...This chapter started strong but I feel it ended kind of meh. I'm sorry for that but it just didn't want to cooperate no matter how much I tried to rewrite it. But then again, I wrote it so I see it is as yuck *shrugs*
The Snack Pack has made an appearance! Yay!
Enjoy.
XXXXXXX
Living with Poppy was proving to be...an experience for Branch. If she wasn't dancing around the apartment singing along with some annoying pop song or scrapbooking, she was out with her friends either at a party or off on some crazy scheme and Branch often wondered how she had time to study or actually get to get class with how busy she seemed. Of course she also constantly tried to get him to go along with her, thinking it would be easier now that they lived together but his answer was and would always be 'No'. At least she had yet to invite her equally crazy group of friends over since he had moved in but Branch had a feeling it was only a matter of time till their place was invaded.
Walking across campus one late afternoon about a week and half after moving in, Branch was hoping to make it to the news stand to grab a paper before they closed as he was starting to go just a little stir crazy without having a job already. He also wanted to hurry before Poppy inevitably found him and distracted him like she did, which was the other reason he needed an excuse to be out of the apartment. He was already losing what little resistance he had against her and it hadn't even been a month yet! Maybe he should reconsider this whole arrangement they had...
But then he'd be right back where he had been and the prospect of living under a bridge still wasn't very inviting and at least if he stayed with Poppy he'd have a real roof over his head. But then he'd still have to deal with her sunny optimism and her lovely, over-the-top singing, plus the adorable way she wiggled or bounced around when she was excited. Not to mention the way she just lit up when something made her so happy or the way she bit her lip when she was concentrating or even the way she'd pout and glare at him in such a way that was both cute and attractive and made him want to just kiss her and tell her all the poetry he'd written about her gorgeous smile and endearing freckles and-
Branch growled and tugged at his hair, No, no, no, no! Stop it! This was why he shouldn't be living with her! He was just falling even deeper down the rabbit hole than he already was! Stupid, stupid, stupid! She was never going to love him back! She only saw him as a friend and she didn't need him complicating her life with his greyness and she was so infuriating and impossible and beautiful and adorable and wonderful and-and-and...
And currently standing in front of him looking concerned.
"Branch?"
"Aaaaahhh!" He screamed, jumping back from her, "Don't do that!"
Poppy placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at him, "Then don't just stand in the middle of the sidewalk freaking out about something." She tilted her head to the side, "You okay, by the way? Wanna talk about it?"
He frowned at her, "No. I'm fine." Like he would tell her.
"Come on, tell me. I'm sure you'll feel better."
"No." He shoved his hands into his pockets as he looked away, "There's nothing to talk about because I'm fine."
"Uggh, fine." Poppy rolled her eyes, "So stubborn. So!" And now she was back to being almost overbearingly perky, "What's for dinner, Roomie?"
Branch gave a silent sigh of relief as she let it go, "I was thinking chicken and broccoli casserole with some salad."
"Mmmm~ Sound yummy!" She smiled sweetly up at him, "I gotta say you could make it as a professional chef one day if you wanted to. You're cooking's the best!"
"I just follow the recipe. Not a big deal."
"I mean it!" She lightly smacked his arm, "I enjoy your cooking, Branch. And anyway..." The pinkette started walking toward the parking lot, "I had something I wanted to ask you."
"What?" He should've known she was trying to butter him up for something.
Poppy worried her lip between her teeth as she fiddled with the strap of her bag before blurting out, "Would you be okay with the Pack coming over tonight?!"
Branch, momentarily distracted by the way she had bit her lip, blinked to clear his head, "What?"
"Please? It's not for a party! Well...it sort of is... But a study party, you see? Not like the super, amazing one from this weekend you totally should've come to! And anyway! We always get together to study on Tuesdays and it's my turn to host and since you live with me now and I promised as part of our deal I'd let you'd know when we'd have company over, I'm letting you know, you know? So are you going to be okay with them coming over tonight?"
It took Branch a second to decode her fast paced rambling and when he did, he groaned. He knew it, he just knew he'd have to deal with her friends sooner rather than never.
"Oh, come on, Branch. It's not that bad. You could join us! It'll be fun!"
"No." He liked to actually study and not sit around listening to gossip all night.
"Please~?" She clasped her hands under her chin and gave him that wide eyed, puppy dog look again.
Branch frowned and looked away, he wouldn't fall for that stupid look again, "No, Poppy. I'm not studying with your friends."
"They're your friends too."
"Pretty sure they're just your friends."
"Our friends."
"Your friends."
"Our friends, don't fight it."
Before Branch could continuing arguing the voice he hated most cut in, "Trouble in roommate paradise already?"
"Hi, Creek~" Poppy smiled at the guru, "And no, I'm just trying to convince Branch he should join our study sesh tonight."
Creek nodded, "Of course. They do say the more the merrier and all." He then turned to Branch with that fake pleasant smile he always wore when interacting with him, "Join us, won't you, Mate?"
"No thanks. I'd rather come back to study in the library." Branch deadpanned.
"Ah," Creek tsked, casually putting an arm around Poppy, "But I'm afraid the library's a might closed tonight. Shame, isn't it?"
Branch bit back the growl that was threatening to escape, "Then I guess I'll just study in my room."
"What's the harm joining us, Hm? A little company could do you some good."
"I'd rather study on my own." He then stormed off.
Poppy sighed as she watched her roommate march off, "Well...I don't really know what that was about. Still, I wish he'd join us. We could have so much fun..."
"Worry not, Love. I'm sure he'll come around eventually. Just give him some more time and that glowing positivity of yours will be sure to work it's magic."
She giggled, "Alright." She wiggled out of grasp and grinned at him, "So I'll see you tonight?"
"Indeed you will~"
"Great~ See ya later!" And then she was running off to catch up with her grump of a roommate.
XXXXXXX
A little while later found Branch and Poppy cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. As Branch sealed up the leftovers, Poppy was singing and dancing in place as she washed the dishes. Slipping the food in the fridge, the dark haired man came up beside her and grabbed a towel to dry the clean utensils. Poppy, smiling as she sung, bumped her hip against his in an attempt to get him to play along, Branch simply ignored her.
"When the workin' day is done, Oh! Girl's just wanna have fuuuun~!" She sung with a flourish before flashing a smile at Branch, "Sooo, Branch! My man~ You sure you don't wanna join us tonight? It'll be fun~ Eh? Eh?"
"Yes, Poppy. I'm sure." He answered tiredly.
She pouted, "Oh come on. You can't just locked yourself in your room all the time! We had a deal."
"A: Excuse me for wanting a little privacy while you have your friends over. And B: I haven't been locking myself up," He gestured to his books sitting on the table, "So your argument's invalid." An obnoxious knock suddenly filled the apartment, "And that's my cue to leave."
Grabbing his books, Branch made his way down the hall leaving a pouting Poppy in the kitchen. "Spoil sport!" She called after him before answering the door.
"Guys! Hey!"
"Hey, girl~!" Fashion crazy twins Satin and Chenille Couture greeted.
"'Sup, Pops?" Saluted Suki Akiyama, DJ extraordinaire.
"Hi, Poppy~" Waved soft-hearted Brian 'Biggie' Cordon.
"What'up? What'up?!" Bounced Cooper P. Davis.
"The fabulousness has arrived!" Guy Diamond said, tossing his glittery, silver hair back.
"Let's wreak this homework!" Cried Susan 'Smidge' Riley, the shortest yet strongest of them all.
"Hello, Poppy." Greeted Creek from behind them all.
"Come on in!" The pinkette invited with a wave of her as she moved to the side to let her friends in.
The group of multi-hued haired friends made their way inside, books, bags and snacks getting dropped onto the coffee table as they made themselves comfortable. Cooper flopped down on one of the beanbags, almost tipping over before righting himself with a giggle. Satin and Chenille took a few cushions on the floor, Chenille smoothing her skirt out while her sister began pulling out binders and pens from their designer bags. Guy and Suki made themselves comfortable on the couch with Biggie between them, organizing supplies into neat piles. Smidge crashed in the free beanbag, dumping her stack of books beside her before pulling her bright teal hair back into a tight ponytail. Creek helped Poppy quickly gather some drinks and brought them over before taking a spot on the floor, leaving the armchair for Poppy.
"Alright!" She exclaimed as she clapped her hands together, "What's on the agenda tonight, you guys?"
"We've got some French to go over but first..." Started Satin, sharing a look with her sister.
"You've got to tell us what it's like with your new grumpy roommate." Chenille finished.
Biggie nodded, "Oh, yes. How is Branch adjusting?"
"I still can't believe you're letting him live with you." Smidge said, "Just remember if he tries anything, say the word and he'll get a pounding." She punctuated her statement by hitting her fist against her other hand.
Poppy laughed, "That won't be necessary, Smidge. And, come on, he's our friend and he needed help. I wasn't going to let him live in a box somewhere."
"Yes, we know, Love." Creek patted her knee, "Your kindness knows no bound."
"Seriously though, Pops'," Suki spoke up, "Things going alright?"
"Of course! He keeps to himself." She waved a hand in the direction of their rooms, "But I know he'll warm up soon."
"Hey!" Cooper cried suddenly before stuffing a chip in his mouth, "Maybe we should get him to join us?!"
"Cooper! Snacks for later!" Scolded Biggie.
"And I already tried, Coops. Multiple times. He's being stubborn right now." Poppy said, crossing her arms, "But just wait, I'll get him to part of our study group some day!"
"Okie-dokie!"
"Alright, alright. Enough gossip about Branch..." Guy said before striking a pose, "Let's talk about me instead~! And the delicious date I went on~"
The group made noises of intrigue, 'ooh'ing at Guy before Creek cut in, "You can tell us all about it after some we've done some work. That's the whole point of tonight, Guy."
"You're just jealous, Darling. Admit it."
Creek smirked, "Extremely. Come now, everyone. We can hear all of Guy's tawdry details in a little bit."
There were whines and complaints but soon all the young adults settled into their routine. As papers were shuffled and books opened talk turned to their various subjects, some offering advice if they could, others giving help in the form of checking things over and of course there was always the positive comments of 'You can do it!' whenever anyone got stuck. They spent a few good hours like that before finally calling a break to snack and listen to Guy talk all about his latest date.
XXXXXXX
Branch found them like this, clearly gossiping and not studying, when he ventured out into the kitchen for a snack of his own. Rolling his eyes, he dipped into the fridge for a water bottle before leaning against the edge of the counter, unable not to quip, "Wow. You guys look like you're studying so hard."
Poppy turned around from her seat and stuck her tongue out at him, "Stop. We're just taking a break."
"And how long has this 'break' been, hmm?"
"That's none of your business."
"Uh-huh." Branch turned around but before he could go far Cooper suddenly spoke.
"Hey! Did you and Branch ever christen his moving in?"
Poppy gasped and Branch had a sudden bad feeling, he should've stayed in his room, "Oh My Gosh! No!" She flew out of her chair and into the kitchen, "Branch, don't go anywhere!"
"What are you doing?" He asked as she reached into the cabinets and pulled out a couple of shot glasses before digging around their few liquor bottles.
"Housewarming shots!" She cried happily, brandishing a bottle of Creme de Cerise, sour cherry flavored creme liquor.
"No way!" Branch denied, "I'm not taking shots with you."
"Oh, come on. One won't hurt you. Plus it's tradition! It's how we celebrate moving into a new place now."
"Yeah! It's tradition!" Chimed the twins.
"No. There is no way I'm doing this."
"Please? Just one."
"No."
"There's nothing wrong with a shot now and again."
"Poppy, I said no."
"A celebratory shot isn't going to kill you, Branch. Live a little for once!"
"Fine! If it'll get you to shut up!" He finally shouted.
Poppy pursed her lips, "There's no need to shout, Branch. And thank you."
Pouring the liquid quickly into the tiny cups, Poppy handed one to her grouchy roommate as their friends watched on. Flashing a grin at him, she downed hers and gave him an expectant look for him to take his. Branch grimaced at the red alcohol before knocking it back quickly.
"Ack!" He gagged, "What the hell is that shit?! It's disgusting!"
Poppy rolled her eyes, "It is not. You just have no taste."
Branch coughed and took a deep drink from his water bottle, "Yeah, sure, that's it." Shaking his head, he turned away, "Whatever. I'm going back to back to my work." Making a grab for the fruit bowl, his hand found nothing but air, "Hey...Where's the last peach?"
"Oh, sorry, Branch." Cooper answered, "I ate that a little while ago."
Branch glared at the blue dread-locked man as Poppy replied, "No worries. We can just get some more. Right, Roomie?"
"Yeah, sure, whatever." Branch growled before marching back to his room.
XXXXXXX
The Snack Pack left a little while later with smiles and promises to see each other the next day. Closing the door with a happy sigh, Poppy flipped the locks before skipping back into the living room to finish cleaning up. Humming to herself, Poppy tried to think of a way to make it up to Branch for the miseaten peach. Bouncing in place as an idea occurred to her, she went to the kitchenette and began gathering ingredients.
No one could resist a fresh chocolate chip cookie!
She easily whipped up a batch, not even bothering with a recipe having made these so many times before and was soon pulling the pans out of the oven. Taking a deep inhale and dancing in place as the smell of her childhood swirled around her, Poppy was sure this would cheer Branch up. She placed a few onto a plate and happily went down the hall. Knocking softly just in case he was asleep, Poppy quietly opened the door before pausing in surprise.
He was sitting at his desk, back to her and pencil tapping on the surface while his radio played faintly but that wasn't what had her pausing.
"I'm outta my head hopelessly devoted to you. Hopelessly devoted to you, hopelessly devoted to you..."
So he did still sing! And while she had thought he had a nice voice when they were kids, puberty had very kind to him, he sounded like a downright angel. Poppy closed her eyes and enjoyed it for a moment as he sung along with the radio, wondering briefly why he didn't want to share that beautiful voice with the world. Then she realized she was eavesdropping and closed the door before he could noticed her, not wanting to ruin what little trust he was developing for her.
She stood there for a moment and then knocked loudly, acting as if she hadn't heard anything at all, "Hey, Branch! I made cookies! Thought you may want some~"
He opened the door a few seconds later, an incredulous look on his face, "You just randomly decided to make cookies at almost ten at night?"
"Yep~!" She offered the plate to him, "They're fresh from the oven. Also, the gang's gone now, so you can come out at anytime."
Branch eyed the cookies for a moment before taking them from her, "Thanks. Maybe when I'm done with this paper."
She shrugged, "Alright. You live here too after all and can do what you want. And...sorry if I've been maybe a little pushy about somethings. Just really excited you're here, you know?"
Branch fought the urge to blush as he took a few moments to reply to the sudden, random apology from her,"...Yeah..no, it's fine. I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
She grinned and giggled, "Okay~ I'm gonna go take a shower now but feel free to help yourself to more cookies if you want them!"
He watch her disappear into the bathroom before shrugging and turning to close his door again but before he could she suddenly popped back out with a cry, "Oh wait!"
She was then hugging him from behind before he knew it, "What are you doing?!"
"It's called a hug, Branch."
"Yeah, I know that! Why are you doing it?!"
Poppy giggled, "Because I can and because you needed one." She let him go with a cheeky grin, "That wasn't so bad was it?"
He glared at her silently.
"Glare all you want. I have no regrets." She then spun back toward the bathroom, "Night, Branch! Don't stay up too late!"
"You're crazy!" He called after her.
His response from her was only a giggle as she closed the door. Sighing and shaking his head, Branch closed his own door and wondered why she was so crazy.
XXXXXXX
Was I too obvious with Branch's song choice? Maybe but I don't care! Anyway, donno why Biggie and Smidge got real first names but they did XD And aww~ Tiny-ish Broppy moment, also good girl Poppy, don't let him know you were listening to him...but next time just don't do that XP
I hope you all enjoyed!
Song credit: "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"-Cindi Lauper
"Hopelessly Devoted to You"-Grease (Glee version used as visual however)
EDIT: No worries, I just put in my the line breaks cause I forgot FFnet removes them from my doc now :/ No edits to the story was made.
