when he stepped off Rhonda. And, subsequently, is why you bounded onto your feet when you heard the door open. You didn't even mind that the deck of cards had spilt all over the floor as you heard your boyfriends all too familiar voice shout, "Honey, we're home!" Which was followed by a confused new voice, "Honey?" "You'll get used to it." And Branch's snarky comeback. They had managed to grab Spruce, no doubt, thanks to the post card. Yet, before JD could introduce you both, he had to take care of the loving and attentive girlfriend that had appeared right in front of him; Grabbing both his hands and welcoming him back with a big smile, while also accidentally stopping those from behind JD; Who had to awkwardly shuffle around the two of you. "What did you do?" JD quipped, smirking down at you with a curious look. He hadn't notice the stack of playing cards that had been left on the ground yet, which Poppy had began to pick up out of habit. "Nothing! I just missed you." Branch, standing next to Bruce, could swear he could see the definition of heart eyes in your eyes. He wasn't sure if he was actually happy for his brother, or a little grossed out, or jealous, or all the above with some plausible explanation for his emotions that he didn't feel like going into. JD, having forgotten that you two had company over, was quick to scoop you up into his arms, as he usually did when you greeted him back home. His arms rested under your thighs, supporting you as you sat on his forearms, and as you wrapped your arms around his neck while your legs wrapped around his waist. There was something always so peaceful yet exciting being this close to JD; Being able to clearly see his eyes, as you cupped his cheeks and leaned down to connect your foreheads. You were able to smell his cologne, which you swore you could get drunk off of. You could just feel his warmth and be able to take a moment to stop and breath and remember that he's here and he isn't going anywhere. You could just, be; Be here with JD and not have to worry about anything. And the way that JD tightened his hold, the way he looked back up at you with adoration... you knew he wouldn't have it any other way. Even if you almost kicked him out of his own bus one time because he was being a pain in your ass. A cough from Branch, and awing from Poppy, snapped you both out of your love-drunk dazes. Causing you to sit up properly and glance over at the company, all the while you kept JD's cheeks cupped with your hands and he couldn't really tilt his head to see everyone. "You both are!... adorable!" Poppy shouted, bouncing on her toes as she held onto Branch's arm. You couldn't help but laugh as her reaction, noticing that she was refraining from shaking Branch with all her might.

"Yeah, very cute." Sarcasm leaked out of Branch, "But have you both realized we've been standing here for a minute? We need to go out and look for Clay so we can save Floyd!- Yet, Bruce only patted Branch on the shoulder, "Calm down, Bitty B! I wanna meet JD's partner." Along with giving you both a smile as you slide out of JD's arms and onto the floor. At least, you were attempting to do so, but JD only tightened his hold. "Bruce, meet the wifie; Wifie, meet Bruce one of my younger brothers. Good, there you guys meet. Now if you excuse us," And, though Bruce seemed to have wanted to met more, he simply walked away with you still in his arms. Which caused you to flush but laugh, playfully smacking his shoulder and asking what has gotten into him! But, then again, this was your boyfriend and he was usually this selfish with you.

@!; Clay met you in Putt-Putt Village, where you had been convinced by JD to come out with everyone else. He had claimed that it was simply too dark and spooky to let you stay home alone and he couldn't make sure you were properly safe in Rhonda. You tried arguing saying that he's left you in worse conditions, which seemed to get a rile out of Bruce who questioned him what you had meant. It was funny to watch JD sputtering out reasons and excuses and examples, but in the end you decided to join them. It would do you good to get some fresh air after so many hours of basically non-stop traveling. To say you regretted your choice as soon as the clown-head started talking would be an understatement. To say you weren't about to kill JD when gulf balls began to animate and roll around you, was an understatement. To say that you then didn't smack JD behind the head when everything turned out to be alright was... actually, that's not an understatement because that's exactly what you had done. "And you said I wouldn't be safe in Rhonda! When has she ever let me get surrounded by gulf-balls that actually turned out to be Trolls." You had 'scolded' JD as you smacked him behind the head. It wasn't anything hard, just a small one-two to see if he still had some sort of brain in there. JD jerked towards you with the most betrayed look you've every seen him give, "Babe!" JD sputtered, not knowing how to respond to you assault! "I'm about to go back to the trailer." You muttered, a little salty. Crossing your arms you turned away from JD and towards Viva, who was screaming about how the new guests needed friends and milkshakes; Which the other Trolls in the village jumped onto getting. "If you go back I might have to follow you to correct this attituded we're having." JD snirked slyly, crossing his arms as he flashed me a knowing glance. Wiggling his eyebrows and winking playfully, leaving you slightly baffled at his boldness in front of everyone. "JOHN D-" You started, yet was quickly cut off as you hadn't noticed Clay's sudden appearance; or how he had rushed over to say hello to baby Branch and Bruce, giving a lack luster response to JD. That itched you wrong. Sure, you knew JD hadn't been the best to his brothers in their band days but that still gave him no right to look and act like that towards JD. You momentarily forgot JD's comment, or the fact that he probably almost killed you earlier (to which he would rightly remind you about your flare for dramatics, and how much he loved them) and marched over to where Poppy, Branch, and Bruce where. Poppy was attempting to introduce herself to Clay, who stood in front of them, yet you pushed past them and stood as a barrier between the three and Clay; Who gave you a weird look, and was slightly taken a back by your forwardness. "Hel-" Clay tried, but didn't get very far in his greeting. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that you had a stick up your ass that someone needs to remove, Cupcakes." You spat at him as you crossed your arms, shooting him the nastiest glare you could fathom at this point. Which was nasty enough to get both Bruce and Poppy to back up a little, and Poppy to slowly inch Branch away from you and Clay.

Though Branch didn't seem to enjoy the way you were talking to his third eldest brother. He opened his mouth to say something, yet you cut him off, "Furthermore, is that how you're really going to greet your brother after all these years? With plain favoritism to the others despite everything he's had to go through and is trying to actively change because of everything that went wrong, huh?" "Oooh'kay, Babe," JD carefully walked over to you, knowing you were a little on the edge; That and you had smacked him behind the head earlier and he wasn't looking for another one of those. "How about we take a step back and go calm down-" "Nah, Imma beat his ass!" It wasn't the best first meeting you could have had with one of JD's brother, and it also put a little sour kick into the two you had met before, yet it was eventful, that was for sure. Who wouldn't find it eventful for having their older brother's spunky girlfriend almost beat their ass over a few choice words and actions towards him? Yeah... you were going to have to do a little bit of work to mend that with Clay.

@!; You officially, without the fear of him dying or any of the other brothers for that fact, met Floyd before the KISMET and BroZone concert backstage. You were there to support JD, and in turn his brothers. Sure, you had seen and heard all about Floyd before this moment but you weren't exactly sure what to expect from him. Especially since you knew that Clay or at least Bruce or Branch had told Floyd about the whole Clay fiasco on the way back. "You're (Y/N), right?" Floyd's voice from behind you caught your attention despite the current list of groceries you were writing. "Huh?" You muttered at first, having been caught off guard by Floyd's sudden approach. You couldn't help but wonder if he was here for some other reason than first greetings. "Yeah.. that's me... and you're Floyd, right?" Floyd would nod as you set down your pad and pencil on your lap, which was cross-crossed as you sat on the floor. Floyd, still a little worn down from all the talent that was taken from him, joined you on the floor and had decided to sit next to you. You weren't sure why, nor did you completely understand the sudden nerves that had struck in your body. You weren't this nervous when you met any of JD's other brothers; So, how come you were nervous now? Floyd seemed to notice this. His eyebrows frowned up as he smiled softly at you, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Hey, I'm not here to scold you if that's what you're expecting." There was a hint of laughter in his voice, "I mean, I know what happened when you first met Clay but that's in the past, yeah? Plus, you were only trying to stand up for JD... which is sweet, I appreciated it." You jerked your head up to look at Floyd, a little baffled that he was so different from his other brothers. Before, you had been nervously fiddling with your notepad and pencil, unable to form a word to say to him. Yet, he seemed to somehow calm your nerves. Not instantly, like JD had always managed to do, but slowly with a firm reassurance. "Oh," You mouthed, before smiling, "Yeah, I still don't think I've made that up to Clay yet. I mean," You paused for a second, "I did kind of almost attack him just because he rolled his eyes at JD. It struck a wrong cord with me." Floyd chuckled, "Hey, don't worry, I get it. I always get that icky feeling whenever my brothers fight, but that's just how they are." "A ragtag team of brothers who both love yet hate each other at the exact same time?" You joked, cocking up an eyebrow. "And yet, we wouldn't have it any other way." Floyd replied with a smile, turning to look at his other brothers, who were all warming up and stretching. You glanced down at your notepad, reading the list of groceries you would need to get for the bus when JD and you set off again. There wasn't many placed to stop and get food on the road, unless you and JD gathered and hunted. "Hey, I don't know if anyone has told you this.." Floyd snapped you out of your thoughts again, "But thank you." You were baffled, "Thank you?" "Thank you," Floyd shrugged his shoulders, but his smile was so genuine and sweet. "For being there for John Dory when we weren't. For helping him at his lowest. You know, he talks a lot about you when you're not around and I don't think I would want any other Troll to be with JD than you. Welcome to the family, Sister-in-law." Floyd held out a fist bump, though knew you might need a minute by the tears welling in your eyes.

You had told yourself many, many years ago (when you first got with JD and heard about his band days) that you would never pick a favorite brother of his; Just incase it would cause some sort of family drama to arise. You didn't exactly have siblings, so you didn't really know what they fought about and what they didn't. So you told yourself if you ever met the brothers you would do your best to quell anything that came up. Yet, Floyd was making this very difficult right now... "JOHN DORY FLOYD IS MY FAVORITE BROTHER!" You rushed out, snagging Floyd's wrist and shoving it up in the air; To which he yelped, not having expected such a sudden reaction. John Dory, peaking in front backstage, stared for a moment. He hadn't fully heard you, but was able to quickly piece together what you had said: "WHAT?! BABE I'M MEANT TO BE YOUR FAVORITE!" "I don't make the rules JD, maybe you shouldn't have almost killed me!" "IT WAS ONE TIME AND NOTHING HAPPENED!" "Should have let me stay with Rhonda." You playfully shook your head towards your boyfriend, who stood in the doorway completely baffled and a little butt hurt. But, you couldn't help but laugh as his goofy expression, absolutely loving every part of him; His grumpy sides, his loving sides, and even his down-right baffled and confused sides.

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"Floyd!"

Tiny (skin/c) fists slammed against the locked closet, thumping repeatedly as it echoed throughout the dressing room. "Floyd, can you hear me?"

Their shouts were slightly muffled, but enough sound escaped to be heard by the blue troll imprisoned in the glass container—previously exchanged with the other.

The two popstars who'd enraptured them figured out early on that, despite the two trolls voices blending together beautifully, if they placed them in the same bottle and extracted their essence at the same time, it only led to dysfunction. And that was the last two those phony popstars craved. Only now, the new diamond ones they had ordered to be able to throw both the trolls in forever were yet to arrive.

Floyd took heavy breathes from within the bottle, listening to his friend scream and cry but his energy remained so depleted he was yet to regain it enough to call back out.

"Flo!"

"Yeah, I'm here." He finally replied weakly, lying back against the bottle. "Are you okay?"

"Are you?"

"No," he coughed, "I don't think neither of us are... or really, will be unless we escape."

They sighed, shaking their head unbeknownst to him, "Don—Don't think like that, Flo."

"What else can I do, (Nickname)? It's been three weeks... or at least I think it has." he took in another heavy breath, "I'm losing track of time."

(Name) punched at the door again.

"You know that's useless,"

"I know." they retaliated with a bark, "Gosh, why'd you have to come find me, Flo?"

Silence rang out for a few seconds at their snapping ask, almost a plead. They never asked for his help—not that they could've, but this situation was far too dangerous. There was no way for him to have rescued them on his lonesome. And now, they were both stuck in this eternal torture.

"I couldn't leave you behind," He spoke slowly, more clear. "We're a duo, remember?"

"Barely—temporarily." they corrected him, "You're a soloist."

"You know that changed the second you came up on that stage and started singing with me."

(Name)’s fists dropped from the door, now leaning their forehead against it pitifully as a small, pained laugh bursted from them at the kindness and honesty of his words. If there was anyone in the world they wanted to get stuck with there, it'd be him. "Yeah,"

"Do you wanna try singing again?"

"I don't know if I have the energy for it," they mumbled, "You probably don't either."

Their hand reached out to pull down a streak of white hair, a pattern that had oriented from the constant raking of their essence prior to Floyd's capture. They were starting to miss their full (hair/c) locks, now deviated.

"Let's just try, yeah?"

A beat.

(Name) let out an almost imperceptible hum, breaking out into lyrics in quiet submission to his request.

PLAYING GOD; PARAMORE.

"Can't make my own decisions or make any with precision..." They walked around the closet, looking around the dark and practically empty space, "Well maybe you should tie me up, so I don't go where you don't want me to."

Floyd smiled softly, their voice carrying that soothing, mesmerizing effect it's always had since he first heard it.

"You say that I've been changing, that I'm not just simply aging." he sang as they went quiet to allow him his moment in the duet, "Yeah, how could that be logical? Just keep on cramming ideas down my throat."

In an almost flawless harmony, the two vocalized.

"Woah-oh-ah!"

"You don't have to believe me! But the way I, way I see it..."

Floyd's voice suddenly warbled at the end and he fell backwards, a splitting pain hitting his head.

"Ah..." he hissed.

The other continued singing but at the lack of his voice, they halted, calling out worriedly.

"I'm okay, just..."

As his eyes opened back up, he watched as a troll face planted into the desk. Floyd scrambled backwards, eyes squinting in confusion at the sudden appearance and familiarity of the hair.

"Ugh..." the troll groaned, hopping back up and rushing towards the diamond encasing. "Yo, Floyd!"

"John Dory?!"

(Name)’s ears twitched at another voice, standing up straight, returning to the door. "Is someone else there with you?”

"I can't believe it," Floyd drowned out their voice momentarily, unintentionally, gawking at his now much older-older brother. "I never thought I'd see any of my brothers again," he smiled, pressing both hands against the glass.

"Brother?" They gasped.

Floyd perked up, eyes widening. They darted to the button to unlock the closet, pointing at it desperately. There was no way he was going to allow this blessing to get away from helping at least one of them. The better of the two.

"John Dory, go hit that button over there!" He looked towards the door, afraid of the popstars entering soon.

"I gotchu, brother!"

John Dory's head quickly whipped around in the direction, then back to Floyd, about to inquire on the reasoning behind the command but the desperate haze in his eyes was all he needed for an answer.

With a flashing smirk, he hopped down from the vanity to a chair and then the floor, using his hair to slap the button—the closet opening with a click.

(Name) fell forward, previously leaning against the door to make sure they didn't miss a single moment of the commotion occurring on the other side of the wall. They didn't question John Dory, nor did they really thank him for freeing them, sore legs almost failing from beneath them as they scrambled up and towards the vanity.

"Wait up!" J.D. called out with a tired hoot.

The two climbed back up to the vanity.

Upon reaching the top, (Name) wasted no time in pounding against the glass despite knowing it's useless, pressing their forehead against the bottle—Floyd copying the same, yearning action from within.

"You're... translucent." he ogled at the bottom half of their legs; glittery and clear, a consequence of having the life sucked out of them so often.

Their eyes trailed down, concluding that this must’ve occurred only moments before—the darkness of the closet hid that fact.

"Don't worry about me," they chose to ignore their own issues, "We're gonna get you out of here," they promised.

"Yeah! Bro-power!" the older troll rose his fist, ready to slam it against the container.

Floyd stopped him, shouting. "No! You both have to get out of here now."

"Floyd—" the both outside trolls started.

Floyd's attention turned to John Dory, hoping he'd see more reason than his friend.

“No! You don't understand. Velvet and Veneer are giant, pop-obsessed succubi with no talent and they've been stealing ours!" he gestured towards (Name), "And they'll be back any minute for more."

"What?!" John Dory gasped, "That's even worse than lip-syncing!"

(Name) opened their mouth to argue against leaving—an agonizing jolt snapped through their body, resulting in then tumbling to the floor, heaving similar to Floyd earlier.

Floyd turned to them, dropping to his knees as he reached out despite knowing it was fruitless.

John Dory saw this and shook his head. "No, not my brother! Not today." he took several steps backwards, "You stay back, gorgeous, I got this...”

"W—Wait."

John Dory rushed forward, tiny feet bursting and landing face-first roughly against the bottle.

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After several (and useless) attempts of breaking through, Floyd and you, having regained yourself, shared a look.

"Joh-John, John, stop!" Floyd urged whilst you approached the said male, helping him up from the vanity floor. "The bottle is made of diamond," you sighed.

Floyd continued: "And there's only one thing that's powerful enough to shatter diamond."

John Dory stared at him for a hot second before jumping up, pointing a determined finger. "Right! A diamond-shattering, diamond hammer!"

You stared at him in disbelief, glancing back at Floyd.

"Where can we get one of those..." J.D. muttered in genuine thought.

"No, John." Floyd retorted. "It's the perfect family harmony. (Name) and I have been trying to hit one but two voices haven't been enough."

The older troll's eyed widened, "Of course! The perfect family harmony..." his fists furled, looking between the two of you.

Floyd nodded sadly, face falling.

"Our voices sound like garbage!"

Velvet's voice echoed from down the hall, the door to the room sliding open with a swish as the shadow of her heated figure neared.

"We've been dying out there! What we need is more troll."

"Floyd..." you started but he cut you off, shaking his head.

"Run, you two! Save yourselves!"

"I'm not leaving you behind!" You banged your fist against the bottle.

Useless, it all was.

John Dory glanced at Floyd and then you, furrowing his brows, making an executive decision to grab you and launch his grappling hook back to the vent.

"Let me go!"

His grip was hard, holding on to assure you didn't scramble and fall.

"Don't worry, Floyd! I'll be back with the bros!"

"Floyd!"

"You have my wooord!"

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Ultimately, you had no choice but to follow John Dory once you'd finally convinced him that he could drop you and let you walk on your own two feet.

There was no use in running back—there wasn't much of a chance for you to help Floyd if you did. Both of you sitting there, getting drained, wasn't gonna do anything. All you longed for was that Velvet and Veneer had at least half a heart to not overstep boundaries with the singing essence.

It didn't take long to escape the vents and hop into John Dory's armadillo bus, one he briefly introduced as Rhonda.

"Atta girl!" he cheered, getting behind the wheel and racing off through the crowded streets of Mount Rageous.

You plopped down in a corner, knees up and face hidden between them, suppressing the urge to cry tears. Tears from finally receiving freedom but even more tears at the fact Floyd now had to suffer alone.

A small sniff escaped past you.

John Dory peered back, not speaking much on the way to the bus.

"Hey, ah, I never really got your name. (Wrong/n), was it?"

"(Name),” you corrected.

"Right!" he hummed, "Pretty name. I'm John Dory, awesome leader of the great boy-band BroZone, and your savior…”

His peppy energy was insane to you considering he had just left Floyd behind. Albeit, he didn't have any other option, but still. Seeing his brother endangered should at least be shaking him to the core, not relighting his mood.

You bit your tongue on the thanks, only shooting him a glare (one he missed) at his phrasing.

"So!" he started again.

You missed it when he was quiet.

"How'd Floyd and you get yourselves trapped in all this, anyway?"

You only stuffed your face further into your legs, groaning loudly, hoping he’d receive the hint that you weren’t interested in any small talk. Any talk at all.

"Okay..."

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be like this but I'm exhausted,"

He adjusted the rearview mirror to look back at you with pity, frowning with a nod.

“Oh, okay," he submitted, "I got you. Rest up."

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The road was bumpy underneath you, Rhonda rolling on rocks and pebbles, causing your body to shake and jump and throw the warm blanket off of you—wait blanket?

You sat up with a start, and instead of the floor you remembered falling asleep on, you were laid on a comfortable, cushioned couch.

Your eyes flitted to the bus driver ahead who hummed a small tune, tilting your head.

John Dory’s eyes glimpsed into the mirror, spotting your peering head.

"Well, good morning, sunshine! Sorry if the bumps woke you up—I tried going another way but it was gonna slow us down too much."

You only blinked, rubbing your tired eyes.

"Thanks for uh... lying me on the couch."

"No prob, bob." He grinned.

The van was covered in pictures of the boyband, a detail you only noticed now. You were too depleted and exhausted when you first entered to properly admire and assess the interior of the vehicle.

Honestly, it was... nice. Welcoming, almost.

Your eyes crossed the pictures, brows furrowing at the familiarity of the boys. Three you knew for sure—Floyd, now John Dory, and one more. The other two were nothing but what felt a distant memory of recognition.

"You like BroZone?"

John Dory approached you from behind, allowing Rhonda to momentarily take the reins.

"Not really," you scratched your ear, "I mean, I haven't really listened. Floyd hasn't spoken too much of you guys... and anything he has said wasn't super friendly."

He forced a chuckle, "Yeah, that... that's expected."

You looked towards him, eyeing his outfit. He returned the gaze, puffing out his jacket with a wink as if you were checking him out, his own eyes giving you a once-over.

They paused at your glitter, transparent legs.

"You're, uh..." he leaned down, grunting, as he assessed the damage. "Clear. And glittery. Is that normal for a troll?"

"You tell me," you retorted, crossing your arms.

"Well, how would I know? There's so many different type of trolls that you might just be special!" he chuckled heartily, standing back up.

You didn't find it as funny.

"What type of troll are you?" he asked, now fully analyzing your appearance. "See, at first I thought you were just a pop troll but you got these things—" he flicked at your jagged ears, "and your hair's a little crazier... and your outfit isn't exactly super pop-py..."

"Okay, back up!"

"But then you aren't a rock troll because you're too colorful and, then again, your clothes don't exactly match the rock vibe either..."

He circled you in thought, leaning in close to your face, "Hmm..."

A sudden bump in the road had him tumbling on top of you, bringing you both to the floor.

You both groaned as he pushed himself up, staring down at you with a smug smirk. "Well, hello there," he purred.

You rolled your eyes and pushed him off of you, standing up and stepping away.

"Dude, you seriously need to learn to give some space."

Your hands wiped down your clothes, glaring at the other increasingly-annoying troll. How could he ever be related to your Floyd? You supposed this was a big clue as to the reason of disbandment.

He opened his mouth to speak again once standing, silenced by your raised finger.

"I'm a pop-punk troll."

John Dory stared for a few more seconds before breaking into a long: "Ohh!". He nodded his head repeatedly, "Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, actually. I overheard you and Floyd singing while in the vents—it was... actually how I managed to track you both down. It was a total hedge-maze in there!"

Your thoughts flew back to Floyd, frowning. You hoped he was okay. It was only a matter of time until...

You glanced down at your legs, kicking one forward for a second. "This is a result from Velvet and Veneer sucking the troll out of me."

John Dory swallowed, nodding quietly.

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The journey was... longer than expected.

The more time you spent with John Dory the more infuriating he became—while, all the same, the more you grew to like him. He was... terrible company but he had his moments of kindness where that smug persona he played up would dissipate and within stood someone you could actually stand.

"Pit stop! Here," he launched a packed sandwich at you, "Eat up. We're still a good distance according to Rhonda,"

"According to... Rhonda?" you trailed off, taking a small bite of your sandwich. "How exactly do you communicate with her?"

He shrugged his shoulders with a smile.

"We just understand each other," he pulled another source of food out, stepping towards the exit of the bus and motioning for you to follow along.

Rhonda started jumping up and down as soon as John Dory entered her line of sight, the older male cooing and rubbing at her lovingly.

"Who's my good girl? You are, yes, you!"

She licked a stripe up his face and he only snorted in response.

You grimaced.

"She's a cutie," he sighed, holding out the larger bag of pebbles. Rhonda didn’t hesitate in stuffing her face in.

"I can... see that," you looked over her, not helping the giggle that escaped your mouth in amusement.

He smiled at the sound, eyes softening. "Hey, that's the first time I've heard you laugh!"

"Maybe try being funnier next time," you quipped with another, stronger laugh—John Dory gleefully joining in the pointless titters.

It soon faded out, left with nothing but the sweet sound of silence.

Silence that didn't last very long. He couldn't shut his mouth for longer than three minutes, it seemed.

"So, I never asked... how do you and Floyd know each other?"

"Oh, I'm surprised you haven't inquired on that yet," you spoke honestly, blinking.

"I didn't wanna intrude, you know..." he paused, sending you a smirking look, "Are you two together?~"

You flushed, flinching at the notion.

"What? Me and Floyd? No, no, no, no, never!"

Your reaction spurred him on, continuing to taunt.

"Oh, come on, you can't hide it now! Look at you—all red in the cheeks," he cooed at you in the same manner he did with Rhonda, "You know, it's a little disappointing because honestly, I was hoping to snatch you up for myself but oh well! Good on Floyd—"

"We are not together, John Dory!" You managed to spill out through the fluster, holding your hand out in front of you.

"Why deny it now?"

"Floyd is—..."

You cut yourself off, biting your tongue and narrowing your eyes at John Dory. You didn't wanna accidentally out your best friend to the brother he hasn't seen in ages. Floyd doesn't really make an attempt to hide his romantic orientation but he isn't incredibly open about it either.

"I'm not his type, that's all I'm gonna say," you held your hands up, trying not to express any sadness in your phrasing to make him believe this fantasy any longer, walking back into the armadillo.

John Dory squinted his eyes, the cogs turning in his head for a second as he slowly caught on.

"Oh."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Ugh, what was that blistering sound that kept crawling up and waking you up?!

The pillow that had been tossed over your head and held in a poor attempt to commit suicide at the lack of sleep was punched to the floor, eyes narrowed in a heated glare towards the ceiling.

At first, in your half-awake state, you assumed it was the critters outside—tittering and chirping as they do. Expected, of course. You were sleeping in the middle of a forest, after all, but the sound was stranger. Closer, almost.

Then, you were convinced it was Rhonda, mentally cussing out the armadillo in your mind as you pleaded with the Ancestors above to silence her chittering snoring.

Around the sixth time you were suddenly awoken, you knew it had to be the male dead asleep beside you. So calm, peaceful... snoring and groaning like he owned the place!

Which, in fact, he did, but there was company! You! And also Rhonda. How did she ever sleep through his tussles and turns? This incessant rumbling was becoming entirely too much for your poor troll ears, extra sensitive to sounds as so many others.

"Dory..." you uttered, still looking up to the roof.

He didn't say anything in response, continuing to mutter and grunt in his sleep.

"Dory!" you whisper-shouted a little louder, hands clenching the blanket that covered your cold body.

There was silence for a second before he continued.

Okay, that's it.

With a loud groan, openly hoping it would wake him up, you sat up and turned to him with a fire blazing in your exhausted eyes. A fire that dimmed almost as soon as your gaze landed on his scrunched up face, brows furrowing tightly, and his usual-grinning face in a deep, uncomfortable scowl.

Reading his lips, you could vaguely make out some of the words.

'No...'

'Don't...'

'Stop...'

You swallowed, the tight look on your face softening. Was he getting any comfortable sleep? Was this why he always looked so... tired despite having so much energy? The deep bags under his eyes were hard to miss and you were convinced it wasn't just a result of age.

"Dory," you slipped out from your blanket and trudged towards him, taking small steps to not scare him awake, "Hey, Dory?"

As soon as you laid a hand on him, he sprouted up and grabbed you, turning you over on your stomach with the hand he grabbed pressing uncomfortably against your back, successfully rendering you motionless.

"(Name)?" he mumbled as his eyes opened, your pained sounds waking him up fully. He didn't hesitate in letting you go, untwisting your arm and holding it close to him, peppering kisses along it that had you turning hot everything.

"I'm so sorry, I, ah..." he grumbled, voice deeper than regular from sleep, "I thought you were someone else,"

You stared at him with pity. This poor boy had been out here alone so long—who knows what kind of things he ran into.

"It's okay," you whispered, leaning closer to put your arms around him in a hug, "I'm okay, don't worry,"

He paused in his movements, only hugging you back after a hot moment, arms tighter around you than expected.

"I thought you were someone else," he echoed.

"Nah, it's just me," you offered a smile as you pulled back, searching his worried expression.

This kindness from you was unexpected... but not unwanted. He took it all in before it slipped away from him again.

"Do you..."

He blinked, waiting for you to continue.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

"John Dory!"

You squealed, tossing and turning as his hands made a relentless attack to your abdomen, saying things you couldn't quite make out through your own fit of laughter.

"Come on, admit it! I'm hilarious, sweetheart!"

You shook your head and he only continued, laughing along with you as years spilled from your tears.

"Okay, I relent—I relent!" Your hands threw themselves up in surrender.

He pulled his fingers back, wiggling them to taunt and pressure you into saying the magic words he so desperately needed to hear.

"You are hilarious,"

"I couldn't hear you—speak up a bit, maybe?" He hummed.

"Dude!"

He went in to attack again but stopped as your hands intertwined with his, "John Dory, you are hilarious."

"Damn right, I am,"

His voice came out low at the close distance, glancing from your eyes to your lips, in perfect position for him to just swoop in and—

"Kiss you?"

"What?" You flushed, brows knitting together tightly.

"What?" He repeated back to you, pushing himself away from you with an even deeper blush coating his cheeks, "Ahem, I said I was gonna miss you."

That didn't make it any better.

"Right, of course." you knew you heard otherwise but chose to ignore it. There was no reason to make things complicated now. Floyd still needed saving. "We'll still hang out, Dory, don't worry."

"Maybe," he grumbled, walking up the driver's seat.

You frowned at his sudden mood, not used to seeing him so down at all. And never so suddenly. Only occasionally, late at night, or when you catch him tossing and turning in the darkness of sleep. Those nightmares seemed relentless.

You walked up behind him, placing an arm on his shoulder to recapture his attention.

"Hey, don't..."

"We're here!" he grinned.

"Bergen Town? Woah..."

It looked so different from what you remembered years ago—back when you were younger. From the hill you two were on, you could catch trolls conversing with Bergens who smiled and laughed, colors spreading across the previously dull town.

"Stay here, I'll go get him,"

"Wait, get who?"

"Branch,"

"Branch?!"

You had no clue that's who you were picking up! The Branch? Your brows furrowed and you shook your head, "Wait, I didn't know—"

"Just stay here! It'll be better if someone who knows him gets him!" he tugged on his goggles, exiting the bus and slamming the door shut behind him.

"But!"

You were too late.

Reluctantly, you took a seat on the driver's chair, watching as John Dory grappled his way to the houses—leaping and jumping.

🧡 Chances are you first met them while visiting Vacay Island. Bruce welcomed you with open arms and that charming attitude of his, got you nice and situated for your stay. Eventually he introduced you to his lovely wife Brandi and the kids

💜 The couple warm up to you pretty quick. You've got a great personality, you never hesitate to help them out around the island, their kids adore you (not to mention you're pretty cute)

🧡 These two are honestly couple goals. Literally soulmates. They're super devoted to one another and its pretty obvious to everyone around that they're meant to be. I mean they literally have a gaggle of kids so yknow they're in it for the long run

💜 THAT BEING SAID!! It'd probably be a while before you three actually got together

🧡 Bruce and Brandi only have eyes for each other (at least at first). Introducing someone new into the relationship probably wouldn't even occur to them unless they got to know that person really well, and even then there'd still be long discussions between the two about whether they're really ready for that kind of change. What it would mean for the relationship, how it might affect them, their family and business, ect.

💜 These two never half-ass things. Both are the type to pour their entire souls into what they deem important so if you're gonna be with them, then you bet your ass that it's gonna be for the long haul. The three of you WILL retire and grow old together okay they will PERSONALLY see to it

🧡 But eventually, after you've known them for a year or two and once they've both come to terms with how they feel about you?

💜 BABES PREPARE TO GET SWEPT OFF YOUR FEET

🧡 These two are the perfect team (comes with co-owning a business and running a family ig)

💜 After years of being the heartthrob of BroZone, Bruce is an expert at putting his natural charm and good looks to use. This man is constantly making time to come over and strike up a conversation. And I think it's universally agreed that the guy is not shy or subtle once so ever, so expect a lot of compliments/winks/charming smirks thrown your way. This man is fully leaning up against the wall beside you, giving you that signature Casanova Smoulder(tm), all while telling you how he and Brandy are planning to add french fries to the bar menu

🧡 "But it's supposed to be a surpise until then so let's just keep this between the three of us. Okay, beautiful?" He says with a wink, raising a finger and briefly pressing it against your lips

💜 You probably shouldn't get so flustered over French fries... unfortunately Bruce is sexy and knows it 😔

🧡 Brandi isn't as on-the-nose as her husband but that doesn't mean she's any less effective. She managed to snag someone like Bruce afterall so you KNOW she's got game

💜 Definitely gives you just as many compliments and praise but she's very like... very nonchalant about it?? Like the two of you will be mid convo and she'll just randomly go "wow you are literally so gorgeous haha. Are you sure you're single?"

🧡 You have about five seconds to respond before she's moving on and telling you all about how one of her sons keeps getting stuck in ketchup bottles

💜 It's kinda hard to tell if she's actually flirting with you. She's pretty laid back compared to her husband and at certain times she seems like a bit of an airhead, so whenever she says something nice, it tends to come off as a casual compliment...

🧡 But then there are times where she'll like? Brush a strand of hair outta your face, or wipe some food from the corner of mouth unprompted, or point out a piece of jewelry you have on by running her fingers over it?? Her skin grazing your own just the barest amount??? All while she's giving you that look??????

💜 This woman is sneaky as fuck ngl

🧡 Expect to hear these two gush about each other on the daily. They are CONSTANTLY hyping each other up whenever they're apart (they're in love what do you expect?), but when you've got the BOTH OF THEM in front of you??

💜 They are a well-oiled machine. You are absolutely getting tag teamed by this duo. By the time you leave their company expect to be red in the face and your heart skipping a few beats

🧡 You get invited to a LOT of family meals. Mostly dinners, but sometimes lunch and even breakfast too. And believe me, there is no such thing as a quite meal with this family. They have 13 chaotic kids who are always getting into shit so expect to come outta the whole ordeal with a few food stains on your clothes

💜 look out for Bruce Jr. cuz that kid will for sure try to start a food fight

🧡 Bruce and Brandi are always super apologetic about any messes that occur (they know first hand how exhausting their gaggle of kids can be), but then you just smile and seem genuinely unbothered? Maybe even amused by it all??

💜 "Babe what's their ring size?"

"Brandi, honey, pretty sure we have to at least take them on a date first."

"I'm just asking for a friend!"

"...Am I the friend?"

"You know you are, babe."

🧡 Yeah if these two catch you hitting it off with their kids and showing a genuine interest in their hobbies/interest/lives?? They are SWOONING, vows are being MADE, rings are being CHOSEN—

💜 If at any point you recognize Bruce from BroZone, or if Brandi brings it up in conversation in an attempt to boost her man's rep, then prepare yourself because Bruce will most definitely start putting on a show

🧡 Under normal circumstances he'd be wayyyy more hesitant. Performing anything from his past doesn't bring up the best memories... but he's willing to bust out a good bop if it earns him brownie points in your book (and it better considering that his wife is always telling him how hot he looks whenever he's doing his "boy band thing" lol)

💜 OUTINGS WITH BRANDi!! This woman is taking you shopping or out to the nearest cafe/restaurant that just so happens to serve your favorite, what do you know! Sometimes she brings you along to meet her friends, all of whom are well aware of your existence wink wonk

🧡 Will swoon and fan herself whenever you offer to pay for things, but like as a joke!

💜 (not)

🧡 Chances are the kids already know what's up with the three of you. Maybe it doesn't click immediately but Bruce Jr. notices that how his parents treat and act around you is the same as they treat and act around each other, he goes blabbing to his siblings and soon enough they're all in on it. They don't entirely understand the complexity of the situation... but they're aware that one extra parent potentially means more presents for christmas sooooo

💜 These little shits are mischievous as hell. They are asking you what your favorite color is just to subtly drop the answer while Brandi is out shopping for trinkets. You mention what kind of music you're into and suddenly Bruce is looking up playlists

🧡 You better believe all 13 of them have started a betting pool going about who will confess first, you or their parents.

💜 Brandi's friends might be in on this betting pool. The other vacationers too

🧡 Eventually (after lots of pining and a fuck ton of patiently biding their time), Bruce and Brandi decide to take the leap and invite you into the relationship

💜 They invite you to dinner. It is a WHOLE ordeal and they've been planning months in advance. The kids are off being babysat by one of Brandi's friends (both parties were suspiciously cool with this sudden course of action). Their business is put on pause with little complaint from their customers (again, suspicious)

🧡 You're immediately drowned in compliments the second you show up at the door. You could legit just be dressed in your pj's and they're like "wow those sweatpants really make your eyes pop 😀" sjsjskakaka

💜 You are being waited on hand and foot the whole time. Bruce is manifesting every ounce of romanticism he can— flower petals everywhere, candles are lit, he's got a ukulele tuned and ready for when he eventually serenades you. Meanwhile Brandi has cooked you a feast made entirely of all your favorites and is tucking little flowers into your hair every now and then. At some point she hands you a cute piece of jewelry she saw while out shopping the other day. Just a little somethin somethin that immediately made her think of you <33

🧡 Overall, dinner is going great! The three of you are having a blast in each other's company and it's refreshing to be able to have a conversation without worrying about rambunctious kids or another pink eye outbreak. The atmosphere is quite yet intimate. Their hard work is not going to waste. You are thoroughly wooed

💜 And just when dessert is about to be served—

🧡 "We think you're really hot."

"Wha— BRANDi! My song!"

"Hmm? OH, was I supposed to wait till after—?"

💜 Yeahhh they kinda fumble the confession ngl. You'd think they'd be smoother but they are both: 1) very excited, and 2) very nervous

🧡 Nevertheless, their point gets across. For a moment they kinda panic because of how quite you are afterwards, but really you're just? Absolutely flabbergasted?? These two hotties wanna date YOU??? FR??????

💜 Of course once you manage to form a coherent response (hopefully a positive one), the couple is literally over the moon

🧡 Brandi's flapping her lil muppet hands all excited like "OMIGOSH THEY SAID YES?!"

💜 And Bruce is just smirking and all like "of course they did, honey, did you seriously think they'd say no to the two of us?" all while simultaneously releasing the death grip he had on his ukulele (this man is a fraud)

🧡 Victory dessert follows shortly after. Your hands become absolutely useless for the next few minutes because these two are DEFINITELY TAKING TURNS SPOON-FEEDING YOU AJSHAKAKAKA

💜 The night ends with the three of you hanging out on the couch, either with Bruce serenading you and Brandi or the three of you just cuddling in a pile (probably both ngl)

🧡 Cue the next morning. The kids come back just to find you all fast asleep in the living room, you in the middle with their parents on either side

💜 Pictures are 100% being taken

I love these two a lot, could you tell?

- Never thought he had a chance with you tbh :(

- But then realizes HE’S JOHN DORY, THE LEADER, J.D and gets the courage to ask you out (however that story ends up is up to you)

- When you guys finally end up together his heart is content

- Although sometimes he feels that he has to go beyond his expectations because his girlfriend is literally a dirt bike racer!

- So yes his ego is hurt a little bit (but he’ll never stop loving you so don’t even worry)

- He would love to take your motorcycle for a ride all day

- And if he doesn’t know how to ride one yet (which I doubt) he will (put his ego aside and) ask for lessons (don’t tell anyone though)

- Definitely getting matching cycles

Spruce:

- Kinda thinks you’re a walking hazard/danger sign at first

- But Bruce believes the heart wants what the heart wants and it wanted you

- Has to get used to the loud noises your motorcycle makes when you take off anywhere, but eventually gets over it

- Loves riding on the motercycle with you after a couple months

- Has you under a oath to never speak about the time he tried to take it for a ride by himself with zero experience (🫢)

- Makes sure the keys (or anything that the lock can be picked with) for the motorcycle are always out of reach if you decide to have kids

- Doesn’t mind you taking the kids for a ride (but they have to be 10 or older 😢)

- Definitely wears a shirt that says ‘My wife is a famous dirt bike racer, how about you?’

Clay:

- You definitely bring out the fun in him (and he hates that at first)

- You met him during his serious boy Clay get up so at first he didn’t take you too seriosuly

- But when he learns it’s ok to loosen up, he found himself falling for you (he been loved you, he’s just embracing it now)

- Wants to be on your motorcycle more than you do

- Definitely already knew how to ride one (he was fun boy Clay soooo)

- Teach him all the crazy tricks in the book, he’ll end up mastering them all

- Please convince this man to wear a helmet cause if you don’t , he’s not even touching one

- Screaming all types of things while on the bike

“I LOVE MY GIRLFRIEND!”

Floyd:

- It’s a little weird with Floyd

- Like he loves and supports the fact that you’re a dirt bike racer but he doesn’t think about it too much (at least for the first part of the relationship)

- Secretly terrified of the roaring of your engine behind his calm smile

- You didn’t realize he was either until one day he walked into your garage and you started it up, causing him to completely fall onto his back

“Oh my gosh Floyd are you ok?

“Yea bab- yeah I’m fine…”

- Unlike the other boys, you have to convince him to ride on your bike

- Sit him in front of you so he’s convinced you won’t leave him behind :(

-Eventually he learns to enjoy it to some degree (still prefers the car tho if you know what I mean)

- Attends every event you have with the biggest “____’s #1 FAN!” sign anyone there can bring, and please don’t let him find out if someone is trying to show him up 😭

Branch:

- Ok let’s be honest if you met him during his first Trolls movie phase, he would actually despise you (at least at first)😭

- The nerve he’d think you’d have to turn on your loud engine while the village could possibly be hunted down by bergens

- After the first movie events and knowing everyone’s fine and well, he starts to show some interest

- You may or may not catch him at one or two or all of your events

- He can’t decide if he wants to ride your bike or not

- Like you’ll offer to take him for a ride and every time he’s just like:

“Well- like…um- ye- well actually, wait no, actually…maybe- well…”

- It’s to the point where if you want him to go with you, you’re gonna need to snatch him on and put the helmet on his head

- Since he’s one of the few trolls that knows about the internet, he made a fan account for you where he uploads all your clips, and makes sweet commentary and deletes all hate comments and possibly comments “____ is better” on fan accounts for any opposing riders

Poppy:

- You might have to run away from this girl at first

- Begs to ride your bike before you’re even together

- And when she is with you like Bruce she feels the need to take it upon herself to try and ride the bike

- Let’s just say she enjoyed your physical attention and the way you kissed her “boo-boo’s” afterwards

- So by the time she heals you’ve learned to take Poppy for frequent rides

- Has no shame in asking for lessons at all

- Definitely asks you to take, her, and Viva for a joyride

- Let’s the whole pop village know that her girlfriend is a famous dirt bike rider (as if they don’t already know 💀)

“Oh you’re boyfriend’s a baker? That’s crazy cause my girlfriends a dirt bike racer!”

“No way she’s a CEO? Mine ride’s a dirt bike, and she’s well know!”

ღ . Branch walked into your shared bedroom , with low eyes but he didn't seem tired?.. He walked to where you were laying on the bed and flopped down on it. You looked at him and raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "What's wrong?" you sighed , assuming that you knew what was going on. "I'm so damn boreddd" branch mumbled , lifting himself up and crawling up to the top end of the bed , where you were laying. You looked up at him , giggling.

"I can tell ml. you alwayss do this when you're bored" you opened your arms , signaling for him to come lay with you, as he did. "well..im bored.. butttttt i just..uh..wanna be around you?.." branch had a hard time explaining his feelings , so when he announced them he kinda had to question himself if they were correct. "Awww , i like being around you too branch" you smiled , messing with the ends of his hair.

Branch slowly started to kiss your neck , making his way to your collarbone and jawline. "branchh.." you mumbled. "you didn't say you wanted all thisss" you laughed , letting him work his magic. He mumbled something , but from the cause of him being face down in your neck you couldnt tell what he said. "hm?" branch continued to kiss your neck a few more times , before responding. "nothing baby , i love you" this left you wondering what he said for a few seconds , but you brushed it off. "i love you moree branch"

He perked up, looking at you while smirking which caused you to raise an eyebrow. "provee ittt" he said in one of those teasing ass tones. "BRANCH" you covered your face trying to hide the fact that you were smiling, but it didnt work very well. "sorry sorryyyy babyyy"

For the next 20-30 minutes branch was allllll on you, drawing circles on your back , playing with your hair, randomly kissing you, wrapping his arms around you, and much more to mention.