Poppy sighed when she saw Branch left. She knew he was hurt and there was probably something he was hiding from her but how would she make him open up to her? That was one she would think about later. The next day everyone left DJ Suki's house in the morning to go about their daily life. After sometime,Poppy met up with a Guy Diamond since she couldn't find Branch anywhere. He wasn't in his bunker nor was he anywhere in sight.

"Guy Diamond do you know where I could find Branch? He isn't in his bunker nor is he anywhere in sight in the Troll Village."Poppy said worriedly.

"I have no idea where he could have went. Maybe he went deeper into the forest!"GD said.

"Well maybe but his bunker is located somewhat in the forest so I already checked near it."Poppy said.

"Then I seriously have no idea. Maybe he just randomly went somewhere but don't worry I'm pretty sure he'll be back."GD said smiling.

"I hope so,"Poppy sighed.

"Anyways is there something wrong? Is everything alright? You well you two acted a bit strange yesterday. Especially Branch."GD said.

"Uh what? No we were acting normal like always! Hehe!"Poppy lied, hoping that GD would believe her. He however did not.

"You're not good at lying, you know that right Poppy?"GD raised an eyebrow as he crossed his arms and tapped one of his foot on the ground.

Poppy sighed again.

"I know,"

"Hey I know there has definitely been something happening between you and Branch. You probably don't want to tell me because I'll get worried about you two but I'm your best friend right? I'm both of yours' best friend!"GD said.

"And I know you care a lot for Branch and he does too but also do I and the others. We care about you two and love you two. So please tell me is there anything I could do to help?"

Poppy gave him a small smile.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"What did I do?!"Branch asked himself, running towards a specific place which he liked to call his secret hideout. No this wasn't his bunker it was more like a place where he hung out sometimes. Just him and nature. But now he didn't care if he only went to that place for peace purposes. Right now he had to get as far away from Troll Village as possible. "I-I ruined the party! I-It talked about my bad past and said such horrible things!"he mumbled hiding his face in his hands as he finally came to a stop in the forest and fell on his knees. He felt simply guilty and horrible now. His colors had been faded to an extent where he believed he could even go grey again.

"Ugh! Poppy must now think I'm such a creep and weak person to think about that! But..."

Then he saw it again, the same very spider who's last question had made him feel sick to the stomach.

"Are you a murderer?"it had said earlier. He knew he was hallucinating. It was merely something that was haunting him from his bad past. It wasn't real but yet here it was. He took the spider in his hands as he still sat down on his knees by a lake.

"So?"the spider started to say.

"Are you a murderer?"

"What-"Branch started to say, trying to stop that question from being repeated again and again.

"If you're not sure, here's a better question, have you ever killed someone? If you did somehow then did you feel guilty about it? So guilty that you wanted to die yourself? So are you a murderer?"

"I-I.."Branch stuttered but then he knew the answer. It had actually never been his fault. Yes he felt yesterday that he was a murderer and he had told Poppy he was a murderer. But if he thought about it, it wasn't his fault to be precise. His grandma wanted him to live a full life and not live a life filled with the guilt that it was his fault she was taken. She would always want him to live his life to the fullest and that's what he was going to do. He was not going to let his past haunt him anymore nor would he let it hurt him.

"I'm NOT a murderer!!"he shouted.

"I haven't killed anyone! I didn't mean for it to happen!"

"Then what are you?"the spider asked him.

"What do you call a person who just sat there and did nothing when his loved one got taken by a Bergen? What do you call that selfish coward who didn't risk his life to save the person who loved and admired the most?"

Sweat trickled down Branch's forehead.

"Do we call that person a traitor who just wants to save his own skin?"the spider asked and for some reason this reminded Branch of Creek who betrayed everyone including Poppy. Was this truly no different than that no-good backstabbing jerk?!

"Say..don't you ever feel like you're far away from your friends?"the spider asked Branch who simply shook his head.

"This is so stupid! It's over, it was all in the past! Everything is fine now and yet why can't I-I move on?"

The spider said nothing and just simply crawled away, at least that's what Branch thought before he sighed, hugging his knees.

"Branch?"a familiar voice called.

"Huh?"Branch said.

"So did you find him yet?"another familiar Indian-accented voice asked.

Branch met Poppy's gaze and he met her's. Guy Diamond came along shortly whistling calmly while Branch got up.

"I'm out of here!!!"he yelled bolting.

"Huh? What the heck?"GD said as Branch ran past him.

"What are you waiting for? We need to go after him!!"Poppy said pulling GD's hand as she ran after Branch.

"Woah! Slow down Poppy!"

"Branch!" Poppy called out.

"Don't you dare follow me!"Branch ran without looking back. He had no idea where he was going. He just needed to run, that's all he knew.

"Branch!! Come back!!"Poppy said as she practically dragged Guy Diamond who was yelling at her to slow down.

"I'm only a troll! Not Flash!"he said but of course who was listening to him? Branch grew tired and eventually gave up and lied on the ground. Poppy sighed and sat down on the ground taking deep breaths as well. GD was struggling and saying a bunch of nonsense.

"Help me!! I cannot breathe!!Someone give me an inhaler!!!! My throat's on fire!! Ahhhh!!"

"I told you..not to..follow me.."Branch said panting.

"You both make it even harder,"the teal troll said sighing.

"No you do,"Poppy said.

GD somehow fell asleep all of a sudden maybe because he was tired.

"Why didn't you tell me anything?"Poppy asked looking at Branch who turned his back towards her.

"I-I'm afraid okay?"Branch said as Poppy said, "Huh?"

"I-I'm afraid to let go of the past. Tell me does everyone really accept me? Do they see me as a normal troll like everyone else?"

Branch started at the ground sadly.

"You always say things like 'Oh no! Everyone loves you!' But I think that's not the case."

"Like look your Uhm strong friend doesn't even like me.. Smidge right? And well at least she behaves better than others who simply still think I'm an outcast. Plus if that's not quite less, than many things from my past still haunt me.."he said sitting upright now.

"And you? Well at least you never experienced anything like me. You have an absolute problem free life."

"No..you're wrong,"Poppy said to which Branch became surprised.

"Huh?"

"I'm not someone who has a problem free life. After all, it's always been hard for me to adjust in all the trolls as well at the beginning. I always wanted other trolls to treat me not as a princess or a queen but also as their friend. There's definitely a difference."

"Poppy...but certainly that couldn't have been quite hard as compared to me right?"Branch asked.

"Maybe not,"Poppy said.

"But I still somewhat know how you used to feel Branch. I definitely know how it is to turn grey and after that experience I seriously couldn't believe how you managed to do that for 20 long years."

"I honestly don't know either,"Branch shrugged.

"Well at least our new lives have officially begun right? Now that the Trolls and Bergens are friends, life can definitely be cupcakes and rainbows for us now. With no reason to worry or live in fear."Poppy said as she scooted close to him.

"I just don't know anything anymore. I still feel all those haunted memories crawling up my back. They make me afraid and they made me harden myself. I thought that way I couldn't hurt nor lose anyone ever again like I once did."Branch sighed.

"Oh Branch,"she said grabbing both of his hands.

"I believe that anyone can be a better person if they just try and you are a better person already, you were always one deep within."Poppy said.

"And no matter what they'll always be people who'll accept you and love you for who you are."

"I guess,"Branch muttered as GD suddenly shot up.

"Yeah!!I'm somebody who accepts and loves you!!"

"G-guy Diamond?! What the heck!! You scared me!"Branch said startled again.

GD should seriously stop startling others.

"Calm down Branch, it wasn't like I was stalking you this time."

Branch scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"I heard the entire thing. I just pretended to fall asleep so you two could have a 'moment'"GD said as he wiggled his fingers for emphasis on the word 'moment.'Before Branch could argue with that GD spoke up,

"Hey I just want to tell you something Branch. Before you turned grey at the very start of our lives, we had been best friends right? And even now we are! You're not a terrible person. You're definitely a better person like Poppy said. You're great in your own way! And also I need to tell you something important,"

"Alright what is it?"Branch asked a small smile forming on his face.

"The others have been following us the entire time!"GD pointed to a group of bushes which revealed themselves to be the Snack Pack once again in disguise.

"Can you all just give me a break?!!"Branch shouted.

"What's up with the stalking?! Guy Diamond!!"

"What? I wasn't involved in this now!"GD defended himself.

"They wanted to come too! They were just worried about you like me and Poppy."

"Ugh!"Branch groaned face-palming.

"Yolo!"a deep voice said as Branch turned around recognizing that voice.

"Uh,"Branch tried to say something but couldn't.

"Woah awkward!"GD said as Poppy shushed him.

Branch didn't know what to do or what to say that was until Smidge extended her hand towards him as he shook it.

"Well I guess you do deserve a change don't you? Gladly will I give you one.."Smidge said as she then whisper added to Branch.

"And by the way, when you and Poppy start dating each other I swear if you break her heart, I'll break your neck and you won't even be able to say 'oh my gah!'"

"Point taken,"Branch said as Cooper hugged him.

"I thought you deserved a great hug from the great Cooper himself!

"And a strong hug from me! Yeah!!"Smidge said as she hugged them both tightly.

"We'll give you a hug too!"Satin and Chenille hugged the trio from either side.

"We'll hug you tightly!"Biggie said as he, DJ Suki, GD and Poppy joined the hug.

"Because everyone loves you! Just the way you are!"the Snack Pack said to Branch together.

Branch felt himself go numb and for the first time in forever, he actually did feel loved. He normally would have felt uncomfortable being hugged by so many people at one time since he was still getting used to hugs but right now it didn't matter.

"Haha! Love you guys!"Smidge said.

"Heh!! Behold a hug from the great Cooper!"

Branch then enveloped all of them into a hug.

"He's hugging us..he's actually hugging us isn't he?"Chenille said gleefully.

"Remarkable achievement Branch!"GD grinned.

"Shut up before I decide to chase you with a stick like I did with Cloud Guy,"Branch said as Poppy giggled.

"What?"the others asked in unison.

Branch and Poppy looked at each other smiling.

"Long story,"

"Oh wait since the problem's been fixed,"GD smirked as he wrapped his arm around Branch's shoulder and said in a dramatic voice.

"Oh Branch! Don't you have something important to talk to someone? You wanted about something to Poppy right?"

"Hm?"Poppy raised an eyebrow.

"What are you talking about?"Branch asked him.

"Oh come on! Don't be silly!"GD said as he started whispering things to Branch while Poppy looked at them confused.

"Alright! I have a very important errand to do! So bye guys!"GD said leaving while grinning.

"Hey! Wait!"Branch called out.

"Yeah I think we're all busy actually!"DJ Suki said.

"See you!"Biggie said as Mr.Dinkles meeped while the Snack Pack left.

"Oh! Branch actually Poppy wanted to talk to you about something too!"Smidge smirked as Poppy blushed.

"So what do you want to talk about to me?"Branch asked.

"You go first,"Poppy said.

"Ladies first,"Branch smirked.

"Okay okay fine!" Poppy rolled her eyes.

"I uh.."

"Well it isn't quite often when I see you stuttering.."Branch crosses his arms, still smirking.

"What's the matter?"

"Well.. do you remember when I came over to your bunker to discuss some things about the village?"Poppy asked.

"Uh yeah,"Branch answered.

"Well when you said you were going to get some cookies I was waiting in your room right? And I decided to read a book to pass the time which I read for a while and I then went to return it to the shelf. In that moment, another book fell down so I picked it up and opened it curiously."

Branch hoped it was not the book he was thinking it was.

"I read it and soon realized that it was your diary or journal whatever,"Poppy said as Branch blushed.

"S-so I'm sorry Branch like I said that day as well! I-I did read your diary!"Poppy blushed this time as well.

"You what?!"Branch felt as if he was going to faint.

"D-don't you know you shouldn't read other people's diaries?!"

"I-I didn't mean to!"Poppy defended herself.

"I'm so sorry Branch."

"So uhh,"Branch blushed looking away so she couldn't see him blushing.

"D-did you read the last page?"

"Yes I read it,"Poppy said looking away from him while Branch felt like he was literally going to die.

"W-well I was actually quite surprised,"Poppy said.

"And that's why I'm here."

Branch didn't respond although he did feel his cheeks warming up.

"We've known each other for a long time now. Ever since we were children, you were always so lonely and always had a grumpy expression on. I just wanted to see you smile and for you to be happy."

Branch smiled slightly looking at the green grass below.

"So I always tried to talk with you and be your friend even though you pushed me away and seemed to be annoyed. You told me to go away but even so I didn't give up. The more I approached you, the more reluctant you became. But then, you finally opened up to me and let me in. That's when I finally noticed the wall between us was finally fading away. Sure it took like so many years to get a word about you and make you happy but it was all worth it. Deep down you were always the sweet troll you had been from the very start."Poppy said. Branch felt moved by Poppy's words.

"Poppy..."

"You're no different from what you've always been Branch. But lately there is something that's been bugging me. I-I feel like I don't see you in the same way anymore.

"What do you mean?"Branch asked.

Poppy decided to use a joke Smidge had told her yesterday at the sleepover as what she could use to confess easily though Branch. Knock knock jokes weren't really her type of things but she decided to use it anyways.

"Knock knock,"

"Seriously?"Branch groaned.

"I don't like knock knock jokes. Their a no-brainer."

"Knock knock,"Poppy said again.

"Oh well who's there?"Branch asked.

"Pauline,"Poppy replied.

"Pauline who?"Branch asked.

"I think.."Poppy started to say as she blushed giving him a sweet smile.

"I think I am Pauline in love with you.."

(Falling in love with you...geddit?)

"W-what?!"Branch blurted out, shocked while blushing madly the whole time.

"If that isn't clear enough then.."Poppy said as she walked towards Branch, putting a hand on his cheek.

"Poppy w-what?"he said flushed.

With nothing said, the pink troll closed the gap by planting her lips on his as she tenderly kissed him. Branch's eyes widened at the sudden contact with his lips against hers. It was too good to be true. Slowly he closed his eyes and reciprocated, his colors glowing brighter than ever.

Poppy parted blushing, much to Branch's dismay and smiled once again but this time rather shyly.

"Do you understand now?"

"I-I.."Branch opened his eyes, at a loss of words but smiling the entire time.

"I just... I just feel so happy.."

Branch then pulled Poppy into a loving hug, nuzzling his nose against her forehead.

"I'm here always for you Branch. And I'm not leaving you any sooner."Poppy said closing her eyes as she relaxed into the teal troll's warmth while wrapping her own arms around him.

"Since when did you start feeling the same way?"Branch murmured closing his eyes shut while still hugging the queen who was perhaps now his.

"It's been a while,"she whispered.

"Why do you love me?"he asked causing Poppy to blink in surprise.

"I didn't do anything for you. I always pushed you away. Moreover it was always you who never gave up on me. And sometimes I-I feel like I can mess everything up unlike you. I'm not good enough for you."

"Branch you gave me hope when no one else could. You accompanied me on my journey to Bergentown when no one else did. Stop thinking that you're lesser than anyone else because you're not. You're unique in your own way and you're special to me."Poppy said as she pulled away from him not entirely but only enough to look at him in the eyes.

"And I love you just the way you are,"she said softly now pulling away and holding both of his hands then grinned.

"No matter what, you're stuck with me!"

Branch couldn't help but smile at this.

"I guess I am,"

"And so don't worry, just let all those negative thoughts fade away."

"Thank you Poppy,"Branch muttered as he reached out his hand to caress her cheek as he closed his eyes kissing her once again. Poppy felt herself melt at his skilled touch. He definitely was a great kisser. Branch pulled away as both of them smiled looking at each other with love and adoration in their eyes. "Aww!"a voice said from nearby, probably coming from a bush. Poppy and Branch pretended not to notice.

"Did you have dinner yet?"Branch asked the troll he loved.

"No not yet,"Poppy said.

"Well how about I cook something for the both of us at my bunker?"

"That would certainly be lovely Branch."she said holding his hand as both of them walked smiling and blushing at the same time.

"Dang that was so close!"the Indian accented voice said again, hinting relief in his tone that Branch and Poppy hadn't notice him the entire time. And also not the others who were hiding with him in the bushes.

"They didn't really see us? That's so strange."

"Well haven't you heard that love is blind?"DJ Suki sighed smiling while Smidge wiped a tear from her eye.

"I'm so proud of myself for telling Poppy to use that knock knock joke."

"M-my ship comes true!"Biggie sniffled as he hugged Mr.Dinkles crying happy tears.

"It's our OTP!!"GD declared at the top of his voice.

"They're definitely the cutest couple out there"Satin said smiling as Chenille nodded agreeing with her. And the twins rarely agreed on things so whatever they agreed on was definitely great! And Branch and Poppy together as a couple..well that was great indeed.

Later at night, a tired queen was fast asleep next to an awake Branch who brushed her bangs away from her face as he himself whispered something before going to sleep as well.

"Yeah well for now let's just let the thoughts fade away..I love you my beautiful queen."

-A/N-

And this fanfic is now declared complete with 4K words as well in this chapter. I definitely enjoyed writing this and considering the fact that I just started it yesterday I'm actually pretty impressed that I completed it the next day itself.

I hope you all enjoyed this mini fanfic as well.

Stay Arrowtastic guys!

-Arrow-