Mad Queen 5

Note: Mature Scene Warning. It's between the XxxX.

Branch was aware he was standing in the middle of the party Guy Diamond had organized for Poppy. It was the tenth week anniversary of her return and everyone was excited to see how she seemed to have become more interesting with her experience at Volcano Rock City.

The survivalist promoted to Prince held a cup of punch in his hand for half an hour. The ice had melted and the liquid was literally warm. Trolls seemed to ignore him like they did when he was gray. They were all attracted to Poppy like bees to honey.

Weeks after Creek's first visit, Poppy seemed to spend more time catching up with her tribe as an obvious excuse to spend her days away from him. Arriving late at night, they barely talked to each other before she showered and went straight to bed.

He was still sleeping on the floor even if her nightmares seemed to get worse, all he did was to pretend to be asleep while his heart cracked a little more each day.

"I'm a little rusty at scrapbooking," Poppy said to Chenille who was trying to keep a conversation while Satin drooled over the queen's black shirt with transparent purple top. "Singing my feelings became a new habit."

"Oh, did Queen Barb introduce you to rock culture, then? I suppose they aren't the type to add glitter to colorful papers."

"They are more into knitting… but singing your feelings is great. My therapist recommended it and I couldn't stop anymore." Poppy took a sip of a drink made of gin and Sicilian lemons that she had made. Branch noticed nobody else was drinking it, just her and a couple of rock trolls.

"You've always sung here. Is there a different type of singing?" Guy Diamond asked, walking close to Poppy who couldn't hold back a grin.

"It's Rock & Roll. The lyrics have a deeper meaning."

"Queen P!" Demo, Val Thundershock's agent and a thrillingly funny Rock troll, happened to overhear the conversation and joined the group, giving Poppy, a complimentary pat on the back. "The rumors of your first rock ballad made it here, you know."

Watching everything from a distance, Branch wondered how he didn't know about Poppy's song when he was constantly sending letters to inquire about her.

"I don't sing that one anymo-" Poppy started to explain but Demo immediately took a guitar from his spiky hair and started playing, not noticing that the queen looked uncomfortable.

"Time

It needs time

To win back your love again

I will be there

I will be there"

Her stomach churned when she remembered the lyrics she hadn't sung in years. Her eyes were magnetically pulled to Branch, in the middle of the crowd, far away, but somehow, they found each other and she felt naked under his gaze.

"I don't feel well." Poppy said to no one in particular. The trolls around her were cheering for Demo, who kept playing her song without noticing she was dying for him to stop. The easiest way out was to retreat, so she took a step back, unnoticed, and tip-toed away before they fully understood what she meant when she sang that.

"Love

Only love

Can bring back your love someday

I will be there

I will be there"

"Queen Poppy, you look pale. Do you want to sit down?" Biggie offered a hand, which was firmly held by the pink girl. Yes, she needed to sit down and she had to get out of the party before she emptied her stomach right there.

"Fight

Babe, I'll fight

To win back your love again

I will be there

I will be there"

Nobody noticed she was gone, no one except Branch, who quietly followed her with his eyes, until she disappeared among the trolls who started gathering up in front of an over-excited Demo.

A hot tea was handed to her and she smiled in relief at her good friend Biggie. He smiled in his loving way and she couldn't help but recall when she was the one who was there taking care of everyone who needed support.

Poppy noticed that since she had returned, she hadn't seen Mr. Dinkles anywhere and not being able to handle another tragic news she decided not to ask about the cute little worm.

"I don't want to pry." Biggie said, adding another sugar cube to her tea. "But that song was meant for Branch, wasn't it?"

"Love

Only love

Can bring down the wall someday

I will be there

I will be there"

The song could still be heard inside the pod. It felt like she was holding the world inside her chest and soon her lungs would burst out in a desperate cry.

"It was before I realized he didn't want me back." Poppy said, breathlessly, fighting the frustrated tears that were filling up to drown her. Tea… She needed to drink the tea.

"Did he say that to you?" Biggie asked, arching a suspicious brow.

"No, Biggie," She sighed, fighting not to raise her voice, "but he kissed that girl and he didn't exactly go looking for me, did he?"

In understanding, Biggie sat quietly in front of his friend. It felt like she was too exposed. Her emotions were pouring out of her through her breath. Even if she had them under control most of the time, they would betray her when she was caught off guard. It felt so childish that her sweet blue friend could read her so easily.

"That night, when I returned from putting Mr. Dinkles to sleep, I saw Branch pushing a girl away." He grabbed Poppy's hand and looked straight at her, making sure she was following his words. "I had never seen Branch cry before, but he looked frightened and upset."

"You don't kiss people without their consent!" Branch yelled at the rock girl, who had fallen on the floor with the uncalculated strength of his pull.

"Jeez, calm down. I was just helping you complete the dare." She replied, picking herself from the floor.

"I have a girlfriend!" Trembling, Branch turned around, desperately trying to spot Poppy out of the pod, but the precious seconds he lost to get himself free were enough for his girl to disappear into the night. Smidge had run after her.

"What is going on?" Biggie asked, completely confused at the scene. Only Branch and the new rock trolls were there. "Where is everyone?"

"That idiot…" Branch breathed out in anger, "... when I get my hands on him-"

But he didn't complete his sentence. Smidge returned like she was possessed by anger itself. Her eyes were bloodshot and she jumped on Branch going straight for his nose. The knockout happened in one blow and it was up to Biggie to hold Smidge back before she continued punching a disoriented survivalist.

"Let me go!" She yelled, fighting with all her might. Biggie needed to wrap her with his hair to keep her still. "I will kill him!"

A hot breeze entered the pod followed by screams and the sound of a massive freak out. Their blood turned ice in their veins. Shaking his head, Branch was barely able to stand up to look out of the window. The blood ran down from his nose, but he could only focus on a big fire of epic proportions advancing with the wind and engulfing the pods with unmerciful flames.

"Everybody! Run to the lagoon!" Branch yelled, leaving the pod in a desperate attempt to find Poppy in the middle of the commotion.

"If we'd go again

All the way from the start

I would try to change

The things that killed our love

Pride has built a wall, so strong

That I can't get through

Is there really no chance

To start once again?

I'm loving you"

"Branch was a mess for weeks. I am suspicious he still is." Biggie explained. "I know my friends and, in my heart, I know he never meant to hurt you."

Poppy tried to swallow, but it felt painful, like her throat was too sore.

"Branch was a very austere Prince, I'd say, he kept repeating Trollstopia should be in perfect conditions for your return." Biggie explained, "Since we were his closest friends, I found it normal that he would resume his 'crazy prepared' ways. I do admit I should have been more present when he needed us, but…" The tall blue troll joined his hands in a gesture that was hopeful and sad at the same time. "... it turned out Mr. Dinkles decided it was time to get into a cocoon and I chose to support him."

"Oh, so Mr. Dinkles became a butterfly!" It was a relief to hear some good news after all the edgy stories she had heard.

"A beautiful one. He visits from time to time." Biggie wiped a single tear and took a sip of his own tea.

What Poppy heard from her friend made sense. She didn't want to believe Branch would hurt her on purpose. It was a certainty that she developed with time. When he didn't go looking for her, when he didn't even write a single letter to her, but chose to pen pal Queen Barb for news, Poppy felt discarded and it was when it dawned that maybe their relationship hadn't meant much to him.

She replayed in her mind when he said he loved her the first time… surrounded by the warm flames of the Volcano that warmed her apartment, Poppy came to the conclusion Branch probably had meant he loved her as a friend.

After all months had passed since their confession and Branch didn't even try to kiss her. Wiping tables at the bar where she worked, Poppy realized she had heard what she wanted to hear. Her childish desire to be close to the rebel troll who was never happy had tricked her into believing he meant real love then.

And before that striking realization - that solidified with Rob's reassurance years later - she had climbed up a small bar's stage where she had performed the rock ballad for the first time.

"So, you still love Branch, right?" Biggie asked in a gentle voice.

"With all my heart." Poppy sighed, finally giving up and allowing her tears to fall. Biggie moved forward and held her tightly.

"Let it all out. It's okay."

"Oh gosh…" Poppy managed to smile when she realized she clumsily had spilled her tea all over her skirt. "Sorry, Biggie."

"No need to apologize." With one wide smile he stood up and went straight to his wardrobe's door. "I managed to save a few things from your pod. I hope you don't mind."

ooooooooooo

"She still doesn't trust you, does she?" Creek approached Branch who was pretending to hear Guy Diamond's latest tale about how he managed to inspire Tiny to start his own hip hop career at age of seven.

"I'm not in the mood for an aura inspection, thanks." Branch turned around and prepared to leave towards Biggie's pod to check on his queen.

"This isn't a formal inspection; I'm merely stating what everyone can see." Creek smiled sympathetically and Branch stopped to work on the little patience he had left.

"She needs time and the least I can do is wait." Branch threw the cup he had been holding for hours in the trash can.

"A perfect gentletroll, I see."

"Queen Poppy!" Guy Diamond called, looking for his friend, "It's time to cut the commemorative cake!"

The interruption was welcomed and Branch took the opportunity to walk away from Creek, spotting Poppy walking back into the party. His heart sped at the same time his knees grew weak. The Queen was alluringly sauntering towards the party, with her hips moving provocatively under the light blue dress he thought he would never see her wear again.

Trolls cheered, she made a speech and cut the cake. Everything happened fast while Branch was still trying to remember how to close his mouth. She looked like herself and it would have been like it was before if the black hair streak didn't remind him that they had been eight years apart.

"Dear husband," Branch blinked, realizing Poppy was somehow standing in front of him. Dazzled, he didn't notice her cutting the cake, much less walking towards him. "I believe we should return to our place." Her voice was sultry and she was finger-walking her way up to his chest, causing him to shiver.

It was for the show, he tried to convince himself when her lips crashed on his, making all trolls around them cheer even louder than they had at their wedding day. Branch noticed she had small droplets all over her eyelashes, but returned the kiss anyway.

Branch was convinced she'd drop the act as soon as the trapdoor was closed on top of their heads. She'd pretend to be tired and would go straight for the shower like she was doing lately. But to his surprise, Poppy placed her hands on each side of his face and kissed him passionately as the elevator went down to the living room.

He held her by the waist, pressing her close and whimpering softly when her burning hands found their way under his vest. He kept his act in place, convinced she'd stop once they closed the door to their bedroom, but to his surprise she pulled him even closer and they ended up tangled in each other on the bed.

She tasted heavenly. Every opportunity he had to steal a kiss he noticed she seemed sweeter than before. Poppy was especially candy-like in the way she batted her tongue against his, yanking his vest off in a hurry he hadn't witnessed before. Desire blinded him, his girl was there, on her back invitingly. His eyes rolled back when he felt her hooking her legs around his waist. Thin fabric separated them from finally consuming their marriage.

Their fake marriage.

"Poppy…?" He needed to ask, he needed to make sure she wanted it as much as he did.

"I'm sorry," her breath hitched and she went in for another kiss before continuing, "I'm sorry I doubted you."

Branch stared at her for a few moments, trying to spot any sign that it was a witty trick to follow the terms of their marriage, but he saw nothing but love, regret and forgiveness there. It was everything he had wished for years. A cathartic wave of sobs mixed his latent desire. His weak body could barely take in all the emotions that threatened to drown him.

His forehead touched hers when he didn't have the strength to hold himself up anymore. His tears washed her face and Poppy didn't wipe them away, instead, she wrapped her arms around him, holding as tight as she could with that caring hug only she could provide.

Falling on his side and taking her with him, Branch held her like he had never before. He promised he wouldn't let her go again. He wasn't ashamed to cry in front of her and he buried his nose in her hair, breathing her scent and recognizing all the small notes of wild strawberries he had missed.

"I'm sorry!" He gasped, "I'm sorry, too. I should have gone after you. I should have brought you back,"

If he had she wouldn't have married someone else. If he had prioritized her instead of the city he would have spared them both much unnecessary suffering.

The spicy moment was lost in the middle of overwhelming emotions that needed to flow to adjust how they felt for each other. Guilt wasn't going to win because Branch's love was stronger than anything else. The seductive hold melted into warm caress and a strong grip made his muscles ache.

They couldn't tell how long they hugged, but they both sobbed and kissed each other in forgiveness. Sleep eventually grabbed a hold of them and they closed their eyes with the certainty that they wouldn't let each other go anymore.

ooooooooooooooooooooo

Her head was fuzzy from too much drink and she smiled at the sensation of lips trailing down her neck. The guitar was forgotten on the ground and she felt Rob's insistently pulling the hem of her skirt up while she moved away to keep her clothes in place.

He made her crave his kisses and he was aware of that with the smug grin he always flashed her before a heavy make out like the one they were having. She forced herself to stop fantasizing about Branch when Rob kissed her. It had been six years and he hadn't made an effort to visit not even once. Not even a letter. It wasn't right to wish Rob was someone else.

"Let me touch you, please." Rob begged against her lips, slipping his hands under her shirt and moved up to feel her skin.

"I'm not ready." She pushed his daring hands away, but still returned his kiss.

He had taken her to a party. They performed together and got heated claps and wolf whistles. Trolls were talking about their recent relationship all over Volcano Rock City. Their voices harmonized perfectly and their songs were heard everywhere. The perfect couple, they were called.

"Would you be ready if I was Branch?" He broke their kiss in annoyance and grabbed the guitar from the floor.

Poppy stood still against the wall, feeling like she had been slapped.

"Branch has nothing to do with us." Poppy couldn't think of another reply, but she was suddenly feeling like she had mistreated the nicest Rocker she had met.

"Okay, I'm sorry." Rob turned around and kissed her deeply once more, "but I'm so jealous of him that sometimes I can't help it." Poppy didn't reply this time. He squeezed her thigh in obvious desire. "Are you the kind of girl who waits until marriage?" He said jokingly, but the pink troll remained in silence, "my gosh, you are, aren't you?"

"I need to go," Poppy broke free from his arms and took a few steps away from her… boyfriend? What was she doing with Rob anyway? They had never formalized their relationship. "Queen Barb is waiting for me."

"Poppy," Rob called when she was about to cross the threshold, he flashed her the smile that speared through her defenses. "Let's get married."

"What?!" She half laughed. During the years among the rock trolls she noticed they had the tendency to joke about subjects to dismiss the seriousness around them, but Rob looked sincere.

"If you want me to wear a tux, I will." He walked towards her with no sign that he was joking.

"Rob, that's absurd."

"Confetti, glitter. Name it and you'll have it."

Still not believing him, Poppy pointed out they needed a place to live and during the following months she was surprised by how serious he had been then.

Rob was a great motorcyclist and he tirelessly enrolled himself in every competition, in every performance and every event that would be profitable enough. His goal was to buy an apartment downtown by the end of the year.

It was surreal, but he was very persistent. They ended up setting a date for a small ceremony after Trollsmas. Rob arrived at Poppy's jam section one day with a key in his hands.

She didn't squeal like he had wished, but she hugged him tenderly. During the weekends he would go out performing and she'd stay inside, painting walls and decorating the rooms. She particularly loved a shelf that she had made to fit his trophies.

Rock trolls were different in ways she wasn't prepared for. Rob hadn't asked her to be his girlfriend. He just kissed her and claimed her as his. He gave her a place to live and was loving in the way he engulfed her in a hug from behind while she was busy baking cupcakes.

He was addicting, soft and fierce at the same time.

"I insisted it was our wedding day, but it seems the competition traditionally happens on this date." Rob stroked Poppy's hair after hours of their first make out in their own home. He didn't push her further than she was comfortable and she was glad for it.

"We can push the date a week." Poppy replied.

"No," he said firmly, "I've waited a whole year to marry you. I won't wait another day."

"But the prize is important, you said." Poppy insisted, "you can extinguish the debts and finish paying for the apartment."

Rob remained silent, stroking her hair like he had done in the past hours. He placed a kiss on her forehead before speaking.

"We can have the ceremony and I'll rush to the competition afterwards," he said in deep thought, "the mountains aren't far away and I can make it back before nightfall."

"Then we can start our life together." The words felt heavy.

Ooooooooooooooooooo

XxxX

Poppy woke up with her body tingling with excitement. Branch was moving against her in his sleep. His lips were connected to her neck and her heart stopped beating for a moment when she noticed what he was dreaming about.

Strands of his dark blue hair tickled her forehead and Poppy closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hot tongue sliding across her neck. Her clothes felt tight, like her chest was swelling with anticipation.

His big hands moved to her waist and he pulled her close with a quick move. It made her gasp at the feeling of him against her and he opened his eyes in confusion and desire.

He was frightened the moment he realized what he was doing, but Poppy took the opportunity to sit up and remove her blue dress, revealing a similar pair of the black lace undies he had seen before.

Hesitantly at first, Poppy bent down to coax his lips open. She felt dizzy and Branch was reassured that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. His hand moved to the back of her neck, bringing her to completely lay down on top of him.

Her skin was burning and she sat with her legs on each side to rub against him, building up a fire that was beyond anything she had experienced before. Branch was caught up in insane raising desire and rational observation. He didn't want to let go before making sure she was okay enough for that step.

"Branch," Poppy said breathlessly against his lips. He opened his eyes to realize she was giving him the smile he loved. "You're the one I want."

It was the final reassurance he needed. Barriers lowered, he traded places, ecstatic from the blessing he was given to finally and truly make her his.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"You should have told me." Branch caressed the length of Poppy's naked back feeling he shouldn't have been so eager to love her. He heard her cry in pain but it didn't cross his mind that it was her first time. She had been married for hair's sake! The thought of going slow wasn't considered until it was too late.

It was Poppy who offered an explanation when he realized what had happened after they were done. Happiness and guilt mixed in a vague notion that she hadn't belonged to anybody else.

"It wouldn't make a difference." She replied, reaching up to give him a kiss.

Mentally, Branch argued that it would make all the difference. He would have been gentler; he would have covered the bed with petals or something romantic. She would have accused him of being corny, but it would still be the right thing to do.

"How are you feeling?" Was everything he could ask.

"Sore." Her stomach rumbled loudly, making them both end up laughing. "And hungry."

XxxX

"I have strawberries and a mango. I'll get breakfast ready," Branch gave her another long kiss before standing up.

What a mystery she had. Married, but not married. Treasuring the memories of her late husband but choosing him, instead.

Poppy stood up as well and went for the shower. This time, instead of hearing her cry while he chopped the fruits, Branch smiled widely.

She squealed.