Sorry for the wait! Better late than never! It was a great chapter to do, too! And it's the longest one yet, so hopefully it'll appease everyone til. My next days off are Monday and Tuesday, so I'm really aiming to get more done in the next few chapters.
By the way, I've used line breakers to keep past events distinct from the rest, but now I'm using it to also help the scenes flow a little better. Just FYI to those who notice.
Anyways, enjoy!
The Snack Pack and Bridget gasped.
"Oh my gawd Poppy, talk about a drama-bomb!" Bridget half singed, before offering another refill to Poppy's tea cup.
"Thanks Bridget, and that's not even the worst part, guys!" Poppy took her seventeenth gulp of her Bergen friend's vanilla chai tea. "He wants to wait years, YEARS, before he'll even think about it!"
The Snack Pack gave each other a look.
"Well, honestly, Poppy-" DJ Suki spoke up, but was interrupted.
"And then he shut his door in my face and wouldn't open up! Can you believe that! I just, I can't , UGH!" The steaming Poppy held up her cup to Bridget.
"Woah, girlfriend, I'm cutting you off now." Bridget refused with a wag of her finger, setting down the eye dropper she'd been using. Poppy gave a frustrated sigh, but quickly moved on to stuffing herself with grape jam sandwiches.
"Slow down Poppy, eating half your weight isn't going to solve anything!" Suki shifted the bergen-sized plate away from Poppy.
"Is that it? Really?" Guy Diamond raised an eyebrow, concerned.
"Oh no, it can't be over! Not when they just barely started!" Biggie began to cry in despair, and stuff his face as well, forcing Suki to shift the plate again.
"Well, we're going on a date tonight, actually," Poppy began, feeling much better as the cogs in her head began to turn.
"Oh thank goodness!" Relieved, Biggie began hugging his pet worm, Mr. Dinkles.
"So I'll be able to ask him again!" Poppy joyfully sprang up with confidence. "We'll have such a great time that he'll have to change his mind!"
The Snack gave each other yet another look.
"Intervention." They agreed.
Poppy blinked in confusion. "What? Guys?"
"Poppy," Suki started, holding both of the pink troll's hands in hers. "We love you, and we've always supported you no matter what ideas came out of your head. Heck, when you told us last night you were going to ask the guy to marry you, we were shocked at first, but really excited for you. So, please, believe us when I say: I think Branch is right." Suki looked to the rest of the group for support, and received it.
"What! Are you guys serious!?" Poppy couldn't believe what she was hearing!
"Listen Poppy, don't you think this situation might be a little too, you know, familiar? Think about it."
"Hmmm." Poppy thought hard about it, unsure what Suki meant exactly. She was absolutely sure she never asked any other boy to date, much less marry, her. So how is this situation familiar to them? She wondered. And then it clicked. Ohhhh!
"You mean how I always used to give him those party invitations?" The Snack Pack nodded.
"That you always worked so hard on."
"And he always crushed or ripped them."
"And yet you always felt positive that he'll accept the next one."
"But he always never did."
"Always." They finished together.
"So what were saying, Poppy," Suki started again, grabbing her shoulders this time, "Is that you couldn't even convince him to go to a single, little party,"
"He almost went camping with us that one time!" Poppy rebutted.
"And now you're trying to convince the exact same guy to just straight up marry you, when you guys just barely got to the kissing stage last night! To be honest, Popps, I'm not entirely surprised he said 'No,'"
Poppy was beginning to really dislike that one word.
"So in your best interest, I think you should go along with it, take it slow, and not repeat the same mistake."
She looked at each of their faces. She knew they were right. It was delusional of her to even think she could get her stubborn grump of a boyfriend to say yes and marry her.
But she also knew it was true love the moment he confessed. And admittedly, she can be just as stubborn.
"I understand where you guys are coming from," Poppy faced them with determination, "but even if he tells me 'no' a thousand more times, I can't possibly give up! Because what if he really does change his mind? I could never live with the thought that I missed my one chance!"
The Snack Pack still continued to seem uncertain at her, so she looked up at her bergen friend. "And Bridget, King Gristle just started falling in love with you the same day, and now here you are three months later as his fiancé, and you don't feel like you're rushing, right?"
"Of course not! It's a dream come true! And he's even more excited than I am!" Bridget squealed, daydreaming about that fateful date, and Gristle's proposal.
"Because you two were meant be! You both knew there was no reason to wait when you're destined for one another." Poppy was elated for her friend, and couldn't wait to join her as well.
Poppy looked back at the Snack Pack, who were somewhat convinced a bit more.
She took a deep breath and sang, "And if he knock, knocks me over,"
"You will get back up again!" The Snack Pack joined in, smiling. They should've known better than to talk Poppy out of it. She never falters, always looking at the bright side. For now, they'll just have to be there for her.
The Snack Pack and Bridget began a group hug, for reassurance.
"Okay, Poppy, you win. I'm still not completely sure you can make him change his tune, but we'll have your back through and through!" Suki spoke.
"Thanks guys, that's all I really need!" With that, the group broke up the hug fest, and Poppy didn't wait a second longer to set her plan in motion.
"So I don't know what kind of date we're going on just yet, but I'll need the perfect dress! One that's going to make his jaw drop! Satin, Chenille, can you whip up something elegant and ladylike, but comfortable in case I need to walk?" The twins nodded.
"Even better-"
"We'll get the details on your date-"
"From Branch-"
"And make you two-"
"Matching outfits!" The twins finished in sync.
"Awesome, you guys are the best!"
"We know it!" The twins high fived each other.
As the Snack Pack and Bridget began talking amongst themselves, Biggie tapped Poppy on he shoulder.
"Hey Poppy, do you mind following me over there?" He whispered, pointing directly away from the others. Curious, Poppy followed behind the larger blue troll.
"What's up, Biggie?"
"Well, I know you have this big important date going on tonight," Biggie shuffled his feet nervously. "But I was wondering if maybe...well, I don't know if I should ask!" He looked away, rubbing his arm. Poppy has never seem him so shy before! Now she really needed to know!
"Come on, tell me! I won't bite!"
"Okay, okay!" Biggie took a deep breath. "Canwemakeitadoubledate?" He asked very quickly. It took her a second to process the question.
"Did you say double date!?" Poppy gasped, nearly shrieking in excitement. "Oh my gosh Biggie!-"
"Shhh! Keep it low!" Biggie shushed her.
"Sorry," Poppy whispered. "But oh my gosh, Biggie, spill the beans now!"
"Alright, listen. Yesterday, I was taking some pictures for the trolls moving in-"
"Smile!" Biggie clicked the camera button at just the right moment.
After the flash, the troll family relaxed and started moving again. "Thank you, Biggie! This is going in the center of my Pod!" The couple's two children were already running around, playing.
"Glad to be of service, sir and madam!" He knew it could be the perfect picture they needed, capturing the family smack in the center of their three pods, just as the clouds had moved away from the sun and brightened the leaves. He just needs to go back to his pod to develop the photo properly and frame it.
But first, this was actually a really great spot.
"You know what Mr. Dinkles, I think it's time for a photo op." He picked up his pet worm, who had been chilling on his head the whole time. Setting the worm down on a nice looking twig, he prepared his camera for yet another perfect shot.
In just a minute, the sun's rays began to tilt in just the right way, creating a lovely glow on the bright green leaves. "Say cheese Mr. Dinkles!"
But the pet worm's head wasn't facing the camera as he usually does, but somewhere off to the right. "Mr. Dinkles, focus and smile!"
It was too late though, the sun's rays moved too far back now, leaving the worm in the shade. The leaves rustled from a strong gust of wind, shifting them, ruining the natural frame they made just a moment ago.
"Darn, wasted opportunity!" Biggie grunted. He put away his camera and went to pick up his worm, who was still distracted. "What are you even looking at, Mr. Dinkles?" He turned to face the direction Mr. Dinkles was staring at.
And faced another troll's pet worm, lavender tinted, wearing just the cutest little bonnet he's ever seen. Her beady little eyes sparkled in a glittery rainbow. And the worm's owner flashed him a smile as well.
"Oh, Baby." Mr. Dinkles spoke.
"So now Nectar and I - that's Miss Jellybean's owner - agreed to meet up tonight so our worm's could get to know one another. I'm sure Mr. Dinkles is a tad nervous, so having you around could give him confidence." Biggie teared up, hugging his precious pet. "Mr. Dinkle's first date, I'm so happy!" He cooed at the little worm, who remained unaffected by the smothering.
"Wow, that's so wonderful!" Poppy had heart on her eyes, but snapped back to reality.
"Wait, so you and Nectar will be tagging along as well, right?" She smirked teasingly. That's a triple date, mister!
"Oh yes, well don't worry about us! We'll be busy making sure Mr. Dinkles and Miss Jellybean have a perfect date; you won't even notice we're there!" He spoke offhandedly.
Biggie smiled down and winked at her. "Although if you guys need any pictures taken to commemorate..."
"Of course! Thanks Biggie!" Poppy laughed. "So, how do they look like?" She knew he had to have taken a photo of that moment.
"Oh, here!" Biggie slipped a picture out of his pocket. In it, Biggie held Mr. Dinkles right next to a cute lavender worm, a big grin on his face, his other arm going out of shot. A light peach colored troll with pale orange hair and bright red glasses held Miss Jellybean. The female troll was the only one not staring at the camera, instead side-eyeing at Biggie, with rosy cheeks and a smile sweeter than, well, nectar. Poppy couldn't help but aww, it's just so obvious!
"They both look so adorable! I can't wait to meet them!" She squealed. "Branch said to be ready for the date by dusk, so you and Nectar should meet me at my pod just before then!"
"Great, I better get ready now! Mr. Dinkles has to look his best, first date and all!"
"And what about you? Won't you be getting dressed?" Poppy winked at him.
"Hmm? Should I? I'll be busy taking photos, I probably won't be in them." He pondered.
"Oh, I'm very sure you should!" Poppy couldn't help but giggle at Biggie's obliviousness.
With that, they rejoined their friends, who had politely stayed out of earshot when the two broke off from the group. Smidge was halfway into a story, while Bridget had to return to the castle, taking the remnants of her picnic with her. The Snack Pack spent another hour together before breaking off, promising to meet up again tomorrow. Satin and Chenille decided to head off to their pod, Cooper tagging along, to collect their fabrics before they faced off Branch. Poppy skipped her up the tree to check on her father, and then prepare for her big night.
Branch, meanwhile, had went on an errand to Bergen town, delivered some more berries to the busy miners, and spent some of his afternoon shuffling furniture, shelves, and various storage trunks around his progressing home. He has a lot of stuff, from all his years stocking up the bunker, and even after reducing the keepsake pile to a quarter of the original amount, it was still a ton of items. Despite Poppy's protests, he kept a majority of his traps and weapons, just in case. They could still be handy against small pests, after all.
While sorting out his enormous collection of books, he heard knocking on his door. He could tell two separate hands were knocking simultaneously. It didn't take a genius to guess whom.
"Come in Satin, Chenille!" The twins welcomed themselves in, a bit surprised. "How'd you know?" He merely had to point at his sensitive ears to remind them. "Ah."
"What brings you two, and Cooper?" Branch smiled as he noticed the giraffe-like troll enter a moment later. He didn't know the twins well, he always felt they were too snobby, but he surprisingly got along with Cooper in the few exchanges they've had, despite having little in common.
"Greetings, Branch!" Cooper saluted the troll, nearly wobbling as he juggled a mountain of fabric on three legs.
"Hey bud! If you need a hand we can set those on the tab - HEY WHAT THE?!" Two sets of arms forcibly dragged Branch backwards under a bright lamp he was pretty sure he didn't own.
"What're you two-" "Shut up and stand still!" He came face-to-face with a long roll of measuring tape. The twin straightened his posture and stretched his arms out before going to work.
"Hmm..." Satin measured the length of his arm, then wrapped her tape around his forearm. "Ooo, nice!" She commented, happily testing his firm muscles, built from years of rough living. She took out a notepad to scribble some notes.
"Very nice!" Chenille agreed as she measured Branch's waist, getting a nice view of his chest area as well. She whistled in approval.
"Is there any reason you two are getting in my personal space?" He growled, blushing furiously.
"Your date tonight-"
"Which you'll need a new outfit for-"
"'Cause sugar, this," Satin gestured to his shorts, eyebrow raised and looking quite offended "It doesn't work, even casually."
"By the way," Chenille interjected, when it came apparent Branch was close to boiling mad, "Where exactly are you taking Poppy dearest?"
"And I should tell you, why?"
"Oh please, sugar," Satin waved him off, "We're not here to get the details and run off, we're just making sure you and Poppy have the appropriate attire for the occasion."
"Attire?" Branch had never thought much about what he wore, at least not beyond whether or not it camouflaged well back in the forest. Maybe it would be good to dress up this one time. They still could've at least asked!
"Well? We're waiting! Is it a late night walk around the lake?"
"A serenade under the moonlit sky?" Chenille sighed dreamily.
"Dinner for two at a fancy Bergen restaurant?"
"A waltz-"
"Okay stop!" They were making him self conscious about his choice. "It's...that place King Gristle and Bridget went. I got the owner to stay open late for us."
"Pizza and roller skating! Got it!" The twins snapped their fingers. "Cooper, powder blue cotton, steel grey tweed, and salmon pink felt!" Satin yelled over the other troll, who had just finished settling the materials down the table.
"Uhhhh?" The troll looked over the rainbow pile of different fabrics.
"Nevermind!" Satin rolled her eyes, "We got this." The twins jumped into the pile, scattering fabrics here and there on Branch's floor.
Cooper made his way towards Branch, letting the fashionistas to their work.
"So," Branch started, crossing his arms in a sort of embrace, "I take it Poppy told everyone?" He left it vague to gauge a reaction.
"The proposal? Yeah, it was pretty crazy!" Cooper nervously laughed. "We've known her for so long, and it threw us into a loop!"
"Yeah, she's full of...surprises." Branch chuckled.
"We kind of agree with you, actually." Branch hadn't expected that; to him, the Snack Pack were always as enthusiastic as their ring leader. Sometimes unbearably so.
"Huh."
"Yep."
"Here!" Branch's vision was suddenly obstructed by several pieces of fabric smacking him in the face. That was quick.
"You're welcome, now put it on so we can make adjustments!" The twins rushed him into his storage room, the only one that currently had a door.
"I have feet you kno-" The door slammed shut loudly.
"Hurry up or we'll dress you ourselves!"
"Okay, sheesh!" Branch grumbled, quickly removing his leafy vest.
Two minutes later, he exited the room to face three sets of eyes eagerly taking in the complete look. A little too close for comfort. "I'm sure it's much easier to see if you just move back a few yards." They took the hint and stepped back a much more appropriate distance.
It wasn't too far a stretch from his usual outfit; the closed vest was a striped light pink, with light blue short sleeves and a collar sewed on. It came with grey shorts slightly longer than his old ones, and a matching grey tie also sewed into the vest.
The twins nodded in approval. They circled around like predators eyeing a meal.
"He cleans up pretty well."
"Sis, you're a genius! Salmon is so his color."
"Back at 'cha, Chenille. I didn't think gray would actually work out. I'm glad you brought it along." Branch didn't know if he should be offended by that comment.
"Now that's taken care of, we can get to work on Poppy dearest as well!" Satin and Chenille glanced over his homely abode. "But feel free to request some advice on home decor sometime in the future."
"Yeah, I'm good on that." Branch looked once over the outfit. As much as the twins got on his nerves, Satin especially, he had to admit they knew their stuff.
"Thanks you two, this is...pretty good." He gave a genuine smile. He did appreciate the work they did.
Both girls smiled even wider, butterflies in their stomachs. It was the first time Branch ever said something nice directly at them. No wonder Poppy is hopelessly in love. They thought in unison.
"Group hug!" Cooper shouted, seconds before the ding of his hug charm went off.
Branch was starting to get comfortable, embracing other trolls. Especially his friends.
Go figure, I actually have friends now.
In an old, beat up box, amongst the pile of random objects, a long forgotten charm chimed, for once not ignored by it's possessor.
Dusk was approaching, and Poppy couldn't help but pace back and forth, fretting over the details of her new outfit.
The skirt was adorably poofy, a powder blue with grey flowers sewn along the bottom. She had a striped baby pink button up shirt tucked into the skirt, and a gray ascot scarf around her neck. A hair bow of all three colors completed the look. The entire outfit was already finished before the twins had even knocked on her door.
My first date, I dreamed of this moment almost every night. She mused nervously. But there's more at stake now. I gotta keep my eye on the prize; this is just a stepping stone.
Her breath hitched at the sound of knocking. She yanked the door open excitedly. There he was, a vision himself. They stood there for a moment, blushing furiously, taking in the handiwork of each other's outfits.
"Hey, um, Poppy. Hi." Branch was finding it hard to put words in his mouth.
"Hi." She giddily replied, feeling much like a little girl talking to her crush.
"So, um," Branch fidgeted, a paper in hand. "This is yours, for later, to read. I felt like sharing, with you I mean." He held it out to Poppy. She gratefully accepted the card, putting it aside for now.
She faced her date, hands clasped. "Well, this is it!
"Y-yeah." He was stuttering now, good grief.
"We're ready too!" Biggie popped out from behind Poppy, with some other troll.
Branch jumped, he hadn't even noticed them! "Wait what?" He blinked in confusion.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't tell you!" Poppy laughed charmingly. "I invited Biggie and, this is Nectar, by the way. Their worms are in love."
Biggie busily adjusted Mr. Dinkles bow tie, wearing a matching one as well. The female troll put a whole lot more effort in her own outfit, with curled hair and a lacy dress, and her own worm wearing the most over-the-top frilly hat he's ever seen. Biggie's companion was doing her very best to look like a blushing doll.
"So, a triple date?" Branch turned to Poppy.
"Do you mind?"
The old him wouldn't even dream of openly dating the pink haired troll. The new him, however, simply shrugged, in too good a mood to think of something negative. "Sure, okay."
"Ooooh, hold on a moment, let me get a picture!" Biggie stopped nit picking at his worm long enough to position his tripod at the two. "Ive already gotten some of Mr. Dinkles and Miss Jellybean, so its your turn!" He gave the two a thumbs up. "Hold still and smile! Branch, put your arm around Poppy!"
They obliged with Biggie's instructions. I took a minute for Biggie to snap the photo, as he waited for them to stop shifting.
"Us, too, Biggie!" The other female troll giggled, grabbing the larger troll's arm. "They can take the photo for us!" She batted her eyelashes at him.
"Oh, sure, I guess." Biggie shrugged. He instructed them how to use the tripod. The end result wasn't as spectacular, but it sure made Biggie's "date" elated.
They were seated by the window sill, in the only table currently available in troll size. It was small, even for them, leaving the four trolls and two worms to squeeze in elbows.
None of them had tried pizza before in their lives, and they were surprise to find it very enjoyable, considering it was a savory meal. The happier Bergens have been improving their recipes, now that they actually had a taste for something other than bland, depressing meals.
The group talked about everything from work on the Troll Tree, to upcoming plans and parties, and more. Biggie's date spent most of the time complimenting Biggie and laughing cutely, while Biggie himself concerned himself over making sure the worms were doing okay. Both worm really just stood there, staring at each other unresponsively. Biggie, however, seemed to completely understand that they were enjoying themselves.
An upbeat song echoed around the room. Branch wordlessly offered his hand to Poppy, which she gracefully accepted. They jumped onto the roller rink, and began tying in their skates, another gift from the twins for tonight. Together, they started gliding along the circle, grateful they don't have to watch out for giant feet. The happier Bergens had started coming to this particular place in droves, popularized by the king and his fiancé. Coming in after hours on a weekday ensured they could safely enjoy the rink as well.
Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you're holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
They were dancing and skating at once, the movements coming naturally to them. Poppy's heart fluttered as Branch laughed, having the time of his life. She wanted to hear that laughter everyday for the rest of her life. She was so in love.
She jumped in for a kiss, Branch accepting it. It burned their lips, springing a warm feeling deep within. It took a moment for them to disconnect.
"This woman is my destiny," Branch singed suddenly. "She said:"
"Ooooo," she singed back. "Shut up and dance with me!"
They followed along with the song in harmony, kissing every so often. Biggie and his date joined in eventually, the larger troll was convinced to give the pets some alone time. They weren't dancing as enthusiastically, but Biggie was beginning have fun with his partner.
"Deep in her eyes, I think I see the future." He twirled Poppy around. "I realize this is my last chance." He spun around gracefully as well. "She took my arm, I don't know how it happened, we took the floor and she said:" He picked her up, still twirling.
"Oh don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me," She half-laughed as she sang.
"I said you're holding back, she said:"
"SHUT UP AND MARRY ME!"
"This woman is my destiny, she-" Branch paused and blinked. Poppy grinned widely at him, adrenaline rushing through her brain, anticipating the answer.
"Poppy, are you serious?" She nodded.
"Poppy, come on, not tonight, not right now." He slowly brought her back down, still connected to her by the arms. "Let's just enjoy this moment."
"But you just said yourself, I'm your destiny! You can see the future, our future, deep in my eyes," She brought herself closer to him, arms wrapping around, aiming for another kiss.
He blocked her with a hand. "I was just singing that, it was spur of the moment. We still need to take things slow." He gestured towards the other couple in the rink. "They're taking their time, too."
She frowned, the mood was starting to go sour.
"It's not so much taking their time as it is Biggie being an oblivious idiot that can't see a good thing in front of him!"
He was about to chastise her for speaking so ill of a good friend, until he realized she wasn't actually talking about Biggie.
"Well maybe Nectar should consider Biggie's feelings more since he's obviously not ready for the next stage." He growled back.
"And maybe Biggie should be ready for the next stage and accept it, because Nectar deserves a whole lot better than that after all the trouble they went through together!"
"Oh ho, better? Is that what Nectar thinks of Biggie? That's she's lessening herself for his benefit? That he needs to appreciate her majesty's charity?!" He spitefully spat.
"That's not what I meant and you know it!" She clenched her fists. She was seething.
"Do I? Well maybe her royal pain-in-the-butt Nectar could use a little time off on her charity work, 'cause the answer is still a big, fat NO. And it will be a NO until Biggie is ready!"
"You, you, you NASTY MEAN TROLL!" Poppy screamed like she's never had before.
"OBNOXIOUS IMMATURE SPOILED BRAT!"
"DEMON-EARED GRUMP!"
"GARISH PINK DITZ!"
"IDIOT!" Poppy hollered with all her might, stomping her foot. "STUPID, SELF ABSORBED IDIOT!"
They were breathing heavily, catching their breaths, grinding their teeth, caught up in a tense glaring battle.
And suddenly were all over each other, passionately making out, hands in hair, or wrapped around their torso, the world around them forgotten. Their emotions were running high, a fever lighting up inside. They paused for a moment to catch their breaths again.
"It's still no." Branch heaved.
"Just shut up." Poppy dived right back in.
Biggie and Nectar, meanwhile, had stopped in their tracks during the argument, staring wide eyed at the other couple.
Biggie turned to his partner, astonished. "You like me?"
She collapsed in embarrassment.
"Oh, snap!" Mr. Dinkles spoke.
"My, oh my!" Miss Jellybean replied back.
Sorry for the wait! Even with Thanksgiving and friday off I had so little time to actually proofread and tweak. Better late than never! See y'all in the next chapter!
"Shut Up And Dance" by Walk The Moon