(The next morning, Branch replayed he and his father's conversation over and over in his head. He couldn't place a finger on it, but there was something about it that made him feel uneasy. He tried to replace the thought of having lunch with Poppy. He tried to figure out the way to approach her about Creek. He had gone over the conversation many times in his head, but he always got so lost when he talked to Poppy, would anything come out right? He just had to rip it off like a band aid. He knew she would be excited today because tomorrow the cast of the musical would be revealed. He gathered up his bookbag and headed to school and was happy to see that Poppy was waiting for him in the parking lot.)

Poppy: morning branch! Got something for you!

Branch: for me?

Poppy: yup! (She handed him a Starbucks cup) ok now take a sip

Branch: (He felt nervous, but sipped) hmm…this is pretty good, what is it?

Poppy: (smirks) That…is a caramel macchiato, you are drinking espresso

Branch: what? No way

Poppy: yes! You just said you liked it! And that is coffee!

Branch: this isn't coffee, this is pure sugar

Poppy: no, it isn't, Espresso is the strongest there is

Branch: you can't make me like coffee that easily, I'll drink the rest of this, but then I'm going back to my tea

Poppy: one of these days Brancifer!

Branch: hurry along Pops if you want to get to Larkins' class on time

(When they walked down the hall, Branch wasn't as self conscious about the stares as yesterday. He allowed himself to relax as Poppy was expressing her excitement about the cast list. He loved hearing it, he was so happy to be part of the production. When they got to Larkins class, they were surprised to see a substitute teacher. This was a great start of the day. When Branch went to his other classes, he tried rehearsing what he was going to say in his head. He just hoped it would come out right. It was almost lunch period, Poppy said she would meet him in the main hallway. When the bell rang, he waited for her arrival. He watched as other students raced down the halls. He wished he could've been that excited for lunch. The lunch period was just student's socializing and gossiping, the school's food was horrible. Normally Branch just sat alone and read a book. He didn't want to be the kid that hid, yet he knew he stood out sitting alone, but he just stopped caring until now. He saw Poppy walk towards him and smiled. She grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the hallway.)

Poppy: wait here

Branch: (nods)

(Poppy disappeared for a little bit. Branch started to feel a little nervous about it, but then felt relieved when he saw her coming back. She had chick-fil-la bags in her hands which surprised him.)

Branch: when did you-?

Poppy: I know someone (hands him a bag)

Branch: how did you know what to get me?

Poppy: I remember your order

(She was right. When Branch looked in the bag, he saw a Spicy chicken sandwich with extra pickles, a large fry, and a coke. It was his go-to order and she remembered, this made his heart soar even more.)

Branch: who's this someone?

Poppy: Mrs. Harvey

Branch: really?

Poppy: yeah, she usually hooks me up with food when I need it, I can tell you guys are close from what I saw at the auditions

Branch: yeah, we are, she's great

Poppy: well shall we?

Branch: you're not leading me to my death, are you?

Poppy: (laughs) oh lighten up Branch

Branch: I'm just being cautious

Poppy: you can trust me this will be fun

Branch: I feel like we have a different idea of fun

Poppy: you trust me, right?

Branch: yes, of course

(Poppy took Branch's hand which surprised him to say the least. She led him down the hallway and they came across a room Branch was not familiar with. It looked like a sound stage; the room was decorated with white lights. It was incredible, was it always like this, or did Poppy do this?)

Branch: what is this place?

Poppy: this is the black box, this used to be where we would rehearse in theater, but a couple years ago they built a bigger one, so this place was kind of abandoned

Branch: I never knew about this, seems like a good place to be alone

(As they ate, they started talking about calculus again and then they started to talk about the play which Branch's brain waves recollected all the memories of her being excited. He hadn't seen this for a long time, seeing her this way left a pit in his stomach. He didn't want to take away this moment for her.)

Poppy: we can eat in here from now on if you want

Branch: what about your friends?

Poppy: they're your friends too

Branch: I- I guess so

Poppy: guess so?

Branch: It's just been so long. I don't know how they feel about me or what I am to them anymore

Poppy: I thought you didn't care what anyone thinks

Branch: the point is, I don't want you to feel like you have to ditch them for me, they've been there for you the last couple of years than me

Poppy: I'm not ditching them, you're important to me too

Branch: I appreciate you going out of your way to make me feel comfortable, but I can't stand in the way of them

Poppy: why do you care so much about that? Yes, they're my friends, but I was the closest to you. It was never the same when you left

Branch: it's just hard to see myself being friends with them again, I'm just so used to being alone, I don't want you to lose them because of me

Poppy: Branch…if they have a problem and don't want to be my friend anymore because I'm hanging out with you, that's their problem. I love being with you again

(Branch felt his heart beating fast. Her words relieved him. She was making him safe. He hadn't felt that in such a long time)

Branch: (looks at her for a long time) Thank you, I can't tell you how much that means to me

Poppy: (smiles and stands up) come on I want to show you something

Branch: (chuckles) oh no

Poppy: (rolls her eyes) Branchhhh

Branch: (laughs) just trying to have some fun (stands up) alright where are we going now?

Poppy: follow me

(They walked out of the black box and walked down to another room near the cafeteria. They managed to sneak by without being noticed by Poppy's friends. They entered another room which was small and had a ladder. Branch was a little hesitate at first, but they both climbed up. When they reached the stop, they found themselves on a walkway where it contained spotlights and ropes, it hovered over the stage. Branch had never seen it before. It was much different than being on the bottom of the auditorium.)

Poppy: this is a great place to be, no one really comes up here until we start dress rehearsals

Branch: so, you come here a lot?

Poppy: yeah, I like to just look at the stage from above. The stage is home away from home

Branch: I know what you mean

Poppy: where's that for you?

Branch: um…well…I actually give music and singing lessons to kids. It's a great job

Poppy: wow really?! I had no idea you did that. I never would've guessed that. You still surprised me the other day

Branch: (blushes) well…I thought I was alone

Poppy: would you ever consider singing in front of others? It's not always fun to sing alone

Branch: I beg to differ

Poppy: why?

Branch: (sighs) because everyone just knows me as Brandon. The quiet guy who just comes to school and leaves. No one knows me as anything else. If they already have that thought about me, what's the point of changing their minds? I was nervous to join the musical because of that reason. Mrs. Harvey wanted me to audition, but I couldn't.

Poppy: I see more than that Branch, maybe if you got out of your comfort zone, people would see what I see

Branch: you are a special one, you always were. People only see what they want to, you always saw more. Mrs. Harvey saw more in me too, that's why she convinced me to be her assistant. I love being involved, so maybe in time I'll show my musical side, but I'm not ready.

Poppy: (nods) I have a question

Branch: (turns to her) what's up?

Poppy: this might be a little awkward but, when I overheard you singing, I thought I heard my name in the lyrics…

(Branch could feel the color leave his face. She stopped talking so she was waiting for an answer. What was he supposed to say? Shit, he was taking too long to answer. Say something! His heart started beating fast when he opened his mouth.)

Branch: um…well…yes that was your name

Poppy: ok, you don't have to explain, I just wanted to ask

Branch: (His brain: I wrote it because I'm in love with you) you did catch me off guard that day

Poppy: me too, how did you get into singing? I remember you were never into it

Branch: well that's a long story, but it was basically a distraction for me from other things I was facing in my life. Learning new skills is good for the brain.

Poppy: well I must say, you're very talented

Branch: (chuckles nervously) I don't know about that

Poppy: you are

(They stared at each other for a long time. They exchanged smiles. Something was burning inside of them. They were both about to say something, but the bell interrupted their moment which they responded with a groan.)

Poppy: stupid bell, I was having fun. Let's ditch

Branch: count me out, there's plenty of time to have fun

Poppy: (laughs) you won't disappear on me again, right?

(She said it as a joke, but Branch was hurt by the comment. Poppy saw his face and she stopped laughing. She immediately regretted it. She probably scared him off, she ruined it. Normally a comment like that would've sent Branch out the door but instead he hugged her.)

Branch: I promise

Poppy: I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that

Branch: I got a lot to learn which includes how to take a joke

Poppy: you don't have to change anything about you

Branch: (shrugs) change isn't always bad. Thank you for lunch, for bringing me here. Study sess after school?

Poppy: as long as there are mental breaks

Branch: with the test coming up soon, don't count on it (smirks) and no I won't have another one of your coffees

Poppy: it was worth a try

(They climbed down the ladder. When Branch reached the bottom, Poppy slipped, and Branch caught her in an instant. Poppy laughed a bit while still looking scared. Branch put her down and took her hand.)

Branch: Are you ok?!

Poppy: I'm ok (grabs his hand) Good thing you were here to catch me

Branch: yes, thank goodness, we'll have to be more careful when we come back here

Poppy: you wanna come back here? For Lunch?

Branch: Lunch, Breaks, studying, rehearsals, whatever. As long as you're with me.

Poppy: I'm glad I brought you here

(There was a silence between them. A comfortable silence. They exchanged another smile, their hands still in each other's. Branch could hear his own heartbeat. He looked in Poppy's eyes, there was something in them that was screaming at him. He looked at her lips, her pink lipstick was beautiful. He bet her lips tasted like strawberries. Without even thinking, he pulled her closer until there was no space between them. His hand still in hers, his free hand cupped her face. He lightly stroked her cheek down to her chin. He could feel Poppy shiver, he looked at her to see if she was ok. He was met with a reassuring smile. He had no control over what he was doing. He hadn't done this before, but it felt so right. They ignored the late bell blaring in the auditorium. They didn't move from the spot where they stood. Branch stroked her chin and met her eyes again before he removed his hand from hers and put it behind her head and moved his other hand to her cheek before leaning down and kissed her. When his lips met hers, he felt like he could explode in a million pieces. Her lips tasted so sweet, much sweeter than strawberries. At first, she was surprised at the kiss, letting out a small squeak, but then placed her arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately. They explored each other's lips a little more before they pulled away. He looked at Poppy who had the biggest smile on her face and could barely keep her eyes open. He had done it. He finally kissed the girl of his dreams. Who knew something as simple as a kiss could be so powerful?)

Branch: you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that for

Poppy: what took you so long?

Branch: because I'm a huge idiot

(Poppy pulled him down for another kiss. This one had both passion and tenderness and they pulled away again satisfied.)

Branch: what'd you say we make that study session a little earlier?

Poppy: oh, you mean ditch?

Branch: such a bad word, I was thinking more of being excused from the nurse. She'll send anyone home. I should know, I've done it lots of times

Poppy: wow, where did this rebellious Branch come from?

Branch: (smirks) he was always here; he just doesn't show up for anyone

Poppy: well…let's get out of here then

(Though they only had one class left, the nurse let them leave, and the two went back to Starbucks and did some practice problems. They both stayed focused for a while, but the kiss stayed on their minds. Poppy never felt the way she did when she kissed Creek. Something always felt like it was missing, and Branch fulfilled that. She tried her best to hide the smiles and blushing, but it was hard to. She wondered what made Branch go for it and how he felt but knew she didn't want to push. She was starting to understand the math, but she pretended to be confused to spend more time with him. She wasn't exactly sure what this meant for them, were they boyfriend and girlfriend now? She would be thrilled but was going to go at his pace. She hoped they would do more kissing. Branch replayed that kiss over and over. It replaced the feeling of gloom from the conversation with his father. He didn't know why he kissed her right then and there, but he didn't regret it. He wanted to know how Poppy felt. He would be proud to call her his, but is that what she wanted? This was going to bother him. He didn't want to rush into things either. What would the others think? How would this affect the dynamic in Larkins' class? Would her reputation be ruined if she was with someone like him? The anxiety running through his head was relieved when he remembered her smile when they kissed. If that smile could kill, he'd be a dead man.)

Branch: hey um…Poppy?

Poppy: yeah?

Branch: um…I was wondering…I know I've only been around again for a few days, but…(sighs, why was this so hard?) What I'm trying to say is…I just I've always liked you and wanted to kiss you, but I wanna do this right. I want to take you out, but I'm still adjusting to everything

Poppy: (blinks in confusion) what?

Branch: sorry, let me try again. (takes a deep breath) I'm so happy to be in your life again, I know I still could've been if I hadn't been such an idiot. I've…cared about you more than a friend level for a long time. That kiss was amazing. Everything I've ever dreamed of. I don't want to screw anything up again, I want us to take our time. Get to know one another again, I know the kiss seemed forward, but I had to do it. I mean…I wanted to do it. I would love to I could take you on a date, but I feel like I need to fix the things in my life before I can give myself to you. That is…if you even feel the same

(There was a silence between them. Poppy was still a little confused on what Branch was talking about. Branch was begging for her to say something in his head.)

Poppy: I think I know what you're trying to say, I've felt the same way about you, and like I've told you I'm not going to push you to do anything. You do things on your time. Let's take all the time we need (smiles) I'm just happy you're back. And you were right, that kiss was amazing.

Branch: (blushes and takes her hand) you're amazing, the most amazing girl I know

Poppy: so…what now? Like what are we?

Branch: well…I would say…we're two people who like each other more than friends and are slowly working towards a relationship

Poppy: (nods) that seems fair

Branch: also, for now…can we keep this between us?

Poppy: of course, Branch

Branch: thank you, I think we made a great step today.

Poppy: (laughs) a huge step

(Branch felt invincible. He thought about opening up to her about his disappearance right then and there, but he knew it wasn't the time or place. Why ruin a great day with this? So instead they continued studying with occasional teasing and flirting here and there. They decided to head home when the sun started setting. They gave each other a hug but decided not to kiss again until they became official. Branch wanted to make that happen soon, but he had to tell her the truth first. He had to know if she still felt the same about him after all of that. He knew one thing for sure though, Poppy was a hell of a kisser and he couldn't wait for more.)

At first, I wasn't going to have them kiss until much later, but I couldn't resist! The truth about their feelings is out! To clear things up, they are not in a relationship…yet. There will be something special planned for that moment. Like in the Trolls franchise, Poppy and Branch took their time. Next chapter, the cast list will be revealed! Who's getting the lead? ? Stay tuned!

~Ash