The sun was just dipping towards the horizon. Poppy couldn't help but take it slightly personally. Stupid sun, setting when she was still nowhere near in the mood to spend an evening with Creek. Despite Cloud Guy's promise Branch had never come back, not even to set her up with someone else. She really hoped Creek was not going to take this whole date thing seriously, that could make the night really excruciating. Maybe she could avoid it all together? If she looked hard enough surely she could find some sort of emergency that needed her attention. Mind made up Poppy opened her door, only to find Cooper outside.

"Poppy, you can not go out there!" Cooper said seriously.

"Why not? Is there a crisis that I have to deal with right away and will take up the whole evening?" Poppy asked hopefully.

Cooper pushed Poppy back into her pod and slammed the door behind them.

"We can't go out because...there are zombies!" Cooper said dramatically.

Poppy glanced out of the window. The village looked peaceful.

"Cooper..."

"I saw them, with my own eyes! It was just after I found this abandoned hospital out in the forest..." Cooper began.

Poppy sighed and sat down. This would probably take a while.

"...and then they made me their king! But I told them, ain't nothing going on my head except my lucky hat.."

So far Poppy had to admit the story had been pretty entertaining, even if it was blatantly fictitious.

It was almost full dark outside. Creek seemed to be running late. Just as Poppy was beginning to hope that he'd forgotten there was a knock at the door.

Cooper jumped to his feet.

"Then I realised that it was all a dream. Have fun!"

Squeezing out through the window Cooper parachuted away using his hat.

Poppy sighed. Whatever Creek had planned was probably pretty elaborate if it need that long a diversion. It would be dreadfully ungrateful of her if she didn't at least try to enjoy it. Plastering a smile on Poppy opened the door. Creek wasn't there. Glitter was. Glitter was everywhere, all over the flowers that now festooned the tree branch and making a shining path higher up into the tree. Tiny bio luminescent mushrooms were dotted among the flowers, making them sparkle softly. It was so breathtakingly beautiful that Poppy followed the trail without hesitation, caught up in the magic. But the closer she got to the crown of the tree the more melancholy she felt. Creek had gone to all this effort, and she still couldn't help but wish that someone else would be waiting for her.

"You with the sad eyes, don't be discouraged."

The sudden voice made her gasp. The last voice she'd expected to hear, and the one she had most yearned for.

"Oh I realise, it's hard to take courage, in a world full of people, you can lose sight of it all. The darkness inside you can make you feel so small."

Poppy was running now, blind to the flowers and the sparkles, pulling herself up to where he was waiting for her. As she rounded the trunk she saw him, standing on a bough with the whole village spread out below. He'd made an effort to smarten up, black pants and a black vest embroidered with shimmering silver leaves. Poppy suddenly wished she'd bothered to change into something nicer herself. Branch smiled when he saw her, confident as he always was when he sang, and held out his hand.

"Show me a smile then, don't be unhappy, can't remember when I last saw you laughing. If this world makes you crazy, and you've taken all you can bare, just call me up, 'cause I will always be there. And I see your true colours shining through, I see your true colours, that's why I love you,"

Poppy had drifted forwards to take his hand, and was almost surprised when he stopped singing. Oh wait, this is my part!

"So don't be afraid to let them show, your true colours are beautiful."

As Poppy sang she pulled Branch closer, her free hand moving to his shoulder. Without hesitation Branch settled his hand on her waist and lead her in a slow waltz, as they sang the last chorus together. As always when they danced together Poppy had that sense of perfect synchronicity, as though his body were an extension of her own, and vice versa.

"I see your true colours shining through, I see your true colours, and that's why I love you. So don't be afraid to let them show, your true colours are beautiful. Like a rainbow, oh oooh, like a rainbow."

They came to a stop as the last note died away. Poppy felt a tiny spark of apprehension. Usually this was where the magic ended, and Branch would resume his careful distance. But this time his hand stayed in hers, and he was gazing so deeply into her eyes Poppy felt he must be looking straight into her soul.

"I meant it Poppy," Branch said, his voice low and soft. "Then, and now, and every day in between. I love you."

Poppy felt like her heart was about to burst. She'd never realised until that very morning how much she wanted to hear those words. Now that she had she wondered how she could ever have though herself happy to be just friends. She felt like the biggest idiot in the world for not working it out sooner.

"Oh Branch, I'm sorry..."

For a moment Branch's smile was replaced with a look of abject horror, then his familiar defensive scowl settled into place. His hand started to pull away from hers. Poppy's mind raced.

What's wrong? I only said...Oh I get it. He could be so insecure sometimes, and he really needed to get over that.

Clinging onto his hand Poppy pulled Branch back towards her and kissed him square on the lips. Branch jumped like she'd given him an electric shock, but then he very tentatively began to kiss her back. Satisfied she'd got the point across Poppy pulled away.

"You didn't let me finish." She scolded him. "I'm sorry I misunderstood you that day. I was so happy that you finally opened up, and we became friends. I didn't even stop to think if that was all you meant. But you've always been special to me, and now it turns out I literally can't imagine myself with anyone other than you. I'm crazy head over heels in love with you. I'm just sorry it took so long for me to realise it." Poppy came to the end of her confession. She felt oddly vulnerable with her feelings declared. For a moment she remembered all the times she had held out invitations, hoping they would be accepted but knowing a cruel rejection was much more likely.

"What sort of love confession starts with 'I'm sorry'?" Branch complained. He still looked pretty shaken from her poor choice of words. "I think you're the one who doesn't know anything about romance."

"Well excuse me for not having your way with words." Poppy retorted. She sat down on the edge of the branch, kicking her feet over the substantial drop.

Branch sat down next to her, a polite distance away, and Poppy scooted over and rested her head on his shoulder to show that she wasn't really mad. After only a moment's hesitation Branch put his arm around her waist and pulled her even closer. Below them the village was lighting up, and seemed to be quite the hive of activity.

"You know, the whole thing is partly your fault." Poppy remarked. "If you meant love love then why did you ask for a hug when we were up on that mushroom? Why not just kiss me then?"

"Th-that's because I'd never actually, you know, kissed anyone at that point." Branch admitted, blushing violet. "I was too worried I'd do it badly. A hug just seemed like the safe bet."

"Aw Branch, you shouldn't have worried. Though, seriously? Mid twenties and you'd never kissed anyone?" Poppy teased.

"I didn't exactly have an active social life before then." Branch reminded her dryly.

"Sorry, I didn't think of it like that. Sooo, who was your first kiss in the end?" Poppy asked casually, curiosity mixed with a tinge of jealousy.

Branch just gave her a look that was equal parts amusement and exasperation.

"That?" Poppy sat up straight as she worked it out. "Just now was your first kiss? Branch, you should have told me, I would have tried to make it special."

"That would have been even more embarrassing." Branch pointed out. "I'm actually glad you just got it out of the way."

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's cute." Poppy said reassuringly.

"Your definition of 'cute' is a bit off." Branch chuckled. He gave her a sidelong look and then wiggled the ear nearest her a few times.

"Don't care, it works for me." Poppy said boldly, never the less feeling a blush start to burn across her cheeks. To hide her face Poppy snuggled back into Branch. His new vest had fallen open, and Poppy wondered how he'd react if she put her hand on his bare chest. He still wasn't enthusiastic about unsolicited touching, but it was a date after all. Sending a silent thank you to the twins who had doubtless picked his outfit Poppy ran her hand up Branch's chest, enjoying the feel of firm muscle under soft downy skin. Branch twitched a little but when Poppy sneaked a peak at his face she saw a shy smile. Then it was her turn to jump as Branch wound his hair around hers. They'd locked hair before of course, countless times, but this was different. Gently Branch was weaving his hair through hers, almost strand by strand until she could hardly tell where she left off and he began. It was startlingly intimate, but at the same time it felt completely right. Poppy sighed contentedly. It had undoubtedly been a strange day, but sitting under the stars in Branch's arms made everything feel perfect.

Music was starting to drift up from the village, and looking down Poppy saw that a party had sprung up. There was nothing particularly unusual about that, although this looked quite big, and she was a little miffed that she hadn't been invited. Scents were rising on the breeze too now, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since lunch. Brownies. There were definitely brownies at that party. Poppy looked around, expecting to see a picnic basket nearby but there was nothing.

"Um, did you eat already? I kind of didn't." Poppy said.

"Oh don't worry. There'll be plenty of food at our next stop." Branch said, smiling broadly.

Poppy sat up again.

"Next stop? We're not staying here?"

"This was just a diversion, to buy enough time for our friends to set up the main event." Branch said, grinning. "And it sounds like they're almost ready."

"A party?" Poppy asked, shocked. "You threw a party for our first date, in public?"

"It's what I thought you'd like. I mean, it's not the biggest or loudest or anything," Branch teased.

Poppy grimaced at the reminder of her party which had almost gotten everyone killed.

"Stop talking, don't spoil it. It's perfect."

Poppy leaned in to give him another kiss, and this time Branch responded readily. As usual he was a fast learner.

With their hair still wound together Branch carefully got to his feet and helped Poppy up. There was a loud whistle and a rocket soared up from the clearing below, bursting into gold sparkles.

"Beautiful," Poppy sighed.

"That's just the signal." Branch said dismissively.

Before Poppy could ask what he meant a barrage of rockets launched, filling the sky with a pyrotechnic rainbow. Under a sky filled with luminous colour Branch wrapped his arms around Poppy and kissed her passionately, sending an electric tingle running from her toes to the tips of their tangled hair.

"I saw that in a book once." Branch chuckled huskily as he pulled away.

It took a moment for Poppy's brain to start functioning again. Something about it all was familiar to her too.

It was the scene from my scrap book! He made it happen in real life. I am going to kill that cloud! And then thank him, cause that was amazing.

"I see you read my latest scrap book." Poppy commented, keeping her voice neutral.

"It was kind of an accident. I hope you're not too mad." Branch said a little nervously.

"Doesn't bother me. Although now It's only fair if I get a look at that journal of yours." Poppy smirked at the brief look of panic on Branch's face.

"We should, um, be getting down to the party." Branch changed subject. His hair unwrapped from hers and he started to swing himself down through the tree.

"Sounds good. But don't think I'll forget about this." Poppy pursued Branch, still teasing.

"You know, I think that meddling cloud actually stole my journal, so you might just have to give up on that idea." Branch countered, dropping to the forest floor.

Poppy wanted to continue the discussion but as soon as she landed a loop of purple hair lassoed her and pulled her into a temporary changing cubical.

"You didn't even change from the day? I knew you'd need us!" Satin unbuttoned Poppy's dress and pulled it off before Poppy could object.

"How's it going so far? Tell us everything!" Chenille dropped a cobalt blue cocktail dress embroidered with pink poppies over Poppy's head.

"Surprising, magical, and oh my god so hot!" Poppy summed up.

The twins squealed as they buttoned up her dress and fixed a silver leaf head band in her hair. Now that Poppy could see it properly the hem of her skirt was also embroidered with the same silver leaves as Branch's vest.

"You have to tell us everything tomorrow!" Satin said.

"Now get back out there." Chenille pushed Poppy out of the cubical. Branch was leaning against a nearby tree, and his eyes lit up as he saw her. Poppy gave him a twirl.

"Think you can be seen with me?"

Branch laughed. "I should be asking you that. No one besides our close friends knows what this party is for. Are you sure you want everyone to see us arriving together?" There was a real question hidden under his light hearted tone.

Poppy linked her arm firmly through his.

"Branch, I spent how many years inviting you to my parties? Now you've finally invited me to one and I am not about to let you get out of it."

"Guess I've got no choice." Branch lead her out into a clearing where at least half the village were dancing, or hanging out around the overloaded buffet tables.

DJ Suki was at the turn tables, and as soon as she saw them she started playing the opening bars of a song Poppy didn't recognise. A spotlight appeared above them, and everyone turned to look, some waving excitedly when they saw her. Poppy glanced at Branch and he had that look he always wore when he was about to surprise her, a mix of anticipation, pride, nerves and hope. Suddenly she knew what was coming before he even opened his mouth.

"Let's to a rave and behave like we're tripping simply cause we're so in love. Funny hat, shiny pants, I'm in need of some romance, go get dolled up and I'll pick you up, oh oh, oooh."

Branch was leading her towards the dance floor, the crowd opening up around them. Most of the faces were just a blur but Poppy did spot her Dad looking on with satisfaction.

"There's no line for you and me, 'cause tonight we're VIP, I know somebody at the door."

"Meep!" Mr Dinkles nodded them past.

"I see that twinkle in your eye, you shake that hair and I just die, let's check our coats and move out to the floor, oh ooh,"

Pulling her by the hand Branch lead her out into the centre of the dance floor, and Poppy was more than happy oblige. As they spun around together Branch's glorious voice rose into the chorus.

"When I'm dancing with you tomorrow doesn't matter, turn that music up til the windows start to shatter. 'Cause you're the only one who can get me on my feet and I don't even dance."

That made Poppy laugh, and she had to join in. Thinking quickly she worked out a new verse. Reading her perfectly Branch waited to see how she would reply.

"Oh just look at me, silly me, I'm as happy as can be, I've got a guy who thinks I rock! And tomorrow there's no chores so set your worry mode on pause and we'll stay out til about six o clock, oh oooh,"

They sang together for the last chorus, unrehearsed but harmonizing perfectly. Sure, life with Branch would never be simple, but Poppy knew she would never want anyone else.

"When we're together, when we're together, there's no tomorrow, there's no tomorrow. When we're together there's no one in the world but you and me oh you and me oh you and me!"

The end.

A/N: well there it is, the final chapter. It was the hardest to write, I forgot that I'm really not great at writing romance, lol. I didn't want to completely change the dynamic of their relationship, especially as it was only their first date. Hopefully it wasn't a let down. The rainbow theme is a reference to the song 'Other side of the storm' in the episode 'Bellow bug day'.

The song at the end is a slightly adapted version of 'No tomorrow' by Orson.

In case anyone hadn't worked it out I'm English, so describing Branch as wearing black pants (instead of trousers) felt deeply wrong, but the observation was from Poppy's perspective so hey ho. I slipped up in the last chapter by using 'lift' instead of 'elevator'. I'll have to write something from Biggy or Creek's perspective so I don't have to worry about things like that xD.

I think that's everything. Thanks to everyone for reading :)