The next day, Poppy woke up feeling more energetic than usual. And that was saying something. The princess popped out of bed, ready to start the day. Today, she was going to get answers. Today, she was going to make progress! Yeah!

Poppy walked into the village, a skip in each step. She wasn't sure what was making her so giddy today, but she liked it! As she skipped past her fellow trolls, Poppy greeted each of them with a smile.

"Hello!"

"Hi!"

"Good morning!"

The princess already had the day planned out in her head. She thought over it again. Well...okay so she didn't have much of a "plan" per say, more like she wanted to do a certain something.

'Hang out with Branch'.

Yup, that was her plan. She was going to hang out with Branch again today. If she was going to get any answers about his songs or at least progress her friendship with him further, then that'll work for her. Poor guy has been lonely for so long. As his friend, she won't allow that to happen any longer! Even if he refuses to let her help him.

Besides, despite his attitude, he's also fun to hang out with! Sure, he doesn't like it when she sings, dances, hugs, or does anything else fun, but hanging out with him feels somewhat satisfying. Like it's a satisfying change. She loves her friends, but she also kind of likes the way Branch is different.

Maybe that's why she's so happy today.

Shrugging to herself, Poppy merrily skipped through the village. Then, she paused. To her left, she could see the bakery pod, sending a sweet aroma her way. A sudden but gleeful idea struck her.

'Ooh, that smells nice!' she thought, grinning as she headed towards the pod. A cupcake to start the day wouldn't hurt, right? And maybe she could bring some to Branch as well.

As she entered the pod, the bell at the door rang. The troll in charge of their bakery, Garland, saw her come in.

"Oh! Princess Poppy! How are you today?" Garland greeted nicely.

"I'm good, thanks! And you?"

"I'm fine! So what would you like today?"

Poppy hummed in thought. Ooh, there were so many choices! Garland always did make the best cupcakes, even better than the ones that Cooper poops...much better. So which ones should she have? Branch never mentioned what kind of cupcakes he liked. She doesn't even know if he likes cupcakes. She'll have to take a guess and hope that he likes the same flavours that she does while also hoping he doesn't have allergies of some sort.

"Hmm, I think I'll have a few strawberry cupcakes today!" Poppy told her. "Hmm...what other flavours would he like...?"

"Oh? He?" Garland repeated, curiously with a teasing tone. Poppy, being oblivious, didn't catch the implication and nodded, smiling.

"Yup! And I think I'll take some blueberry cupcakes, please!" Poppy replied, beaming. Garland giggled, not pushing further.

"Coming right away!"

Later Poppy came out of the pod holding a basket full of the cupcakes. Ooh, they smelt so good! Branch is gonna love them! Now, off to his bunker! She skipped, happily singing as she made her way to her destination.

"Look into your eyes,

And the sky's the limit..."

She honestly didn't know why she was so excited. She pinned it on her recent progress with Branch, but she can't help but feel that's the only reason. Yes, her recent...attraction might have something to do with it, but it wasn't anything special. It wasn't even enough to call a "crush", so that can't possibly it...whatever, it's not a big deal. He's her friend either way and he deserves to be happy too! Even if he doesn't like the other trolls...even if he's different.

But that's the thing. He's not like them. She doesn't know what makes him happy. Loud parties and hugs sure don't do it. She would say he likes singing, but he never seems to like their songs. Branch is a troll which she doesn't understand. No one can understand him fully, not even any of the wisest trolls. This is why he's so secluded. Because they can't understand him. Because he doesn't want them too. Or does he..?

If he just...tells them what he's thinking all of the time. If he just tells them how he feels for once! Sure, he tells them how much he hates singing and dancing and tells them how he thinks they're too dangerous, but Poppy knows he has more on his mind.

The songs were proof of that. Obviously, he's the one writing them. And the lyrics must have...some inspiration, right?

Like, these songs raise so many questions. The primary one being "who's he singing about?"

..!

Before she knew it, she was already at the door of the bunker, the familiar setting now clear to her.

Standing on the "go away" mat, Poppy reached out to knock on the door...rock. Hesitating for whatever reason, she knocked on it with a nice rhythm.

"Branch! Branch! Branch! You in there? It's Poppy!"

She waited patiently, rocking back and forth on her feet. Sometimes it took a while for Branch to respond. Maybe he hoped that she would leave if she thought he wasn't there? Ha! Oh, you naive child. Eventually he would open the door. And sure enough, he did.

Poppy stepped off the mat when she felt it move. And there, Branch's blue eyes were visible under the mat.

"What? What is it this time?" he asked, exasperated and annoyed. This did not faze the pink troll. This was just normal Branch behaviour.

"Are you doing anything?"

Branch sighed. "Yes-"

"Sweet, so you're not busy!" she beamed. "Can I come in?"

"...why?" Branch asked, suspiciously.

"I brought you cupcakes!"

"You shouldn't have," he replied bluntly. "We can just go back and forth all day, Poppy, you know my answer is no."

"And you know I'm not leaving anytime soon, Branch!" Poppy replied smugly, playing his game.

Branch stared at her, looking annoyed. "Fine."

Poppy jumped in surprise when the entrance to the bunker opened completely. She stared down the entrance. Wow, she didn't think that would actually work! It usually takes a lot more to convince him...

"Are you just going to stand there? Hurry up or bug might fly in!" Branch's voice nagged her from inside the bunker. Poppy snapped back to reality and went inside, clutching her basket closer to her. She found herself standing next to Branch as he closed the entrance. Of course, this wasn't her first time being in his bunker, but still she was surprised he allowed her to come in so fast.

Looking around, she saw all the mouse traps around their feet. Poppy unconsciously shuffled closer to Branch to avoid standing on one. Did he have to sprinkle traps everywhere?

"You have way too many traps, Branch," Poppy commented bluntly. Branch rolled his eyes and pulled the lever.

"There is no such thing as too many traps."

Poppy chuckled as the platform they were on descended down into the bunker. She saw glimpses of his many rooms. It seems like more and more appear over the years.

"You also have way too much free time."

"At least I use my time productively. Unlike a certain princess I know..." Branch said with a...jokey tone? Poppy slapped his arm lightly, laughing. Poppy caught the split second of a smile on his face before he turned his head the other way.

As they reached the bottom, Branch immediately walked off the platform.

"So, uh...why'd you get me cupcakes? Did you need something?" Branch asked accusingly, walking in the direction of his kitchen. Poppy followed him, shaking her head.

"Because I wanted to! I don't always need a reason to give things to people, you know," she said with a sarcastic tone. Sure, there was a reason for her visit, but not for her cupcakes. Branch looked at her sceptically, but didn't say anything about it. He was still being stubborn. Typical Branch. "C'mon Branch. Just try one!"

In the kitchen, she could see parts of a wooden chair disassembled on the ground. Oh. So that's what Branch is doing. Poppy set the basket on the table next to the chair.

"I'm not hungry..." he says as he reaches for a cupcake anyway. Poppy smirked and rolled her eyes and he took a bite.

"Soooo~?" she sang, searching his expression for any hint of a smile.

"It's okay."

"That's it?" Poppy exclaimed, surprised. No troll has ever said that Garland's cupcakes are just "okay". Then again, it is Branch. "Good enough, I guess."

"I still don't understand why you brought me these," the grey troll deadpanned, munching. He knelt down by the chair to continue assembling it while still eating. "Is there any other reason you came?"

Her train of thought suddenly took a jump as she watched Branch munch on the cupcake. What was she here for again? Cupcakes? Wait no. Questions. She has to be assertive with her questions, but she has to ask him in a way so he doesn't know that she witnessed his performances. Man, interrogating is difficult.

Should she build up the conversation or should she just rip off the band aid? Uhhh, if she says it too sudden, he might not feel the need to reveal anything BUT-But-but if she gets it over with, she might get the answer quicker? Take it slow or do it now? Slow? Fast? Slow? Fast? Slow-

"DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?"

...Fast.

Bits of cupcake were spit out violently.

"Huh?" exclaimed Branch, not believing his ears.

Okay, so she could've worded that better. She just wanted to know who he could possibly be singing about. Judging by his lyrics, he sings about a certain girl, so their must be a lucky troll who he likes or something, right?

"I mean...do you have a crush on someone?" she tried again. Branch just stared at her weirdly, as if she was out of her mind.

"What?! No."

"Like...at all?" Poppy nagged, a feeling of uneasiness growing inside her for some reason. Branch, looking a little unnerved, shook his head.

"No. Why would you even-?"

"I'm just curious, that's all!" She said, trying to cover her intentions. "I won't tell anyone. Promise."

She briefly considered crossing her fingers behind her back but decided against it.

"Okay, first of all; I don't like anyone. I have never liked anyone and I never will. Second, even if I did like someone, telling you would mean my secret won't be a secret anymore!" Branch told her, flushing ever so slightly. Aww.

Wait- what did he mean by that?

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that you can't keep a secret to save your life!"

Oh.

"Hey!" Poppy cried, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "I can so keep a secret!"

Branch took another bite out of a cupcake, chuckling at her expression. He turned away from her to focus back on the chair. "Right. Anyway, this is kind of an immature subject don't you think? What are we, 12?"

"I might as well be," Poppy admitted, laughing. But inside she was disappointed that Branch wasn't telling her anything. It's his right, but still. Guess she'll have to take a dive. "I'll tell you I like if you tell me who you like?"

"I already know who you- ugh, I will literally pay you to change the subject right now," Branch said, picking up a chair leg and attaching it to the base. He was honestly getting tired of this silly banter.

Poppy sighed, defeated.

"Why did you even want to know? It's not your business," he said, grumpily frowning. He wasn't exactly on board with this subject. Maybe this is why he should never let Poppy inside. Huh. Shoulda known.

Poppy shrugged.

"I dunno, because friends share secrets! And I just want to get to know you better because, you know, we're friends!" she said, honestly. It wasn't the complete truth, but it wasn't a complete lie. "We are friends, right?"

"Uh..." Branch said, attaching the last chair leg. Were they friends? He wasn't really friends with anyone except Glitz. Well, Poppy was sort of like a friend, but it was more like a one-sided friendship. She was usually the one bringing anything into it, but Branch did...value her. Okay, saying he values her is sort of an understatement, but he'd never say that to her face.

Anyway...he guesses Poppy counts as one.

"I...guess?" Branch answers uncertainly. "I mean, I wouldn't let anyone else in my bunker." Eugh, it's weird admitting that. Poppy squealed, beaming.

"Yay! So will you-"

"Nope," Branch interrupted, smirking at her pout. "Don't friends respect each other's privacy?"

"Ehhhhh..." Poppy says, shrugging. "Sometimes?"

Branch snickered, shaking his head. Before he knew it, a loud "ding!" ran through the bunker again. Branch held up his hands.

"Don't-!"

"Hug time!" Poppy laughed as she gave the grey troll a hug. Branch groaned in frustration, but surprisingly didn't push her away. Instead, he just kind stood there, making a grumpy face. Okay so...hugs from Poppy weren't as bad as being bombarded by a crowd of trolls, so that was good. And it's not like hugs from her weren't pleasant, but he could only take it for so long.

Soon enough, Branch pulled her off of him. "Ooookay, that's enough!" Her strawberry-bubblegumy scent already rubbed off on him, he noticed. Great. Faaaantastic. He's perfect Bergen bait now. Thanks a lot, Poppy.

"Aww, Why don't you like hugs, Branch? And why do you like being lonely? Why are you so grey?" Poppy asked talkatively, taking a blueberry cupcake and biting on it. It's soooo goood!

"Boy, don't you have a lot of questions," Branch merely stated, also eating another strawberry one. "Strawberry was a good choice."

"Answer my questions, Branch!"

"Ugghhhh, fine," he responded, groaning. If it will get her to stop nagging. "Hugs make me uncomfortable and I just don't like...people. I'm an introvert. There's not much to say about it-"

"The heck's an introvert?"

"-And as for my greyness...I don't want to talk about it. Let's just say something bad happened..." he finished, looking anywhere but at her. Poppy's mind wandered and imagined all of the things that could've happened to make him like this. It must have been terrible. It's not easy for a troll to go grey, she guesses. I mean, no one else is grey.

Poppy felt empathy for him, even if she didn't know what happened.

"You really don't wanna talk about it..?" she asks softly. He shakes his head, giving her a subtle shrug to let her know it doesn't matter. Otherwise she'd try to hug him again. God knows he does NOT want another one.

Whoop, she went for the second hug anyway. Poppy had her arms around Branch, rubbing his back with one hand in a comforting way. Branch rolled his eyes. Of course.

"Alright, alright. Hug time's been over for like five minutes, princess, please let go," he joked, pulling her off. Poppy giggled, releasing her grip.

"Sorry, just looked like you needed one."

"Look, I'm fine. See? I don't need you or anyone else to keep trying to make sure I'm okay. I'm fine how I am."

"Branch..." Poppy started. "Why don't you want to socialise with the others? Why don't you let us help you?"

Branch frowned. He knelt down by the chair once again and pretended to examine it. After a while, he finally responded with, "I'm not like you guys."

"Huh?"

"I mean, we disagree on a lot of things. I don't like parties and you guys do. You guys aren't worried about Bergens but I am. We're never on the same page," he admitted to her. "And just...they don't like me anyway. Probably because I'm not into the same things they are."

"But...I like you."

Branch dropped what he was doing and turned towards her. He looked at her, head tilted in slight confusion.

"We're friends and we couldn't be more different," Poppy continued. "I'm sure they'd love to be your friends if you were willing to give them a chance as well!"

Branch couldn't help but show a little smile again. Somehow she was the only who could manage to get that to happen. He knows exactly why, but it's still a mystery. "Doubt it, but sure. One day."

He didn't mean it, but it was a decent thought.

Poppy took his hands in hers without thinking, holding them while bouncing excitedly. Branch flushed, while Poppy started to talk cheerfully.

"It's gonna be great! I'm sure they'd love it too! Oh, you could join our parties and come in the village more often! We can hang out whenever you feel like it! Whatever you're comfortable with! Oh! And you can even be friends with other trolls! Like you can talk to Cybil for wisdom and you can talk to Rose whenever you need advice about love! And do you like skitter boarding? Because a bunch of trolls could do it with you! And blah blah blah..."

Branch let her talk, not matter how loud or annoying she was being. He was honestly a little lost for words. Plus, he was a little distracted by their...ahem, connected hands...

"You can let go now..."

After Poppy finished her chatting-spree, she looked down at their hands and realised what she'd unintentionally done. She blushed and retracted her own.

"Ehe, Sorry!"

Branch shook his head. Strange. Poppy was being her normal self but...he wasn't nearly as annoyed as he used to be. And nothing's changed about his...feelings for her. They've been the same and still are. Still, he used to be annoyed but isn't anymore? Could this be because of their established friendship or...?

Nah, nah, too cheesy...

"Yeah um," Branch said blushing and averting his eyes. He coughed. "Uh, how long were you planning on staying?"

Poppy looked down at her hug time bracelet. She's been there for at least an hour. That's the longest she'd ever been alone with him. Maybe Branch was getting uncomfortable.

"Oh, I should probably be leaving now. Sorry," she apologised. She gave him a goodbye wave and swiftly left the kitchen. Branch followed her out and saw her approach the elevator.

"It was nice talking to ya! Keep the cupcakes. See ya!" she says as she pulled the lever and ascended before he could say anything. She's going, she's going- aaaaand she's gone.

...

Branch exhaled in relief. Wow, she had a lot of questions. Out of nowhere too. Like, she wanted to know who he had a crush on and how he got grey and all. As if he could tell her those things. If she found out he liked...his life would be ruined..! Ugh, she can be so nosy sometimes.

But it wasn't like her visit was a bad one...sure it distracted him from his task, but he can't help but feel like they got closer. And that question about his love life, it's almost as if she actually...

Branch scoffed and went to his room with the shelves and desk.

As if she would. Come on, Branch, get it together.

He pulled back one of the curtains covering a shelf and took out his trusty song book. Sitting down at the desk, he took a pencil out.

God, why couldn't she just leave him alone? If she did, then he wouldn't be feeling these emotions. It's absolute torture. Poppy was unintentionally torturing Branch. How dare she. With her stupid smile and cheeriness. With her stupid bubblegum aesthetic look. With her stupid talented voice.

"Idiot..."

He started writing.

The next night...

"Poppy! Slow down, please!" Creek whisper-cried as they all quickly followed her down the familiar path. Poppy showed no chance of slowing down, however. "He wasn't even here last night! Maybe he won't be here again?"

"Nope! I have a good feeling about tonight!"

Creek frowned, trying to keep up. She was getting more and more excited with each performance. He's not sure why, but he isn't as thrilled as her about them. Hm.

Poppy was indeed getting excited. Branch's voice was really...she doesn't know the word for it. Good? No...Great? Nah...Oh! Captivating! That's the word! She'd never say that out loud though.

They got to the clearing, camouflaging themselves quickly. Poppy looked at the mushroom and sure enough, Branch was sitting down, writing. Glitz was flying right next to the book, providing him light in the dark night. As Branch focused on his book, Glitz looked around the clearing. And for a minute, she could've sworn she and Glitz locked eyes. It was staring right through her. But how? She was camouflaged.

Then...

"Aha!" Branch exclaimed. Glitz broke its gaze with her and looked at Branch. "Finally done."

Glitz cheered and then flew around, whistling. Immediately, all the singing plants and creatures came to life and started singing. Branch naturally sang along with them, standing up.

"This goes out to you

This goes out to you, this is dedicated to you...

Dedicated to you, dedicated to you, dedicated to you..."

Branch and the creatures harmonised beautifully. Creatures, bugs and plants glowed and illuminated around him, adding to the scene while adding a contrasting glow to the dark night.

"It was such a mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow day

(When you walk by)

It was such a mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow day"

Poppy sighed in content, resting her head in her palm as she sat down. So calming...

"I, I can't deny the way you caught my eye

And then something strawberry filled up the sky

And everything on you intoxicates

It's a mystery,

I don't know why I let you kick in my "Do not disturb" sign

But I guess all your affection got me so high

And I could tell it's pure just by the taste

So just kiss me"

Man, who is he talking about? Poppy would love to meet her...lucky duckling. She must be great if Branch likes her.

"So tell me you wanna get close somewhere far away, far away

Don't worry about your loving it won't go to waste, go to waste

Don't ever change your flavor 'cause I love the taste, love the taste

And if you ask me where I wanna go, I say all the way"

Poppy couldn't but be a liiiittle jealous of this mystery girl. These charming songs are all for her! Has she even heard them?

"'Cause she's just like nothing

That I ever seen before,

Baby please don't change nothing

Because your flavor's so original"

Must be. Wow...maybe this girl is exactly like Branch. No one else is like that so...

Oh, that kinda sucks. Poppy's basically the opposite of Branch. Oh well, as long as he found someone who he's happy with. Sure he denied it when she asked him about it earlier, but she knows for sure that he has a girlfriend. I mean, just listen to these lyrics!

"And it all started when she said

Hey hey hey,

smacking that strawberry bubblegum

You really got me when you said

Hey hey hey,

popping that strawberry bubblegum

(Go ahead girl

This goes out to you,

Yeah, this goes out to you,

You know what time

I'll give it to you)

So tell me why

We fall in love like professionals on the first time

Acting all professional but it works out

'Cause you don't wanna work here anyway

And baby I, I, girl I'm all addicted and I won't fight

You and me that's the recipe for a good time

And it ain't really nothing standing in our way"

Branch, you sly freakin' dog.

"Tell me you wanna get close somewhere far away, far away

Don't worry about your loving it won't go to waste, go to waste

Don't ever change your flavor 'cause I love the taste, love the taste

And if you ask me where I wanna go, I say all the way

'Cause she's just like nothing

That I ever seen before,

And baby please don't change nothing

Because your flavor's so original

And it all started when she said

Hey hey hey, smacking that strawberry bubblegum

You really got me when you said

Hey hey hey, popping that strawberry bubblegum

My little strawberry strawberry strawberry bubblegum

My little strawberry strawberry strawberry bubblegum

She's my little strawberry strawberry strawberry bubblegum

My little strawberry strawberry strawberry bubblegum,

Hey, hey, hey, my little, hey, hey, hey"

'Hmm, maybe the reason he doesn't want to sing at parties is because...his songs are different and not quite for our parties?" Poppy thought. Hmm, they could always throw a party fitting for these songs? Would he go then?

"Come in, sit down, let me elevate your appetite.

Any flavor you want. Now my selection is the tasty kind

But you, you're delicious on your own.

After I break you down my fingers, it's so sweet

That's what you told me when I touched on your lips.

Towel under the door, girl, before they pick up your scent ah"

Gosh, these lyrics are so...enticing, you could say. A lot of trolls write songs, but Branch's ones have this certain vibe that Poppy finds pleasant. Strange, since Branch's songs seem to be more mature than most other trolls' ones. Maybe that's why she likes them?

She's too confused.

"If you'll be my strawberry bubblegum,

Then I'll be your blueberry lollipop

If you'll be my strawberry bubblegum,

Then I'll be your blueberry lollipop

Then I'll love you 'til I make it pop.

If you'll be my strawberry bubblegum,"

Poppy giggled. She has to admit, it's REALLY weird to hear Branch talking about romance. It's a good kind of weird, though.

"Then I'll be your blueberry lollipop

(little girl would you be my)

If you'll be my strawberry bubblegum,

Then I'll be your blueberry lollipop

And then I'll love you 'til I make it pop

Hey, hey, hey..."

...

It happened to soon in Poppy's opinion, but the song had ended and all of the creatures including Branch stopped singing. She really wanted to applaud and cheer, but kept quiet. She just prayed the others wouldn't say anything too. Luckily, they all stayed quiet.

Poppy saw Glitz stay by Branch's side when all the other creatures left. It squeaked something to him. Branch did a double take.

"No! No way!" Branch replied, closing his book and climbing down the mushroom. Glitz followed after him. "The day I sing this to her is...nonexistent. Okay? It's not gonna happen."

Glitz rolled their eyes. Squeak.

Branch gasped dramatically. "Coward? Me? How dare you!"

The bug tackled his side, only lightly nudging him. Branch laughed, giving Glitz's head a pat. They walked off, leaving the area, with Glitz making one last glance at Poppy's hiding place.

Once they were sure he was gone, the Snack Pack unveiled their disguises. Poppy, once again, stared in the direction he went in, oblivious to her friends talking in the background.

"What kind of party would he even go to?"

"Oh! Maaaybe, he can sing at weddings!"

"Or funerals."

"Ooh! How about parties on special occasions! Like Hug Day and Christmas?"

"What do you think, Poppy?" Cooper asked the princess. They all turned to her, only to see her staring off into the distance.

Creek frowned. "Poppy?"

Poppy snapped out of her trance and turned towards them in surprise. "Oh! Sorry, what were you guys saying?"

Satin and Chenille exchanged knowing looks and giggled. The others looked at the twins, confused.

"Sorry, it's just...your face is a little red," Chenille told her smiling. Poppy slapped her hands onto her cheeks in surprise. She just blushed even more.

"I-it is?!" Poppy exclaimed, feeling her cheeks heat up faster. She laughed sheepishly. "Wonder why."

AAaaaaand that's it for this chapter! Sorry it took so long. This one actually took a couple of days and honestly, I'm not quite satisfied with it. Not sure why. Maybe the characters were a little OOC? Or maybe the pacing wasn't that great? I dunno, but I hope you enjoyed it!

So, Poppy is as clueless as ever, because if she wasn't, then where's the fun in that? :D

We needed another chapter focusing on Branch and Poppy's relationship because I wouldn't feel right if Poppy just...fell in love right then and there. We gotta take it slow, guys. I believe relationships should be built on trust and if Branch doesn't trust her, then how would that work? Let them take their time and let me milk this fanfic.

This chapter may have seemed rushed, but that's just because I got writer's block :/

Well, that's it for now!

Bye!