Is it a date?

Branch had to expand the security perimeter. Trollstopia was so big now that the trap zone meant to catch predators was starting to become dangerous as the neighborhoods advanced further into the forest.

It took him a couple of days to dismantle and re-set the traps in a safe distance from everyone. He even declined an invite from Poppy. He didn't do that in ages, but safety would always come first in his book.

He hadn't even asked what he had been invited to, but it didn't take him long to see what he had missed once he found Dante Crescendo taking the decorations from a fancy restaurant looking a little down for a happy troll.

"Chez Dante?" Branch picked up the neon sign on the floor, causing the classical troll to realize he had company.

"Oh, Branch. Hi." Dante didn't sound in awe as he always did. "It's a pity you missed the opening… and the closing."

"What? You opened a restaurant?" Branch scratched his hair in confusion. "And gave it up already?"

"Ah, yes." Dante fluttered his wings to swipe some dust from the floor. "It was glorious for a day."

"Well, I'm sorry I missed it." Branch realized Dante had built the restaurant next to one of the places a mama Cuddlepuff liked to have her pups. "What about I help you rebuild it next to Classical Crest? This zone isn't safe."

"I'm not sure I want to re-open it, Branch." His Italian accent got a little heavier, causing Branch to half smile. "Even if the Queen was marveled by my dishes, I'm afraid I can't take the pressure of pleasing everyone all the time."

"Oh?" Branch's ear quickly got the clue when his girlfriend was mentioned. "So, Poppy liked it?"

"You should have seen her face."

The survivalist looked at the last trap he was supposed to set and then back at Dante. It seemed like a good idea to take Poppy out to a fancy dinner. They mostly stayed indoors when they had their time together and from what he had seen during Palentine's Day, the pink queen liked to dress up for him.

It could be their first date.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"So, you're saying these giant monsters used to eat trolls and you befriended them anyway?" Blues asked, sharing a quick glance with her sister before resuming their walk, following the Pop Queen as she happily climbed the staircase to an oddly smelly castle.

"I feel a little uncomfortable with that knowledge, but if Poppy trusts the Bergens, then I trust them, too." Holly Darling replied, galloping her way up after her pink friend.

"Guys, I swear, having a Girls' Night at Bridget's will be the perfect opportunity to see how caring and lovable they are." Poppy explained.

"How come we've never seen a Bergen?" Laguna adjusted her glasses for the fourth time as she took the impulse to jump one last step. "From my research I found no sign of them in Trollstopia."

"I think they only stayed around here… We used to live at the Troll Tree." Poppy tapped her finger on her cheek. Indeed, she had never thought about it. "Because we were here and they only knew about us… I mean… I didn't know about other tribes, how could they?"

"That's a curious subject." Rhythm said, "I've always wondered why Pop Trolls were the only ones who never knew about the other tribes."

"Oh," Poppy giggled, "that's because of my dad. He tried to protect me by keeping our History a secret." Rolling her eyes, the Pop Queen made sure all of the girls had successfully (even if exhausted) climbed all the stairs before knocking on the castle's door.

"Poppy!" Bridget immediately answered, making the girls wonder if she was behind the door waiting for them the whole time. "Popstar!"

"Diva!"

"Lolly Pop!"

"Roller Girl!"

"Glitter Bomb!"

"Morning Jogger!"

"Helicopter!

"Prim and Proper!"

"Yep, they are friends, all right." Holly giggled.

"Bridget! It's with immense pride that I present you to my friends!" Poppy raised her arms and the girls smiled brightly at the bergen girl who seemed to be a queen as well.

"Hello!" Bridged bent down, welcoming them all in her hands. "I want to be the best Girls' Night Host, so if you want anything you may count on my hospitality."

Holly Darling stepped forward and gave Bridget a basket of cupcakes that looked oddly small compared to a Bergen's size, but the former maid was thrilled to receive the gift. The girls were served small candies in return and went on a quick tour around the castle.

They were all surprised at how empty and big it was. Bridget made a quick note that she had asked Gristle to spend the night in the tower playing his video games so the girls would have a proper fun night, with no husband walking in.

A lounge room had been decorated in pink, yellow and green tones, with balloons, blankets and pillows all over so the girls would be comfortable.

"Wow! It looks amazing, Bridget!" Poppy squealed. "I love it!"

"I've also made some cherry flavored cupcakes and lemon drops! I hope you all like it! It's my special recipe."

The girls made themselves comfortable and Poppy quickly explained how her bergen friend was an amazing cook. Impressed, they all sat in a circle to hear the story about a sad little girl who loved a prince and thought he'd never see her.

Indeed, the bergen queen's love story seemed to be cut and glued in a perfect fairy tale scrapbook. It was true love and nothing in the world would separate them anymore.

"How do you know it's true love?" Laguna asked, intrigued about Bergen's culture. Truly, the techno scientist wanted to point out about hormones and brain chemistry, but kept it to herself.

"I just know." Bridget softly laughed, happy to be able to talk about her feelings. "It's a connection that goes deeper than the eye can see. Somehow I just know I would recognize Grissy even in the bleakest room."

A few disgusted faces were quickly masked.

"Wow, Bridget, I could eat your cupcakes forever!" Holly complimented, taking another bite to an oversized dessert.

"You guys could stay for the weekend, what do you think?" Bridget suggested, but while the girls considered the offer, Poppy quickly declined.

"Actually, I have an appointment tomorrow. I can't stay." The pink girl was brushing Smidge's hair so she missed how the girls devilishly looked at each other.

"It's a date, isn't it?" Blues asked in a sing-song voice.

"Branch was asking Lownote Jones for 'cool' tips before we left." Rhythm agreed, causing all the other girls to look at Poppy who was caught off guard.

"It's not a date…" The brush dropped on the floor and Smidge grinned at her friend. "Seriously, we're just having dinner so we can discuss a few things in my schedule."

"Then why was he at Meadow Spriggs asking for flowers?" Smidge smartly crossed her arms and Poppy blushed when realization hit her.

Was it a date? The clueless queen hadn't considered that maybe Branch had asked her out to talk about something that wasn't work related. He hadn't mentioned the reason why he wanted to have dinner with her. Poppy just assumed it was another of those opportunities to pitch her new trap zones.

When they wanted to have a moment for themselves, they would stay at the bunker… where Branch felt more comfortable, away from curious eyes.

"You know what?" Holly's eyes sparkled at the chance to play the hairdresser again. "I think we should do your hair!"

"Why don't we all help with the hairdo?" Blues offered, hoping to spare Poppy a massive hair.

"Maybe even some help from another dimension?" Rhythm took a remote from her pocket to show the girl she had come prepared for some science fiction trip.

"Let's just brush it down!" Smidge picked up the brush from the floor and all the girls sat around a nervous looking queen, who was now insecure about the date and about the hairstyle she was going to have.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"To sweep a lady off her feet all you need is a cool soundtrack and fancy dessert." Lownote Jones explained to a nervous looking survivalist.

Branch was following the cool funk troll close after they left Classical Crest. The whole idea was to set up a nice mood with classical music - because, accordingly with Demo, music with lyrics would make the bubbly queen end up paying more attention to the song than to what her boyfriend had to say - and fancy dishes, but not something too mind-blowing that she would shut her other senses to focus on the food.

Branch wondered how he got most of his friends involved in planning a date.

"Are you going to tell us the occasion?" Demo snickered and bumped Branch's shoulder, earning an angry growl in protest.

"I know what it is!" Guy Diamond popped from a brush and joined the three friends, causing Branch's discomfort to increase. "Branch and Poppy have been a couple for months now, but they aren't making out."

"What the-? That's not-" The poor survivalist tripped on a twig and barely could believe that his glittery friend had got his mind in the gutter that fast.

"Ooohh…" Lownote Jones melodically laughed. "It's a gentletroll's strong point to hold back, but do not hold it for too long so your lady will think you're not interested."

"You pop trolls are pathetic sometimes." Demo replied smugly.

"No, Branch is pathetic sometimes. I know how to romance a lady." Guy Diamond bowed like a true Don Juan, allowing his hair to fall charmingly forward.

"Grr…" Branch growled again. "Guys, I haven't been through this dating thing before so motivation is welcomed, but do not let my spirits down." The three males stared at him, "I'm nervous enough as it is."

"How come you have never been through this before?" Demo frowned, completely confused at the revelation. "You mean you've never dated before? Where have you been all your life? In a cave?"

"Precisely!" Guy Diamond realized Branch needed some backup and put his arm around his angry friend. "And he's dating no one other than our Queen. I mean, I can feel the pressure there, buddy."

"Poppy is a real lady, Branch." It was Biggie who said it, who just hurried to catch up with them after getting a coco to gogo. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear the last part. I had the impression you were getting some love, after the… you know." He defended himself as Branch grew even more upset as his private life somehow got an even bigger exposure than he was expecting. "But what I mean is that Queen Poppy is a sophisticated lady and she'll dance to your beat. Do not worry about it."

"Ah, but I'm sure Poppy is feeling awkward as well. She never cared much about romance before." Guy Diamond completed.

"I repeat: Pop trolls are pathetic." Demo seemed exasperated with the lack of carnal desire he was hearing. "I mean, any rock troll who had the opportunity would make out with every single lady."

"Can we please not go there?" Branch whined, feeling like returning home and locking himself up until it was time to meet his girlfriend. He could not lie to himself. Sometimes, having friends wore him out.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Wow! That's one beautiful hairdo!" Holly squealed, followed by all the other girls.

"Is it?" Poppy asked. She quickly scanned the room, but it seemed that Bergens didn't like to have mirrors around. "I wish I could see it properly."

"Oh, I'll take you to the bathroom, girlfriend!" Bridget put down her hand and allowed her friend to step up. "You'll see how pretty you are."

Poppy's hair was indeed different from every other style she was used to. It was braided down to the side, over her shower, with a glittery ribbon knitting its way down forming a big bow at the bottom. It felt a little heavier and there was no way she could use it to keep as many belongings as before (the cowbell was discarded at the lounge room's floor), but she felt pretty like that!

"I really enjoyed it!" Poppy stepped on the sink and looked at herself closer, analyzing how the curls made her face more mature.

"Poppy, darling." Holly put her hands on her hips and smiled broadly as soon as she saw Poppy returning, "well…" Holly fidgeted a little and looked back at the other girls who frowned at her, "... I need to apologize. I haven't behaved properly but I swear I didn't know you and Branch were dating."

"Oh…" Poppy's mind quickly fogged at Holly's words. What did that mean?

"It has been bothering me a little. When I first came to Trollstopia I thought he was kind of cute, but I didn't know he was taken. But… You know that day, I learned my place." Holly said it all in one breath, as fast as she could so Poppy would hear her out.

"You guys are too discreet." Blues tried to amend, feeling the tension in the air. "I mean, I wouldn't know either if Lownote Jones hadn't mentioned it."

"Meaning, it was Branch who indirectly told us." Rhythm completed.

"Okay, I guess I only know that because you guys sort of stopped arguing all the time." Smidge raised her shoulders, "But never really got any sort of confirmation… other than he managed to live when he got in your pod during that time of the month."

Poppy was blushing madly at everything she was hearing from the other girls. Bridget just stood quietly and watched the whole thing. Being the only one married there, she knew it was awkward at first. Perhaps the queen and her sweetheart needed some time to figure out how to act around each other before making it official.

"How about some heart-melting stories about our love lives to encourage Poppy to have a wonderful date?" Bridget suggested and, of course, all girls sat around in a circle to their stories.

"Uh, I know, let Poppy start, how was your first kiss?" Holly asked, clapping excitedly, but only meeting an awkward silence at her question. "What? Oh my Hair! Poppy, that day! Was that your first kiss!?"

"Oooookay, I'll start." Smidge cleaned her throat, getting a 'mouthed' thank you from an awkward pink queen. "I first kissed Milton when we were on a picnic date. The day was sunny and all his animals were safe… he had marshtato salad and I poured him the finest puffalo milk." The small yellow troll said, causing a few toes to wiggle in excitement. "Oh course, I had to make sure he drank a lot of milk to build up some courage."

"So he leaned in first!" Bridget concluded.

"The perfect gentletroll, ladies. Perfect." Smidge nodded, ending her story.

"Okay, my turn!" Holly raised her hand. "My first kiss was the reward of a pageant!" She squealed. "My hair was the biggest and I won first prize, which was a kiss from the most elegant cowboy in western troll movies." Dreamily, the country girl's eyes sparkled. She could remember it like it was yesterday. "He had the whitest teeth and he smelled of tumbleweed and pines." Laguna raised an eyebrow at the suspicious scent she had just heard from Holly, "and then he leaned me back in his arms and I could swear then, he sucked my soul out with a mind-blowing kiss."

"I'm sure your first date will be amazing, Poppy." Blues commented, "Just go with the flow."

"If Branch wants to kiss after the meal you should have mint in your hair." Holly pondered, "You never know how spicy Dante's sauce can be."

It was a long night for the Pop Queen. It was the first time she actually regretted girls' night. If she hadn't known about Branch's true intentions then perhaps their date would run smoothly as any meeting should be. Now that she knew that there was more to it, she felt an unfamiliar wave of anxiety crashing on her positivity shore, after all, she wasn't the one planning the event.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It was a date. Poppy had confirmation as soon as she saw Branch waiting for her in front of the Classical Crest's elevator. He was wearing a white polo shirt, long black jeans and - her heart skipped a beat - he was holding a bouquet of the most beautiful red flowers she had ever seen.

She thanked the heavens for wearing a new lilac dress and the hair style she got the night before was elegantly matching the occasion. She would have felt foolish if she had arrived in her regular blue dress and he was all dressed up for her.

"Hey…" Poppy said, nervously chewing on her bottom lip. "You look handsome."

Branch had a special spell on her. Poppy didn't even know if he realized he had the ability to stun her into silence and it usually happened after he gave her the most boyish side smile. The dreamily hot troll was unaware he was that elegant.

"Wow…" Branch said, hypnotizing her with the way his lips moved. "You look gorgeous." He proudly replied making it up for the fiasco during Palentine's soiree.

"Thanks." Blushing, Poppy looked down, to check on her clothes, as if she needed to make sure she was indeed in her best shape to match her boyfriend.

"I've got these for you." The poor teal troll also looked insecure, but he gave her the flowers and dared a small peck on her cheek, causing her lips to form an 'o' with surprise. "We should go up. I mean… I've got reservations."

It was a serious date, Poppy realized. Branch took her hand in his and they grinned at each other all the way up to the top of the tree, both doing their best to ease the tension.

It was funny. They spent time together often. They cuddled at night and hugged warmly in the morning, but those were nameless occasions. When the word 'date' was put there, it marked the hours they were going to spend courting each other. Somehow, it made Poppy's stomach flutter

Dante was waiting for them with his usual dramatic attitude and made sure the couple sat down in a private corner where they wouldn't be bothered.

"What is it all about?" Poppy decided to ask to break the ice. Branch had just pulled a chair and helped her sit down. At his closeness she could spot a few drops of sweat on his forehead, showing how nervous he was.

"Okay…" the survivalist took a deep breath, thinking that it could be better to reveal his true intentions at once so he would relax and enjoy their date. "Poppy… I love how we grew closer with time." He began and his girlfriend leaned forward to pay attention. He noticed how her bra pushed her breasts up when she did so. It made his attention get slightly divided. "... we aren't arguing anymore and we spend time together." Branch quickly raised his hands when he saw her smile failing, "I mean, I want to spend time with you. All the time. And I get that you're busy managing Trollstopia. You're an amazing queen, by the way."

Hair, he was blabbing. He was nervous and the realization that the way he was leading the speech could turn into a negative sentence made the queen look around, gladly spotting a waiter who brought them a bottle of wine. Branch did not stop awkward words and stuttering sounds as he observed two glasses being filled. He didn't make any objections even if he avoided drinking. Perhaps the alcohol would help him focus his attention on what he really wanted to say instead of her blouse.

"... I think what I'm trying to say is that we haven't made much progress…." How hard was it to tell that he was ready to tell their friends about their relationship? His heart was pounding so loudly he could hear it in his ears.

Poppy blinked once. Then twice.

Her mind alarmingly questioned if she was disappointing him.

Branch panicked when he saw tears threatening to fall.

"This is not a bad thing!" He quickly said, causing his girlfriend to sniff and hold the tears so he could explain what he meant. "Everybody has their own time."

And that did it. The first tear slid down her face and others quickly followed.

"Frosting…" He cursed, looking around nervously and Dante quickly caught a sight of his panic.

"More wine?"

"I'm sorry." Poppy took a deep breath, declining the glass. "I think I should go."

"Poppy, wait." Nearly flying across the table, Branch caught both her hands before she could stand up. Dante was awkwardly flying in between them. "I'm nervous and words aren't coming out right."

"I get I'm not giving you all the attention you deserve." Poppy sniffed and sat back down.

"That's not true." Branch corrected her. "I'm amazed at how you manage all the things you do and still have time for us."

Dante took his cue to fly away, leaving the bottle on the table because it looked like Poppy and Branch would need to drink it all to sort things out.

Branch used the wrong words for introducing the real subject. Since Palentine's day - Hair, since the day he heard Demo saying other trolls had their eyes set on her - Branch was feeling like he should mark his territory. He didn't want to have his private life being the subject of coffee shops, but if he caught another troll licking their lips when Poppy mindlessly passed by them, Branch would snap.

He just needed a gentler way to put it.

"I've come here to show you all the love and appreciation I can." The survivalist finally felt like the right words were being spoken. Poppy's face suddenly didn't look so sad. "We're always caught up in routine and I wanted this to be our first date. Even if other trolls start gossiping about us, I think it's okay to let them know we're together."

Poppy's hand flew to the glass and she drank all the wine down at once. The pretty bouquet on the side of the table had a heart shaped card on it. The nervous boy sitting in front of her looked like he was going to pass out if she didn't answer him soon and suddenly… her crown felt terribly heavy. From her point of view, Branch just wanted to make her happy, but going against his instincts and years of discretion.

"Our closest friends already know about us…" Poppy half smiled, causing her boyfriend to mirror her.

"I think they are snooping from the bushes outside." Branch half laughed, causing Poppy to actually spot a yellow leg sticking out of a shrub.

"We're not exactly hiding anymore, are we?"

"I don't think we are."

"Do you want an official announcement?" Poppy carefully asked, watching his expression, reading him like a book. He didn't look excited about it, as she suspected.

"I'm not a big fan of the idea, but I'll go with whatever you have in mind."

He didn't want an announcement, but he didn't want to disappoint her, Poppy figured, so she did what she did best: she found a diplomatic way out.

"We don't owe anyone an explanation." Dinner was placed in front of them with classical cupcakes with lots of chocolate topping.

"We can answer anyone who asks. Individually." Branch confirmed, suddenly feeling lighter than he had for the past days. It would work. Gentle as a breeze the words would spread and soon everybody would know she was taken.

"And our friends will help us." Poppy grinned, then she looked back at her food and frowned. "There's only one troll that must hear it directly from us."

"Who?"

Branch didn't even suspect that her answer would take him from heaven to hell in a stomach dropping fall.

"My dad."