Tales of Trollstopia 23
Demo and DJ certainly were getting a few looks during Palentine's Day. While Val was merely slurping a drink with Fuzzbert on a stretch chair, Demo didn't spare her a second look, having his full attention devoted to his pal.
Poppy and Branch watched them. Not that they were stalking them, but coincidentally, they crossed paths more often than usual. Each time, the couple would share a confused look and return to what they were doing.
"Queen P! Branch!" Demo finally noticed they were around too much that day and approached holding two invitations. "DJ and I will host a soiree in a few hours at Hard Rock Hollow! Don't miss it!"
"We'll be there! Thanks!" Poppy gave Demo a full smile that completely hid how puzzled she was. The unsuspicious rock troll retreated to his pal, leaving the couple alone.
"So…" Branch turned to Poppy. "... since this is our Palentine's Day I think we should focus on each other."
Hearing that, Poppy blushed.
Branch blushed when she blushed.
"I mean… we should stop following them around," the teal troll quickly amended.
"Oh..." Nodding quickly and suddenly feeling hot, Poppy fanned herself. "You see… since there's a soiree at the Hard Rock Hollow, perhaps we should get ready."
"Really?" Confusedly, Branch looked down at the invitation in his hand, thinking it was something ordinary, but as soon as he read the knitted letters he realized what Poppy meant. It was written to dress formally. "Oh… I see…"
"I do have a dress I am dying to wear!" It wasn't usual for pals to split during the day they dedicated to each other, but since it was a special occasion… why not? "You'll love it. I swear!"
Branch didn't have any new clothes to wear. He never worried about his wardrobe too much. He had all these leaf vests and shorts that perfectly fit for camouflage purposes. He had a couple of pajamas, several clean underwear and… one blue tuxedo he had already worn at the Hair Ball…
After showering, Branch stared at his open closet for about ten minutes with a towel wrapped around his waist. He had nothing new to wear, unlike Poppy. He couldn't surprise her with a different look.
Should he visit the twins one of these days? They seemed to have interest in designing clothes that fit him.
What if someone good looking captured Poppy's attention tonight? Knowing the queen, he expected her to wear something that would draw attention and Demo had said trolls were lining up to ask her out.
Was he supposed to feel that territorial?
With no choice, he slipped his blue tux on and brushed his hair the best way he could. One glance at the mirror, Branch figured he didn't look so bad. His tie was perfectly in place and he checked his breath.
Poppy's public display of affection didn't work last time. There was a great probability that she'd try again tonight so he had to make sure he was prepared for it.
A soiree, in Branch's point of view, was supposed to be a gathering in a private house so he expected just a few trolls to show up. But as soon as he stepped on Hard Rock Hollow it was clear that everybody had been invited and the 'private house' was the entire neighborhood. Each mushroom was crowded with different groups playing their favorite songs.
"Hey, Branch." Val called and the teal troll turned to see her wearing her usual clothes while all the others made an effort to look their best. "Just spotted Poppy coming this way. I hope you can handle it. There's free booze at the bar if you need it!"
"Free booze?" It didn't sound like something safe. Alcoholic beverages and rock trolls sounded horrific together.
"Dude… is that the Queen?"
"What is she wearing?"
Funny… trolls who were commenting on Poppy did take a gulp of their drinks. Narrowing his eyes, Branch turned around to see his girlfriend excitedly waving at him while she managed to balance herself on high heels.
He didn't even know she had high heels!
"You're one lucky troll for being her pal today." Dante nudged him, teasingly. Branch hadn't noticed classical trolls were around.
It wasn't luck… but he surely was lucky. Poppy was wearing a light pink dress with glittery fabric. It was tighter than she was used to wearing and Branch realized he'd never get enough of seeing the curve of her waist. One simple hairband held her bangs in place while her ponytail widely waved behind her.
"Hi." She said breathlessly, standing so close to him that her warm strawberry perfume went straight to his nose. "I'm sorry I'm late."
Branch's brain broke. There were a lot of things that would trigger strong emotions and sweep him away from reality, but Poppy's scent was probably his main weakness. She stood there, watching him curiously. Her eyelids were slightly pinker than normal, and her eyelashes were looking darker and longer… and all Branch could think about was how her perfume was so perfect and how he had sniffed her underwear…
"You look dashing." Poppy's lips were glossy. He made a mental note that she had just commented on his looks so he was supposed to say something in return, but suddenly he was aware that his armpits were uncomfortably damp. Did he smell bad?
"You look…" Amazing? Perfect? Royal? Elegant? Handmade by heavens? "Pink!" What the Hair just came out of his mouth?
Poppy looked down at her clothes in embarrassment, wondering if light pink over her skin made her look like a giant candy. Her earrings twinkled at the light when her head moved down and Branch saw the precious stones that adorned the jewelry.
"Poppy, it's time for pictures!" Holly Darling showed up out of the blue, taking Poppy's hand and saving Branch from more awkward answers.
He wondered what was wrong with him.
Poppy smiled at the camera next to Holly. The flash eternalized a genuine Queen's smile. Her clothes, her hair, her makeup, the jewelry! Rhythm and Blues joined the girls and posed for the camera with fancy dresses, causing Poppy to giggle and other trolls to come close to take pictures with them.
Branch could already see the post cards being critter-mailed all over Trolls Kingdom, displaying their interaction with a girl full of hospitality that just happened to be a drop dead gorgeous queen.
Another flash and a drink was handed to Poppy, who took a sip before elegantly raising it up to pose just in time for another flash.
"You look like you need to loosen up." Val walked closer and gave Branch a glass with a drink and skull shaped ice cubes inside.
"Is it what I think it is?" Raising an eyebrow, Branch took the colorful liquid in his hands.
"Some alcohol to help you relax." Val nodded. Professionally, she opened a bottle of beer with her hand and took a gulp.
"Are you familiar with the rules in Trollstopia? No alcohol! We're hazardously happy as it is!" Branch wanted to yell, but he ended up lowering his voice so nobody else would hear how serious that kind of rule breaking could actually be.
"Dude… I'm sure you're the one who pitched that rule to Poppy, because… when the Queen is the one drinking, I'm sure nobody will respect that law of yours." Val pointed at the pink girl who was delightfully sipping on some green substance while she giggled with her friends.
Suddenly, the party felt too crowded for him. It was not how Palentine was supposed to go. But, honestly, what else could he expect when he stole the hearts in the first place? He was the one who made the first mistake.
Branch took the tie off and stepped outside. The loud sound of guitars and nonstop chat was left behind and he walked into the dark night, welcoming the sound of crickets and the ruffle of leaves that he happened to brush while going by.
The drink was in his right hand. He was at a safe distance from the party. Carefully, he raised the glass and tasted it. It was oddly sugary, with a bitter taste at the end. Frowning, he took another sip. If he had liked it, then the other trolls would soon be riding a drunk frenzy.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Have you seen Branch?" Poppy asked the photographer, but he shook his head. "I'll find him so you can take a picture of us. Can you wait?"
"I'll be here, ma'am." The country troll photographer nodded, tipping his hat.
She should have imagined that a hard rock party was not Branch's idea of fun and lately there were lots of parties that she was attending and he was quietly following. A formal soiree was probably the last drop to overflow his increasingly small cup of patience. Today was supposed to be about them! And she was being snatched around, by everyone, and not being able to stay by his side as she had planned.
Branch had probably returned to the bunker… Poppy realized as soon as she stepped into the night. She was a little tipsy and she couldn't help but sniff when she realized that she had probably hurt his feelings.
The sound of ice clacking got her attention and her hair wiped around as she turned to look into the woods. She did not see him, but she could feel Branch was there. Sulking.
It was hard to walk with those high heels, but she did not take them off. Satin and Chenille had warned her when she had mentioned shoes, but Poppy really wanted to look different to capture Branch's attention.
It didn't take long to spot him leaning against a tree. The survivalist was carefully studying the cup in his hands. His tie was hanging over his shoulders, a foot was raised against the tree while his back was fully leaning against the bark.
He looked so handsomely messy that Poppy stood in silence for a while to watch him.
What a pair they were… they couldn't be more different and, yet… she couldn't love him more.
A twig snapped under the heels and Branch stood up, fully alert to see who was approaching. The liquid from the glass was poured on the floor so it wouldn't get in his way and he wouldn't be caught breaking a rule that he came up with.
"Sorry…" Poppy stepped out of her hiding place, adjusting the hem of her dress. "... I didn't mean to startle you."
Branch's eyes softened and he almost smiled.
"You looked busy; I didn't want to bother you."
"It's our Palentine." Poppy said back, offering a hand while she stepped closer. Branch reluctantly took it with his. "You're the only one who is getting my full attention."
"Ha!" Branch snorted, looking away because he knew what he was going to say next was going to make her angry. "I know in about ten minutes you'll be filling the punch bowl."
The remark he was expecting remained unsaid. Instead, a delicate finger caressed his chin, bringing his face to focus on hers. His heart stopped for a moment when he spotted her eyes swimming with tears.
"I won't ruin this. I promise." She swallowed the lump in her throat.
Branch didn't want to make her cry. Hair, he didn't even know he was that efficient in making her all teary.
Her knees buckled and she held herself up quickly. If Branch wasn't paying attention, he would have missed it.
"You're drunk!" He accused her, causing Poppy to giggle.
"Slightly tipsy, I'd say." Her cheeks reddened at the confession.
"Poppy, this isn't safe!"
"Being out here in the dark isn't safe either." Point smartly scored.
They were alone. Poppy wanted a kiss. Not just lips pressing against each other like the previous ones. She wanted to really taste him.
"Now I know that the end comes
You knew since the beginning
Didn't want to believe it's true
You are alone again, my soul will be with you"
A song started. The party seemed to be heating up and the guitar sounded so different that the couple didn't even have to debate before walking inside again.
"Why is the clock even running
If my world isn't turning
Hear your voice in the doorway wind
You are alone again I'm only waiting"
Demo was on the stage playing his guitar and DJ stood by his side, following the tunes with her own wooferbug. Poppy felt Branch's hand tightening hers.
"You tear into pieces my heart
Before you leave with no repentance
I cried to you, my tears turning into blood
I'm ready to surrender
You say that I take it too hard
And all I ask is comprehension
Bring back to you a piece of my broken heart
I'm ready to surrender"
"I told you he likes Val." Branch whispered in Poppy's ear.
It wasn't his intention, but his warm breath against her skin made her shudder. Blissfully, the queen closed her eyes and stood in front of him.
Branch didn't understand what she was doing at first. Poppy pressed her back against his front and guided his arms to circle around her. It felt discreet and, at the same time, so hotly intimate.
"I remember the moments
Life was short for the romance
Like a rose it will fade away
I'm leaving everything
No regrets, war is over
The return of a soldier"
"Demo is so talented." Poppy commented. "He actually tries different things."
"He likes soft rock…" Branch stopped himself before continuing. Demo kept his inclination for soft rock and classical guitar in check most of the time so he would be on Val's good side.
"Put my hands on my bleeding heart
I'm leaving all behind
No longer waiting."
The only problem there was that the song felt oddly like he was letting Val go.
"You tear into pieces my heart
Before you leave with no repentance
I cried to you, my tears turning into blood
I'm ready to surrender
You say that I take it too hard
And all I ask is comprehension
Bring back to you a piece of my broken heart
I'm ready to surrender
I've waited for so long!"
The girl in his arms felt odd. Branch looked down at Poppy with the impression that they could fall apart any moment.
Demo had loved Val, but apparently, feelings could change. Nothing was set in stone.
Branch couldn't say if the rock agent was falling for DJ or if she was just a trial. The only evidence he had was that Demo was tired of not being corresponded.
Poppy slightly turned to look at him. She had that twinkle in her eyes that showed all the blooming love that belonged to him.
"Do you want to leave?" Poppy whispered.
"Only if you will stay with me tonight." He whispered back, not caring if it sounded less innocent than he intended.
A flash caught them by surprise, making both jump away from each other, as if realizing for the first time that they weren't alone.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"I cannot believe I don't have any pajamas left." Two drawers were open in her room inside the bunker and Poppy growled in frustration, getting a perfect impression of her boyfriend in his gray days. Branch barely held the laughter. "I'm sorry, Branch. I have to run to my pod to get my things."
It was way past Poppy's sleep hours and even if she said she was going to come back; she'd most likely drag herself all the way to keep her promise. Branch couldn't have that, besides, those shoes looked horribly uncomfortable.
"I may have a solution." He quickly went to his room with the pink queen following him closely behind. Drawers were quickly pulled open, causing Poppy to yelp in surprise when he handed her the items he got: night boxers and a T-shirt. "What? You said they were comfortable."
Touché. It was true. The feel of the cool fabric on her fingers made her instantly relax. There was something about the lightness that made her want to immediately fall asleep.
"Thank you."
Branch changed in his own pajamas while waiting for her to grab a quick shower. She had mentioned something about removing the makeup faster that way. Honestly, Branch loved it when Poppy showered in the bunker. Not that she paid much attention to it, but as time went by, she brought more bottles of personal hygiene like shampoos, conditioners, liquid soaps (it seemed she had a specific one for each body part, which startled him the first time he saw them) and the cabinet inside the bathroom was full of her belongings.
He proudly felt like it was her territory. She was slowly making herself at home.
"Loved the hairstyle, but it was not practical." Giggling to herself, Poppy walked inside his bedroom displaying her night outfit.
Branch was leaning against the headboard with an open book in his hands that immediately fell on his lap as soon as he spotted her. The boxers were ridiculously big, the shirt was falling off her shoulder, displaying her creamy skin in a way that could be seen as funny, but the only thought that crossed his mind was that she looked so incredibly sexy.
"What are you reading?" She timidly asked. Tentatively, Poppy lifted the blankets and made herself comfortable by his side. Branch could barely blink. Was she intending on sleeping in his bed while wearing that?
"Hm… just some engine manual…" He answered and tried to return to the book, but his eyes kept stealing glances at her. It didn't help the fact that she snuggled close, wrapping an arm around him while she searched for that place between his shoulder and hip that seemed to have been made for her to fit in.
"You look serious…" Her finger traced small patterns on his chest, causing him to feel nervous. He was incredibly aware that her chest was squashed on his side and he had the impression she wasn't wearing anything but his shirt. "Ahh, before I forget." Poppy's hand quickly went to her hair to pick up a piece of paper before returning to her spot on his chest.
It was the picture that the photographer had taken while they were distracted in each other's arms. In it, Poppy's eyes were half closed, clearly enjoying the embrace and Branch looked back at her with so much tenderness that it was evident both were very much in love.
"I wonder if you'd like to frame it and keep it next to that 'Nothing Important' one." Ah, yes. He was caught. Poppy was so perceptive that she probably knew he had their picture hidden way before he invited her to stay the first time. Awkwardly, Branch removed the sign, revealing the picture that he had been secretly admiring for years.
Indeed, the new picture would look perfect next to that one.