Chapter 2: Comfort and love

Poppy arived at Branches pod but she knew branch was asleep but she needed to talk to someone, so she took a breath and knocked on the door. Branch woke up.

"who could that be at this time of night?" he thought.

Branch got out of bed and went to the door when he opened it he saw one troll he wasn't expecting to see

"Poppy?" he said "what are you doing here?"

Poppy knew what she wanted to tell him but while she was thinking about the nightmares she had been having the past weeks, fear was growing in her eyes she just couldn't bring herself to speak. When Branch saw the fear in her eyes he started to worry

"Poppy are you ok?" he asked with concern in his voice.

Poppy looked at Branch and then she broke down, she fell forward into his arms and sobbed hard on his chest. Branch was horrified by what happened he had never seen Poppy cry before, so he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her gently whlie rubbing her back.

"shhh Poppy its okay take a deep breath" he said trying to calm her down.

Poppy did as Branch said she took a deep breath then looked at branch with tears still in her eyes.

"Branch...I need to talk to you...about somethig" she managed to get out.

"Of course come in" Branch said as he lead her inside.

Branch lead Poppy to his bed and sat her down and he sat down beside her.

"Poppy can you please tell me whats wrong?" he asked.

Poppy took a breath and then spoke.

"Ive been having the same nightmare for the last few weeks" she said

Branch knew this was serious.

"What was it about?" he asked.

Poppy took another breath and told Branch everything.

"I was in a dark place I couldn't find my way home, it was like a cave but I was surounded by fog. Then I heard a voice, a voice I thought I would never hear again. It was Creek. Then he started chasing me through the cave I shouted at him to leave me alone but I couldn't get away. Thats when he chased me into a corner he said he was going to come back one day and when I do I'm in for it."

Poppy was really scared now and she started crying hard again.

"I don't know what to do I'm really scared"

Branch felt sorry for her, he knew he had to do something but what? thats when he thought of it the one thing that could make Poppy feel better. He put his arms around her again and rocked her gently from side to side. Then he said to her softly.

"Poppy thats a nightmare that will never come true, and even if Creek does come back I won't ever let him near you...I promise"

Then Branch started to sing to her quietly and soothingliy

" I remember tears streaming down your face when i said i'll never let you go. When all those shadows almost killed your light. I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone" but all thats dead and gone and passed tonight. Just close your eyes, the sun is going down you'll be alight, no one can hurt you now come morning light, you and I will be safe and sound"

And with that Poppy fell asleep in Branches arms. Branch smiled down at her and picked her up bridal style and carried her back to her pod. They arived at Poppy's pod and went inside Branch went over to Poppy's bed and placed her down gently. Then Branch looked down at her face she looked so peaceful as she slept. Branch placed on hand on her cheek and stroked it softly, then he leaned over her and did something that sent his heart into overload.

He kissed her.

As he parted his lips from hers he noticed a small blush on her face. He just smiled.

"I love you Poppy" he whispered

Branch was about to leave but then he started to worry. What if Poppy had another nightmare? Thats when he decied to stay for a while. He pulled up a chair and sat next to bed, as time went by he couldn't stay awake thats when he fell asleep on the bed while holing Poppy's hand.

Even though Poppy could be annoying at times Branch still loved her very much.