-O-

Picturebook Romance

A Trolls fanfic

By Dreamsinger

Chapter Thirty-One

Comfort Foods

Neither of the young couple really knew what to say to one another as they rode the lift upward to the kitchen level at a much more sedate pace than his earlier near-catapult speed, but eventually Branch asked awkwardly, "So, uh…how's the bandage? Comfortable?"

She nodded. "Yeah, it's fine. A little snug, but not too tight. I can breathe okay."

"Well, it'll stretch a little, so I've learned it's better to start off with a snug fit."

"You did a good job. Very professional," she praised him, loving his proud smile. "So, I'm guessing that this wasn't the first time you've done this."

"No. I've had to treat my fair share of wounds over the years."

"Wounds?" Why did that word sound so ominous?

"Yeah," he went on, blithely unaware of her growing concern, "Like one time, I smashed my thumb with a hammer, and it was swollen and purple for a month."

Poppy winced. "Ooo..."

"I remember being really scared that I'd broken it, but it healed up just fine." He let go of her hand to wiggle his fingers in front of her, and suddenly Poppy was lost in memory.

-O-

Broken. Poor, hurt gray limbs encased in heavy plaster casts, and the even heavier heart of the young boy, so lost and alone, sick with a helpless despair that she had sensed but not understood.

And it wasn't just her. Everyone had been worried about him. Her father had talked with the other grown-ups for days, looking for ways to help her friend. She had insisted on being with Branch in the hospital pod, telling him jokes, reading to him or just scrapbooking quietly on the floor to keep him company, even when he ignored her or told her to go away. She knew, even then, that he needed her.

And that feeling had never really gone away.

-O-

"And I've been really sick a couple of times," Branch commented. "In fact, one time I ate the same type of berry you did during the journey to Bergentown. After I blew up like a parade balloon I barely managed to escape from the spiders that hang out in that area, waiting to snarf up prey that gets incapacitated by those berries."

"How did you get away?"

"Well, luckily I was able to get my hair on a pair of sparkbugs and gave myself a jolt of energy just in time. That's why I knew how to help you recover from the poison."

"Poison? Is that what knocked me out? I thought it was the fall."

"No, those berries put you to sleep for a while. I feel bad for not warning you, actually, but I didn't realize you were going to eat one until it was too late. Sorry about that."

"Don't worry about it," she said automatically, distracted by the new revelations. "So…it sounds like you've had some close calls, huh? I thought you were supposed to be such a safety expert." Her tone was soft, less of an accusation than an expression of worry as she looked plaintively up at him.

The aquamarine troll shrugged ruefully, scratching the back of his head and avoiding her gaze. "I am. But as much as I hate to admit it, nobody can avoidrisk all the time."

Poppy looked down, her expression uncharacteristically serious. How many times has he gotten hurt? Anything could have happened to him, all the way out here by himself. Oh, Branch. This is why we trolls need each other! Why, if Leafe hadn't been there, I'd be- She stiffened. Ohhh my gosh. What if Branch been the one who choked?

A strange, searing flash of cold flame burned through her body, leaving her insides buzzing unnervingly in its wake. As the lift came to a smooth stop, Branch headed out toward the kitchen area, but Poppy couldn't move. Sweating, her heart pumping, she stared desperately at the ground, her teeth painfully gripping her trembling lower lip as she tried to rein in the awful feelings flooding her body.

Then Branch turned to look back at her and his face registered his dismay. He hurried to her and touched her arm. "Poppy? Poppy, what's wrong?"

His concern only made her feel worse. She'd already caused him enough pain today. Get it together, Poppy! He's fine. You're overreacting.

"Poppy, please," he said softly. "Tell me."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Hearing her own hoarseness, she cleared her throat and managed to say in a more or less normal tone, "It's just that…when I think about you getting hurt out here all alone, I - I just get a little…upset, that's all. I mean, you could have-"

Talking about it was a mistake. Now she was vividly picturing her beloved boyfriend being attacked by some giant, vicious forest beast, or having an accident with one of his tools, bleeding and hurting and having no one to turn to for help. Her eyes were stinging, her lip jutted out, and suddenly she realized she was on the verge of tears.

Judging by the look of alarm that flashed across his face, so did he. "Hey. H - hey, Poppy, don't be upset. It's not like I was really all alone," he said hurriedly, his tone a little too high-pitched to be reassuring. "I always knew I could go to the village doctors any time I really needed to."

Poppy experienced an odd feeling, like a sudden warmth hovering outside her body, but it was hard to let it enter and make her feel better. As if the comfort it offered wasn't real somehow. As she began to shiver, she looked down to the side and hugged herself, trying to ward off the cold.

Warm, strong arms wrapped around her. She felt his chest vibrate against hers as he said reassuringly, "Poppy, I'm right here, and I'm okay."

"Y – yeah, b - but what if you'd…" She couldn't even say it.

"I know," he murmured, rubbing her back. After a minute he sighed. "Now you know how I feel when you-" He cut himself off. "Sorry. But listen, if it makes you feel any better, I've never gotten seriously hurt," he said soothingly. "I learned my lesson pretty early, after what happened with my pod. Why do you think I've developed so many safety protocols?"

"Oh." She blinked. "I never thought of that." Maybe his Incident had a silver lining after all, if it kept him safe all this time. The pink troll felt the cold darkness around her heart lighten a little.

Encouraged, he added, "Yeah, you know me. 'Crazy prepared', right?" He let go of her so he could make air quotes, and winked at her. "I'm pretty good at taking care of myself."

"I know. I know you are." Poppy let out a slightly shaky sigh. "Sorry for freaking out," she apologized. "I don't know what's wrong with me today."

Just for a moment he looked troubled, but then he crossed his arms, shifted his weight to one hip and raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right?"

His switch to sarcasm caught her off-guard. At her look of surprise he gave her a big, toothy grin and she found it impossible not to smile back, at least a little bit.

"There it is," he said gladly, reaching out to poke a gentle finger at the corner of her lips, which made her finally break out into a big, full smile.

It was just what she needed. "Thanks for making me feel better, Branch."

"No problem, Sunshine," he said warmly, putting an arm around her waist. "After what happened today, anyone would be a little shaken up. And that's okay."

Gratified, Poppy slid an arm around him, soaking up his welcome warmth and letting it drive off the inner chill. As they began to stroll through the short, narrow passageway, Branch added comfortingly, "Besides, it's not just you. It's been a long day for the both of us, and I'm sure we'll both feel better after a nice hot meal and a chance to relax together."

Her tight shoulders began to loosen at the thought. "Mmm, sounds great…"

Branch was right. She was probably just feeling so on edge because she was overtired, but being here in his nice, quiet home with her sweet, supportive boyfriend made it all better.

They walked into the kitchen level; the one place in his bunker where the lively scents of herbs and citrus and spices stood out in sharp contrast from the monotonous background stone-and-earth odor. Poppy took in a deep, appreciative breath and suddenly froze. Her eyes lit up. "Ooo!"

Recognizing her 'I've-got-a-flipping-fantastic-idea' face, Branch froze, too. "Uh, oh. Listen, whatever it is, can you please hold off until we've had dinner, at least?" he begged her.

Poppy was too excited. She pulled away from him and held her hands up as if framing something. "Branch, listen! What if…" She paused for dramatic effect. "I made some really nice-smelling wall hangings for the bunker? Wouldn't that be great? Each room could have its own scent!"

"I… Oh." The reflexive protest on his face faded as a thoughtful look came into his eyes. "You know, that's…actually…not a crazy idea, for once."

She dropped her head to the side and rolled her eyes. "Not all of my ideas are crazy, you know."

"Oh, no, of course not," he said mildly. "Just the ideas you have on the days that end in a 'y'."

"Branch!" she said indignantly, her hands on her hips.

He laughed. So did she, knowing that he was teasing her to make her feel better. And it was working. "Thanks."

He nodded sympathetically. Poppy couldn't help but notice the way the care-lines at the corners of his eyes made him look so kind and gentle. She wanted to kiss them.

Her sweetheart headed into the adjoining pantry room, gesturing grandly at the impressive cornucopia of supplies lining the walls and separated into orderly piles on the floor. "So, Poppy, what are you in the mood for?" He slapped his hands together, rubbing them enthusiastically as he added, "I can offer you literally almost anything you can think of."

She knew right away what she wanted. But of course, Branch being Branch; he had to add in the qualifiers.

"Well, Doctor Plum said you needed soft foods, so that cuts down on your options."

She nodded. "Right. So then-"

"And there isn't time to soak any dried foods, so…" He went into one of his thinking poses, crossing one arm over his stomach and resting his other elbow on it, a thoughtful frown on his face as he set his chin against his hand.

This time she waited politely, but when he didn't speak she suggested, "Well, how about-"

"Also, you'll probably want comfort foods. Yeah. Something sweet…something starchy…hmm…melted cheese? We had omelets last night…"

This could take a while. Poppy felt a flicker of her usual exasperation when Branch insisted on over-analyzing a situation, but she didn't have it in her to start arguing with him right now. Besides, how can I get irritated at someone who wants to make me comfort foods?

With a sigh and a somewhat wan smile, Poppy slowly moved into the kitchen and settled down at his table, content to watch her fussbudget of a boyfriend go all mother-bird on her.

No matter what we end up eating, he's the real comfort here.

-O-

"You know, it's at times like these when having too many choices actually hampers my decision-making process," I complained mildly a few minutes later.

I had an armful of potential prospects, but I kept spotting more. It was already seven-thirty; I didn't have the time for a thorough analysis, or as Poppy would put it, dithering. "Listen, why don't I just pull a decent selection and you can pick what you want from those?"

"Sounds good, Branch."

I twitched an ear toward the slightly-muffled sound of her voice, then turned in that direction to see my enchanting girlfriend in the next room; elbows on table, chin resting on linked fingers, with half-lidded eyes and a sweet, patient smile. Waiting for me.

I melted. How often had I dreamed of a sight like this, of having someone I loved to come home to? Someone, who by all counts, adored me? If my arms weren't full, I might have pinched myself to make sure it was real.

She made such a pretty picture that I found myself just standing there dreamily appreciating the view for a while.

Eventually a vague, uneasy feeling arose, making me turn abruptly back to the shelves. Poppy's never this quiet. And she was almost in tears a few minutes ago. Maybe she's just tired out from everything that's happened today, but I can't help but worry that there's something else going on with her.

Absently, I used my hair to slide a jar to one side so I could see behind it, slid the jar back, and then had to move it again when I realized I had no memory of whatever had been behind it. I'm just glad for the chance to keep her close to me. If we weren't dating I think I'd still have found some excuse to stay near her tonight, just in case she needed me. A slumber party or something. That'd make her happy.

I glanced over my shoulder at her uncharacteristic stillness, and a sly smile grew on my face. A party… You know, maybe it's time to entertain my special "guest" in the traditional troll fashion: with random, pointless fun.

"Hey, Poppy; think fast!"

A split second later Poppy was bolt upright, clutching half a dozen assorted pantry items with a stunned look on her face. A small ceramic jar detached from the lot and was saved from shattering by a hair, literally, as she just managed to zip a tendril underneath it in time.

I gave her a challenging smirk. "Not bad, but you're off your game."

She gaped at me, then seemed to catch the playful mood I was deliberately projecting. She set her armload down with a clatter and vaulted from her seat to stand to one side of the table, grinning fiercely. "Oh, yeah? Bring it on, bunker boy!"

I set myself with my back to her, grabbed the first things my hands touched and tossed them over my head without looking. I heard her grunt and the thump of feet. "Whoo! Is that the best you can do?"

"That was just a warm-up!" Grinning slyly, I started flinging all manner of foodstuffs behind me, using hands and hair, too.

A jar smashed once, and she called out an apology. "That's fine, I can stand a few losses. Keep going!" I called without turning around. I didn't really pay much attention to what I was grabbing or even in which direction I threw it; all I cared about was hearing her triumphant whoops and laughter.

I was laughing too, but in the back of my mind I couldn't stop the disquieting train of thought brought on by her strange, unPoppylike behavior.

I knew she wasn't all right, no matter what she said earlier.

I thought about the conversation we'd had after our fight, and how for the first time Poppy had seemed to seriously face up to the idea of her own mortality. I was really sorry she'd had to go through such trauma to realize it, but maybe it was for the best. I couldn't help but be glad that she seemed to have decided to take better care of herself, anyway.

I just hoped all the consequences were as positive.

"Branch?"

Or are they? Maybe I should take her promise to be more careful as a bad sign.

"Branch, help!" she squawked, just as the sudden smash of another container shattering finally snapped me out of my brooding, far too late.

I turned to see her attempting to hold up a massive swaying tower of food and containers just as it collapsed all over her.

"Poppy!"

Groans filled the air. Tortured stalks of magenta hair emerged from cracks in the heap as I frantically flew to her rescue, digging though the mess and rolling a large sack of grain off her head to expose an indignant pair of vivid pink eyes.

"And you say I get carried away!"

I apologized sheepishly, then helped her out of the pile and stepped back to assess the damage. From the looks of it, she'd actually constructed a respectable tower of jars, boxes and burlap bags on top of the table, but inevitably, one side had begun to lean, until boom!

As I stood looking ruefully at the utter chaos, broken jars and pots began to leak their contents into the ground.

Poppy watched the spreading spills. "Don't blame me. I tried to hold it, but even using my hair I couldn't catch everything. What were you thinking, Branch?"

She seemed caught between anger and puzzlement and I had a moment to think how weird it was to have her be the one scolding me for making a mess.

"Sorry," I said again. "I got distracted."

"What distracted y-"

"Hold that thought," I interrupted. "Gotta clean up what spilled before it sinks too far into the ground."

We put on safety gloves and sorted through the wreckage, cleaning up the wet stuff, broken glass and pottery. Poppy repeated her question a couple more times, but I managed to keep changing the subject until she stopped asking. I didn't want to keep reminding her of the bad things that had happened today.

We brought the debris to the bin I used to store it in until I had time to make a visit to an inferno flower, who would obligingly burn it all to ash. Poppy had been silent for a while, but as we returned to the kitchen I heard a contrite, "Sorry, Branch."

Does she think I'm mad at her? "Don't worry about it. It's not your fault," I said reassuringly, waving an unconcerned hand in the air. "Besides, it's nothing I can't replace."

She smiled, but she was still quieter than I would have liked. I had an idea. "Hey, why don't we play the game in reverse now? You toss the stuff to me and I'll put it away until all that's left is what you want to have for dinner?" I tried to seem playful, leaning sideways and grinning as persuasively as I knew how.

I was glad to see her smile brighten from a glimmer to a beam. "Sure!"

This time I kept my mind strictly on what I was doing.

Soon I realized something. "This is-" I leaped up to catch a jar while simultaneously shooting my hair out to snag a large acorn from the air with my hair, "oddly satisfying somehow!"

"Of course," Poppy chuckled. "Having fun and organizing stuff at the same time? This is your dream game!"

I started laughing. "You're right!"

When Poppy finally called a halt, I approached the table with a big, happy smile. "Okay, so what are we having?" and then, "Um..."

"I thought we could have something savory, like scrambled eggs with parsley, kale, chia seeds and shredded cheese," Poppy explained. "And some cinnamon-vanilla oatmeal with berries. Aaand last but not least, I was especially hoping that maayyybe I could get you to make some of your famous sugarfruit soup?" She batted her long-lashed eyes at me.

"Sure," I said gladly. The healthy healing soup I'd created as a trolling to help Jaunty get well had become a fairly popular food staple. It was often served as a dessert, in fact, and every time I saw someone enjoying it, I couldn't help but feel a secret surge of pride. It pleased me that Poppy remembered that I'd been the one who created it. But then, of course she would. She's Poppy.

"So it this okay?" Poppy gestured at the table.

I considered the odd collection on the table. "Well… It's not what I would have chosen; I tend to think of eggs and oatmeal as breakfast foods. But then again, it is nutritionally balanced," I mused aloud. "Protein, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Even the flavorings have some trace nutrients. All good choices."

"Preee-cisely." Poppy pompously crossed her arms, and then ruined the effect by giving me a challenging grin. "I'll make a rule-breaker out of you yet."

I played along, crossing my own arms and giving her my best impression of my old grumpy-face. "Hey, hey, let's not go all crazy now."

We stared at one another, silently daring each other to laugh.

Poppy lost, cracking up when I twitched an eyebrow at her. Her giggles turned to laughter and then suddenly surged into unrestrained joy, carrying me willingly along for the ride. The two of us were practically rolling on the ground, all our tension ecstatically swept away in a surging waterfall rush of sheer hilarity. No matter how long I lived, I'd never stop appreciating the gift of laughter my beautiful girl had brought to life in me.

In fact, why not tell her exactly how I felt? I could do that now. "Oh, Poppy, I really love laughing with you."

Her eyes shimmered like we were characters in a romance novel, the world around us going all dreamlike and sparkly. "Aww, Branch, you're so cute!"

I should have replied with something sarcastic, but the truth was, every time Poppy complimented me, it made me feel good. I wanted her to feel good, too.

"I'm not the only one around here who's cute." I heard the low, seductive invitation in my tone, and from the surprise on her face, so did she.

Our eyes locked, and suddenly I knew that, promise or no promise, there was no way I could last two more days without kissing my girl. Maybe because of what Cherry Blossom said about not holding back when you're sure. And Poppy wants me to be a rule-breaker anyway. This feels right. Yeah.

I took a long breath and let myself relax into instinct. I let her see my love and desire for her, in my eyes and in my voice; a loving murmur, soft and deep. "Poppy?"

Her eyes widened, and then her uncertainty melted into beguiling charm; a playful invitation of her own. "Yes, Branch?"

A lazy, liquid warmth flowed through me, my hips and shoulders going loose and easy as I strolled around the table toward my dream girl. As I drew near, I tilted my head and gave her the same teasing look that had so flustered her earlier, only to be met this time with a pair of alluring rose-colored eyes and a welcoming smile.

She met my lifted hand with her own, and I pressed my big palm to her little one, sliding my fingers in between hers. Tenderly I ran my thumb along her hand, and I felt her shiver. In her eyes I saw the same yearning that filled my own chest.

I began to lean toward her, only to see her expression go from loving to anxious, her gaze shifting from my lips to my eyes, and then she took a step back.

"Poppy?"

A line appeared between her eyes and she used her hold on my hand to yank me from the table so abruptly that I let out a yelp.

"Come on, Branch; that soup won't make itself!"

"What-"

She towed me in front of the sink. "Here, wash your hands," she ordered as she went back to the table to get the ingredients.

What was that? Did I do something wrong? I stood there for a moment, hurt and bewildered. I thought she wanted me to kiss her.

Then I realized that she was just standing there at the table, scooting things around for no good reason, and I softened. Either she's reaaally hungry, or even my bold queen gets a little shy sometimes. Aww. I smiled to myself. That's totally adorable.

I turned on the water and washed my hands and the first of the sugarfruits Poppy brought to me, then got out my utensils while Poppy washed her own hands. As she finished, I handed her a long, narrow slice of sugarfruit. "Here, have this to tide you over until the food's ready."

Her serious face gave way to a happy beam. "Thanks, Branch!"

Well, whatever was going on with her, at least she wasn't upset with me.

I watched with pleasure as Poppy slid the end of the plush golden fruit into her mouth and bit down, slurping to catch the juice. I forgot what I was doing, standing there watching her as she chewed and swallowed, devouring the fruit hungrily.

But when there was only one bite left, she hesitated, gently pressing the fruit to her mouth and running her lips lightly over the fuzzy skin. Her eyes lost focus, turning soft and dreamy.

I swallowed, suddenly wishing it was my skin under her perfect lips. I couldn't help wondering what it would feel like to have her tasting me like that, with the same quietly enthralled look in her eyes…

"Mmm, delicious…" she murmured, briefly flicking her gaze toward me.

I jumped, flicking my ears in startlement and flushing hotly as I finally realized how longingly I'd been staring at her. Hey! Did - did she notice? Is she messing with me?

Behind her hand, I saw a little smile peeking out.

Oh ho, so she is flirting. Good thing I'm totally awesome at that game.

"Oh, yes, they're at the perfect stage of ripeness, as sweet as they'll ever get," I said airily, then let my voice drop into a sultry tone and waggled my eyebrows at her. "Although not as sweet as you."

As soon as I heard myself I froze, a foolish grimace plastered over my face. I can't believe I just said that. That's the oldest line in the book.

But Poppy gave me a wide-eyed look, then dissolved into a girlish giggle. "Oh, you charmer, you."

I relaxed. "Hey, just call me the Smooth Talker," I said breezily, sliding my hands out to the sides with my palms toward the ground, and Poppy giggled again.

As we settled into the soothing routine of cooking, both of us were quieter than usual, using the time to process the day's events. Every so often I glanced at my girlfriend, wondering what she was thinking about. After her near-breakdown earlier, I couldn't help but be a little worried, but every time our eyes met she beamed at me, lifting my spirits right along with hers.

Eventually my thoughts began to meander over brighter memories. I can't believe so much has happened in just one day.

The fashion show in the twins' tent. My new clothes and hairstyle. My unexpectedly heartening reunions with the Whizbangs, and Leafe and Cherry Blossom, and even Acorn. Meeting Fern and her brothers, Hickory and little Whimsy.

Teaching something valuable to my people and receiving heartfelt thanks and appreciation instead of being laughed at. How being in love gave me the strangest feeling of fellowship with my fellow trolls now, especially this morning when I was walking beside Poppy at the beginning of Beadfest and I kept wanting to reach out and share how extraordinarily happy I felt with the whole world.

Last night's meal, our first as a couple. Scrapbooking with Poppy. Her gentle understanding after I freaked out when she wanted to cuddle me in bed. The way she'd held and supported me when I got upset over the scrapbook page I'd created with the trollings in our colors. Her serene reassurance that I hadn't done anything wrong, to dream of a future family with her. My peaceful picnic with Poppy, and how she'd lovingly comforted me after my bad dream.

My own changing attitude, as if it was slowly becoming natural to see my best friend and secret crush through the eyes of a lover, a future life-partner. To know that she was looking at me the same way.

And of course, Poppy.

Her gentle hands, washing my face. Her fingers, running through my hair, fondling my ears. The one person whose hugs I never got tired of. How each hug was better than the last.

And the flirting. So much flirting. The silly yet sensual games with the chocolate caramels. My tongue, running along her arm, tickling her hand, tasting her fingers. My own fingers tracing random designs on her belly's soft, sweet-scented skin. And my lips, a breath away from touching hers.

All things I never would have imagined I'd be doing with her; at least, not anytime soon. I closed my eyes for a moment as a hot shiver ran down my spine and my stomach squeezed and trembled, but it was a good feeling, mostly; full of hopeful anticipation for our future.

I wasn't sure how or when it had happened, but at some point I had accepted the idea that sometime soon we would share our first kiss. And knowing Poppy, I probably wasn't going to get the chance to plan our dream date. But you know, I'm actually okay with that. Cherry Blossom said it's not so much the place, it's the feeling. And she was right. I was sure feeling the magic just now. I think Poppy was, too. Kind of nice to know that even Poppy gets nervous, though.

Unless she's having second thoughts about us dating after all.

That wasn't the impression I was getting from her, but even if it were true, it couldn't hurt to be ready when that sweeping magic came over us both again. Now that I'd felt it, I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

-O-

Oh my gosh, Branch almost kissed me. I thought he wanted to wait until our official date and his super-special-secret romantic spot?

Nice to know he can get just as caught up in the moment as any other troll, though. I wonder what came over him? Maybe it's because we're in the bunker? Mmm…if that's the case, I really do need to start spending more time down here…

At least he didn't seem too bothered by my ducking out of it. He probably thinks I didn't notice he was about to kiss me, haha!

Poppy gave Branch an amused glance, and he noticed and winked before turning to stir the soup.

Aw, man, it's gonna be sooo hard to hold out if he keeps doing the loverboy thing. Branch, why'd you make me promise?

The lovestruck queen stared longingly at her boyfriend's broad back, torn between hungers. For food, and for kisses and hugs and whatever else Branch was interested in sharing with her.

After a solid minute of staring he gave her a curious glance. "What?"

"Um, hi," she said lamely, all flustered at the heat of her own thoughts.

"Hi," he replied, turning back to the stove with a smile.

Her cheeks flushed. Maybe I'd better focus on something else for a while.

A lot of scrapbook-worthy events had happened today, after all.

I'm not sure I'd have believed some of what's happened today if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Between the wonderful scrapbooks he made with me last night, and seeing him with his old friends, and him willingly telling me about his past and him teaching with Leafe and especially all the flirting, I got to see so many new sides to Branch today! It's almost like he was just waiting for permission to let it all out.

Flirting on the boingo fruits. Watching his handsome self as he directed traffic and the Double-Helix dance, and the fun of learning how to lead together with her clever boyfriend to pull off some gorgeous dance patterns. The way he really got into modeling clothes in the twins' tent. His beautiful poetry and how it made her and their friends all swoon.

I even got a great idea for his surprise – not his big surprise, the one he knows about, but my little, secret surprise. I really hope he likes it.

Best. Day. Ever!

Author's Note:

Poppy gets the idea for her little secret surprise for Branch in chapter 6.

Iloveanimals asked: What idea did Poppy get when she saw Harper at the end of chapter 17?

Answer: Oh, you noticed that, did you? Well, it's yet another surprise relating to Poppy's big surprise for Branch, so I can't say more, but I already have that scene written, so you will definitely find out :)

ImafanofFANFICTIONS asked if Branch's foster parents are dead.

Answer: No, so for those of you who like Jaunty and Courtley, we will see them again :)

BTW sorry for yet another kiss-tease! I need to save our sweet couple's first kiss for an important scene, but I did want to show that after some time to process it all, Branch is finally adjusting to the idea of a romantic relationship with Poppy on a deep level. Like many of us, it takes him some time to get used to change, but once he does, he can start thinking about future possibilities with hope.

Poppy doesn't realize this and is still trying to accommodate his original request to wait, since she feels she's messed up enough that day.

Meanwhile, Poppy is having issues of her own that she doesn't understand. Branch suspects what's going on, though, and he's just the right person to help her through them :)