-O-
Picturebook Romance
A Trolls fanfic
By Dreamsinger
Chapter Forty-Seven
Branch in Love
I slid out of bed, grimacing at the feeling of my damp clothing. I checked the sheets and was a little reassured to see nothing there, but I was still freaking out. I began to pace, dragging my hands through my hair. The air filled with my panic-stricken babbling.
"I cannot be in love with Poppy. She's the princess. And she's my friend!"
"Can you imagine what we'd look like – the princess and the outsider?"
"I mean, her dad may not have banished me, but he might as well have. There's no way I can go back now. I can't. I won't!"
My bunker rang with my agonized howl.
"I just can't be in love with her!"
I kept on pacing, sweating so much my clothes started sticking to me. I'd been sweating a lot lately, and having all kinds of other symptoms, usually when I was around Poppy. Now I knew why. I had been sick after all.
Lovesick.
"Nooo!" A long, loud, fretful moan dragged itself out from between my teeth. "This can't be happening… That girl represents everything I can't stand about troll society, with all their hugging and their glitter and laughter and singing and dancing and hugging and glitter. She can't go a day without partying. It would never work out between us!"
"It's impossible."
"It's insane!"
I pictured her happy face, beaming at me, and felt a pang of longing in my chest. At one point, I'd thought she had a crush on me, but I'd been wrong. Hadn't I?
My mouth went dry, and I heard myself panting. I forced myself to stop pacing, and gulped down some spit to moisten my scratchy throat. "I mean, what if I asked her out on a date? She's nice, but not that nice. I can see the awkwardness on her face now, trying to figure out how to politely reject me." Her nonstop smile would vanish. Her light pink eyes would go dark from nervousness; or worse, pity for me. I couldn't bear to see her looking at me that way.
"Then she'd avoid me – well, maybe not; she's Poppy. She'd pretend things were fine every time she saw me, but secretly she'd be like, 'Eww, here comes Branch. It really creeps me out to know that the village weirdo has a crush on me.'"
Something inside me broke. My eyes stung, my face scrunched up and I let out a half-sob before I could control myself. Branch, stop it! Don't be a fool. You'll only get hurt; you know that! I choked back another, holding my breath while I ruthlessly tore away the roots of my budding hope before it could flower. It's no use.
Grayer than ever, I stood there for a long time, my head lowered. I felt my body wilting; my hair, my ears, and down below, too. The nighttime darkness of my bedroom was nothing compared to the gaping black abyss within.
If only she hadn't been so nice to me…
"Oh, Poppy…" I heard myself whimper, sounding as small and weak as the crybaby I'd once been. I made a noise of disgust. "No! I'm not weak! I'll never be weak. Never again!"
Anger built up inside me. I let it. Anything was better than admitting how much I hurt. If she hadn't started paying attention to me back then, I wouldn't be feeling like this now. This is all her fault. She put the idea into my head!
I gave a pile of oversized acorns near my bed a fierce kick, sending them flying across the room to crack satisfyingly against the wall. As I glared around me, looking for something else I could take my feelings out on, I heard a soft slapping sound behind me. I spun around to see one of Poppy's invitations on the floor, where I must have knocked it loose from the curtained wall niche above.
Slowly I went to pick it up, staring down at the smiling pink and green figures. They were holding hands. Despite myself, I felt a hint of warmth in my belly. She'd given this invitation to me just a few months ago. It was proof that she still wanted me around.
I sighed and put the invitation in its place behind the curtain, then pressed the heel of my hand to my aching forehead. Great. A tension headache.
"You know, all I wanted was to have one friend I could talk to once in a while. Was that too much to ask? Now she's gone and ruined it."Still grumbling in exasperation, I stomped out to wash off the humiliation.
-O-
Once I was clean and floating in the soothing warm waters of my bathing pool, I started to feel a little better. It's not really Poppy's fault. She's too sweet and naïve to understand what she's doing to me.
After my first serious crush had been such a complete disaster, I had decided that I'd never fall for another troll. I told myself it was a distraction I didn't want or need; a costly distraction. Time, attention, effort, and worry; and in the end, the only things I'd gained were disappointment and bitter heartache.
But the truth was, deep down inside I had dreamed of finding someone to love; of having family of my own someday. What troll didn't? I wanted a family that would love me for who I was. A family that would never, ever abandon me. A real family that will always be mine, no matter what.
But I can't get my hopes up. I'm Branch, the gray grump. The party pooper. The outsider. It's not realistic to expect other people to stay in my life. Not for long, anyway, and that's without the added complication of romantic feelings. It's just not worth the hassle, or the pain. I learned that the hard way. It's safer not to let myself care that much for anyone besides me. I'll always be here for me, right?
Besides, it's not like Poppy ever really wanted me…did she?
Maybe it was the gentle flow of cleansing water over my bare skin teasing a similar flow from my mind, but buried memories of what had happened between Poppy and me a year and a half ago began to emerge from the recesses of my mind. Out of nowhere, she had started visiting me all the time; complimenting me, hugging me even more than usual, and acting like she was really interested in me.
Not as a grumpy troll with an attitude problem whom she needed to try and make happy, but just interested in me, Branch, as a person. Not even because she'd wanted something from me. I'd kept waiting for the catch, but she hadn't asked me to do anything dangerous, not once. She hadn't even asked me to build anything for her. It had truly, honestly seemed to make her happy just to be with me, no matter what we were doing.
It had been bewildering, but warming. Embarrassing, but also strangely alluring. It had made me want to spend time with her, too. I'd tried to write it off as just another one of Poppy's schemes to get me to socialize, but something inside me knew that even if it was, it was a type of socializing I'd never had before. And as much as I wanted to deny it, I'd wanted more of it.
I'd even voluntarily taken part in Harper's painting class and some other activities with Poppy, just to be with her, and because I wanted to see her brilliant smile when I said 'yes' her invitations. I'd expected to be bored, but I'd actually had a good time. How could I not, when I was doing them all with her?
But then her simple friendship had threatened to turn into something serious. I'd panicked, giving in to the instinct to turn her attention away from me, then retreated behind the protective door to my heart, which kept me safe by keeping other people out. My ingenious scheme had worked, and things had gone back to the way they'd always been between us.
It had taken me a while to realize I hadn't wanted that at all. I hadn't stopped to think about what my action would mean for the new closeness we'd created together. Poppy had stopped offering to help me with my work, and her daily visits had trailed off. Unless she needed my help with something, I only saw her maybe twice a week; usually when I went to the village on errands. We'd have a brief chat here or there, but that was all.
At first, I'd been too relieved at feeling safe and undisturbed again to miss her company, even though I couldn't help but notice the holes in my schedule that spending time with Poppy used to fill. It had taken me months before I'd finally rearranged my schedule to eliminate the reminders that Poppy no longer wanted to be with me nearly as much as she once had.
Vaguely hurt and disappointed that she had lost interest in me so easily, I reacted the way I always did, burying the hurt under sarcasm and world-weariness. If her feelings for me were so easy to change just because of a little slime, maybe I'm better off, I told myself bitterly. Or maybe I was just fooling myself, and she never had a crush on me at all.
Well, either way, now I can focus on my work and be more productive than ever. She's over her crush, and that's a good thing, right? I don't need Poppy's help anyway, or her company. I'm not even looking for a girlfriend.
-O-
Even if I had been looking for a girlfriend, Poppy wouldn't have been my first choice.
Even if I was looking…
I wasn't looking for a girlfriend.
…Was I?
A quiet little thought chose that moment to slip into the open from between the layers of self-deception. If Poppy really is interested in me, I might have a decent chance with her.
A flash of interest sparked inside me. A chance - with Poppy?
Water engulfed me as I stiffened and sank. Sputtering and snorting, I flailed back to the surface with my nose burning like I'd inhaled fire instead of water. An even more burning question swept through my brain.
What if it's true? What if she really does want me? What if this is my one and only chance to ever find someone to love me? Should I take the risk?
My breath was harsh in my ears. I… I don't know.
I didn't know if I could ever see myself as a boyfriend. I didn't know if I could ever see Poppy as a girlfriend. My girlfriend. It scared me. I don't know anything about romance. It's not like I've had a lot of past success when it comes to relationships.
But if anyone knew about relationships, Poppy did. Everyone loved her, and she loved everyone. Even me.
I thought about all the times Poppy had shown me she cared. When she was a small trolling, only six years old, she had forgiven me after I'd slapped her and chosen instead to befriend me. She must have sensed that I needed a friend.
After my pod fell, eight-year-old Poppy was there for me, patiently keeping me company in the doctor's pod while I healed. Physically, anyway. I was too broken-hearted to express how much that had meant to me at the time. I'd just lost Jaunty and Courtley for good, hurting them badly by rejecting their love, even though it killed me to do it. I'd also lost my first taste of independence, and the confidence that went with it. The little princess had known I needed her, giving me her steady support without overwhelming me.
The day I'd fled the village to live in my bunker had been one of the worst days of my life, but she had made it better, comforting me even without knowing the real reason why. At twelve, she had kept her promise to never intrude into my bunker or tell anyone where it was, despite how hard it was for trolls to keep secrets.
When she was fourteen, Poppy had discovered something she seemed to like about me. Something that had made her seek me out, and share not only the good parts of her life with me, but the bad parts, too. She was still open to that, as I'd found out in the past few weeks. It was an oddly pleasing feeling, to know that she trusted me.
As I treaded water, I felt my mouth stretch in a strange, unfamiliar way. I think I was smiling. It felt weird, but the feelings that went with it felt good. Contentment, pride, affection.
Could I be a good boyfriend to Poppy? Would she be a good girlfriend for me?
I thought about the way Cherry Blossom had treated Leafe, back when I was living in his pod. A girlfriend was someone who would want to spend time with me because she cared about me. Someone who hugged me because she wanted to, not because she was expected to when her Hug Time bracelet flowered. A girlfriend would be loving and affectionate. She would treat me as if I were the most important person in the world to her.
I had to admit that sounded really good to me. "Yeah. Like, when the other trolls want her to do stuff with them, she'd say, 'Sorry, I'm playing with Branch today. He's my boyfriend, and I'm in love with him. He's so smart, and strong, and talented. He can build anything. I think he's the coolest troll of all!"
And I would be a troll worthy of her admiration. I straightened up in the water, puffing my chest out confidently. I'd make an excellent boyfriend. I mean, if I decided I was interested in that sort of thing. I'm smart, trustworthy and dependable. I'm always on time, unlike some trolls. I'm patient – my gosh, am I patient! I've got a bunker full of enough supplies and contingency plans to keep her safe, no matter what disaster strikes, even bergens. I'm a great problem-solver, and I'm good with my hands-
The other meaning of that phrase hit me, and I slapped my hand over my mouth as memories of my recent Poppy dreams flooded my brain. My face burned. My ears burned. And…there's that. My Poppy dreams. We weren't just hugging. We were touching, and…it was…intimate. And I wanted to do more; I wanted to kiss her.
I shook my head so hard my wet ears flapped against my face. Where did that even come from? Was it just because she mentioned kissing to me back then?
My heart began to speed up. I closed my eyes tightly, my mind falling back in time to those days that, looking back, had been so special. I hadn't even realized it, but somewhere along the way, Poppy's constant presence in my life had begun to feel safe and familiar. Something I could rely on. Something I'd taken for granted. Except that I had known, on some level, and I hadn't wanted things between us to change.
If I'd known that counteracting her crush would make me lose the closeness between us, I might never have done it. I might have tried to figure out some other way, or just let her kiss…
Oh, regrets, regrets. Impatiently I shook my head again and splashed water on my hot face, trying to clear my muddled brain. This isn't helping. Think, Branch. You're dreaming about her. She's obviously on your mind. So what exactly is it that you want from her? Is it just that you're attracted to her? Is that all it is?
That was part of it, but not the whole truth. Admit it, Branch. You like having someone pay attention to you, and treat you as if you're special to them. It had been nice indeed to have Poppy make a special effort to come see me, sometimes twice a day, even though my bunker was out of her way. I'd especially liked our quiet picnics together, sharing deep thoughts over delicious treats. I'd looked forward to her company.
Even Harper's class had been fun, with Poppy next to me. Usually the thought of being around other trolls drained me, but somehow Poppy was different. The memory brought a rush of energy in my body, and something fluttered pleasantly in my stomach.
I wanted to do stuff like that with her again. Maybe now that she'd graduated from school, we could try again? If she wants me to, I'll visit her in the village. Her smile is like sunlight. Her eyes-
Wait. 'Her smile is like sunlight?' I blinked, and my ears lay back against my head. Oh. My. Gosh. I really am interested in her! Argh, this is a disaster! Tension spiking, I groaned loudly and let myself sink beneath the surface as if the water could wash the dreaded knowledge from my brain, but the notion might as well have been cement for all it budged. Oh, maaannn…
I gave in a little to the urge to escape by shoving myself forward to swim laps, knowing it was futile but finding a little comfort in the steady rhythm anyway. It took quite a while, but after many, many rigorous circuits around the pool, I calmed down enough to get my brain functioning. I had to face the facts and make a decision. Okay. If I've got a crush on her, I've got a crush on her. No use denying it. The question is, what should I do about it?
-O-
"Hey, Poppy, uh, look at the time." I pointed to the green, glowing hands on the wall clock. "It's almost three in the morning. We've really got to get some sleep."
"No, no, Branch, you can't stop now!" Poppy protested, popping up on one elbow to look down at me.
"Aw, but Poppy… This is gonna get really embarrassinnng…" I whined.
"But I won't be able to sleeeep if you don't finish your story," she whined back.
I looked up at her big, pleading, puppy-dog eyes, and tried to resist them by using another tactic. "Cleanup Day begins in just a few hours. You know how important it is to me."
Her face softened, and she reached out to stroke my hair back from my forehead. I closed my eyes to enjoy her touch, hoping she had changed her mind, but then she said softly, "I do, Branch, but this is important, too. Sharing these game-changing moments of our lives is really important for bonding, for building a relationship, like you were worried about in the pool."
I knew she was right, but thinking about the besotted boy I was then still made me wince.
Poppy understood me. She knew I responded better to logical arguments. "Branch, I told you, most trolls don't even get up until eight. We can't start Cleanup Day until at least nine, so we have time. We can afford to sleep late for once."
I sighed. "I know, but I just like to be early."
"There's nothing wrong with that, but you aren't alone anymore, Smoochie." She bent down to kiss me on the nose. "We're together now. First thing in the morning, most trolls like to spend a little time with their loved ones, you know? Having breakfast with their trollings…frolicking with their partners…stuff like that."
I couldn't help but acknowledge that she made some good points. As she gazed affectionately down at me, I moved to meet her mouth with mine. She responded warmly, stroking my cheek with her hand. I put my own hand behind her head, threading my fingers through her soft hair, and she moaned against my mouth. Between slow, easy kisses, I murmured, "I guess…I'm still getting used to…the idea of being part of a 'we'. It's wonderful, but so different…so strange. I haven't seriously thought about…having a loved one since, well…since back then. Mmm… The day I decided to open my heart to you."
"Aww… Please tell me, Captain Dreamboat."
I couldn't resist that little face. "Oh, all right," I said indulgently.
"Thank you, Snickerdoodle." My sweet, silly girlfriend kissed me one last time and then settled back down beside me to listen, lacing her fingers together with mine.
-O-
A few hours after my swim, I lay comfortably sprawled on my bed. I was still naked. I'd started out with a plan to analyze our compatibility, but had gotten sidetracked almost immediately.
First I'd gathered up all the invitations Poppy had given me over the years and spent an hour reminiscing over all the events we'd shared together. The times Poppy had enticed me to dance with her, or how she'd liked it when I walked her home every night for weeks after visiting me at my new home with Jaunty and Courtley. How affectionate she'd always been to me, and how no matter how harshly I spoke to her, she'd always forgiven me after a day or two, at most.
Then I'd gotten inspired, pulled out my colored pencils, and started drawing cute little doodles of Poppy in my journal. I propped my cheek against my fist and sighed, dreamily contemplating the many pages of sketches of Poppy being adorable. All I wanted to do was admire her.
Poppy smiling. Poppy laughing. Poppy gazing at the sky with her hand over her heart, singing passionately, her bright hair dancing in the breeze. Eating a cupcake, with frosting on her nose. Playing on a swing, a big grin on her face. Strolling through a meadow, her small form decorated with sunlight dapples. A little pink troll curled up asleep inside a giant poppy flower.
Aww, she's so cute. I marveled at how gentle I felt toward her. Tender, even. Sighing contentedly, I rolled over on my back and hugged the book to my chest. Why do I like her so much? The village is full of happy trolls. What makes her so special? Why does the idea of being with her feel so right?
An idea pinged, and I snapped my fingers. "That's it! I should make a list. A Love List! The top ten reasons why Poppy and I would make a great couple." I rolled back onto my stomach, flipped to a new page in my journal, and picked up my pen.
"Okay," I said aloud as I wrote, "Number One, the most significant reason: If I'm right, Poppy already likes me. I'm pretty sure she had a crush on me back then. I wasn't even trying to make her fall for me. She actually chose to like me all on her own, grumpiness and all."
"Number Two – or maybe it's really more like One-B, but for now, I'm just going to make it a separate reason: I can't help but be drawn to the fact that she has feelings for me. That alone makes me want to reciprocate them. How could I not?" I heard a note of awe enter my tone. "There's a wonderful troll out there who genuinely seems to appreciate my company; who values my advice. When was the last time that happened?"
"Number Three: I don't exactly have a lot of other prospects. It's not like I'm ever going to win any popularity contests."
"Number Four, let's see…" I tapped the end of my pen against my chin as I worked out a more complicated concept. "Well, as the princess, Poppy seems to have a stronger sense of purpose than most. I find that incredibly appealing. Like how this past year she's been focusing more on helping the king manage everything. Most trolls just seem so frivolous; more concerned about having fun than about making sure that the things that need to be done get done. But Poppy's different. It's reassuring to think that when she takes over as queen, the village will be in good hands."
"Number Five relates to Number Four: I want to help her do that. I never knew she had so many problems, or needed someone to rely on so much. I want to be that troll. I want to be there for her, to help her, and to protect her. I'll make this the safest village in the world. She'll always know she has me to watch her back."
"Number Six: Poppy understands what it's like to feel bad sometimes, just like me. That makes me feel close to her. We can understand one another." I smirked. "We can even bond over shared frustrations."
"Number Seven: We're friends, and despite all the fights we've had over the years, we've always managed to stay friends. That's a pretty good track record."
"Number Eight: I really like Poppy as a person. I enjoy being around her. She's kind, and smart, and brave. She expects the best from everyone, even me. Poppy sees the world as an exciting challenge. She sees it so strongly she even gets me to see it that way, once in a while. She's so full of hope for the future."
I drew my fingers gently over the picture of Poppy singing. I could practically her sweet, high voice, earnestly trying to convince me to give all the fun things the world has to offer a try. All she's ever wanted is for me to be happy. Maybe with her, I could be.
My heart twinged, and I lifted the picture to my lips and kissed it. "She's so, so special. There's just this – this pull I feel toward her. I want to be with her, just because she's Poppy. And because she's…"
"Well, Number Nine…" I trailed off, hardly daring to let my thought stray to a place I'd adamantly avoided for most of my life. "Poppy is… Well, she's all grown up now, and she's just beautiful. In fact…" My face began to heat up, but I made myself say it. "In fact, I think she's hot!"
Fire rushed over my face, right out to my ears. My whole body burned with belly-quivering excitement at the thought of being so intimate with her, of delighting in the same things other trolls did with their sweethearts. I slapped my hands over my face, rolling from side to side and listening to my own silly, high-pitched squeal that in another troll might be called gleeful anticipation.
I can't believe this is happening! I never thought I'd fall in love again. But Poppy is…she's just so… I put a hand to my thumping heart. She's amazing.
Whenever I thought about being with that extraordinary girl, I felt that same rush of energy, that strange, captivating eagerness I couldn't explain no matter how I tried to analyze it.
It wasn't just her appearance. Poppy was attractive, true, but there were a lot of trolls whose appearance had piqued my interest in the past, enough for me to know that good looks only went so far. Generally, a few minutes of conversation were all I needed to weed out unacceptable prospects. Those trolls I'd admired enough to investigate more deeply were usually already committed to someone else. All but one; but in the end, she had made her own plans. I didn't blame her, though - it was my own fault for not acting quickly enough.
I had never expected to fall for another troll. Even if I had, I never would have expected it to be Poppy. What was that saying about finding love in the strangest places? And that even though you didn't expect it, it's exactly what you need?
What do I need? I need… What I really need…
It took all my courage, but I did it. I finally admitted the truth I'd been suppressing for the past three years. "Number Ten: I'm…lonely. I want someone in my life to care about." My voice began to hoarsen. "And I want someone who cares about me."
Tears began to prickle in my eyes. Out of long habit I blinked them away, but I couldn't push my painful thoughts aside so easily. My chest began to ache, and I took great gulps of air to try to control the terrible feelings that had always ended with me having some kind of meltdown.
I hurt. Deep down, I always hurt. I always had, ever since I lost my original family, except for the all-too-brief times in my life when I'd managed to let go of some of my pain in exchange for love, trust and companionship. I'd loved my foster dads very much. I'd loved Leafe and Cherry Blossom and Laurel and Acorn. I'd loved the Whizbangs. And they had all loved me. But in the end, for one reason or another, things had changed. And now I was alone.
My voice was thick with unshed tears. "I'm not satisfied with my life. I thought I was. I've worked so hard to achieve what I have now. I have safety, supplies, and freedom. I thought I was content, Poppy, until you came along and showed me what I was missing. The one supply I can never stockpile. Love."
-O-
Poppy gave me a sympathetic look and began stroking my hair to soothe me, and I realized my throat was tight, echoing the tearful words I'd spoken so long ago as a love-starved boy locked away in a bunker.
-O-
I mean, it's not like no one cares about me. I care about me. Self-love is supposed to be important, too. I'm proud of everything I've accomplished, even if no one but me ever sees it. I like who I am as a person, mostly, but it just can't replace having someone there with me, caring about me, appreciating me. If there is actually someone out there who likes me for who I am, I'd be a fool not to take the chance, right?
I want the same contentment I've seen between Jaunty and Courtley, Tuney and Savvy, Leafe and Cheery, and so many other couples. It's the one thing my bunker can't give me. A social need I wish I didn't have, but I do. I really do. I want to experience love.
I want Poppy.
I wanted to be with her more than anything, enough for me to consider making whatever sacrifices it took to stay with her. Even if it meant spending more time in the village, letting myself get ambushed by group hugs at Hug Time.
I blinked. "Whoa. I must be in love. I think she might really be The One. My One True Love."
I blushed, hardly able to believe the lovely-dovey mush coming from my own mouth, then realized that I was wearing a big, embarrassed grin. I pictured what I'd look like if someone were to see me, and shook my head, still grinning. Branch, my man, you've got it bad.
I wiped the wetness from my eyes and sat up. And if that's the case, I'd better do something about it soon. Some other troll could be waiting to make their move. I don't want to lose any chance I might have with her, like I lost… Yeah, no. I've got to tell her how I feel.
Briskly, I got up and headed for my closet, studying the small collection of clothes inside.Oddly enough, even though I would have expected to be on the verge of freaking out, I felt better. With my decision behind me, the only thing left to do was figure out my courtship of the pink princess. I just had to work out a plan to execute it. Fortunately, I excelled at planning.
What does Poppy like? Flowers, chocolate, compliments… I don't sing, but I wouldn't mind dancing with her, if she wants. Picnics, candle-lit dinners… What else do trolls do when they're dating? Dating... Hmm… Maybe I ought to do a little research first. I've got a few books on dating, don't I? Yeah, in the bookshelf niche where I keep my romance novels, and that book of poetry.
My ears twitched. Poetry?
Foregoing my clothes for now, I flopped back down on my bed, my brain already racing. More hours passed in a happy daze before my growling stomach forced me to stop for lunch. I'd totally forgotten to eat breakfast. I quickly went to the kitchen and ate, then returned and lay back down on my bed to study my latest work with a fresh eye.
My journal had several pages of scratched and scribbled verse, crossed-out snippets and sappy doodles, all decorated with more pink hearts. It was the first poem I'd composed in a long time. Poppy… She inspires me. She's my muse, my eternal ray of sunshine. I hope this poem helps her understand how dear she is to me.
"I can't wait to see the look on her face when I start reading it to her. I'll be above her on a tree branch, where she can't see me, then at the end I'll jump down and kneel in front of her. She'll be enchanted…I hope."
***O***
You saw that I was lonely
And invited me to share
I didn't make it easy
But your efforts were sincere
Despite myself I let you in
And then pushed you away
I had no clue the precious gift
I'd given up that day
The way your eyes would light up
Whenever you saw me
My heart in turn would lighten
As if you'd found the key
To get past all my barriers
And bring smiles to my world
You found the joy within me
And tenderness unfurled
And now I seek to know you
The way you once sought me
Your thoughts, your dreams, your passions
And all you want to be
I know I'm not the best troll
But I would like to start
To share your joys and sorrows
I offer you my heart
***O***
Eh, it's not my best work, but not bad. It does a good job of describing what I love about you, my darling.
I felt my lip curl. 'My darling'? Ugh.
If I took a mental step backward and really looked at what I'd been doing the whole morning, I was practically squirming where I lay. I could hardly believe this syrupy, sentimental slush had come out of me. Worst of all, there was more where that came from. A lot more.
A minute later, I'd forget my embarrassment. Hey, if Poppy agrees to date me, I wonder what our couple-name would be? Ponch? Broppifer? No… Broppy. Yeah. I like that. I wonder if she'll think it's cute?
"Bonus - Number Eleven: Broppy. The Cutest Couple Name Ever!"
-O-
A few minutes later, dressed in my best overalls, I headed for the village. Inside my perfectly groomed hair I carried a selection of carefully-chosen gifts I hoped would please the pretty princess.
I was particularly proud of the poem I'd written. I'd earnestly copied it onto a fresh piece of paper in my finest penmanship, glad that the long hours I'd spent laboring to learn the art of the lyrical word after my first crush all those years ago hadn't been in vain after all.
Author's Note:
By the time Branch develops his own crush on Poppy, he's already forgotten he ever called her his sister, so it's understandable that he'd be hurt to think that she was actually put off by just the slime he used to try to gross her out.
Just to be clear, Branch does not have romantic feelings toward Poppy when she is 14 and he is 17 (and 3/4), when she has her crush on him. She really did feel like a little sister to him at the time. But he did feel curious/interested toward her from that point on, so when she grew older, he started to subconsciously notice her, physically. But he was still sort of waiting, even though he didn't realize that he was waiting, or what exactly he was waiting for, until he got the invitation that made him realize she was an adult, 15 3/4 to his 19 1/4, which in his mind meant he could afford to start becoming interested in her.
By interested, I don't mean sexually, since in PBR's world, frolicking is okay between two consenting trolls from about age 13 onward. It's emotional commitment that is discouraged until they are older, since young people change too much to make a lifelong commitment unless they are VERY sure of one another (as Cherry Blossom was about Leafe). Branch was subconsciously waiting to assess Poppy's character by watching her behavior, and then seeing how she behaved when she thought no one was looking. He could see who she truly was inside. Then he could afford to approach her, ask her what was wrong, and bond with her as he helped her. He didn't even realize it, but he was very subtly courting her, lol.
That's why, even though it might seem out of character for such a cautious, untrusting guy, it only took a month or so for Branch to fall in love with her. He got sort of a condensed, in-depth look into who she was as a person, which is not something that he would probably have gotten to see so openly if he'd started dating her. Most people tend to try to hide what they perceive as their flaws while they're dating. I can see Poppy doing that.
The other reasons he fell for her so fast were that he did know her his whole life, and because I am trying to show that the Branch he is at 19 is less paranoid and isolated than the Branch he becomes later on. I do hope that comes across to everyone.
