Part Three

Sky Toronto's hair had grown whiter over the years Poppy was gone. It amused her that somehow his gray strands made him look less threatening and more accessible to other trolls. King Peppy had in charged him to introducing serious matters to the younger couple who were about to step up as married.

A troll wearing a suit and square glasses sat at a desk, across from Poppy and Branch, tapping his fingers impatiently while Sky introduced them.

"Queen Poppy, Prince Branch, my attorney is designated to read down the rules established by our ruling system and point out the particulars of your marriage." The orange troll nodded curtly and Poppy smiled widely at him, finally remembering the troll behind the glasses.

"Hal Duluth! I'm so proud of you! A lawyer!" Poppy squealed, surprising Branch, who hadn't recognized the troll up to that point. "Tug's little brother is all grown up!"

"Ah... well, thank you, Queen Poppy." Hal blushed for a moment before returning to his serious mode. "Let's get started. As both of you are aware, a Royal Wedding isn't as simple as a regular wedding, especially one that was designed by a King's Will."

At that moment the door opened and a troll stepped inside. Branch frowned when he saw who was smugly standing in front of him.

"Creek will drop by unannounced from time to time to verify the legitimacy of your marriage, since there are conditions that must be checked."

"Wait," Branch almost sprung from his chair, "Why him?"

"Hm…" Poppy held Branch's hand, silently reminding him to sit quietly and let her do the talking. "I fear there's a conflict of interests here." She pointed out, "I'm sorry, Creek, but it's known that you are campaigning to be voted as King if our marriage fails, so I don't think you're able to give an impartial view on the facts."

"I beg to differ, Queen Poppy," Hal spoke, pushing his glasses up. "Creek has proven to be a trustworthy troll, I'm afraid you're not aware of that because of your long absence."

"Don't worry, Poppy," Creek cut in, "My skill on aura reading cannot lie, I'm here especially for you. We're aware you are struggling with a mental illness so I promise we will have regular meditation sessions so you will be stable though the most challenging periods of your marriage."

"This is about meditation?" Poppy tried to sound like she didn't care, "Why not Cybil, then?"

"Oh, Hair…" Branch cursed under his breath and the pink girl looked at him in surprise. He looked pale.

"You haven't heard then…" Hal cut in, bringing the Queen's attention back to himself. "Cybil was one of the fatal victims of the fire."

"Don't worry, Poppy." Creek cut in before Poppy had the time to gasp and take in the news. "I'm here for you. I'll make sure nobody will ever hurt you." His exaggerated tender voice made Branch want to hurl.

"I will check in from time to time to make sure the rules are followed like… I'm sorry for saying this, but these rules were written in medieval times," Hal loosened his collar a little "... to make sure there is intercourse in your relationship."

"Oh, joy…" Poppy buried her face in her hands, surprising Branch with the sarcastic reply. "How long until I can re-write all those rules and adapt them to our modern times?"

"Once you complete three years of marriage, you're free to change anything as you wish." Hal answered, looking perplexed that she would ask that. "Are there any more questions?"

"Yes," Poppy continued, "is there a specific clause about the ceremony?"

"Aside from the deadline - which requires you get married within a month - the details are up to you."

"So… if we don't want a party, if we just sign the papers and go home it will be accepted, right?"

She said too much. In the rising frustration from seeing Creek having the ultimate decision in his hands, Poppy almost spilled the emotionless contract she wanted to formalize with her ex-boyfriend.

"Aside from frustrating your subjects, there is nothing illegal in it." Hal answered curly.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Against her will, Branch dragged Poppy to the bunker, remaining silent under her protests; she preferred to talk to him in her old pod, where it was open and safe, but he relentlessly ignored her and as soon as the trapdoor was locked, he allowed his own frustrations to flow.

"I hope you have a plan, because all those questions were ridiculously reckless." He hissed, remembering to keep his voice low until they reached the lounge room.

"Well, I'm as frustrated as you are." Poppy replied, jumping from the platform before it safely reached the lower level. It was tall enough to give Branch a small fright and to knock the ring out of its hidden place in her hair.

The sound of metal clinking on the floor got both of their attention. The ring rolled teasingly, stopping at Branch's feet who frowned in understanding.

"Are you… married?" Branch asked, not knowing if he wanted to cry or he wanted to happily shout his freedom. It anguished him that Poppy had found someone else to love, but at the same time, he wouldn't inherit a Crown he had never asked for in the first place.

Poppy marched up to him and snatched the ring, putting it back in her hair.

"Not anymore, obviously."

Jealousy was something Branch hadn't felt in a long time. He didn't recognize the demanding hysteria that suddenly formed words in his mind, already thinking the one she had been with was an idiot, a jerk and someone he solemnly swore to protect her from. All that in a fraction of second.

"Did you love him?" As a contrast from his boiling mind, his words were soft, almost begging to be put out of his misery.

"I wouldn't marry someone I don't love." She whispered quietly, looking away to find something else to focus on.

It was ridiculous, Branch took several deep breaths and sunk into his armchair, watching Poppy inside his home, ignoring the elephant in the room. He could still see his kind, gentle and loving girlfriend there, hidden beneath a tough façade. It was late for both of them. They had bit the bait and now they were trapped in a situation that would tear their hearts to a million pieces.

"I should refurnish the bunker," hearing him, Poppy timidly turned around, uncrossing her arms and softening the frown. "If we're going to live here it must match your taste a little more."

Poppy didn't really think about living there. She just assumed they would have a bigger pod like married trolls did, but an annoying part of her brain chose that moment to point out that it was the most convenient place to live since they would need privacy to play their roles.

"You don't have to do that," she smiled shyly, allowing the old Poppy to make an appearance. "But I must say it would be amazing to have a room for myself, with a fluffy rug, a scrapbook table… shelves for my trophies…"

He smiled back, completely melting at the toothy grin he got in return.

Insistent knocking interrupted the moment. Branch stood up and tiredly made his way to the elevator to answer the door.

Poppy felt her heart squeeze when she was left alone. She had been in the bunker so many times before it felt like a second home. It wasn't going to be hard to adapt to living underground. In a way, it was cozier than the homes she had lived in at Volcano Rock City.

"Hey, you can't just come in!" She looked up, seeing the source of Branch's protest coming down with four Fuzzlings holding cameras and wires.

"Hello, Poppy," Creek smiled at her, before turning around and commanding his team to start installing the equipment. "One each room, guys, we need it all working before the wedding."

"I will not be spied on!" Poppy put her hands on her hips in defiance, "It's our life, we need privacy."

"Ah, I'm sure you can deal with it." Creek replied, seeing a fuming Branch coming down to join them. "After all, your fiancée spies on everyone's private lives all day long. Am I right, mate?"

"This is inacceptable." Branch took a threatening step forward.

"Oh, c'mon, mate, there's no need to puff up. I'm simply following the terms you signed." One quick nudge on his shoulder and Poppy considered holding Branch back. "Don't worry about it so much, there won't be any cameras in your suite. Although, I may advise you to play as quietly as possible because the microphones are quite sensitive."

"You love playing the villain, don't you?" Poppy sounded like she was about to jump on him as well.

"Villain?" Creek blankly stared at her. With an emotionless smile he walked close, ignoring Branch, and stood in front of Poppy. He bent down and whispered so only his queen could hear, "I'm not the one who burned down the village, your highness."

"Get out!" Branch yelled, shoving him away from Poppy. "The fuzzlings stay, they may do their work, but you're not welcomed here."

The usual quarrel unrolled between the two males like it always did. Neither noticed that Poppy had suddenly become pale and she quietly stepped into Branch's room, closing the door behind her before her knees gave out.

Creek knew.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"What are you looking at?" Poppy asked Rob, who was goofily staring at her across the table. The song had ended and the former queen clapped enthusiastically, showing how much she had appreciated the band.

"I'm waiting for an answer." Rob grinned, taking a gulp of his drink. He had the pearliest smile among the rock trolls she had crossed paths with. "I said I love you."

"Oh…" awkwardly, Poppy avoided his eyes, finding her drink with skull-shaped ice cubes much more interesting. "Honestly, Rob, I love spending time with you… but…"

"I understand you'll never love me as you love Branch." Rob interrupted her, showing that he wasn't disappointed and somehow, he read her like an open book. "But love is different from troll to troll. I love you and I hope one day you may find a way to love me back."

"Rob…" Poppy turned in her sleep, waking Branch who was sleeping on the couch, not far away from her. He heard her call her husband's name the second time and it stung as painfully as the first.

They had never broken up, Branch's eyes widened at the sudden thought. He and Poppy had never really discussed what made her leave. She never broke up with him so… in a way… she was still his girlfriend, wasn't she?

Even though eight years had passed and both seemed to live very different lives, his love for Poppy never weakened. She was his first and last thought each day. He still had her invitations to admire when he missed her too much.

Branch sat up, seeing Poppy through the dimmed light in the bedroom. That day they were getting married. A quick ceremony was arranged by their friends even if she protested that none of it was necessary.

He made up his mind: he was going to give her the best three years of her life.

It was a challenge holding his excitement when he served her breakfast in bed. Poppy looked confused at first, but when she saw the cinnamon rolls with cream and chopped fruits, with warm latte on a cup, she melted to the point of shedding a couple of tears.

"Branch…"

"Yeah… your favorite breakfast. I remember." He scratched his hair in embarrassment. "I figured you hadn't had many fruits at Volcano Rock City. Not the best soil from what I've seen."

Speechless, she took the first bite. The sweet taste of home made its way to her heart. She used to have big breakfasts like that when they had a morning party. Poppy never realized Branch paid attention to what she chose to eat when the table was full of different options.

"Enjoy your meal," Branch said, leaving the bedroom. "I'll be in the surveillance room if you need me."

She had no idea what time it was. Poppy needed a new Hug Watch as soon as possible. She couldn't tell if she should start getting ready for their wedding.

Hair… it was happening, wasn't it? She was actually getting married to Branch.

A beautiful childhood dream that turned out to be so bittersweet.

She timidly stepped out of the room when she was done eating, finding her way to the kitchen to do the dishes. Poppy felt a breeze on her light nightgown and suddenly realized she was being recorded at all times. Walking around wearing only that wasn't going to become a routine.

She put her hair down, covering herself the best way she could and climbed down a staircase she found in the living room.

The endless monitors with shifting images made her gasp, getting Branch's attention. He smiled at her, quickly looking down at her exposed skin, before returning to her eyes.

"Holy cupcakes, Branch…" With her jaw hanging open, she walked around looking at every screen she could find. Downtown, the market, the pods area, the Country Corral, Hard Rock Hollow… everywhere was under constant vigilance.

"I know it looks… odd…"

"I don't know what to think."

He gently squeezed her arm in a way that got her attention. It made her turn around and, for the first time, she noticed she was temptingly close to him. His light blue irises studied her, full of unsaid words that desperately needed to come out.

"We can discuss the surveillance another time," he offered, "Satin and Chenille will skin me alive if you're late to try the dress."

"There's a dress?"

"They convinced me to wear a tux," he rolled his eyes with humor, causing Poppy to grin, "at least you won't have to wear a tie."

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The enormity of his wedding was only fully comprehended when Branch arrived at the clearing where the ceremonialist, Dante Crescendo, was waiting.

The entire Trollstopia was there and even if the number of citizens had been reduced considerably through the years, Branch was still taken by surprise.

They all had hopeful smiles on their faces and Branch realized that the wedding wasn't just a turning point in his life, but it also gave comfort to the ones who still wished to see their beloved city shining its brightest light once again.

Only Poppy could bring that kind of hope to them. She was magical like that.

A trumpet played by a Classical Troll made all the guests turn around. Branch's heart nearly stopped when he spotted his soon-to-be wife. She was wearing a white dress, her hair was neatly tied up. It was mostly pink, but the persistent black streak gleamed in the front of her head.

Her makeup was light, fresh and she smiled at everyone as if she wasn't as frightened as he was. It looked so easy for her.

She slowly walked up to him and he promised himself that he would fight with every fiber of his being to make their marriage last a lifetime, not the three years she had planned. It was his chance to hang to the love of his life and he wasn't going to miss it.

He could never marry her just for show. It was real to him. Seeing her looking so precious, standing in front of him and speaking her vows, he couldn't see it as fake. Her eyes sparked with sincerity, her smile was real and the joy she felt, cocking her head to him, was as warm as daylight.

"Branch," Dante Crescendo nudged him, trying to make him snap out of his spell. " I said you may kiss the bride."

Poppy stared at him blankly. Branch noticed she was nervous because her breathing was short and elaborated. Her chest was rapidly rising and falling as if she was about to have a panic attack.

It was going to be their first kiss. In front of all those people.

He knew what thought invaded her then. The horrifying memory that she blinked away didn't go unnoticed. She was recalling that night when he was kissed by the drunken rock girl.

Branch couldn't kiss her like that. They hadn't talked about that day. He couldn't play with her feelings.

So, he moved forward and pressed his lips lightly to her cheek. He felt her breathing in relief the next moment.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Branch locked the door of their bedroom as soon as they walked inside the bunker. Drunk trolls were still celebrating above, but after a couple of hours neither he or Poppy were in the mood to stay.

Under the cheeky jokes about not being able to wait to have his way with his wife, Branch searched for Poppy and she readily agreed it was time they went home.

Neither of them touched alcoholic beverages, but Branch did bring two big glasses of a colorful cocktail in case he needed some courage to approach the subject that urgently needed to be discussed.

"Poppy," he whispered, making her stop walking around the room to come near. "This is the only place we can have a conversation. Everywhere else is wired."

"I'm aware of that," she nodded.

"Good, because we need to talk about kissing." He nervously sipped the drink, grimacing at the bitter taste.

"I know…" she still looked uncomfortable, avoiding his eyes.

"Poppy, if we want to make this believable-,"

"I know!" she hissed, making him bite his tongue silent.

She walked back and forth around the room; her dress rustled loudly with all the paillettes attached to it. His frustration grew because he knew the reason why she wasn't ready to at least give kissing a try.

"We need to talk about that night." Branch blurted out. Poppy stopped, her back turned to him. Her hands turned into fists at her side.

"There's no need." The word strangled out from her throat. His heart squeezed painfully.

"At least hear me out." He insisted, doing his best not to sound desperate. Poppy still had her back turned and visibly stiffened. "I'm not asking for forgiveness; I want to tell you my side of the story."

"Your side of the story was stuck in somebody else's mouth." Sarcasm again. Branch turned to the glass in his hand and took one big gulp, drinking half of the contents at once. He had rehearsed that conversation a million times. He could do it.

"Creek dared me to kiss her," Poppy tried to interrupt him with an incredulous sound, but he persisted, "I was going to confront him, but she pulled me in before I could react." Branch realized his words sounded like any cheater's lame excuse. "I pushed her away, but you had already seen…"

"By all that is troll-y," Poppy spun around. Branch took a step back. He had never seen her looking so angry and so lost, not even in the middle of the fire, "stop talking. Don't make me doubt your character."

"I believe it was Creek's intention from the start." Branch said before Poppy shut out. She couldn't scream out her frustrations or they would be heard. It was his chance to keep explaining himself to her, "He wanted to break us apart, but I figured he wasn't expecting the fire..."

"So, you believe it, too." Tears ran down her face, ruining her beautiful makeup. "That I went mad from seeing that and destroyed everything."

"I never said…"

"I'm a menace to the village." Poppy helplessly sat on his bed, allowing the culmination of eight years of doubts and frustration to surface. "I can't guarantee I won't do it again, if I don't remember doing it in the first place."

"Poppy…"

"I need to leave as soon as this marriage is over." She continued, ignoring him, her voice grew colder. "So, do not explain yourself or try to make me fall for you again, it will only hurt us both."

It was too much information to absorb one night. His head was hurting and Branch couldn't say if it was from the drinking or from the turbulent emotions he was going through. He felt weak, his body was numb and he heavily sat on the bed next to her, allowing a couple of sniffs to be heard.

Her dress twinkled with the light, sparkling brightly, causing the whole room to lit up with the tiny spots she reflected.

The outcome of their story could only be as she planned if they played it out right. To leave in three years she'd need to feel comfortable with Branch's caress, she'd need to share his bed, she'd need to walk holding hands. And she'd need to kiss him.

"All right." She turned halfway to face him with pure determination. "I will get used to it. Kiss me."

"Now?" Shocked, Branch sat back. The mood was completely ruined and his head felt so numb he feared if he leaned forward, he would collapse into her.

"No, next week. C'mon, Branch." She stole the rest of the drink from his hand and finished, not even flinching at the taste.

She inched close, her knees bumped against his and she circled her arms around his neck. Branch was only aware of pink everywhere he looked. His heart was jumping with her closeness. The flush on her cheeks made her look incredibly adorable. The survivalist couldn't resist…

"Are you okay?" He asked, running his hands on her arms, with a small pause to make sure she was certain of her request.

She nodded and closed her eyes.

Branch closed the gap between them. Years of waiting, of hoping and longing for her lips paid off. She was soft, sweet and magically responsive. The mere brush grew with the magnet pull that attracted them. He wasn't aware of his hands, but somehow, he ended up sliding them down to her waist, pressing her against him firmly.

It was beyond comprehension how good she felt. She shifted and he turned his face, avoiding bumping their noses and dove in to explore a new angle. Poppy whimpered lightly, melting into him.

"Poppy," Branch whispered, his breath tickling her lips. It was the sound of his voice that broke their spell. She opened her eyes, reminding where she was and the situation she was in.

Awkwardly, she untangled herself from him, smoothing her dress back in place.

It was going to be challenging, all right.