Work Text:
Floyd hates to say he was wrong. Although in reality he hates clinging to the fact that he is not wrong. His grandmother always tells him that one day his kindness will end up killing him, at first he didn't know what his tender grandmother was talking about (Not so tender when she gets upset), but as he grew up he realized how recurrent the errands were, especially from Clay and Spruce. He could never refuse, he was only lucky on occasions where John Dory defended him, ending in fights and protests from his older brothers in accusations of guilt towards him.
It was hard to overcome, but it was time to grow, especially when Branch arrived. He wouldn't dare blame his little brother despite everything he had to go through with his arrival. And that's where the dilemma arises, he thought that when Branch arrived it would be like gaining a friend without even introducing himself, because they are brothers and that seems the most sensible thing to do, although no one told him the laborious process that goes through having a baby at home. The beginning was murkier, the feelings of loneliness intensified, the memories of additional snuggling stories and rest after a Brozone presentation faded. It was cruel that a note had not come in Branch's shell warning him of the future situation, he could have prepared himself and sought shelter before the explosion, unfortunately it did not happen that way.
So with a band-aid on one of his fingers from a trip when standing on his head and his small muscles tense, he walked back to the family capsule with a basket of apples that Doña Mercedes handed him. When you see the apples, you find some a little deformed and one that is perfectly structured shines lustfully calling for its captor. Floyd just changes his gaze to the other side, willing not to give in to temptation.
His brothers should not blame him because there are apples in poor condition, they could not expect more, seeing their age, when he buys they take advantage of keeping some that were left over from the past era. Although floyd tried to be as friendly as possible so that wouldn't happen.
His steps are heavy and he feels throbbing throughout his body, even in his head, he has heard it called a migraine, but only the elderly have it, one of two, he is maturing or aging. It is obvious that he prefers one over the other. After the presentation he made with his brothers, his body was exhausted and it is a good reason why he wants to be at home, snuggled under his sheets that smell like lavender, they are so warm that they could almost be compared to a hug. But he just sighs eagerly towards the sky imagining being wrapped up in a good cup of hot chocolate.
Her small hands waver as a cold wind runs past her, that meant she was reaching her home, she knew this path so perfectly. A smile escaped his lips as he saw a gigantic branch to his right. The road to get home was simple. Spruce had taught him how to locate the position where he was, follow a straight line to the highest part and locate the capsule, very easy indeed. Floyd was very happy after that because he thought it meant no more company to go out, he ended up disappointed and with a lecture about not being old enough to rebel. He just wanted to spend his savings on a surprise for grandma.
So yes, it was good news that Branch finally came out. Floyd had a break, a big one, he was now someone more responsible and stronger. His brothers would no longer see him as the baby of the family. At first it was exciting, then a little annoying or a little sad. In a way, the magenta haired boy thought that they stopped loving him and caring about him, anyway, who would worry about a sensitive little boy like him, the only thing he knew how to do perfectly was cry and that was not in the lexicon of His brothers, as a strong ability, used to make fun of him when it was something insignificant. John Dory always scolded others for it, he was the one who chased away the monsters from the closet, he was a superhero and the only father figure he had for as long as he can remember.
"You're too old to cry over stupid things"
A slight pout escapes his lips when he remembers those words. He never believed that John Dory, his role model, would generate that pressure in his chest, like a crack that remains until now. Maybe I should tell grandma to go to the doctor, she is worried that it could be something serious because of her stay. Understand John Dory, the contract for his new tour didn't go as expected, I didn't have time to console him for a fall, he's not a little boy.
That's why Floyd knows that his brother said it for his own good. Therefore, he was not going to waste this opportunity to help at home and take responsibility because he was already a "big kid" or the biggest a 7-year-old can get, as such he would have to do "big kid" things. "
He smiles when he sees that he is a few branches away from the capsule, takes one last look at the basket of apples and covers them so as not to be guilty of a third degree crime by devouring any of them.
"Wow, wow, look who we have here."
A slight movement of his ear and he recognized the author of the voice "Nicolas,It's been a while " Floyd looks up and at the same time finds two familiar troll girls, to whom he raises his hand to greet kindly "And hello to you too."
"Hey, hey, hey Floyd, concentrate, here" the troll Nicolás snaps his fingers to get his attention, until he gets it "Very good, that's how I like it"
Nerves build up in Floyd "Ah yes Nicolas, it's been a long time, by the way your hair looks different" The other troll responds with a dissatisfied grunt "I like the bright green tone..." Floyd smiles with obvious nerves
The blue troll evaluates Floyd from head to toe without any courtesy, to which the magenta-haired troll frowns a little, in reality he is getting late to get home
"Excuse me, but I have to take these apples home so I can feed my little brother." His gesture becomes gentler when he remembers Branch, although he still remains worried by the emotionless face of the troll who intercepted him "I still have to do his porridge and he won't last long"
"Oh, is your little brother born yet?" asks one of the trolls accompanying Nicolas with excitement shining in her eyes.
"Shut up Roselia" Nicolas shouts, turning around in annoyance to receive from his two companions, the greatest sign of contempt that a 7-year-old child can give, sticking out his tongue.
"I won't stand your treatment -frosted cake-" the little troll has a glare attack with her opponent, until she crosses her arms and decides to walk away "Let's go Georgia. Nicolas is being a fool"
"It's not the first time," says the aforementioned while following Roselia, after saying goodbye to Floyd.
"They're stupid, I don't need them" He exclaims with a high tone of voice to be heard, slightly turning towards Floyd who seems a little bothered by that.
"You shouldn't talk to them like that, they're friends, right?" He changes hands where he holds the basket of apples out of nervousness. "And that's not how friends act, I guess."
"Floyd, don't try to correct me, now you're very happy because of your fame and you've already forgotten about your friends." He crosses his arms moving towards Floyd "You've forgotten about everyone, because now you're an incredible star, right?!
Floyd's face wrinkles in confusion. "What are you talking about? We were never friends. You always bothered me." He takes a few steps back when he sees the approach of the other troll who is larger in stature. They would be the same age, but Floyd didn't benefit from their height; he honestly began to feel afraid when they answered him with a little smile.
"Well, not exactly. But there is some truth in what you say." The closeness was so much that the littlest one's breathing was coming in gasps. "It bothered you, yes, but you know, I can do something worse if you don't do me a favor." The troll He holds Floyd's hands firmly, letting him drop the basket of apples that roll across the floor in spite.
Floyd's eyes widen twice as he processes the event, now he had to figure out a way to free himself. "What kind of favor?" He tries to seem calm but his broken voice gives him away, he is about to cry, either because of the situation or because of the burning he feels in his arms.
"Oh, I'd just like to join Brozone."
"That?"
"You heard it, so you have 3 days to do it." Nicolas forcefully releases Floyd's arms, causing the minor to fall. "I'm being very generous."
From his position on the ground, Floyd thinks carefully as he watches the older man leave in a straight direction, ignoring the slight attempts at sobbing that he leaves behind. You cannot fulfill this favor. John Dory would be very upset when he even found out that anyone wants to join, it's supposed to be a band of brothers. If only he could open his mouth and take a chance for once.
Then he carefully gets on his knees, his hands clenching into fists as he sees the dusty apples scattered on the ground, his tears begin to flow before he realizes as he still thoughtfully opens his mouth. "No."
The troll who was already walking away stops abruptly "What did you say"?
"No." Floyd hesitates a little but finally continues. "I said no."
Nicolas turns around stomping, his gaze is full of resentment, his steps are slow but firm towards Floyd's direction, ready to get what he wants.
Despite probably just being pushed, for Floyd it will be the first fight he has had and no matter how hard he tries he cannot stop crying, he only shrinks into himself expecting the worst, in reality what worries him most is not being able to bring him food to his little brother on time. Branch must have his eyes swollen from crying and Floyd won't be able to offer him comfort when he arrives because he will surely be punished for taking too long. He deserves the punishment, but he still wants to keep his word to take care of the family's baby. He so wants Clay's stories, Spruce's lessons and he misses his older brother so much, the soft sound of lullabies, the delicate caresses and the cloying sweetness of nicknames, yet he knows that he will be scolded as soon as possible. set foot in the house.
His thoughts are so strong that he didn't realize how long he lasted without being touched by his attacker, he finally leaves the inside of his mind when he hears Nicolas's moans outside his sphere of safety. Maybe it was safe to go out, he finally cheered up when he heard another familiar voice present.
His mouth opened in surprise when he saw Nicolas with his ear held by the hand of his older brother John Dory who was scolding his attacker. His brother's eyes were full of determination, with a hint of protective aura that Floyd could feel the bruises from so much density. Until he finally lets go of the troll's ear to let it run away aimlessly, shaking his hands at his ear. His large and older bearing makes Floyd's ears lean back, afraid of suffering the same fate for having taken so long. Maybe if he tries to apologize the punishment will be less harsh.
His brother's gaze falls on him and it is too late to speak, he is left speechless while his brother's frown grows larger. Oh yes, it's final, his brother is upset with him, the only thing he can do with the overflow of his emotions is let his tears flow down his sides, trying to remove them with the palms of his hands full of scratches, only causing more burning. and letting out moans as a result. He realizes that this only alerted his brother, who quickly approached Floyd with his hand raised, leaving the minor waiting for the first blow of insolence of his life.
Nobody told him that that blow would be a soft caress on his cheek, his older brother's hand holding his face with extreme delicacy, Floyd can notice the love overflowing from his eyes, he simply breaks down crying as a result while he shelters his sight from what others, hiding in his brother's chest without giving him prior warning.
"I'm so sorry." His words come out choked and it takes him time to level his breathing again.
"Shhhh. It's okay baby, everything is okay, you didn't do anything wrong" Floyd cries more when he hears these words "Shhh. Shhhh It's okay, no one is upset" John Dory holds the child better in his grip, rocking him slowly while whispering reassuring words in his voice. the ear of the little one, from promises of love, to soft encouragements "Honey, try to breathe, you can do it"
What are you talking about? I was breathing, although it was much harder and faster but I did it.
"Come on, just follow me" Floyd listens carefully to the instructions even between sobs "Inhale" He follows the instruction "Exhale" The exhale was more painful but he did it anyway "That's my little prince"
Floyd feels like he can finally breathe properly, although his eyes still burn and he feels pain in his body, but he is much better than before. He dares to look up and face the older man "I'm really sorry John, I didn't want to be late, I promise."
"Hey, Hey, Hey Enough of that, it's okay, you don't have to apologize, that boy didn't make it easy for you, let's say."
His voice trembles "I was afraid"
"I know," John sighs, bringing his little brother closer. "It won't happen again, you won't go out alone until you come of age."
"That's cruel," Floyd snorts.
"I'm just taking care of my baby." John gently kisses the child's forehead.
"I'm not." Floyd pouts as a sign of indignation, causing John to look at him sweetly.
"Well, that remains unknown" Floyd analyzes him suspiciously "Now I have to look at those scratches of yours, they are going to burn a lot but you will be brave, right?"
Floyd's little ears tilt again with some fear. "Do they need to be disinfected?" The hope in his little eyes shines, pulling at the heart of his older brother.
"I'll be gentle, I promise." John now shakes his little brother's hair gently as he stands up, leaving Floyd screaming at the abrupt change. The youngest's face shows doubt and in his moments of unconsciousness he raises his arms toward his older brother demanding the warmth of his arms
John Dory laughs a little while holding his little brother by the armpit to take him home in his arms. "Actually, a little pampering makes a lot of sense due to the circumstances." The oldest walks towards home but is stopped by a squeeze from Floyd. "What's going on?"
The youngest points to the ground where the apples are scattered. "Apples for Branch." Floyd seems worried about picking it up, so much so that he is about to fall from his older brother's arms because he is so restless that he squirms.
"It's okay honey, there's nothing to worry about. Branch drank milk and is sleeping peacefully." John can see the wave of tranquility that comes over Floys, only to be replaced by deep sadness.
"I wanted to do something for Branch." A slight pout escapes his lips, to which John wants to die of tenderness because of how sweet his little brother is.
"Believe me Floyd, you will do much more for Branch than what I and the rest of our brothers will do for him." John smiles lightly, caressing the youngest's back. "Also, do you want apple pie?"
Floyd perks up at this "Yes, yes, yes, I want to!" He jumps in his arms, causing fear in the older man.
"Yes? Then calm down, you have to stay alive on the journey"