Chapter 5: Beautiful in White
His body ached. He had been laying for hours on his couch. His back hurt and one of his legs felt numb. He groaned and moved, but something heavy on top of him made the task impossible. His arms weighed tons as he tried to lift them up and then he realized the reason was because there was someone with him... It merely took him a frightened second from recognizing her to completely melt into the sensation of simply holding her..
He didn't have to open his eyes. The warmth of her body and the strawberry scent was unmistakable. She shifted as well, resting one hand on his chest and hooking a leg over his hips. He tensed up, feeling all the hairs on his body standing up when he felt her breath fanning his cheek.
He had to get out there soon, it wasn't possible to be responsible for his actions if he remained that way. Her lips touched his neck and he whimpered like a lost puppy.
"Poppy?" He whispered as gently as he could, "Are you awake?"
She moved on top of him and her lips met his gently. It wasn't just a kind lip lock like he pictured when he read books in isolation, it wasn't innocent as the poems he had written. Her tongue slid past his lips rising alerts in his brain as if someone had just tried to infiltrate his bunker.
"Poppy..." He said against her lips with his eyes wide open in fright, seeing hers closed like she was dreaming. He let out a tortured groan as he gathered all his strength to push her away, "...wake up, please." heart beating wildly, he was successful in making her turn around,
"mmHm... sing more." She said in her sleep. He sighed in desperation. He had wanted so badly for her to be awake. He still couldn't move, though, somehow her legs had made it even more difficult for him to get up.
Again, he didn't get much sleep. His brain was singing and dancing around his skull. He had just been kissed for the first time... and she had been asleep.
Exhausted was how he woke up the following morning. It was close to afternoon, actually. His bones cracked like he was an old man. His neck felt sore and the usual morning grumpiness seemed to be worse than ever, until he recognized a familiar scent all over him, although it was clear that she wasn't beside him anymore.
Opening his eyes, he saw Poppy looking freshly showered going around the kitchen. His nose welcomed the scent of coffee like a heavenly embrace. She was preparing toast and milk by the time he walked into the kitchen.
"Morning, sleepyhead." She grinned, looking as cheerful as ever. "Is honey okay on your toast? I couldn't find anything else."
"It's perfect." He sat down, looking at her dreamily as she went through his fridge. He could picture this routine every morning for the rest of his life.
"You look like you've been run over by a train." She sat down oddly close to him, serving him a plate full of toast, honey and placing the coffee and milk on the table. "There, eat and you'll feel better."
He ate in silence and watched her as she happily sipped her own coffee. She loved bright, sunshine and chilly winded mornings so it was clear she was happily inspired by the weather. It was a bit dark and gloomy in his bunker, but soon she would be out there running the kingdom like she used to. She'd go away like nothing had happened the night before.
"You'll give Smidge a run for her money," She grinned, snapping him back from his daydream.
"What are you talking about?"
"You'll take her place as my best friend if you continue being sweet like that." She completed it. "I'll keep that to myself so she won't kill you." she moved closer, giving him a quick kiss on his cheek.
Bitter... sweet. That was no other word to describe the feeling of butterflies flapping their wings in his stomach combined with the stab in his heart.
"I'll always be here," He said, hiding his face on his mug. "I sang it to you once and I meant every - single - word of that song." Great! That was the most courageous - and vague - way to tell her he really loved her.
She gave him one last hug before going off to her routine. In the end, he didn't get an answer about her boyfriend, it felt like she wasn't suffering like the gang had said. He doubted she would run away broken-hearted for a whole week. He did get one answer for sure... that Gregor guy had kissed her because there was no way she was inexperienced...
He had some chores to take care of as well. He took a shower and decided to face the day. It was going to be a little hurried because he still had to finish the song for Gristle's wedding and he had to practice for the big wedding night in two days.
"Soo-oo-oo..." Guy Diamond jumped out of nowhere, not exactly surprising Branch, since he was expecting some nuisance. "How was the night with the Que-e-e-en?"
"You lied to my face and you want to know about my night?" Branch asked rhetorically.
"What are you talking about?" Smidge blushed, knowing that their plan didn't go quite as they had predicted.
"She's far from broken-hearted!"
"Okay..." Guy and Smidge exchanged a worried look. "We may have exaggerated a bit... but it's for a good cause."
"You must get the guts to tell Poppy how you feel, Branch." Smidge said,
"Were they even in a relationship?" Branch felt angry with that ridiculous set up, but still... he was curious about who that Gregor was.
"Nobody actually got it out of Poppy." Smidge shrugged. "But she looks down every time I try to bring the subject up."
At that point, they spotted Poppy walking towards Misty Meadows with some teens, looking happy and cheerful as ever. She was talking about empowerment and how girls were supposed to value themselves and have their own voice. Violet was feeling a little down, apparently realizing the song she sang at the play didn't exactly make her feel her best.
"If you want to feel powerful you must do it for yourself and not for some boy," They overheard Poppy saying. "You know..." the gang couldn't hear anymore as they vanished on their way up the hill.
"Guys, thank you for trying to help, but if I will tell Poppy about my feelings it must be on my own time." Branch finally said, turning around and leaving them behind.
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He had to admit he felt very handsome in a black tuxedo. Branch stared at himself in the mirror, wondering if he should try some gel to keep his hair back or if he should go natural. He wasn't used to shoes. The only time he wore those were in snow days and they hurt his toes, keeping them too hot.
He folded the paper sheets where he had written the song, feeling he should repeat it endlessly to get it all out perfectly. He checked the clock on his wall and made sure everything was in place before leaving the bunker.
That morning Poppy had sent a critter with a note, telling him to go ahead to the castle because she was going earlier to have her hair and makeup done with Bridget, after all, she had to stay by the bride and fully support her in case of nervous breakdowns.
Girls were complicated.
The path to Bergen Town was much easier now that they had become friends. He just had to look out for spiders and dangerous plants, but the worry of being caught and served as dinner had been lifted off.
His mind wandered to the kiss Poppy had given him a few days before. The taste of her lips still lingered in his. Her hair cascaded down his face so smoothly that he felt protected from the world outside. The way her hand touched his cheek and her leg caressed his...
It was obvious that she didn't remember any of that. It had been the best night of his life and he couldn't share it with anyone. Besides, what would they say if they knew he had let her kiss him while drunk? Would they think of him as a pervert?
Before he realized he was standing at the castle's door. The main hall had been decorated with flowers of all colors, chairs were placed on both sides making an aisle in the middle. It looked more bright, as if they had changed the gloomy chandeliers with lighter lamp bulbs.
Bergens were arriving and picking their places. Branch made his way to the front, where he was supposed to stand as best man. He could see Gristel peeking from behind a curtain and waving at him, discreetly.
The song started and they all stood up. Branch stood on his chair and watched as Gristle entered, holding his crown high on his head. Another crown waited in Todd's hands, it looked smaller, obviously belonging to Bridget who would become Queen as well.
Branch had never thought about it. If he and Poppy would ever be… more than friends... would he be King? The thought of it gave him the chills. That certainly was a position he wasn't cut out for.
The main doors opened and he looked outside. Bridget stood there, looking very elegant in her white top and colored skirt. His heart melted when he spotted Poppy walking behind her, holding the dress's tail. Poppy was breathtaking, her white dress fit her small form perfectly and he could swear she was glowing with happiness.
Bridget reached out a hand and Gristle took it. Poppy softened the tail down and marched towards her teal friend, sitting down on the chair reserved for her. She smiled at him, but she was so excited to watch the ceremony; they could barely exchange any words.
Her pink hair was tied up in a knot, looking very elegant. He could see the way her dress outlined her shape making her look like a mature young lady. She was wearing matching earrings and her perfume smelled like royalty.
He took the opportunity to sit a little closer to her, almost protectively. He was the best man, she was the maid of honor... they went together like perfect pieces of a puzzle. He felt almost like they were together for real.
Her eyes were glassy, she was about to start crying out of happiness while she watched the wedding. Her right hand raised to her heart and her left hand - to his surprise - searched his, grabbing it firmly. It was just then that he realized that time had passed as he inspected every inch of her pink skin.
Gristle and Bridget were officially husband and wife. Poppy yelped in excitement and jumped off the chair, bringing him together with her as they slowly walked behind their friends towards the exit. Her eyes were pure joy when she stared back at him. They didn't need to say anything to know what crossed each other's minds.
The ballroom had been decorated with tables and chairs, flowers and a little bit of glitter between the red and white tapestry; it screamed out that Poppy had a hand in picking up the items for the big night.
They had been placed at Gristle and Bridget's right in a table too big to be comfortable, but with satisfaction, Branch noticed they had placed a small table on top of the bigger one, so they could adjust to their sizes. A small table for two, with a small candle and tiny plates and glasses. Like a date in a fancy restaurant. It almost made him forget they were surrounded by bergens.
Poppy didn't even sit down, she went straight to Bridget to hug her friend. Both girls let out a characteristic squeal of excitement as they inspected the oversized diamond ring. Looking past his friend, Branch saw Gristle giving him two 'thumbs' up', confirming he was prepared for the song. He nodded and pulled his tie nervously.
"Wasn't it precious?" Poppy commented, sitting down next to him.
'not as precious as you' Branch replied in his mind. "It was okay," He blurted out, still in a daze every time his gaze met hers. She had lipstick on. He had never seen her wear makeup before and he got himself thinking how her lips would taste like that.
A few canapes were placed on their plates and Poppy was happy to nibble on them as she observed the party getting a good start. Always working, Branch realized she was there on duty as well, she was taking care of everything so Bridget could have the best memories of her dream coming true.
Todd and Chad appeared behind him, one with a violin and the other with a trumpet. Branch gave them a paper with the notes and lyrics he was going to sing. They nodded and whispered something about being ready in ten minutes.
So that was it. He was going to sing at their friends' wedding, a song inspired by Poppy's dress. He just hoped she could get what he really meant with the lyrics. It wasn't like he had been subtle...
Champagne had been served and some Bergens even sipped a little before they were allowed.
"I told Bridget I could come up with a toast, but she didn't let me." He heard Poppy saying at his side. "I wonder who it's going to be." She bit a mouthful of bruschetta, looking around. He could have chuckled if he wasn't so nervous.
He spotted Chad nodding at him from behind a curtain, across the ballroom.
He took a deep breath and stood up, clinking his glass with a desert spoon until the whole room was quiet and stared at him expectantly. He could feel Poppy's eyes on his back, not believing that he was the one to make the honors.
"Hey, everyone. I was invited by Gristle to propose a different kind of toast." Branch began, walking from behind the table to stand fully in front of it. "Gristle and Bridget made history for our people and I hope that... with his song, I can make their wedding day as remarkable as possible. My friend… here's to you both… Together... in harmony." He stole a glance at Poppy, who was holding back her tears when she realized he had said that just to show her he liked some harmony as well.
Chad came into the room playing the violin, the castle's bell tolled and Todd followed with his trumpet.
"Not sure if you know this
But when we first met
I got so nervous
I couldn't speak
In that very moment I found the one and
My life had found its missing piece"
Branch started singing, Gristle took Bridget's hand and they walked together to the middle of the room, ready for their first dance as a married couple.
"So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish
You look so beautiful in white
Tonight"
Poppy looked gorgeous in white. He couldn't help it, but let his eyes wander to her, seeing her perfect tiny pink form as she sat there, fanning her face to dry her tears before her makeup got ruined.
"What we have is timeless
My love is endless
And with this ring I say to the world
You're my every reason
You're all that I believe in
With all my heart I mean every word"
Gristle and Bridget danced across the room, and some Bergens joined in, dancing in a circle around them. Branch felt a familiar warm hand intertwining her fingers with his and his heart skipped a beat. Poppy was standing by his side, smiling a kind of smile he had never seen before.
"So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish
You look so beautiful in white
Tonight
Oh, oh
You look so beautiful in white
Na na na na na
So beautiful in white
Tonight"
With a gentle pull, he brought Poppy closer, daring to hold her strongly with his right arm, as his left hand lifted hers in a waltzing position. He held her so tightly he could feel all curves of her body against his. Her perfume was enticing and he almost forgot he was the one singing.
"And if our daughter's what our future holds
I hope she has your eyes
Finds love like you and I did, yeah
When she falls in love we let her go
I'll walk her down the aisle
She'll look so beautiful in white"
He stepped left, then right, dancing gently, never breaking their eye contact so he could make sure he was singing directly at her, as if she was the only one in the room. He was in a tux, she was in a white dress. He felt like it was their own wedding, in a way. And that smile... that curious, happy, satisfied, trustful smile she was giving him... he wanted to wake up to that smile every morning.
"You look so beautiful in white
So as long as I live I'll love you
Will have and hold you
You look so beautiful in white
And from now to my very last breath
This day I'll cherish"
She bit her lower lip nervously, as if she was stopping herself from something she wanted to do very badly. Branch was curious at what was going on in her head, but whatever it was, she shook it off and rested her head on his shoulder, following the pace he was leading. Her arm rested on top of his and he took the opportunity to rest his cheek against the top of her head.
"You look so beautiful in white
Tonight
You look so beautiful in white tonight"
As the music ended, he heard the crowd cheering, knowing the bride and the groom decided to finish the song with a kiss.
"I can't believe how romantic you are." He heard Poppy saying dreamily under him.
"Nah, it was just a favor for a friend." He didn't want to brag, but... yeah... he would sweep the queen out of her feet with his romantic moves if he had the guts. She shook her head, stepping away just enough to look at his face, but still keeping herself in his embrace.
"You are the most precious troll I've ever met." She said proudly, just before turning around to catch a more energetic song that was starting. "Now let's get this party started!"
He watched her in awe. She had complimented him; she felt so natural in his arms. Her touch felt like home and the way she was swaying her hips was way too distracting. What a beautiful girl he had fallen for.
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"My feet are killing me." Poppy complained, taking off her shoes as they walked side by side towards her pod. Her hair was a little messy, which looked adorable to Branch, her dress shone brightly under the moonlight, but maybe just as bright as her smile.
"Trolls aren't cut to wear those things" He grinned, pointing at her high heels just before putting his jacket around her shoulders.
"Thank you…" She stopped just as they reached the edge of the path, spotting their village a few feet away. "You surprised me with that song. I'd love to hear it again."
He blushed deeply and looked away from her. He continued walking, putting his hands on his pockets and trying to concentrate on something other than her. The stars looked particularly shiny that night...
"Branch..." Poppy breathed out behind him. He turned around to see her embarrassed face. "You asked me about... Gregor."
"Oh." that was all he could come up with. 'So, now, of all times, she decided to kill the mood.' He thought.
"I don't miss him." She said, walking up to him. "I'm not a lovesick teen. I'm sorry the others may have made it look like I was." She crossed her arms, shivering slightly at the cold night air. Good thing her pod was just around the corner.
"They are your friends, they worry about you." Branch looked up, jumping on top of a rock.
"They don't know the truth and I've never talked about it... so..." She continued, coming closer to the spot on the ground where she would put her hair up and jump home. "I just feel like I owe you an explanation."
"You don't have to..."
"But I want to." She said, raising her finger to stop him from interrupting her. She took a deep breath and continued, "I broke up with him." She blurted out, startling him. "He wanted to go to find other tenors, he felt he wasn't the only one. He wanted me to go with him, but..." She raised her shoulder in defeat. "I couldn't leave the troll village. The most important thing in the world to me is to be a good queen."
"But..."
"He could have stayed but I didn't want him to. It didn't feel right to keep him somewhere he didn't belong. It was when I realized I didn't love him, not like I love this place."
"Okay..." Branch watched her, carefully, trying to pick any hints that he shouldn't continue pressing her. "So why didn't you tell anyone?"
"I feel sooooo ashamed. He left so sadly." She reached for her pod and jumped inside. He got the clue that he was supposed to follow. "Besides... I realized how good it felt to have someone, you know..." The shoes were carefully placed in her wardrobe."Sometimes I get upset because I miss the feeling, not that miss him."
It sounded a little crazy, but Branch completely got what she was saying. Somehow it gave him hope that maybe one day they would get together on their own and maybe he was the one who would make her feel complete. He also felt a lot relieved that she wasn't missing her ex.
He stood there like a statue and she got the opportunity to hug him close once more, taking in his smell as she rested her face on his shoulder.
"Thank you for the lovely night." She whispered, sending a hot shiver down his spine. "And for walking me home."
"As if I would leave you alone to be eaten by a giant critter." He retorted, trying to sound normal, but only sounding like he was drowning in nervousness.
She chuckled happily, remembering when she was just a little girl and her laugh would echo through the village, making him curious about her.
"Good night, Branch." She parted from him, making him feel like a piece of himself was just lost, or maybe the place she had been in was just getting too cold.
"'Night, Poppy." He took a mental picture of her standing there, with the gems on her dress sparkling, her hair coming apart and with a slight blush that made him wonder what was going on inside her head.
If only he could stay...
And so... he decided. He was going to work on his guts to tell her she was the one. He just didn't know how to take the perfect opportunity, but maybe... the new chapter of their lives was just around the corner.
Notes:
So, this is how my first Troll fanfic ended. Yes, I'm considering writing a post TWT epilogue, but I'm not sure, yet. I'm so engrossed with the whole plot of my MoonChild fanfic that I can't think of anything else. Eventually I'll update it on as well. Thank you for reading, commenting, DM-ing and everything else. You guys are the best!