Chapter 1: The Beginning
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quick run down
every mascot/princess/prince has a handler at the park. They make sure the person in the costume are okay, and they're kinda like a bodyguard when the person gets overcrowded by a mass of people.
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my update schedule is
me when I wake up, when I finish work, and when I go to sleep
Chapter 4: Day Before Auditions
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creek bashing incoming
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Chapter 5: Nerves
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Chapter 6: Sizzle
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Chapter 7: Pre Chemistry Reading
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first time trying to do this multi chat thing
next update will be quick since it'll have its own branch and poppy chat
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woops meant to post this earlier but forgot
Chapter 10: Not A Date
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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last one before i go to sleep
Chapter 11: Maybe Not Chemistry
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Chapter 12: But Some Understanding
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Chapter 13: Just a Small Delay
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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since i'm not doing anything else today, expect multiple updates
Chapter 14: Cardio Doesn't Hurt
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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i was once stuck for two hours in the dark and it was kinda boring but we got to chat with the other ppl on the ride ig
Chapter 15: The First Run
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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got 1 more update
Chapter 16: It's Just the Chemistry
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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actually this will be the final update for today since I forgot I got to wake up early
Chapter 17: Sweets From Heaven
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Chapter 18: Chill Time
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Chapter 20: So Much For Privacy
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there are cameras EVERYWHERE at disney. also last update for today since its been a lot lol
i love everyones comments!! they fuel me ;3
Chapter 21: Cast List
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this take place a week after last chapter
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Chapter 22: Down Time
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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i saw a fun fact that poppy has been hosting parties since she was 1
she rly needs a break!
Chapter 23: Rosiepuff Knows Best
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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last update for today
Chapter 24: Parades Break Room
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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i talked with a lot of the parades ppl in that break room, was funny seeing like cinderella eating like mediocre cafeteria food
Chapter 25: Viva la Vida
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suppose to be part of last chapter but I broke it up instead which means 2 more updates later today.
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Chapter 26: Late Night Chats
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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annnnnd 1 more update
Chapter 27: Observation By The Siblings
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ao3 not working for me when I wanted to post this earlier ~
Chapter 28: The Day Of Rehearsal
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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wow speaking of sleep, i woke up super late today lol
Chapter 29: Rehearsal Time
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Chapter 30: Aftermath
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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So just one more update in a few hours for today. I actually got some inspiration for my other story the neighbors AU so I've been writing that
Chapter 31: What Makes You Happy
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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no more updates for today since I'm working on my other stuff :D i love cheesy stuff like this!
Chapter 32: The Eldest Sister Protection
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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im baaaack I uploaded my neighbors AU and then I was working a new story for like the whole day buuuut it didnt save so that was unfortunate
Chapter 33: The Exasperating Brothers
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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my brothers would make dumb bets all the time
Chapter 34: Date Night
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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disney jail is a real thing btw! but not usually for employees lol ive been in trouble once for going where im not suppose to be going but they let me go.
Chapter 35: An Actual Date
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Chapter 36: Practice Attempts
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this takes place a few days after last chapter
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Chapter 37: Family
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Chapter 38: Snack Pack Solidarity
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Chapter 39: Rehearsal Perfection
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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final update for today
p.s. this happened to my family :)
Chapter 40: Dinner With Grandma
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Chapter 41: Late Night At The Park
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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Updates are going a bit slower since I had been working on a new story (the ol sports rivalry turned teammates au).
they do fire off fireworks in the middle of the night, it would surprise me at like 4 am when i was at the park. And the carousel thing is also true. :)
also dont go into the water
Chapter 42: Bro Code
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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spending time with my gf today <3
Chapter 43: Getting Away
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Chapter 44: Not The Movies
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Chapter 45: Meeting The Dad
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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Arcane trailer dropped so thaaaaat was a whole thing. My mind and body were both so exhausted after spending the whole day with friends discussing it.
Chapter 46: A Brothers' Quarrel
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not sure if i'll update tomorrow but hopefully this is enough for now :P
Chapter 47: Approval
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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ok back to my regular updates
Chapter 48: Staying The Nights
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Chapter 49: Cuddles
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Chapter 50: Boyfriend Malewife
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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I was working more on neighbor's AU that I forgot to update yesterday. This story is about to end soon but I haven't figured out how many chapters it would be. I have the conclusion and epilogue in mind
Chapter 51: Fun Boy
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cw: implicit sexual content? nothing descriptive at least
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
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poppy would wear the shirt btw
Chapter 52: Nope Elope
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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any mention of the movies are just references to my girlfriends taste in movies :D
Chapter 53: The Walls Are Thin
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cw: implied sexual content, can be skipped if it's not your thing
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
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was posted earlier by accident
Chapter 54: Sensitive One
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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only update for today since I posted a new story :]
Chapter 55: Honeymoon Phase
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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Might be the only update since the second part of coffeeshop au is on my brain today
Chapter 56: Reconcilation
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Chapter 57: Grad Nights
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this takes after a few days from last chapter as we are approaching opening night
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
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I decided to extend the story because I want it to go past opening night. There will be a writing portion for opening night since I did write it but after that it'll go back to texting until the ending of the story.
Thanks for everyone who's been with this, I know it's been pretty long so far but its always so fun writing these out on a daily basis at least for me :D
Chapter 58: After Party Preparation
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Chapter 59: The Last Rehearsal
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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spending time with my girlfriend today cause it's her bday yay ~ But also next chapter is a writing one :D
Chapter 60: Missing
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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it felt awkward putting both the text convos and the writing part so I broke the two up. Writing part is coming up in like two hours as I fixed some things up
Chapter 61: Opening Night Pt 1
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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STAGE
6:25 PM - 5 minutes until showtime
"I can't find him anywhere in the auditorium, Smidge," Biggie said with a worried tone. Guy, Biggie, Floyd, and Smidge gathered backstage where they regrouped.
Smidge placed her paws on her head in frustration. "Where could he have gone?"
"Maybe we should tell Poppy?" Guy suggested.
"No, we can't delay the opening act. Nova said the show must go on." Smidge sighed as she peeked through the curtains to see a packed audience. "Oh my guh. It's incredibly crowded."
"Who was Branch's understudy?" Biggie asked. Smidge looked back at her friend.
"Aspen but he's on the other side of the park." Smidge groaned.
"On opening night? That's not good," Biggie raised an eyebrow.
"We thought it would be fine since Branch showed up. He was in costume the last time anyone saw him." Smidge explained.
Floyd rubbed at his temples, guilt eating at him. Why hadn't he checked on Branch when he had the chance?
Guy placed his paw reassuringly on Floyd's shoulder. "If there's one thing I know about Branch, it's that he can handle himself."
Floyd covered Guy's paw with his own. "You're right. He's more than capable."
"Has anyone found boytoy yet?" A voice interrupted from behind them. Smidge turned to see Barb walking towards them, engrossed in her phone.
"Not yet," Smidge replied, massaging her temples with her fingers.
"We should tell popsqueak though," Barb typed away on her phone without looking up. "She might know where her boyfriend is, otherwise we're just running around like chickens with our heads cut off."
"Tell me what?" Barb jumped in surprise as a voice came from behind her. She nearly dropped her phone in the process. As she turned around, she saw Poppy approaching with a raised eyebrow. Poppy was dressed in her costume, complete with perfectly applied make-up and strawberry-blonde hair styled just right.
Barb grumbled, "Jesus popsqueak, where did you come from?"
"Poppy, shouldn't you be getting ready?" Smidge nervously asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Yeah! It's five minutes to showtime." Biggie tried to hurry her back to the main stage, but Poppy evaded him and demanded, "Not until you tell me what's going on. Why is everyone gathered here with such serious looks on your faces?" Poppy crossed her arms and fixed her friends with a pointed stare.
Smidge bit her lip, exchanging quick glances with everyone. Finally, she blurted out, "Branch is missing."
Poppy's eyes widened in shock. "Missing? But I.. I just saw him like five minutes ago. Are you sure?"
"Yes, Nova was looking for him." Smidge said quickly. "We've searched everywhere for him. Barb and Guy thought we should tell you, but I didn't want to worry you before the performance."
Poppy bit her lower lip anxiously. Where could her boyfriend have gone? She peeked through the curtain and saw Nova about to finish the opening announcement. She had to go ready.
“I might know where he is,” she said. “Can you guys find Fuzzbert? Tell him I need him to stall after Viva's solo performance.”
As the others scattered, Nova's voice echoed through the speakers, signaling the start of the performance. The crowd burst into cheers and clapping as the lights slowly faded to a soft glow. Poppy anxiously hurried towards the main stage, hoping Branch was alright.
STAGE - BRANCH
6:20 PM - 10 minutes prior
Branch cautiously peered out from behind the curtains and saw the trolls filling up the seats. His brothers and his grandma were seated in the front, their eyes fixed on the stage. His heart began to pound as he wondered if he was capable of going through with this.
He had to. Everyone was depending on him.
From across the stage, he caught sight of Poppy and Viva. They noticed him and enthusiastically waved, their smiles reaching all the way to their eyes. He responded with a hesitant wave and a nervous smile before turning his attention back to the backstage area.
Where was Floyd? Maybe he could go look for him.
Branch jolted when the lights flickered off without warning. Nova's voice blared through the speakers, and the cheers from the audience echoed loudly in his ears, triggering memories of his first time performing.
He took in a deep breath, his eyes began to widen.
The noise became overwhelming, drowning out any logical thoughts. Familiar feelings of fear started to grip Branch as panic clawed its way into his mind, causing his chest to tighten and making it difficult to catch his breath. His paws shook uncontrollably, and a cold sweat formed on his forehead.
The weight of everyone's expectations bore down on him like a heavy cloak, suffocating him with each passing second.
Without a second thought, Branch turned on his heel and bolted from the stage, his feet moving of their own accord as he ran blindly through the maze of backstage corridors. His breath came in short gasps, his heart hammering against his ribcage in a frantic rhythm.
He didn't know where he was going or why he was running; all he knew was that he needed to get away.
OUTSIDE - BRANCH
6:35 PM - Opening Act starts
Heaving with panicked breaths, Branch flung himself through the open metal doors and into the cool air. He leaned against a cold stone wall, hoping it would offer some relief, but his breaths still came in short gasps as he fought desperately to catch his breath. Unshed tears stung his eyes, blurring his vision into a watery haze. He sniffled as he struggled to calm himself.
As Branch tried to steady his breathing, he closed his eyes and focused on the sounds around him. The distant murmur of the audience mixed with the soft rustling of leaves in the night breeze. Slowly, the frantic pounding in his chest began to ease, and His cheeks burned hot as he wiped away the wet streaks on his face, the cold sting of shame creeping beneath his skin.
He thought he got over his fear.
His gaze flickered back to the metal doors, catching a glimpse of his reflection in its shiny surface. The thought of going back inside crossed his mind as his paw hovered over the handle, but his reflection stared back at him with a cruel smirk, bringing back painful memories. The director's harsh criticism still echoed in his ears, 'You're ruining the whole show!' while echoes of laughter from the actors who reveled in his fall still rang loud. Faces in the audience melded together into a sea of mixed expressions – some filled with pity, others suppressing giggles. It was then he decided to walk away from the performing arts course.
His dreams of performing shattered like glass under the weight of reality.
His throat burned with the strain of holding back sobs, his chest tight with overwhelming emotions. He knew.
He wasn't good enough.
With heavy resignation weighing on his heart, Branch turned away from the door and disappeared into the darkness of the night.
Notes:
this ended up being really long so breaking it up again, sorry! Next part soon
Chapter 62: Opening Night Pt 2
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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STAGE
7:00 PM - 25 minutes after opening act
Whispering, Smidge asked, "How are we doing?"
Floyd looked over at their shoulders through the curtains. Guy responded, also in a quiet tone, "The sisters and Hickory did an incredible job. Poppy's performance of that song, for the first time in forever, was spot-on, and the audience loved it."
"Viva is about to perform her solo with let it go. But we still can't find Branch anywhere in this auditorium." Biggie whispered back. Suddenly, Poppy rushed backstage, panting for breath.
"Poppy!" Smidge exclaimed, taken aback. However, Poppy paid her no mind as she spoke urgently, "He's not in the auditorium."
Barb passed a bottle of water to Poppy, who took it with gratitude. "Fuzzbert agreed to turn off the lights after Viva's solo," Barb informed her.
Poppy nodded in acknowledgement as she drank down the refreshing water. She turned to the rest of the group and said, "I'll need some time to find him, so can you guys stall?"
"I'm coming with you," Floyd chimed in.
Smidge nodded. "We'll handle things here. Just find him, Poppy."
The two rushed off with the remaining group exchanged quick glances.
OUTSIDE - BRANCH
7:10 PM - Viva's solo performance starts
Branch was sitting alone on the rooftop, the same spot where he had his first date with Poppy. From there, he could see the auditorium where the performance was being shown on a large screen for the vaycationers outside. He couldn't help but feel proud of Poppy. She performed her part perfectly just like he thought she would. Maybe they got Aspen to cover for him. He let out a heavy sigh; they deserved someone who wasn't a coward.
His brow furrowed in concern, a worry filled his thoughts. Poppy was going to end things with him, wasn't she?
Tears blurred his vision, pooling at the corners of his eyes. He blinked rapidly, trying to keep them from spilling over. If he was in her shoes, he would. She deserved better.
"Pre-show jitters?" A voice startled him from behind. Branch's ears twitched at the sound of the familiar voice.
"Don't even joke about it, Floyd." He grumbled, burying his face in his arms. His tears started to come down.
"Hey, Branch. It's okay." His brother tried to reassure him.
"It's not okay, Floyd," Branch mumbled, his voice muffled by his arms. He felt a swell of emotions – shame, disappointment, and regret – wash over him as he thought about abandoning his friends and loved ones in their moment of need. "I ruined everything. I let everyone down."
Floyd sat down next to Branch, giving him a sympathetic pat on the back. "You didn't ruin anything, Branch. Everyone is worried about you; they just want to make sure you're okay." His tone was gentle, yet firm.
Branch lifted his head slightly, meeting Floyd's gaze with a mixture of sadness and self-loathing in his eyes. "I couldn't do it, Floyd. I froze up and ran away. And Poppy..."
A bitter laugh escaped his lips as he buried his face in his arms once again. "I let Poppy down. She's going to be devastated. No wonder she had that rule to begin with."
He released another heavy sigh, and his eyes filled with tears once more as he sniffled. "She's going to hate me."
"I'm not going to hate you, Branch." Branch's breath caught in his throat as he heard Poppy's voice behind him. "And that rule was stupid."
He quickly brushed away the tears that had fallen down his cheeks. "What are you doing here, Poppy?" he asked, trying to compose himself. "What about the show?"
Poppy sat down beside Branch, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and understanding. She reached out and gently took his hands in hers, offering him a small, reassuring smile. "The show can wait, Branch. You're more important to me than any performance," she said softly.
Branch couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and disbelief at her words. He turned to look at her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of anger or disappointment. What he found instead was understanding and love shining back at him.
Branch felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the right words. How could he explain the overwhelming fear and anxiety that had gripped him, paralyzing him in the face of his responsibilities? "I... I don't know what happened," he finally managed to choke out. "I wanted to go out there, but when it came down to it, I just couldn't..."
Poppy's expression softened even more as she squeezed his hands gently. "It's okay, Branch. We all have our moments of weakness," she said, her voice full of warmth and understanding. "I'm not mad at you. I just want to make sure you're alright."
His words came out as a whisper, "I don't know if I can go back there."
Poppy's gaze never wavered as she continued to hold Branch's hands, her touch grounding him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. "You don't have to go back there right now if you're not ready," she said softly. "But I know how much performing means to you."
Her bright smile felt like a warm hug. "I know because I'm the same way. I can see how happy you are when you are on stage. I know you love performing on stage and everyone gets scared Branch. I've done these shows a hundred times and I still get scared.”
He let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of his anxiety slowly begin to lift off his shoulders.
"Thank you, Poppy," he whispered hoarsely, his voice filled with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Poppy smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "You don't have to find out, Branch," she said softly. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what. Just like you'll always be here for me. We're a team, remember?"
His brother's paw landed on his shoulder, a reassuring pat. Branch nodded in response and let out a heavy sigh. "Isn't it too late? Our part is coming up soon." He peeked over at Viva's solo performance, her dress transforming into a dazzling display that had the audience cheering loudly.
Poppy squeezed his paws and grinned mischievously. "Remember the chemistry reading we did?"
Branch chuckled lightly. "Of course I do. It was when we had our first kiss."
"Well before that," Poppy corrected with a small smile. "When we were running late." Branch looked at her incredulously.
"Let's just say I owe Fuzzbert a year's worth of soda pop," she joked.
Branch embraced her tightly and she hugged him back. "You don't have to go back if you don't want to, but...I know you can do it, Branch." She said softly, giving his cheek a quick kiss.
Branch looked from Poppy to Floyd, feeling grateful for their support. He wiped away his tears and took a deep breath.
Branch hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. "I'm willing to give it a try." Poppy reached over and squeezed his paw, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, we'll be right here by your side."
Notes:
and one last part coming up
Chapter 63: Opening Night Pt 3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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STAGE
7:30 PM - Intermission
Poppy, Floyd, and Branch walked back to the stage together. As they approached, the auditorium was plunged into darkness. The speaker announced that there would be a brief intermission as the crew prepared for the next act. Poppy held onto Branch's paw tightly, grounding him in the chaos of the moment.
Nova approached them with a raised eyebrow. "And where were you, Branch? You're lucky the lights went out. We were about to send out Smidge out there," she said sharply yet with relief in her tone. Nova's attitude shifted as she smiled broadly and addressed the group, "But thankfully everyone's here! So! Let's get this show on the road. Nuggets, take your places."
Satin and Chenille made sure everyone's make-up was perfect and tidied up the costumes for everyone in preparation. The stage was nearly ready for their performance.
Branch felt a knot in his stomach as he, Poppy, and Cooper moved into positions backstage. The pressure was mounting. Branch swallowed nervously. "Okay, here we go," he mumbled to himself, his heart pounding in his chest.
Poppy gave his paw a reassuring squeeze.
"Just breathe, Branch," she murmured. "You'll be fantastic."
Branch closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could do this.
The final call came, and the curtains lifted. The spotlight shone brightly out into the audience, blinding Branch momentarily. He squinted against it, feeling his heart rate spike yet again.
Suddenly, the background music began to play. It was their cue. With one final look at Poppy and Floyd standing beside him, Branch took a step forward into the spotlight and froze.
He could see hundreds of eyes staring back at him from the darkness of the audience. They were all expectant, waiting for him to begin. His throat felt dry, his heart pounded in his chest and his mind raced. For a moment, he was back in that position of fear and anxiety.
And then he felt it - the assurance of Poppy's paw on his back and a soft bump from Cooper on his side. It was enough. Enough to remind him he wasn't alone, enough to let him overcome his fear.
He let out a deep breath and started to sing, putting on a show that the audience couldn't help but enjoy.
STAGE
8:00 PM - Showtime
"I don't take people places." he remarked as his character before laying back down and closing his eyes. Poppy as her character huffed in frustration as she tried to persuade him.
"Let me rephrase that. I am the princess of Arendelle and I want you to take up the North Mountain." She pointed at him with authority before giving him a pleading look. "Please!"
He eyed her skeptically for a moment before relenting with a roll of his eyes, "fine. Get in."
Floyd handled the snowman as he sang his part. "When I finally do what frozen things do in summer!"
"I'm going to tell him." Branch jokingly declared, causing Poppy to playfully smack his chest.
"Don't you dare." She warned.
Branch held Poppy close and remarked, "She's as cold as ice." The troll playing Grand Pabbie declared with a knowing tone, "Only an act of true love can that a frozen heart."
"An act of true love?" Poppy shivered, making her hair turn white before she collapsed into Branch's arms.
"We got to get you back to the prince." He declared.
STAGE
9:00 PM - Final Act
"I tried to save her. Your sister is dead because of you!" Hickory unsheathed his sword and aimed it at Viva, ready to strike. Just before he could strike, Poppy stepped in between them. In a whirl of special effects and sound, she froze in place, saving Viva's character from harm.
"Please, no, no," Viva whispered, holding onto her frozen sister. Her tears were fake, but the ensemble surrounded them both, creating a powerful scene. As Poppy's ice began to melt, she embraced her sister.
"...You sacrificed yourself for me?" Viva asked in disbelief.
"Of course I did. I love you." Poppy replied weakly.
Floyd interjected with his line about an act of true love thawing a frozen heart.
"Love.... will thaw." Viva realized. "Of course."
With newfound understanding, Viva stepped forward and waved her arms around as the stage lights illuminated with falling snow. The audience erupted into cheers as the ensemble sang and the effects lit up the entire auditorium, melting the set that was once enclosed in ice.
As the performance reached its final scene and Branch and Poppy's characters shared a kiss, Viva's character declared that the gates will always remain open. The last song began with Viva and Poppy singing together while the rest of the ensemble joined in.
The lights gradually dimmed as the song came to an end.
But then they turned back on, and the entire cast appeared under the spotlight as the audience erupted into cheers and applause. Each member of the cast took their turn bowing for their performance, and Branch couldn't help but smile as he took Poppy's paw during their bow The two shared another kiss in front of the audience as themselves. His heart was filled with happiness as the auditorium continued to roar with excitement.
He couldn't wait to do it all over again.
Notes:
Ugh okay writing this out was kind of hard actually before I was happy with it. After party is next!
Chapter 64: After Party
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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After Party
10:30 PM - Bruce's Cantina
A sudden burst of sound filled the restaurant as Poppy blew an airhorn and yelled, "Time to get this party started!" The room erupted with music, laughter, and chatter as everyone joined in on the fun. Branch couldn't help but smile as he watched his girlfriend shining in the midst of it all.
Poppy made her way towards him through the crowd. Her laughter was contagious as it could be heard through the crowd, her excitement palpable.
"Here," she said, handing him a glass filled with bubbly liquid. "Do you have any idea what day it is today?"
Branch looked at her, confused and a little bit apprehensive. "Isn't it just Saturday?" he asked.
Poppy shook her head, her ponytail bouncing with energy. "It's not 'just Saturday', silly! It's the anniversary of the day we met! So keep an eye out for my surprise!"
A warmth spread through Branch as he realized how special this day truly was. He looked at Poppy, her eyes sparkling with delight and mirth, and found himself falling in love with her all over again.
As the music played on and the party continued, Branch found himself swept up in the festive atmosphere. Poppy disappeared into the crowd after shouting, "Go have fun!"
He chuckled and waved back at her.
"Branch!" John Dory appeared with his brothers and grandma, pulling him into a one-sided hug.
"You and Floyd killed it out there!" JD exclaimed. His grandma patted Branch's arm.
"Dear, you were fantastic." She remarked. "I'll have to come to all your shows now."
"Wow, the special effects were amazing! My kids loved it!" Bruce chimed in. Clay nodded in agreement.
"That was top-notch production value. I may have to audition for the next show." Clay chuckled.
"Oh, we should all do it! Brozone!" JD pumped his fist before Branch rolled his eyes.
"Okay guys, where's Floyd?" Branch asked. The brothers shrugged before JD spotted some snacks at the bar.
"Ooh chips and salsa. Don't mind if I do." He wandered off as well as the rest of his family members scattered to meet other new trolls and soon Branch found himself surrounded by a sea of them, all buzzing with laughter and chatter. The bright colors of their clothes blended together in a lively tapestry of celebration.
He took a sip of his champagne and noticed a karaoke machine nearby. Well. Poppy had told him to have fun, so maybe he should give it a try.
8:30 AM - Bruce's Cantina
A dull throbbing in his head roused him from sleep, and he groaned as he tried to sit up. His body protested, exhausted from a night of partying. He looked down and saw that he was still fully dressed in his suit and tie, causing him to collapse back onto the plush pillows with a sigh. He glanced over and saw Poppy sleeping peacefully next to him. The sight of her messy pink hair and peaceful expression brought a small smile to his face.
But then the events of the previous night hit him like a ton of bricks.
He vaguely remembered Poppy singing to him and he sang with her in a full crowd at the restaurant as they were cheering them on.
And there was something about a hot air balloon ride?
...what had happened? Where were they?
As he took in his surroundings, Branch realized they were in an office. Poppy must have mentioned her dad having a mattress for grad nights and this was probably it.
Next to him, Poppy stirred and mumbled softly. "Morning Branch."
He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Morning, Poppy. Looks like we went a little too hard last night."
Poppy chuckled, her eyes still closed. "Not that hard. I mean, we only had a few drinks."
She finally opened her bright pink eyes and turned to look at him with a wide smile. "But it was so much fun. I'm just happy we got to spend it together."
She closed her eyes and let out a content sigh, saying with a smile, "And for all the nights to come with my future husband too."
Branch's mind went blank as he processed her words. It felt like a weight dropped on him as he gazed down at his left paw.
There it was - an engagement bracelet adorned with her gem heart.
Memories flood back to him - the vibrant lights below as they floated in a hot air balloon, their duet that ended with Poppy's nervous giggle and heartfelt speech about their relationship and their journey together. She had pulled out a bracelet and asked him the question she had surprised him with: "Branch, will you marry me?"
Overcome with emotions, he had nodded yes, telling her there was no one else he would rather spend his life with before pulling her into an affectionate embrace. After they landed, they definitely drank a lot more in celebration with their friends and family. He looked at Poppy, her eyes still closed, her lips turned up in a warm smile as she dreamt. Suddenly, the room didn't feel so stuffy and the throbbing in his head seemed to lessen.
"You proposed." he said to himself in a whisper. A warmth spread through him as he twirled the bracelet around his wrist. Poppy shifted closer to him, snuggling into his side with a content sigh.
"Yes I did, and you said yes." she mumbled sleepily. Her fingers traced the outline of the bracelet before meeting his paw in a gentle hold. She let out a small groan and added, "Don't tell me you have second thoughts now."
Branch chuckled, squeezing her paw reassuringly. "Not at all, Poppy. I was just...remembering." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It was...it was really something, last night. I wouldn't change a thing."
Poppy lifted her head to look at him, her eyes still half-closed with sleep. Despite that, they sparkled with excitement and love as she took in his words. A giggle escaped her lips, the sound soft and melodic in the quiet of the room. "Neither would I," she whispered.
As he leaned in close, his breath tickled her skin and she could feel the warmth of his lips just a hair's breadth away. He whispered in a low, tender voice, his words filled with hope and nervousness, "But can you ask me again?"
He wanted to fully remember this moment. Poppy's heart pounded a bit harder at his words. She lifted her head from the pillow, brushing some of her wild hair out of her face before looking into his eyes. They were full of honesty and warmth, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his usual cool exterior. Poppy let out a soft chuckle and adjusted herself to sit up.
"Are you sure?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes. "You don't want us to be in a hot air balloon again?"
Branch laughed lightly, pulling her closer to him. "I think this time could be just as memorable."
Poppy took in a deep breath, feeling Branch's steady heartbeat against her own. With a tender look in her eyes, she reached for his paw, gently rubbing her thumb against the bracelet she had given him.
"Branch," she started softly, locking eyes with him. The office was filled with a comfortable silence.
"Marry me?" she repeated, this time with a more determined glint in her eyes. Her voice was filled with hope and certainty, mirroring the emotions she saw reflected back at her from Branch's expression.
Branch couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at her words. His heart pounded in his chest, filled to the brim with warmth and love for the pink-haired troll in front of him. "Poppy," he responded, giving her paw a gentle squeeze, his gaze never leaving hers, "Yes... Yes, I will."
His affirmation was met with a bright smile from Poppy. She threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. He returned the hug just as fiercely, burying his face into her soft pink hair and inhaling the familiar scent of her. This time, their laughter filled the formerly quiet office. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's arms and reveling in the comfort they found there.
Eventually, Poppy pulled back and there were tears of joy sparkling in her eyes. But she was still smiling as she reached out and gently wiped away the few tears that had slipped down Branch's cheeks. "I love you," she whispered, touching her forehead to his as she spoke.
Branch's response was immediate. "I love you too, Poppy."
There was silence again after that but it wasn't uncomfortable. Instead, it was filled with shared looks and soft smiles, with whispered words of love and dreams for the future. They lay there together on the office mattress as their phones were vibrating with notifications.
Notes:
okay it wasn't a big secret what the surprise is since everyone guessed it! :D Back to texting
Chapter 65: Hangover Feeling
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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poppys the one friend that never gets hangovers
Chapter 66: It's Gonna Be Me
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Chapter 67: Relaxation
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Chapter 68: First Grad Night
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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my first grad night i fell asleep while standing up too
Chapter 69: Grandma's Visit
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Chapter 70: Mascots and Handlers
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a week later after the previous chapter
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Chapter 71: Wedding Plans
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gimme songs suggestions for a wedding playlist or yall will hear my cheesy ones :3
Chapter 72: Not Again
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thx for the song suggestions! <3 I'll try to add all of them to the finale if I can find the songs. Finding new songs I've never heard before and I put them on repeat👍
(this chapter is also taking place a week after last chapter)
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Chapter 73: Prime Make Out Spot
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Chapter 74: Not the Last to Know
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Chapter 75: New Place
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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see yall after ao3 goes back up
Chapter 76: The Venue
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ive attended disney wedding ceremonies. It is quite magical
Chapter 77: Vacation
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fast forward three months
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Chapter 78: Too Soon
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Skipping to another week
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Chapter 79: Timing
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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80 chapters almost how have the time pass me by already lol
Chapter 80: Invitations
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And fast forwarding once more
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Chapter 81: Best Man
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multiple updates today because im not going to be here tomorrow since I am going to AX and today I dont have work
Chapter 82: Feeling Unwell
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Chapter 83: Surprise?
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Chapter 84: Fainting
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Chapter 85: For Ourselves
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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fireworks be going off so early when im trying to nap
this will be the last of it until saturday since its been a lot
thanks so much for all the comments!!!!
Chapter 86: It Takes a Village
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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i woke up sick this morning and was in bed sleeping all day u.u
Chapter 87: As An Afterthought
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in this AU whoever is carrying the egg is of the same sex so branch is carrying their son and poppy is carrying their daughter :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
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feeling a little better but still sick so sry only update for today :(
Chapter 88: Cravings
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couple days later
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Chapter 89: Mood Swings
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fast forwarding a bit more
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Chapter 90: Protection
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grandma rosie came in to help and they eventually saw the eggs
Chapter 91: Disappearance
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almost close to the ending of this story and epilogue :)
Chapter 92: Incubation
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im kinda copying how penguins do it when it comes to incubation except trolls incubate with their hair instead to keep their eggs warm + bonding
Chapter 93: Bachelor Party
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Chapter 94: Bachelorette Party
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Chapter 95: Wedding Band and Suits
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Chapter 96: Pre Wedding Jitters
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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getting closer to the end as i work on the wedding and epilogue ;D
Chapter 97: Brozone Advice
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Chapter 98: Day Before Wedding
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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wedding and epilogue upcoming :D but i'll be updating the roommates AU next since I'm still working on the final chapters of this story :]
Chapter 99: The Wedding
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(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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THE WEDDING
Ever since Branch was small, he never pictured what his wedding would look like. He never envisioned his grandmother officiating the ceremony, his old bandmates playing in the background, or waiting at the altar for the love of his life to walk down the aisle, both carrying a new life into the world. He never thought he would be nervously adjusting his tie, feeling the cool fabric slide through his trembling fingers.
Yet, here he was.
Standing in his grandfather’s threadbare suit in front of the fake castle, of the place where it all started— where he first laid eyes on Poppy, where their first kiss took place, where he poured out his heart to her. It was a flood of emotions for Branch, who had never been one to wear his feelings on his sleeve as a troll.
His heart pounded with anticipation as Poppy emerged from the carriage, a radiant vision in shades of pink that reflected her vibrant spirit. Her impossibly pink eyes shone with love and happiness, making his heart stutter. There were not nearly enough words to describe how breathtaking Poppy was, and if there were, he would use every single one of them.
She was holding a bouquet of wildflowers, their colors a diverse symphony that matched the euphony of the moment. As she walked down the aisle with her father, lined with their family and friends who had been waiting for this day just as eagerly as they had, he couldn't help but think about the first time they had met. It wasn't the love at first sight he had thought he would have, but it was a connection. Deep down, there was a spark, an understanding that ignited slowly over time, like embers in a fire until it was a blaze that neither of them could ignore.
As she walked towards him, vivid flashes of memories flooded back.
SMILEY'S
"What's going on, Branch?" Poppy asked, cocking her head as they walked away from the group. "Oh! Do you want to go back on some of the rides? Which one won you over? It was probably Funk's spaceship ride, huh? Or maybe it was the country's thunder railroad—"
"Poppy, no." Branch raised his paw and then cleared his throat. "I was thinking we should set up times to meet up before opening night and rehearse for the play. It's my debut performance and I want to make sure I do it justice."
"Sure, but you could have texted me." They continued walking towards the backlot, away from the rest of the group. Poppy glanced at him. "Unless there's something else."
Branch's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and he shuffled his feet nervously. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up. "Actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about...the kiss earlier."
They were completely out of everyone's view as Poppy turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "What about it? You didn't know it was suppose to be a fake kiss. I mean, there's a reason why I have a rule about not kissing anyone on stage or dating someone in the same play as me, like I totally get that it gets super awkward and—"
"Was it alright? Was it shit? That was," He blurted out, interrupting her. His paws fidgeted as he nervously moved his fingers. "I've never had to do that before, but the script called for a kiss so I assumed it's just another thing all actors have to do. But then I learned that's not the case, and now Bruce is telling me it must have been awful and—"
"Branch." Poppy tried to calm him down by placing her paw on his arm. She gave him a reassuring smile, "You did fine. You already apologized and I said we should just move on from it, right? Soooo, let's head back to the group before they eat all of the taffy!"
She tried to turn away, but Branch's paw held hers in place. It was fine? Something didn't feel quite right. Maybe Bruce was right. But why did that bother him? Whatever it was, he can't let that be his first kiss. "Wait, Poppy," he pleaded.
She paused, her brows furrowing slightly as she looked at him. "What is it?"
"Can we try again?" he asked, looking into her pink eyes. He could feel his heart pounding as he continued, "I-I didn't want my first kiss to go like that. Everyone told me it should be special and I just, I was, heh, I didn't," Branch paused, his words stumbling over each other, before giving up and shaking his head.
Poppy looked at him with surprise, her eyebrows raised inquisitively. For a moment, Branch thought he had overstepped and regretted saying anything. After all, they barely knew each other and spent most of the day arguing prior to the reading. He was sure she would reject him or think he was a creep. Before he could take it back, she took a step closer to him.
"Try again?" she echoed softly, her eyes twinkling with something he couldn't quite place.
Branch swallowed hard, his paw still holding hers. "I mean... just a do-over. Pretend we're on stage again. If that's okay with you."
Poppy was quiet for a moment as she considered his request. She finally gave a small nod, her voice coming out steady and calm. "Sure," she agreed, her eyes meeting his with determination. "Consider it making up for being late, Branch. No one has to know."
He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He took in her features one more time; her sparkling pink eyes, the slight blush on her cheeks and the way her lips were slightly parted in anticipation.
With a heart pounding in his chest, he leaned forward closing the distance between them. Unlike the first time there was no audience, no director interrupting, it was just them in their own world. His lips met hers softly, an exploration rather than something sudden. It was gentle, sweet and so much better than before. The taste of her strawberry lip gloss mixed with the taffy she had eaten felt refreshing.
When they pulled apart, her eyes were still closed as though she were still lost in the moment. A soft smile graced her face and she clutched onto his paw a little tighter.
He gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek with his paw. He wouldn't admit it but it felt nice feeling her fur under his touch. He wanted to try again and when he stared back at her, she was nodding. He leaned in once, softly pressing his lips against hers. As she leaned towards him, her paw landed on his chest, and Poppy pressed gently against him. Her movements mirrored his own - slow and cautious. As they parted again, she had a grin on her face that made Branch's heart skip a beat. There was something about that smile that gave him butterflies in his stomach.
Poppy opened her eyes and met his gaze. She seemed to be studying him, her eyes flickering between his as if she were searching for something. After a moment, she moved in closer to him.
"One more do-over." she murmured, her breath on his lips.
She closed the distance, her lips claiming his. His paw tangled in her hair, and he felt her arm wrap around his neck pulling him closer.
A soft sigh escaped from Poppy's lips as they continued their kiss under the stars. It was a peaceful moment that seemed to stretch on forever, both soaking in the feeling.
When they pulled away, they were breathing heavily. Poppy looked at him with her sparkling eyes, her lips slightly swollen from their shared kisses.
Branch stepped away from her and coughed lightly into his right paw, "So, now that's over with. I have to head home but I'll text you later?"
A soft giggle bubbled out of Poppy. "Okay." she said, her eyes brimming with warmth as she gazed at him. He looked away, trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in his chest. Soon after, they went their separate ways as he walked over to the lot. He texted his brothers to come pick him up but the reality of what just happened hit him. He let out a low groan. Her words earlier had hit him and he clicked his tongue, the taste of her lip gloss still lingering.
He should clear it up before she gets the wrong idea.
FERRIS WHEEL
"There you are!" Branch spotted Poppy running towards him and let out a sigh as she caught her breath. Her hair was tousled from the run, but she still managed to smile at him through the strain. "I still think we should go on the other one," she said between pants.
Branch rolled his eyes before pointing towards the giant structure. "You mean the one that sways over the ocean? No thanks."
Poppy mirrored his expression and let out an exasparated sigh. "Fine. Come on."
She grabbed his paw and dragged him towards the gondola of the ferris wheel, waving at the disinterested troll manning the ride. They hopped into one of the brightly colored gondolas as it began its ascent, watching as the world below them shrunk into a miniature version of itself. The vast ocean now appeared as a small blue patch against the backdrop of colorful lights and buildings, providing a peaceful setting for their elevated escape.
At the peak of the ferris wheel's rotation, Poppy leaned closer to Branch and let out a deep sigh. Branch noticed her tired expression and asked, "You okay?"
Poppy nodded slowly, her face showing a mixture of weariness and contentment. "Yeah. My schedule is just packed this week." She gazed out at the view before turning back to Branch.
"Is this your first time on a ferris wheel?" she asked.
Branch shrugged. "Not really."
"Oh? Did you come with someone else?" Poppy inquired. Branch let out a small snort.
"No, I wanted to see how it worked from the top and how it goes back down. It was simpler than I expected," he said, taking in the view below them. "I can see why trolls enjoy it. It's peaceful up here, and you can see everything."
Poppy didn't respond, so Branch continued talking. "The gears and motors make it reliable as it ascends, but gravity is what makes it glide down smoothly. And you can feel your body getting lighter at the top when it stops. Even if it gets stuck, it's not as bad as those swinging ones which I think are death traps—"
Branch glanced behind him and noticed that Poppy had dozed off, her head resting on his shoulder and her breaths coming out in soft snores. Despite the minor annoyance he felt, Branch took a deep breath and exhaled soundlessly, not wanting to wake her up. He adjusted his position slightly so Poppy could rest more comfortably against him. Her breathing was steady and even, a stark contrast to the usual energy she radiated.
She looked... cute asleep.
He blinked.
Oh my god.
He shouldn’t be thinking about her this way. They weren't... anything. Branch shook his head, trying to clear away the thoughts that were much too warm and fuzzy for comfort. He stared out into the expanse of view before them, trying to focus on the intricate patterns of lights below rather than the warmth of Poppy's body against his. He wondered if Poppy had ever considered what these moments meant to her, or if they were just another segment of her day.
His heart started racing as his thoughts were again drawn back to her. All the time they spent together, the way she smiled at him, the kisses they shared—it all added layers to his feelings that he couldn’t quite understand, or perhaps didn’t want to. As they reached the bottom and Poppy began to stir, Branch quickly composed himself. She yawned and stretched, blinking sleepily up at him.
"Oh, is it over?" she asked, a sheepish grin forming on her lips.
"Yeah," Branch replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.
"That's embarrassing," she chuckled, rubbing her eyes. "I was looking forward to it."
Branch forced a smile. "I gotta go, I'll message you later."
He ran out as soon as the doors opened, not waiting for Poppy’s reply.
GARDEN
His eyes were glued to the screen as he read Poppy's response.
'The answer is yes.'
His heart skipped a beat and he turned around to see Poppy standing there, panting and out of breath.
She had caught up to him, standing among the rows of vibrant flowers in the garden. The air was cool here, filled with the scent of peonies and cornflowers. Poppy's cheeks were flushed from the run, her eyes wide with something that looked a lot like hope.
"Branch. Yes, I want this." She panted, paws on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. He hadn't expected her to be here, much less find him here before he got to the parking lot. He took a deep breath, the floral scents calming his nerves slightly.
"Poppy." He said quietly, "Do you actually mean that?"
The intensity in her eyes didn’t waver as she straightened up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I do, Branch. I really do." Her voice was earnest and slightly shaky from the exertion. "These past few days... they've made me realize something. I did want you to be happy. But I wanted you to be happy with me. I want to be with you, truly. Not just as a friend. I mean really be with you."
Branch felt his heart skip a beat, then pound furiously against his chest as he processed her words. This was it—the moment of truth he hadn’t dared to hope for.
"I..." He started, struggling to find the right words. His mouth was dry, and his paws felt clammy. "I want that too, Poppy. More than anything."
Her smile then was like the sunrise after a long, dark night, bright and full of promise.
"Then let's not waste any more time," Poppy said, her voice soft but certain. She leapt into his arms, and kissed him right there among the flowers. The world seemed to spin slower, the vibrant colors of the garden blurring into a whirl of pinks and blues around them. The taste of Poppy’s lips was like a burst of sunshine, sweet and warm, filling Branch’s mouth with pure joy and longing. Branch wrapped his arms around her, deepening the kiss.
It was a kiss different from the others—full of intention and a silent acknowledgement of all the feelings they had been holding back. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, her fingers playing with the fur there as he pulled her closer, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
This was right.
This was meant to be.
THE WEDDING
Poppy couldn't think. She couldn't believe it.
She was here. Getting married.
Ever since she was young, she always pictured what her wedding would look like. A prince charming who would sweep her off her feet, they would fall in love at first sight, and everything would be perfect. But the reality was even better than she could have imagined, because it was real, it was heartfelt, and it was with Branch.
There just weren't enough words for moments like this.
As she walked down the aisle, Poppy's heart was racing, not just from the nerves of the day but from the overwhelming joy that filled her. Her dress fluttered around her in a cascade of white and pale pink, the fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the fairy lights strung above. Every step she took was like floating, each breath a flutter of excitement in her chest.
Her father was smiling widely, his eyes misty with emotion. He squeezed her paw gently as they moved closer to the front where Branch stood at the altar, his eyes never leaving Poppy. He looked handsome in his suit, a nervous smile playing on his lips. His paws were twitching slightly, a telltale sign of his excitement and anxiety.
When his eyes met Poppy's, it was as if they were the only two in the world. The soft music playing in the background seemed to swell just for them as Poppy drew closer, her heart thumping loudly against her chest.
The moment felt suspended in time, each second stretched and filled with a lifetime of memories and dreams. As she made her way towards the altar, a rush of memories overwhelmed her, each one a vivid picture of the journey that had led her here.
PIRATES OF THE REEF RIDE
Poppy looked around, taking in her surroundings with wide eyes. "I've never been back here before," she remarked. The tunnels were not completely dark, as the walls were coated with bioluminescent algae that emitted a soft, ethereal glow. The light cast eerie and calming shades along the path they walked. The air was cool and damp, carrying a faint scent of the ocean mingled with the earthy aroma of wet stones.
Poppy's paw was gently taken by Branch as he led her through the winding underground paths. The warmth and comfort of his paw against hers was a welcome feeling, and his warm fur against her palm brought a sense of comfort and safety. The tunnel they walked through was dimly lit, and Poppy could see the outline of Branch's form as they made their way deeper underground. "This ride is easy to maintain because there are no seatbelts or safety bars - just boats and water. But, it's still the safest ride here. We only stop the ride if someone gets up from their seat."
Poppy's eyes widened, excitement dancing in them. "You seem to know a lot about these rides, even though you've never actually ridden them," she teased playfully, her voice echoing through the cavernous space.
Branch scoffed, a sound that bounced off the walls. "Well, you don’t need to go on all the rides to learn about them. I like to know all the ins and outs—it makes it easier to fix things when they go wrong."
As they made their way towards the secluded back area where the boats were not operating, the soothing sound of water lapping against the dock surrounded them. In the distance, fake seagulls could be heard calling out, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The boats gently swayed in the artificial lagoon, their colorful sides shining under the lighting.
"Here we are," Branch announced, stopping beside one of the boats. He helped Poppy step in, holding her hand as she lowered herself down onto the wooden seat. Once she was settled, he climbed in after her and took the seat beside her. The boat swayed calmly in the water. Branch leaned over to secure the rope to the dock, preparing to run lines.
He inquired, "Which scene are we starting with?"
Poppy surveyed her surroundings, taking in the soft glow of bioluminescent light. "You choose this time, since you always get tired of my 'improv'," she said playfully, giving him a sly grin.
Branch sighed and rolled his eyes as he fiddled with the ropes. "It doesn't matter what scene we do then," he replied offhandedly, finally deciding that the ropes were good enough.
Taking a seat next to Poppy, Branch suggested, "How about we do the last scene?"
Poppy's throat suddenly felt dry. "The...last scene?" she repeated.
"It’s not suppose to be a real kiss right?" Branch reasoned. "You can just show me how to ‘fake it’ then."
Poppy's heart fluttered uneasily in her chest, but she masked her nervousness with a laugh. "Oh, so you want to jump right to the grand finale, huh?" Her attempt at humor did little to hide the tremble in her voice.
Branch nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Yeah, I think it's a good test. We need to make sure we can make it look real without... that."
The boat rocked gently as they settled into their seats across from each other. Poppy could feel the cool mist of the artificial lagoon on her face, softening the tension that hung in the air between them. The sounds of the fake seagulls faded into a distant echo, making the scene feel all the more secluded and intimate.
"Okay," Poppy said, clearing her throat softly. "Let’s set the scene then." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "After the sisters were saved and the town are defrosted, the prince was thrown into jail. I take your character down for a surprise gift."
Branch nodded, adjusting himself in his seat to face Poppy more directly. "Right, so I’m supposed to be blindfolded here as well..."
"I take off your blindfold and show you it’s a brand new sled." Poppy continued setting the scene with a playful sparkle in her eyes.
"‘I owe you a sled.’" She said in her character’s voice.
Branch cleared his throat before saying his line with awe, "‘Are you serious?’"
Poppy chuckled, her voice light and playful as she leaned a little closer, imitating the genuine excitement her character would feel in the moment. "'Yes, and not just any sled,'" she said with a dramatic flourish, "'The fastest one in the north.'"
Branch rolled his eyes at her improv. He continued, "‘I can’t accept this,’" his character resisting the generous offer, feigning indignation.
Poppy's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "'Oh, but you must. No exchanges. Queen’s orders. She’s named you the official Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer,’" She added extra emphasis on 'you must', her gaze holding his for a lingering moment longer than necessary.
Branch scoffed, playing along with the banter. "'What? That’s not a thing.'"
Poppy laughed, her joy echoing softly in the enclosed space of the boat. "'Oh, but it is now. And it even has a cup holder... do you like it?'" she replied.
He leaned forward slightly, the amusement evident in his eyes. "'Like it?'" He paused, his voice dropping to a softer, more genuine tone. "'I love it. But not as much as I love...'"
Poppy felt her heart skip a beat, caught in the sudden seriousness that had enveloped their playful exchange. That wasn’t in the script; Branch doesn't do improv. She held her breath as he leaned in closer, their faces almost touching, the air between them thick with an unanticipated intensity. "And that’s where we stop." Poppy whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft lapping of the water.
He paused, swallowed hard, and then shook his head slightly as if to clear it. "Sorry, I shouldn't have—"
Something compelled Poppy to lean in, interrupting him and closing the remaining distance. Their lips met softly, hesitantly at first, as if both were still unsure. The kiss was gentle, tentative, lingering just a moment before they each pulled back, their eyes searching each other’s in the dim light.
The boat rocked slightly under their shifting weight, the subtle motion adding to the surreal quality of the moment.
Branch pressed his lips to hers, this time with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. His paw gently caressed her face as he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer to him. The playful atmosphere in the boat shifted, replaced by an intense and passionate energy. After a few moments, they separated, both breathless and with flushed cheeks as they searched each other's eyes for reassurance.
"I thought… we weren’t supposed to do that." Branch's voice was low, cautious as if he was afraid of shattering the delicate moment they’d just shared.
Poppy's cheeks were tinged with color, her breath still irregular from their impulsive act. They weren't. It happened again and if she was honest with herself, she would tell him she wouldn't mind doing it again without any false pretenses. "Well," she said softly, her eyes not leaving his, "it’s just for the play."
If she was honest.
Her words hung in the air, mingling with the faint mist around them. Branch nodded, though his eyes were still clouded with uncertainty. "Just for the play," he repeated, though his voice betrayed a hint of hope or perhaps disappointment—it was hard to tell.
The boat bobbed gently on the water, creating a tranquil rhythm that contrasted the tumultuous emotions swirling between them. Poppy looked up at him, her expression conflicted yet tender. It was going to get complicated. Messy. "Branch... I can't—"
Before she could finish, he leaned in again and their lips connected once more, this time with a hint of assurance. With the boat swaying beneath them, their kiss intensified, becoming less hesitant.
Then.
Another.
The second kiss lingered longer than the first, her heart pounding against her chest as if trying to escape the confusion of emotions. Heat pooled between them as the kiss deepened, their breaths hitching and melding into a shared rhythm. The edge of the boat dug into her back, matching the fierce urgency of their kisses. As their tongues intertwined, Poppy savored the unexpected sweetness of Branch's lip balm, a contrast with the lingering saltiness of lake water that hung in the air.
Branch's paws roamed down to her back, fingers pressing into her just enough to pull her closer—so close she could feel every beat of his heart against hers. Poppy threaded her fingers through his hair, tugging gently at the strands at the nape of his neck, deepening their connection.
As they swayed together, lost in their own world, the rope that tied the boat to the dock unravelled unnoticed. The next thing they knew, the boat tipped over. With a surprised yelp from both, they plunged into the cool water of the artificial lagoon, breaking their intense connection. They surfaced quickly, gasping for air.
Pushing her wet locks out of her face, Poppy glanced over at Branch who was already making his way towards the path that would keep them dry. She followed, feeling the cool water slosh around her, a refreshing contrast to the warmth that had enveloped her just moments before. When they reached the shallows, Branch extended his paw to help her out. His grip was firm and warm, a lifeline pulling her back into reality from the depths of their unexpected plunge. They stood there, dripping and disheveled, on the cobblestone path beside the lagoon.
"We should go," Branch said, a hint of regret in his voice as he avoided her gaze, focusing instead on wringing water from his shirt.
Poppy nodded, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief wash over her. "Yeah, you're right."
Branch let out a small cough, trying to clear his throat. "Same time tomorrow?" He asked, looking up at her with a hopeful expression in his eyes, still showing the vulnerability from their shared moment.
Poppy's heart was still pounding with adrenaline from their unexpected swim and the emotional intensity of their conversation. She nodded, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Yeah, tomorrow. We'll continue... rehearsing."
"Right, rehearsing. For the play." Branch repeated with a gentle smile, his ears twitching slightly as he looked at her. Poppy’s heart fluttered as she turned away from him.
For the play, she reminded herself as she walked away, the dampness of her clothes clinging to her like the remnants of their shared intimacy.
ROOFTOP
"Andddd... unlocked!" Poppy sprung through the door of the rooftop with Branch walking closely behind her. His eyebrow raised up. "How do you even have the code? They closed down this store."
"Well Branchifer," Poppy turned on her heels, a mischievous glint playing across her face, "let's just say I have my ways." She winked at him.
Branch shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite his better judgment.
"Oh also!" Poppy rushed over to where a small cooler sat hidden behind an air conditioning unit. She opened it to reveal a variety of sodas and a couple of sandwiches neatly wrapped in plastic. "Dinner is served!" She grinned, handing Branch a sandwich and picking one for herself. Her eyes twinkled with excitement, and she motioned for Branch to follow her to a more secluded part of the rooftop surrounded by potted plants that trembled slightly in the wind. Here, an old, weathered picnic blanket was spread out on the floor, its colors faded but still vibrant in the dim light.
They settled down on the blanket, their legs crossed as they each unwrapped a sandwich. The initial crunch of the bread seemed to echo off the rooftops around them, mingling with the distant thrum of carnival music. Poppy took a generous bite, her eyes closing briefly in delight. "Not bad for rooftop dining, eh?" she quipped with a playful grin.
Branch chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "It's something alright," he said sincerely, watching her with a warmth in his eyes. "You're amazing, Poppy."
Poppy felt a blush creep across her cheeks at Branch's words. She glanced down at her sandwich, suddenly very interested in the precise layering of the ingredients. "You're not so bad yourself," she murmured, peeking up at him through her lashes with a shy smile.
Branch's gaze held hers, a gentle intensity in his eyes that made her heart flutter. He reached over, his paw finding hers and intertwining their fingers. His touch was warm, comforting, and she found herself leaning into it. As they finished their sandwiches, the laughter and cheers from the park below were like waves breaking far off shore, distant yet constant.
Poppy turned to Branch, her fingers gently squeezing his. "You know," she began, her voice a hushed whisper, as if sharing a secret, "I never thought we would be here."
"We probably shouldn’t be, considering we’re technically trespassing." Branch commented, but Poppy just gave a sad smile in response.
"No I mean... together. I was scared, you know? When we stopped talking. When I thought I ruined everything..." Her voice trailed off with a hint of vulnerability in her tone.
Branch's expression softened, the moonlight catching in his eyes, turning them into pools of earnest emotion. "Poppy," he said gently, his voice low and filled with sincerity. "You didn't ruin anything. It was just... complicated. I was scared as well and instead of facing my feelings, I chose to run away because I thought it would be easier."
"But I was the one that made you run away," she finally whispered back, a tear sparkling briefly at the corner of her eye before she blinked it away.
Branch squeezed her paw tighter, the soft pressure reassuring her amid the sea of emotions swirling between them. "Hey," he murmured, his voice strong yet tender, "I’m here now and I’m not planning on going anywhere."
Poppy looked up at him, a smile slowly spreading across her face despite the tears that threatened to fall. She let out a shaky laugh, shaking her head slightly. "Good, because I'm not letting you go anywhere either."
He smiled gently, lifting their intertwined paws and pressing his lips briefly to her knuckles.
"I know you planned out this date but," Branch said as he reached for his phone, tapping on the screen to start a soft instrumental track. He set the phone down on the blanket, letting the music drift through the cool night air. Rising to his feet, Branch extended his paw to Poppy with a slight bow.
"May I have this dance?"
Poppy's eyes widened in surprise, a delighted grin spreading across her face as she took Branch's outstretched paw. "You may," she said softly, allowing him to pull her to her feet.
"Show me a smile then," He started to sing, his voice low and warm, blending perfectly with the gentle melody floating around them. Poppy laughed, her earlier nervousness fading away as they began to sway together, their movements awkward at first but gradually finding a rhythm.
"Don't be unhappy," Branch continued, his singing more confident now that he saw Poppy's smile. "Can't remember when," he sang, his eyes never leaving hers. Under the moonlight, his face was aglow with happiness, and it made her want to capture the moment forever.
"I last saw you laughing," Poppy joined in as she sang with him, their movements becoming more fluid as they danced together.
"This world makes you crazy," Branch pulled her closer, their dance becoming less about the steps and more about the connection, the message of the song weaving through their embrace. Poppy rested her head against Branch’s chest, her heartbeat syncing with the rhythm of his singing.
"And you've taken all you can bear," he continued, his voice a soft rumble against her ear.
"Just call me up," they sang, each word a promise to the both of them, "because you know I'll be there."
Poppy felt the tension melt away from her shoulders as they danced, the amusement park around them fading into a blur of lights and shadows. She lifted her gaze to meet Branch's, finding in his eyes a promise of understanding and companionship. "I see your true colors, and that's why I…"
Poppy’s heart pounded as she knows the next words he would say, and she could hardly breathe as the anticipation built up but the song ended too soon as the door to the rooftop abruptly opened, causing both Poppy and Branch to freeze in place.
Their eyes darted towards the newcomer. It was Growly Pete, easily recognizable with his bushy mustache and trademark hat, dressed in a security uniform.
"Poppy," he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind. "I thought I heard music."
Poppy quickly disentangled herself from Branch, her cheeks burning with a blend of embarrassment and the thrill of the interrupted moment. She shot a nervous glance at Branch before facing Growly Pete with a sheepish smile. "Hi, Pete! Sorry about that, we were just—"
"You know the rules Poppy, let’s go, both of ya," Growly Pete interrupted her, gesturing for them to follow him back towards the door.
As they gathered their belongings, Poppy turned to Branch with an apologetic expression on her face. But he just smiled back at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement despite the situation. Poppy gratefully took the paw Branch offered, holding on tightly. He squeezed her paw and whispered, "We'll finish that dance, I promise."
A smile spread across her face as she felt warmth and happiness fill her heart for him.
CAROUSEL
"Ooh it's so creepy when there's no music playing here!" Poppy gasped as she approached the carousel. The horses, frozen mid-gallop and cloaked in the dim twilight, gave off a ghostly aura that made the fur on her arms stand. Branch stood in the middle of the carousel platform, his eyes tracing the intricate carvings of the wooden steeds. "It’ll sometimes play in the middle of the night when I’m doing my rounds," he commented.
Poppy’s eyes widen. "No way, so it’s haunted?"
Branch chuckled at her expression, a mix of fascination and apprehension in her wide eyes. "Or maybe it's just old and the wiring's a bit off." he teased. Poppy giggled, the eerie atmosphere dissipating slightly.
"So, why did you want to meet here?" Poppy inquired.
Branch glanced around the deserted carousel before looking back at Poppy with a grin. "Well, I have something special planned."
He pulled a small, remote control from his pocket and clicked a button. Instantly, the carousel lights flickered to life, casting colorful reflections on their faces. A soft melody started to play, the same tune they'd danced to on the rooftop that memorable night.
Poppy gasped, her paws flying to her mouth in delighted surprise. "Branch!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "How did you do this?"
Branch shrugged with a mischievous smile. "Like you, I also have my ways." he said before extending his paw towards her. "So, I did promise you about finishing that dance,"
With a joyful laugh, Poppy took his hand and stepped onto the carousel platform as it began to slowly rotate. The horses moved up and down gently, and the music filled the air around them. They danced among the wooden horses, each step more confident than the last as if the carousel itself were encouraging their movements.
As they spun around, Branch pulled Poppy closer to him. "You with the sad eyes," he started singing, his voice blending with the carousel tune. Poppy beamed up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy.
"Don't be discouraged, oh I realize," she sang back, her voice a perfect complement to his. The carousel seemed to sway in time with their song, the lights casting long, dancing shadows around them.
"It's hard to take courage," they sang together, their voices growing stronger with each verse. As they danced, the carousel appeared to come alive, its lights twinkling more brightly and the horses galloping as though they were real and not just carved from wood.
"In a world full of people," Branch continued, his arms tightening around her as they moved fluidly through the chorus. Poppy laughed, a sound of pure happiness that echoed across the empty amusement park.
"You can lose sight of it all," Poppy continued, her eyes never leaving Branch’s. The melody wrapped around them like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
"And the darkness inside you can make you feel so small," Branch finished the line, his voice a comforting rumble.
"But I see your true colors shining through," Poppy picked up, a smile breaking across her face as Branch spun her around, the carousel spinning in sync with their twirls.
"I see your true colors," sang Branch, and Poppy's heart skipped a beat in anticipation of the next words. They were the words she had longed to hear possibly since that day in the pirates of the reef ride, and now they were being sung by Branch with genuine emotion. "And that's why I love you."
Poppy's breath caught in her throat, her eyes glistening with emotion as the words echoed around the carousel. The melody seemed to swell with significance, each note wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. Her heart overflowed with warmth, and she could barely speak, so she simply squeezed Branch's paw tighter in response. As the music faded and he finished singing to her, Branch pulled her in close and their foreheads met. They stood there, breathless, as the carousel lights dimmed to a soft glow, creating an intimate atmosphere around them.
"I love you." Branch whispered again, the words barely audible over the faint sound of the wind. Poppy looked up into his eyes, her own glistening with tears of happiness. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, as if trying to hold onto the moment forever.
"I love you too," she breathed out, her voice trembling. The carousel began to slow to a stop, but the magic of their moment felt endless. As their lips met, Poppy could feel the warmth and gentleness of his kiss. His paws, big and strong, cupped the back of her head as if to hold her close forever. She ran her fingers through his soft hair, savoring the feel of it between her fingertips. The kiss lingered, soft and sweet, until the carousel had come to a complete stop.
The conversation she had with his grandmother only solidified what she already knew. "If I know anything about that boy," his grandmother had said, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "it's that when he loves, he loves with his whole heart. You'll see it." Those words echoed in Poppy's mind as Branch pulled back slightly to look at her, his gaze intense and full of emotion.
In that moment, she knew without a doubt that everything she had ever wanted was right here in front of her.
THE WEDDING
As Poppy reached the altar, she passed the bouquet to her sister, and her father gave her paw a final squeeze before placing it in Branch's. The connection was electric, sparks flying between them in that simple touch. Branch's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as he took her paws in his, the roughness of his fingers a stark contrast to her smooth fur.
"Hi," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"Hi," Poppy whispered back, a giggle escaping her despite the solemnity of the moment.
Branch glanced at the small egg nestled in Poppy's hair, a gentle reminder of the new addition they were eagerly anticipating in their lives. "How is he doing?" he asked.
"Full of excitement, just like us," Poppy responded with a mixture of happiness and nerves. The little lavender blue egg vibrated slightly, as if in agreement.
"And how is the little lady?" Poppy gazed at the tiny egg poking out of Branch's hair, its gentle tremors mirroring its sibling’s excitement.
"Behaving," Branch whispered back, his smile growing as he glanced at the small egg.
The officiant, Grandma Rosiepuff, cleared her throat softly, a tender smile playing on her lips as she looked over at her grandson and his bride. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Branch and Poppy in marriage," she began, her voice carrying across the gathering with warmth and a touch of mischief.
"Woo!" John Dory shouted from the back, immediately silenced by a sharp look from Rosiepuff. The crowd erupted into a mix of chuckles and shushing sounds.
Grandma Rosiepuff waited for the laughter to subside before continuing. "This union is not just a celebration of love, but also a blending of dreams, hopes, and futures. Marriage is the grand adventure, and these two adventurers are well-suited for the journey ahead."
Branch squeezed Poppy’s paws, feeling the warmth of her fur and the strength of her grip. He had no idea meeting her at that fateful audition would lead to this moment, but standing here now, about to pledge his life to her, he felt this was where he was meant to be.
Poppy looked into Branch's eyes, seeing there not just love but a shared future, a promise of countless adventures and moments just like this, filled with love and laughter. She squeezed his paws back, a silent affirmation of her readiness to embark on this new chapter together. Grandma Rosiepuff invited them to exchange vows, and as Branch began to speak, his voice quivered with the weight of his emotions.
"Poppy, from the moment I met you, my world has been brighter, fuller, and infinitely more wonderful. With you, I found a love that I didn't even know I was searching for, but now can't imagine living without. You made me happy in ways that I didn't even think were possible. And today, I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make you just as happy. Today, as we stand before our friends, our family, and our future children," he paused to glance at the tiny eggs nestled in their hair,
"I vow to support you, to love you, and to cherish you through all the adventures we have yet to encounter. I promise to be there for our children, to be a father they can rely on, and a partner you can always count on. Every day with you is a blessing, and I'm so happy to be standing here with you, about to start our greatest adventure yet."
Poppy listened, tears glistening in her sparkling eyes as Branch spoke his vows. When he finished, she took a deep breath, her voice steady yet filled with emotion as she began her own vows.
"You know, I had a whole scrapbook and everything. It had all of our moments mapped out, from the day we met to this very day. But what I hadn't planned in those pages was how deeply I would fall in love with you, how you would become my best friend, my joy, my rock. Branch, you are more to me than I could have ever imagined. You’ve taught me that love isn't just about the big moments, but also about the small ones that happen every day. With you, I look forward to waking up every morning and falling asleep every night. As we stand here today, surrounded by everyone we love, our future kids," she glanced at their eggs with a tender smile,
"I promise to always be there for you and for them as you have been for me, to encourage you, and to face every challenge with you hand in hand. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you every day just how deeply I care for you, no matter what."
As Poppy finished her vows, the air around them seemed charged with the intense love and commitment they had just pledged to each other. Branch smiled, his eyes shining brightly with tears that he no longer bothered to hold back. He reached out, gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down Poppy’s cheek, his touch as tender as the words they had just exchanged.
Grandma Rosiepuff nodded approvingly, her eyes shimmering with pride and emotion. "Do we have the rings?"
The best man, Fuzzbert, stepped forward, handing Branch a simple yet elegant silver band with his gemstone.
"Take this ring, and repeat after me." Grandma Rosiepuff guided Branch gently, her voice calm and encouraging. "With this ring, I take you, Poppy, as my wife."
Branch slipped the ring onto Poppy's finger as he repeated the words, his fingers trembling slightly with the magnitude of the moment. Poppy beamed at him, her heart so full it felt like it could burst.
"Now, Poppy," Grandma Rosiepuff said, turning to her with a smile. "Please take your ring and repeat after me."
The maid of honor and her sister, Viva whose tears couldn't stop flowing down on her cheeks, passed a similarly styled ring with her heart gemstone on top of it to Poppy, who took it with trembling excitement.
Holding Branch's paw, she echoed Grandma Rosiepuff's words, "With this ring, I take you, Branch, as my husband."
Poppy carefully placed the ring on Branch's finger, sealing the vow with a tender look that spoke volumes about her commitment and love. Their fingers intertwined, they turned to face Grandma Rosiepuff, who was now beaming with a joy so contagious that everyone in attendance couldn't help but share in the happiness.
"And now, by the power vested in me," Grandma Rosiepuff announced, her voice resonant with emotion, tears were starting to come down her cheeks as she spoke. "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss now!"
Poppy didn’t hesitate; she grabbed Branch by his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss that stirred cheers and whistles from the crowd. It was a kiss filled with promises, dreams, and unspoken vows, a seal on their love and commitment to each other. The little eggs nestled in their hair seemed to tremble even more with excitement, as if they too understood the significance of the moment.
As the applause and cheers washed over them, Poppy and Branch finally parted, their smiles as bright as the sparkling lights around them. The crowd of friends and family rose to their feet, their clapping echoing through the clearing that was bedecked with vibrant flowers and twinkling lights. They both felt the eggs shift in their hairs, and without a word they instinctively reached out to check on them. The eggs were not hatching yet; they were still safe within their protective shells. Poppy and Branch shared a a worrying look, but then they quickly turned to smiles as they caught each other’s gaze, a silent assurance that all was well.
Hand in hand, Poppy and Branch led the way to the festive reception area, where tables covered in pastel tablecloths and floral centerpieces awaited them. The music from DJ Suki picked up a joyful tune as the newlyweds approached, prompting an impromptu dance among some of the guests. Guy was seen with Floyd at the center of the dance floor along with John Dory and Hickory, their laughter mingling with the music as they attempted to outdo each other with increasingly elaborate dance moves. Brandy and Bruce were enjoying their time over at the table of food with their kids. Clay, Viva, and Barb had taken over the bar, the two cheering for Viva as she drank down each shot.
Smidge, Fuzzbert, and Cooper took over dance floor with some enthusiastic moves that had everyone clapping and laughing. Around them, other guests joined in, inspired by their energy and the festive atmosphere.
As the laughter and dancing continued, Poppy and Branch made their way through the jubilant crowd, receiving congratulatory hugs and cheerful pats on the back from their friends and family.
Just then, Satin and Chenille approached the couple with a gift that sparkled under the twinkling lights. "We designed something special for you both," they chimed in unison, revealing custom-made outfits for their future trollings. They were tiny, soft garments made with the finest threads, each one adorned with little gemstones matching those in Poppy and Branch's wedding rings.
Poppy gasped in delight, her eyes lighting up as she gingerly took the miniature clothes from Satin and Chenille. "They're perfect! Thank you both so much. They are going to look SO wonderful in these," she gushed, her voice thick with emotion.
Branch leaned over to inspect the outfits more closely, his heart swelling with pride and anticipation. "You've outdone yourselves," he complimented the twins, his smile conveying his gratitude better than words ever could.
The music changed, and the wedding band - made up of his former college bandmates - took the stage. The instruments glinted in the soft lighting as Ablaze gave Branch a knowing look before starting to play a slow song for their first dance as newlyweds. Branch returned the nod with a smile, eager to surprise Poppy who was already being led to the dance floor. As "True Colors" filled the room, Branch pulled Poppy close and they began to sway together to the beat.
Their movements were gentle and fluid, like two leaves drifting on a breeze, perfectly in sync with each other and the music. Poppy rested her head on Branch's shoulder, her eyes closed, soaking in the moment and the lyrics that seemed to capture everything they were feeling. As they danced, the guests circled around them, creating a bubble of love and warmth. Biggie was seen wiping away a tear, smiling through it all as he watched the couple.
Branch lifted Poppy's chin gently and kissed her again, softly this time, a whisper of a kiss that spoke of years to come filled with love and laughter. As they parted, Branch whispered into Poppy’s ear, his breath tickling her neck. "I have a little surprise for you after this dance," he murmured with a playful tone.
Poppy looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and excitement. "What kind of surprise?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You’ll see. Just trust me," he replied, his eyes crinkling with joy as he tightened his embrace, ensuring she felt secure and loved in his arms.
As the last note of the song hung in the air, Branch led Poppy off the dance floor towards where her father and Grandma Rosiepuff was. He glanced back at his former bandmates and gave them a subtle nod, signaling them to begin their surprise. Branch winked at Poppy as the musicians began playing an upbeat tune, causing the room to buzz with excitement and anticipation.
"You’re going to perform?!" Poppy exclaimed, her face lighting up with sheer delight. Branch nodded, a grin spreading across his face as he stepped toward the stage. The crowd parted for him, their cheers fueling his stride as he joined his former bandmates. Branch took the microphone as Boom began playing a rhythmic beat on the drums. The catchy rhythm had everyone clapping in unison, including an enthusiastic Poppy whose eyes shone with joy and a hint of amazement.
"I got this feeling inside my bones," he sang, his performance bursting with the same vibrant energy that filled the air.
"It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on," he continued, his voice confident and playful, filling the hall with vibrant sounds that had everyone moving to the beat. The floor vibrated with the tapping of feet and the rhythm of bodies swaying in harmony with Branch's voice. Poppy couldn't resist; Smidge and Viva looked at each other but before they could stop her, she jumped onto the stage, her movements free and filled with happiness. Her laughter mingled with the music, a perfect melody to Branch’s tune. "All through my city, all through my home," she sang along, waving her arms in the air, inviting everyone to join in this celebration of love and life.
"Just open up your heart, let music take control," they both sang.
"I got that sunshine in my pocket, got that good soul in my feet," Branch and Poppy continued, their voices blending beautifully as the crowd joined in, their voices swelling in a chorus of joy and celebration. Lights flickered overhead, casting a magical glow over the dance floor as everyone moved together in sync with the beat. Barb, Smidge, and Guy tried to get up on stage but the crowd was too thick, and they ended up in the middle of it.
"I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops!" Branch belted out, his spirit catching fire with every note. He spun Poppy around, her dress fluttering like a vibrant flower twirling in the wind. The couple’s energy was infectious, their happiness palpable as they danced through their song. Glitter rained down from above, sparkling like tiny stars caught in the soft light of the evening. DJ Suki ramped up the volume. The crowd erupted in cheers, their bodies moving in rhythm as if the music itself dictated their every move.
Their movements became more fluid and graceful as the song reached its climax. Branch guided Poppy into a spin, then back towards him, but their expressions turned to shock as they noticed tiny eggs nestled in their hair starting to crack open. The iridescent shells were delicate, with intricate spiderweb cracks forming on the surface.
Sensing the change, the band quieted down to a gentle hum, allowing the enchanting moment to take center stage. Poppy reached up, holding one of the eggs tenderly while Branch held the other in his paws. A soft glow emanated from within, casting a light that flickered like the stars twinkling above them in the night sky.
"They're hatching!" Smidge called out excitedly. Doctor Moonbloom pushed her way through the crowd, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is truly a rare and spectacular moment," she exclaimed, adjusting his glasses as she peered closely at the eggs. "They weren’t due for another week at least,"
The crowd hushed, all eyes transfixed on the slowly hatching eggs. The soft shimmering lights from above bathed the scene in a magical glow, enhancing the sense of wonder that enveloped the room.
The first egg held in Branch's paws, pink and glittering, cracked open completely, and a tiny pale pink creature with tufts of vibrant purple hair peeked out. She blinked her large, bewitching eyes, adjusting to the lights and the faces around it. A collective gasp of awe swept through the crowd as she chirped delicately, her voice melodic and tender. She nestled deeper into Branch's paws, seemingly comfortable in the warmth they provided.
Poppy leaned closer, her eyes filled with tears of joy as she gently stroked the tiny creature with a finger. "Hello, little one," she whispered. She chirped again, tilting her head as if understanding her gentle greeting.
"Poppy!!!" Viva squealed, grabbing Barb by the shoulders and rocking her back and forth in excitement.
"Isn’t she just the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?" She gushed, trying to get a closer look at the tiny creature nestled in Branch’s hands. Her eyes were wide with excitement and wonder as she leaned over, her voice a mixture of delight and enchantment. Branch nodded, his own face lit up with a soft, amazed smile. "Absolutely beautiful," he agreed, shifting slightly so that Viva and the others could see better without startling the little creature. The crowd around them pressed closer, everyone eager to catch a glimpse of this miraculous event.
Meanwhile, the second egg in Poppy's gentle hold began to crack more audibly, its shell giving way under the careful touch of her fingers. Slowly, the shell parted, and another tiny troll peered out, bright blue skin with pale indigo hair. He stretched his tiny arms above his head, yawning widely, his small mouth forming a perfect O. The crowd murmured endearments and cooed, utterly captivated by the sight.
"Branch, he looks just like you when you were born," Floyd called out from the crowd, his voice filled with laughter and nostalgia. Branch's eyes met Floyd’s and his other brothers who were nodding in agreement, their faces glowing with the same joy reflected in the eyes of the attendees.
Poppy delicately held him up to her face. He giggled, a sound so pure and joyful that it spread an infectious smile throughout the room. Branch looked on with admiration and love, his heart swelling at the sight of their new family member.
"Everyone, meet Iris and Periwinkle, our newest little miracles," Poppy announced to the crowd, her voice full of emotion and love. As she spoke their names, Iris and Periwinkle seemed to recognize the affection in her tone, cooing softly in response. Grandma Rosiepuff gasped and clapped her hands together, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, my stars, they're just precious!" she exclaimed, moving closer to get a better view.
The celebration took on a new layer of excitement as everyone vied for a glimpse of the newborn trolls. DJ Suki, ever the opportunist to elevate the mood, switched tracks to a more soothing, melodious tune that perfectly underscored the magical moment.
Branch, holding Iris close, and Poppy, cradling Periwinkle, swayed gently to the lilting music. The room itself seemed to breathe in unison with the soft melody, encapsulating the profound joy of new life among them. As the gentle music continued to fill the room, the sense of community and love was palpable. Family and friends encircled Branch and Poppy, each taking turns marveling at the tiny newcomers and offering their congratulations.
As the evening progressed, each passing moment became woven into an unforgettable night. Amidst the dancing and celebrations, Branch and Poppy would occasionally take breaks, seeking quieter corners to marvel at their newborn twins, Iris and Periwinkle. Their sense of wonder never faded as they watched every tiny blink and breath of their new children.
In one such quiet moment, they stood together and simply enjoyed each other's company while the trollings slept peacefully in their arms.
"I never would have imagined this as the end to our night," Poppy whispered, gazing down at Periwinkle in her arms.
Branch, with Iris cradled against his chest, turned to Poppy and smiled lovingly. "Neither did I," he replied. "But it's the most wonderful surprise."
Under the soft glow of fairy lights above them, they shared a sweet kiss filled with promises of endless love and dedication to their growing family. The gentle hum of celebration continued in the background, serving as the backdrop to this perfect moment they shared.
"I love you," Poppy murmured, her eyes shining with emotion as she looked at Branch.
"And I love you," Branch replied, his voice filled with warmth.
They stood together, their little family nestled between them, and for both of them, everything felt right and complete in that moment.
Notes:
flashbacks are connected to these chapters:
18: Chill Time
22: Down Time
31: What Makes You Happy
20: So Much For Privacy
34/35: Date Night
41: Late Night At The ParkFinally done! I hope you all had fun with this story. I'll admit, I made some back and forth changes after I had finished it because I wanted it to be perfect. And then I grew insecure with my writing and second guessing myself but with the help of re-reading some comments and the support with my girlfriend, I decided, well I'm happy with it! I hope you guys are too.
In regards to their names, Iris, also a flower, is the name of a voice actress who voiced both baby versions of Poppy and Branch. Periwinkle, shortened for Peri, just to match with the naming convention and it's a beautiful flower as well.
Epilogue is coming next and it won't take as long but it will be released on tuesday
-edit: playlist wasn't working so I reuploaded it
Chapter Text
Notes:
i said tuesday when i really meant monday
BUT THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THIS JOURNEY.
To all the commenters, kudos, TO THE PEOPLE WHO COMMENTED EVERY CHAPTER I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Thank you SO MUCH for reading this story because it really has a special place in my heart. I had so much fun updating on a daily basis, thinking of little chats and moments for not just Branch and Poppy but for all the group chats as well. It must come to an end and I do hope you liked this little epilogue :]
as far as who their favorite uncle and aunties are they don't have a favorite! They love each and every single one of them (but Fuzzbert and Viva are considered 'the coolest' for them)
Again, thank you all and I do hope you follow me in my next adventure. If not, I'm glad you're still here for this one :] <33333
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 1 Wed 22 May 2024 10:07PM UTC
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Wickedme on Chapter 1 Wed 22 May 2024 09:50PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 1 Wed 22 May 2024 10:08PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 1 Wed 22 May 2024 11:18PM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 1 Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:24AM UTC
Last Edited Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:26AM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 1 Sun 04 Aug 2024 01:33PM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 1 Mon 05 Aug 2024 02:50AM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 2 Thu 23 May 2024 02:01AM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 2 Thu 23 May 2024 02:08AM UTC
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StarFirefly_22 on Chapter 3 Thu 23 May 2024 05:41AM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 3 Thu 23 May 2024 05:43AM UTC
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KiwiOwl on Chapter 3 Thu 23 May 2024 10:29AM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 3 Thu 23 May 2024 03:58PM UTC
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KiwiOwl on Chapter 3 Thu 23 May 2024 04:10PM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 3 Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:33AM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 05:20PM UTC
Last Edited Thu 23 May 2024 05:35PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 05:42PM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 05:46PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 05:54PM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 06:12PM UTC
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Frosted_Cupcake on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 06:22PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 4 Thu 23 May 2024 06:37PM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 4 Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:39AM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 5 Thu 23 May 2024 11:54PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 5 Fri 24 May 2024 12:07AM UTC
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Wickedme on Chapter 5 Fri 24 May 2024 01:31AM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 5 Fri 24 May 2024 01:50AM UTC
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Wickedme on Chapter 5 Fri 24 May 2024 02:02AM UTC
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Fizzykitty17 on Chapter 5 Fri 24 May 2024 01:55AM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 5 Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:45AM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 6 Fri 24 May 2024 02:47PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 6 Fri 24 May 2024 06:50PM UTC
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XxDarkBeatxX on Chapter 6 Fri 24 May 2024 07:31PM UTC
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Frosted_Cupcake on Chapter 6 Fri 24 May 2024 06:16PM UTC
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Sleepy_Black_Cat on Chapter 6 Fri 24 May 2024 06:49PM UTC
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jack_shroud on Chapter 6 Sun 04 Aug 2024 10:53AM UTC
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