#dreamworktrolls

The dark haired man felt her sigh against him before nodding and wrapping her arms around him. Branch rubbed his thumb in soothing circles as he let her hug him for as long as she needed to, even if he was uncomfortable with it happening where people could see them. But he'd deal with that if it meant Poppy would cheer up. There was nothing he hated more than to see Poppy sad and he had known when she had started thinking about Creep again as her paced slowed and her shoulders dropped. And when she had sighed softly with a frown he knew he had to reach out and hug her, else she spend the rest of their time moping. He also wasn't about to let her waste anymore thoughts on the so called 'guru'. Branch may be a paranoid grump who had pushed Poppy away when they were kids but he would have never hurt her the way Creek had.

In fact if he could, he'd go back in time and stop himself from ever pushing away this beautiful, bright, caring woman out his life. Even if she never really got the hint and stayed away. But he also knew at the time he had been young and scared and hurt after his grandmother's accident and couldn't stand being around the perky, happy Poppy with all her friends. Never-mind that he had also discovered he had been slowly growing a crush on the pink haired girl and that had freaked him out. And try as he might, he couldn't stop liking her, in fact he still did and it was so much more than that. Branch was one hundred percent, head over heels in love with Poppy and she still had no idea. She was just wonderful and sweet, kind to a fault, absolutely gorgeous, loved everyone and thing with her whole being and-Yes, she was completely crazy and liked parties and sweets and singing in public all too much but she still wanted to be friends with a no good, worthless guy such as himself. Even after all the mean things and destroyed invitations he had done. But he wasn't going to tell her any of that anytime soon, not only because he knew she wouldn't return his feelings, but because right now she just needed friends by her side and he'd be just that.

Poppy sighed, voice muffled by his shirt, “I know...” She pulled away enough to look up at Branch, amber eyes wet with unshed tears, “It just...It still hurts, you know?” She hadn't just lost a boyfriend two weeks ago, she had also lost a close friend and it was proving to be more difficult to follow her own motto of 'Get back up again' then she thought, “Even we didn't work out as a couple I always thought we'd still be friends...”

Branch frowned, hating to see his usually perky best friend so downtrodden and it made his hatred for Creek rise again, “Mm-hmm.... My offer to punch him is still open.” He'd been wanting an excuse to take Mr. High and Mighty down a few pegs for years now anyway. And that wasn't just the jealousy talking either, Creek had always acted like he was superior to everyone, especially Branch, and it was time he got what was coming to him.

Poppy shook her head though at his offer, “Please don't. I don't want you to get in trouble and...he may have broken my heart but I don't want to see anyone hurt.” She had always thought that no matter who a person was they didn't deserve to get hurt, even if might be for a good reason. Violence never solved anything.

“Fiiine,” Branch groaned before he flashed a small smirk at her and playfully swatted her away, “Alright, alright, alright! Your hug quota's been filled! Off, off, off!” Branch let a smile filter across his face as Poppy giggled, hearing her musical laughter was much better than seeing her mope, and he was glad he managed to wring some of it out. “Come on,” He grabbed her wrist and started gently tugging her along, “Let's go get you some ice cream.”

“Really?!” Poppy gasped, a real smile starting to appear, “You're gonna get me ice cream?”

Branch scoffed, trying to play his offer as something he normally did, “Only because I can't stand to see you all mopey.”

“Rude~” Poppy giggled, knowing that was his way of saying he cared. Skipping closer, quickly hugged his arm, “Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now get off, people might stare!” He gently bumped her away, face set in a scowl but his light blue eyes shining with playfulness. He was glad he had manged to stop her from thinking about that jerk again. Poppy had already cried too many undeserved tears for Creek.

Excited for the upcoming treat, Poppy started sharing her plans for the weekend. She and the Pack had been thinking about going to the club for a night of dancing with possibly ending it with a sleepover at one of their places. And even though she knew that wasn't really Branch's scene, Poppy made sure to tell him he was more than welcome to join them. The pinkette was still holding out hope that one day her paranoid grump of a best friend would feel comfortable enough to come have fun with them now that he was reconnecting with her. Even if he did love to tell them how crazy they were for enjoying the bright flashing lights and loud music a club had to offer. Skipping ahead with a giggle, Poppy rounded the corner as Branch stopped to tie his shoe and she froze at the sight of who was coming from the opposite way.

It was none other than Creek! Alongside the woman he had dumped Poppy for. Poppy felt her insides clench with nerves at the sight of them, the unexpectedness making her panic. She hadn't really seen him since their breakup, it was too painful, and she was not ready to face him right now either! She had parted amicably with the few boys she had tried dating in the past so she had never thought she'd experience this feeling of wanting to hide from an ex before. But now she was and all she could think about was finding a spot to wait until they passed by without having to talk to Creek. She really didn't want to listen to anymore of his mean words.

Turning around and fleeing back around the corner quickly, hopefully they hadn't seen her, the pinkette looked around for a decent hiding place. Except there wasn't any! There were no trash cans, large enough bushes or trees around to hide behind. It was all flowerbeds and small, neatly trimmed shrubs. And Branch, who was looking at her with worry. And then an idea hit her, one she'd seen in a cartoon once and would hopefully work.

Quickly pushing Branch against the side of the building before he could ask what was wrong, Poppy whispered frantically, “Quick! Fake-out make-out!”

“What?!” Branch questioned, wondering if he heard her right. She wanted to do what?! Before he could question her more she was talking quickly, a panicked look in her eyes and actions.

“Creek's around the corner and I really, really don't want to talk to him! Just do this! Please!” She said quickly as she bounced in distress. Then before Branch could even formulate an answer to his crazy best friend's plight, she kissed him.

Branch froze. He was completely still, ramrod straight, eyes blown wide and unseeing, the only thing firing in his brain was that Poppy was kissing him. Poppy was kissing him. Him. She was kissing him. Poppy Meadows was kissing him!!! His best friend since childhood. The wonderful, beautiful, sweet and caring girl who was friendly to everyone and loved to party with a passion. The downright gorgeous woman he'd been in love with for more than half his life was kissing him!! And all he could do was repeat that in his mind, over and over again as her soft, gloss covered lips moved against his.

A set of different thoughts were going through Poppy's mind, most of which was how this wouldn't fool Creek at all if Branch didn't at least appear to be kissing her back. She knew this was probably shocking for him and she had kind of put him on the spot but she didn't have any other choice! Determined to make it up to him later if only he'd do this for her, she pulled back and hissed, “Kiss back!”, before placing her mouth over his once more.

Branch jolted, he shouldn't-they shouldn't be doing this! It wasn't...it really wasn't right!! Yes, he was in love her but she didn't know that! Nor did she return his feelings. This was not something appropriate for friends to do! And it certainly wasn't a very smart way to get out of talking to your ex, even if that ex was Creek. But...If she was so determined to do this...he might as well take advantage of the only shot he'd ever have of kissing her. Even if he'd hate himself for it later as he constantly replayed it in his head. So he slowly wrapped his arms around her, one around her waist and the other cradling her head carefully before tilting his head just a little and really kissing her back. He tugged her just a little closer, leaning back against the wall as he let his lips glide over hers, fingers tangling in her bubblegum pink hair and getting lost in the feeling of finally having Poppy Meadows in his arms.

Poppy gasped as Branch began to kiss her back, like really kiss her back, before she found herself sinking into it. Sliding her arms around his neck, she pressed herself closer to his solid chest as she lost herself in their kiss, enjoying the way his fingers tugged at her hair and he held her close. He held her like she was precious to him and Poppy couldn't help but open her mouth and letting her tongue dart out to taste his surprisingly soft lips. She felt him tug her even closer, groaning low in his throat and the noise shot a sudden desire to hear more through her before she remembered this was fake, a way to get out of talking to Creek. Believing, hoping, it had been long enough, Poppy pulled away slowly, unable to stop herself from tugging gently at Branch's lower lip as she did so before their mouths parted. The pinkette also couldn't help but giggle softly at the dazed look on his face before looking around. She saw Creek walking away from them and breathed a sigh relief, at least he hadn't stopped to say something mean.

Looking back at Branch, who was still blinking slowly with slightly parted lips, Poppy could help but giggle again, “Thanks....and uh...sorry? I...could have that through better, huh?”

“Huh?” Was Branch's response before he blinked himself back into awareness, lips still tingling and tasting like her strawberry lip-gloss, “Oh...yeah...You should have.” He probably should have said something different, though there hadn't been any bite to his usual reprimand as his mind was still replaying the fact that he had kissed Poppy!

Poppy bit her lip, glancing off to the side guiltily knowing she had sort of forced that on him and he was most likely more upset with her than he was letting on. But she also felt a small bit of relive because he hadn't stopped her and forced her to have an awkward interaction with Creek. Smiling shyly at him, Poppy thanked him again, “Thanks again and...yeah...” She ducked her head, trying to figure out a good way to change the subject when Branch didn't seemed to be able to. But how did one go about that after forcing a fake make-out with ones best friend? Well Poppy didn't know but she was never one to back down, “So....How about that ice cream, huh?!”

Branch huffed out a chuckle, trust Poppy to be thinking about sweets after just forcing him to kiss her, and gently pushed her away, “Yeah..Sure. Let's go.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her back onto the path, returning to their task of getting off of campus. He took a deep breath and forced himself to just think about getting her the promise treat. Then...then he could go home and have a full on melt-down on how he shouldn't have kissed her back and how he'd never get to experience the feeling of her in his arms again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Later, after going to the ice cream parlor, Branch and Poppy were walking through the park as Poppy finished off her triple berry scoop cone. Branch had already finished his cup of double chocolate brownie and was now merely biding his time until he could make a polite exit. He was quickly reaching his limit on how much longer he could act like everything was normal after what had happened but it was getting harder and harder to focus on anything but the way Poppy's mouth moved as she spoke. He was actually trying not to hurt her feelings anymore, on purpose anyway, but how could he not run away home to freak out now knowing the way those plump lips felt and tasted? At least she seemed content right now, eating her ice cream but boy was it hard not to watch her do that too with the way that tongue of hers poked in and out as she licked away at the sweet treat. Branch wondered exactly how she would taste now with the lingering flavor on her lips and in her mouth, how exactly those flavors may meld with what he'd had, how she would have felt pressed up against a tree as he ravaged her mouth-? Branch willed the blush threatening to overcome his face down, at least until he could get away from the object of his unrequited affections. Then...then he could freak out in private and not have to worry about looking like an idiot.

Meanwhile Poppy was oblivious to the thoughts rampaging through her best friends head as she nibbled her sugar cone, thinking about finishing off that scrapbook page she was working on last night. Maybe she'd add some more borders with those cute new stickers? And possibly a touch more glitter, could never go wrong with that! Ooooh! Then maybe she'd call up the Pack and see if they wanted to have a sleepover?! She was fairly certain they all had the night free, then they could hang out all day tomorrow before getting ready for the club! Oooh~! That'd be so fun! Glancing over at Branch, she wondered if she might be able to convince him to come with them. For even just an hour! Opening, her mouth to try and do so, maybe offer some thing he may want in return, her phone began to buzz with incoming text messages. Well, hey! Think of the Pack and there they are!

Digging her phone out of her pocket, the pinkette opened her group chat to find a blur of messages coming in. Eyes going wide in surprise and confusion, she scrolling upwards to the start of the messages, curious what had gotten her friends in a tizzy.

'Is this serious?!'

'Please tell us it's a joke!'

'Why didn't you tell us?'

'It was photo-shopped, right?'

'Girl, you got some s'plaining to do~'

'Was it a dare? Was it worth it~?'

'Poppy! Answer us!'

'Poppy!'

'PoPpY!'

'POOOOOPPPPPYYYY!!!!'

Pursing her lips, she texted back quickly asking them what they were talking about as Branch watch on with concern. 'We're talking about this!' Chenille sent before a picture followed, one that had Poppy freezing in place because she never thought she'd see something this. It was her and Branch as the kissed! It clearly showed Branch holding her tightly as they leaned back against the school building, her arms wrapped tightly around him and with one foot popped off the ground. Poppy stared at the picture before shakily asking her friends where they got that picture. And the answer didn't make her feel any better. It had been Creek! He had-he had taken a picture of them and decided to send it to all her friends for whatever reason, probably to embarrass Branch and herself or just because he wanted to cause havoc. Either way, now she'd have to tell her friends it was a fake-out make-out, which wasn't even the problem really! She just...felt bad enough having put Branch through that! Now there was a picture and their friends knew it had happened.

“Poppy?” Branch asked, concerned when she went to answer her friends title wave of messages confusion swimming in her eyes before her skin paled and her eyes widened. “Is everything okay?” He didn't what sort of answer would be worse. Had something happened to her dad? Was someone in the hospital? Had her house burned down?! Or flooded?! Or both?! Had someone revealed a secret about her no-one else did that she didn't want anyone to know and now she had to rethink everything she ever knew about that friend?! He was about to demand that she not accept without at least getting to know the guy first when she spoke up.

“Um...” Poppy gulped before speaking in a small voice, “It..It's Creek...He-He took a picture of us  and...sent to the Pack.” She winced as Branch cried “What?!?” And then he was beside her, looking at her phone and the picture she stared at with a horrified expression.

Branch couldn't believe it, well...okay he sort of could because Creek was that kind of jerk to do this but still! He couldn't believe that bastard had taken a picture of himself and Poppy and then sent it to her friends!! What the hell was he trying to do? Besides embarrass Branch to death of course. The dark haired young man felt his poorly held together composure crack down, still staring at the picture of him kissing Poppy, now knowing what they had looked like to go with her memories of how soft she had been in his arms. Face now turning beat red, he let out a hoarse squeak, “Right! You, uh....you take care of...that and I'll just...be..going...now...” And then without a backwards glance, Branch quickly walked away, main only focused on getting home quickly where he could freak out in private.

Poppy watched him practically run away with a heavy and guilty heart, feeling worse now for making him make-out with her all because she didn't want to face her ex-boyfriend. Sighing, the pinkette turned back to her phone and began the process of explaining that what had happened, already trying to think up a way to make it up to Branch. She hoped this wouldn't be too big of a set back for them, she didn't know what she'd do if she lost her best friend again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Three days.

It had been three days since the Fake-out Make-out. Three days since Creek had taken a picture of it and sent it to her friends. Three days since she last heard anything from Branch, who was most likely avoiding her again. And three days since she couldn't stop staring at the picture of them kissing. Poppy flopped over to her back on her bed, holding her phone aloft as she stared at the offending photo for the millionth time. Okay...it really wasn't offending but still... She couldn't stop looking at her and Branch kissing, sort of making out really, and how he held her close and how her foot was popped in the air like in the Princess Diaries. And looking at it made her remember it! She remembered the feel of Branch's lips, soft and a little chapped. She remembered the way his arms had held her gently but also like he never wanted to let her go and the warmth they held. She remembered his little groan that shot a white hot desire through her to just...to just keep kissing him and to see how far they could go as she invited his tongue to dance with hers.

Poppy groaned and buried her face in her hands, letting her phone drop beside her as she rolled on her comforter. Why?! Why couldn't she stop staring at that picture? Why did she just...just want to recreate it with Branch?! Why did she keep thinking about Branch like this?! He was one of her best friends! That was all!! Whining to herself, she grabbed her phone and dialed one of those other best friends, letting out a long whine when the line was picked up, “Suuuuukiiiii!!!! I donno what to dooo!!!!”

The DJ's laughter flowed over the speaker like a soothing waterfall, “Hello to you too, Popstar.” Poppy pouted even though her friend couldn't see her, it wasn't like she had never forgone greetings before. Suki's voice cut through however before she could respond, “Oh, stop your pouting. You know I'm teasing. Now what's up?”

The pinkette groaned and covered her eyes with one arm, mind returning to her predicament, “I can't stop staring at that you-know-what picture! And I don't know whhyyyy!!! It was taken without us knowing and then sent to you guys! And Branch hasn't talked to me in three days and I still feel kind of bad about making him kiss me! But instead of deleting it and trying to move past it like I always do, I just-I keep staring at it!” She let out a long, drawn out moan, rolling back and forth, “Suuukiii!!! I dooonnoooo what to doooo!!! Why?! Why do I keep staring at it?!?!”

Suki laughed again causing more groans to escape her distressed friend, “Popstar, calm down. It's alright. I know Creep took the picture but it's not completely horrible. I mean, I know you told us it was fake but...it looked pretty real to me. Your foot was popped and everything. Never seen it do that before. Must have a been a pretty good kiss.”

“Well...” Poppy stuttered, she hadn't exactly told the Pack everything just that she had panicked a little seeing Creek and had done the first thing that came to mind, which had been to fake make-out with Branch. What she hadn't told them was...how much she actually liked it. Whining, she covered her face with a pillow, “Okay! Yes! It was a good kiss! A really, really, really good kiss and it was Branch who kissed me like that and I donno how to feel!!!! Help meeee!!”

“Deep breaths, Popstar. Deep breaths,” Suki said, calmly through the phone, waiting for her friend to calm down, “Now to get things straight. Are you freaking out because you liked the kiss? Or because Branch was the one to kiss you like that?”

“Not fair, Suki,” The pinkette pouted before falling silent, “...I guess...Maybe a little of both? I mean, come on! This is Branch we're talking about! He's...well...He's Branch! I may love him but he can be so frustrating at times and I never expected in a million years to be kissed by him like I was!”

“You love him?”

Poppy gave a little mix of a sigh and groan as she sat up, “Well yeah! He's one of my best friends! You know that! He may be a grump and paranoid and sarcastic but he's also got a golden heart under all those thorns! He can be sweet and caring and he's always been there for me, even when he tried not to be and-” Oh. Poppy's hazel eyes widened as she thought about it. He had almost always been there for her, even when he claimed he didn't want to be her friend anymore! He always helped out, went along with her crazy plans, comforted her when things went wrong -albeit usually with a sarcastic quip- stood by her side through most anything and always looked out for her. He even offered to punch her ex-boyfriend for breaking her heart and went along with a half-baked idea of 'making out' with her so she would have to talk to him! Plus so many other tiny things over the years! Unintended sleepovers, movie nights half cuddled on a couch, breakfasts brought when he knew she'd skipped it, random soft looks she only managed to catch the tail ends of before he swapped them with his usual scowl... “Oh! Ooooooohhhhh!!!! Oh My God!!! Suukiiiiii!!!! I think-I think I'm in love with Branch!!!”

“Hahaha! About time!” The half-asian woman laughed over the phone.

“What do you mean 'about time'?!”

“Duuude,” Suki giggled, “It's clear to anyone who pays attention that you've had feelings for Branch for like...ever!” Poppy was too shocked to make more of reply than a little confused squeak so the DJ continued gently, “Poppy. Hey. It's okay.”

“But-!” Poppy squeaked out, “Why didn't you say anything?!”

Suki made a noise that sounded like she was shrugging, “You can be pretty oblivious to things, Popstar. And...you had your mind set on You-know-who. I wasn't about to make things confusing for you when you weren't ready to listen or even knew that part of your heart wanted someone else. Plus...it's not like any of us saw what Creep did coming. Had I well...then yeah, I would have said somethin'.”

“Right...” Poppy feel silent for a moment, trying to process everything that had come to light the last few minutes. Deciding some of it could wait, she shook her head, trying to focus on the most important thing right now. She was in love with her best friend and she needed to tell him! “Okay, so... Right! Some of that can wait! I-I need to Branch! Right? I should tell him because he deserves to know! But...Ooooh, but Suki!!! What if...what if we doesn't...?” She chocked, not wanting to think about if Branch didn't return her feelings and how she would then have made things even more awkward.

Suki thankfully nipped those thoughts quickly, “Poppy, Branch has been in love with you since...I donno since we were like kids! Believe me when I say he's not gonna reject you. He might try to deny it, might not believe you...He can be pretty stubborn but you just gotta convince him.”

Poppy nodded, biting her lip as she thought about it, “Right... But, ooooh, he's been avoiding me! Which, okay, I did sort of force him out of his comfort zone, again, and forced him to kiss me,” Which If he had feelings for her and believe she didn't return them -which to be fair she hadn't known yet- of course he'd be avoiding her. She had...forced a taste of something he probably thought he'd never get to have, hadn't she? Yeah, no, it made sense that he was avoiding her. But now she could fix it! If she could talk to him... “But he needs to know!”

Suki chuckled warmly, “Then I guess it's a good thing I ran into him not that long ago. He happened to mention he'd be studying all day at his apartment, so you know~ He's probably there~”

Poppy squealed, “Suki, you're the best!” Jumping off her bed, the young woman pumped her fist, “Okay! I'm...I'm gonna go tell Branch I love him!” Oh, it felt weird and so right to say that. Grinning, she rushed down the stairs to grab her purse and keys, “Wish me luck! Tell ya all about it later!”

“Better be tomorrow before I hear from you again!” Suki joked as Poppy hung up and rushed to find the grump who held her heart.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Branch groaned as he stared morosely at his texts books and school work spread out around him, unable to concentrate on any of it. It had been three days and he was still reeling from that...what did Poppy call it? That...Fake-out Make-out. He could still feel those impossibly soft lips against his own, feel her body fitting against his like a missing puzzle piece, feel her silky hair through his fingers and hear that damning little gasp that she'd made as he truly kissed her back. Scrubbing his hands through his hair, Branch groaned again, wishing he could just get Poppy out his mind! All weekend all he could think of was her and how she felt and wonder what she'd feel like under him and-Another groan and Branch let his head fall against his table. Suffice to say he hadn't gotten a lot of work done with thought of a beautiful bubblegum princess fluttering through them more than usual.

There had to be some way for him to not think about her for more than five minutes! He'd do anything to just be able to focus on something that wasn't Poppy Meadows and how badly he wanted her in his arms again! Maybe he could find a hypnotist...

Suddenly there was a knock at his door, interrupting his thoughts. He sighed roughly, it was probably his annoying neighbor who always complained about him when he was doing absolutely nothing. Getting up to tell the jerk off, again, it would at least be a temporary distraction from his torturous mind. Except, when he opened the door, it wasn't his neighbor, or even a salesman of some sort, it was the very person he was trying not to think about!

Poppy stood on the other side of his threshold with a sheepish smile and an adorably short dress. Branch's brain short circuited at the sight of her, their kiss still far too fresh in his mind and the reason he'd been trying to ignore her! He didn't-How was he suppose to act around her now?! He'd already had trouble before! And now...not it was worse and seeing her here just...he didn't know what to do!

“Uh....hi.” She said softly, shoulders scrunching up a little.

“Uuuhh...hi.” He replied, awkwardly.

“Can...can I come in?” Her hands were laced behind her back and she rocked on the balls of her feet as she waited for his answer. She wouldn't at all be surprised if he shut the door in her face. But she wouldn't let that stop her. She had to tell him!

“Um...Sure?” Branch said, nodding numbly and opening the door to let her in. His mind was still screaming, asking 'why was she here?!?!' and he really wasn't functioning at all as the pinkette of his dreams came into his apartment.

Poppy watched him close the door and lean back against it, wondering what could be going through his mind right now. Judging by the 'deer in headlights' look she was getting, she'd bet he was shocked at her arrival. And, oh, how much did she just want to smash her lips against his and leave him breathless and gasping?! Maybe even look at her all dazed like before, with lidded eyes and a little half smirk? Okay, whoa, calm down, Poppy. She told herself. She had to talk to him first and tell him she was in love with him first. And, if her realization talking to Suki hadn't been enough, she had thought about it all the way over and it was obvious she'd had deeper feelings for Branch for a..rather long time now.

She watched him watch her for few agonizing seconds, still trying to figure out where to start before he opened his mouth to say something. Realizing she wanted to speak first, Poppy quickly held a finger against his mouth, stopping him. “I-uh...I want to say something first! Please?”

Branch froze, stopped in his attempt to ask her why she was here as she placed one delicate finger on his mouth and tried not to think about how easy it would be to just...take it between his lips and lave it with his tongue. And, wow, okay, Branch, this was getting out of hand! Not that he hadn't already had fantasies about Poppy but still, she was right there and wanted to talk to him. Locking away those naughty thought, he nodded, blue eyes reflecting the worry he was starting to feel. She looked...nervous...which wasn't something she normal was. He hoped whatever she was about to say explained it and it wasn't anything bad.

Taking a deep, stabilizing breath, Poppy tried to still her racing heart as she opened her mouth to start her confession. Ooooh, why was this so much harder than when she had told Creek she liked him?! Maybe because it was Branch and...he did have a tendency to disbelieve her and to freak out about things and her feelings for him went a lot deeper than what she had ever felt for her ex. But, she was Poppy Meadows, and she wasn't going to let that fact stop her! Clearing her throat, the young, pink haired woman opened her mouth and just let it all spill out like she was prone to do, “So, I know you probably won't believe me, but please! Please, please, please listen to everything I have to say before you jump in and try to deny me!” She watched him blink, face screwing up with a worried frown before he nodded, “So, I-um...” Gah!! So hard! Come on, Poppy! Tell him! “So I kept staring at the picture. You know the one of us- Anyway! And like...I couldn't stop, I didn't know why and I kept thinking about...about how...” Deep breath, “How much I liked it. So! I called Suki and I talked to her and I realized some things and now I'm here to-to tell you those things and it's honestly kind of nerve wracking for some reason because even though Suki told me not to worry, I kind of am! Even though I don't worry about things, not really anyway...Point is! I'm trying to say...I'm trying to tell you, I...I love you, Branch. And not like 'as a friend' like...like I'm in love with you and was really, really stupid not to see it before!” She bit her lip again, rocking back and forth on her feet as she waited for him to say something to her confession.

Branch blinked at her, trying to make sense of the word vomit that had just spewed from her, “What?” Poppy was in love with him? She had liked kissing him? She was in love with him? He must have hit his head harder than he thought and this was all some elaborate hallucination brought on by that because there could be no way Poppy had gone from just seeing him as a friend to being in love with him so quickly. Just wasn't possible! Nope! Completely untrue! And he still couldn't comprehend that. “What?”

Poppy blew out a frustrated breath, knowing she should have seen this coming, before speaking calmly and clearly, “I am in love with you, Branch. I know...I know it's hard to believe, I'm still reeling knowing it, but I am! I love you! I love your grumpy frown, I love the way you scrunch up your face when you think I'm ridiculous but also funny so you're try not to laugh, I love your hugs, I always feel safe and warm in your arms. I...I love you, truly.”

“Huh?” Was about all that came from the dark haired man as he stared at her in disbelief. This...couldn't be real, could it? This wasn't really happening, was it? Branch really didn't know anymore because it could be a dream come true but...but he wasn't that lucky.

Poppy saw that it looked she would have to take drastic measures to see that he believed her. Approaching slowly, she gently laid her hands on his chest and looked up into his wide, icy blue eyes, “If you won't believe my words...maybe you'll believe this.” She then, for the second time in her life, laid her lips upon Branch's and kissed him.

Branch jolted like he'd been shocked because...because oh, her lips were still just as soft as a few days ago and they were-and she was- It was real. Okay, this was real and it was happening and Poppy was kissing him again. His arms automatically came around her as he kissed her back, mind still trying to catch up. Which was hard because he had Poppy in his arms again and she had just claimed to be in love with him and she was kissing him again. He tried to pull away, just enough to try and ask something, anything, but she stopped him by sealing her mouth over his again.

“Shh,” She mumbled, lips brushing against his as she spoke, “Talking can be a later thing. Promise.” Because now she was kissing him, and he was kissing back just as eagerly, she didn't want to stop. Pushing herself close, the pinkette brought him into for another kiss, one hand cupping his cheek as the other clutched at his shirt.

Branch groaned, still wanting answers, still trying to make sense that Poppy loved him as he loved her -which hopefully she realized as he returned her kissed- but she was right. Turning around and pushing her gently against the door, enjoying her little pleasured gasp before she slid her tongue inside his mouth and enticed his to dance, Branch agreed that talking could be a later thing. A much, much, much later thing.

-Bonus-

“I love you too, Sunshine.”

“Yay~!”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Bonus bit mostly for fun. I am so glad I got this done before seeing the sequel, I can not tell you! I've been wanting to at least get one more chapter out before I am distracted (and inspired) by World Tour stuff. AAAAHHHH!!! SO EXCITE! But, well, I went and got distracted by Autumn's and mine RP and whoops, almost didn't make it lol! But you can expect some stuff connected to that at some point too! As if I didn't already have plenty of universes to play with lol!