Chapter Text
How could a question carry so much uncertainty? Could one question seal the fate between two partners? It didn't sound realistic to the ear of a skeptic. It was something constantly on the young troll's mind nowadays after having obtained a potential partner for himself. To have such a simple question be equally daunting and terrifying.
“Do you want to get married?”
Such a simple phrase, but it carried mountains of weight and meaning. What does marriage even mean to a Troll? “Forever bonded by happiness” was one of the many phrases Branch had heard uttered at every wedding ceremony between the bride and groom. If Trolls were the embodiment of happiness, then how could a marriage be anything more than what they already are?
Branch’s wavering mind continued to linger, watching the beautiful ceremony that was taking place before him. It was a spectacular venue, something even Branch couldn't have put together without some insight from his peers. The venue overlooked the old and now vibrantly blossoming Troll Tree. Many memories lay inside its branches for the dark-haired troll, thoughts that only seemed to linger negatively until he forced them away. He didn't need to be thinking of his past life right now. His eyes shifted over to his brightly colored partner, who stood excitedly in anticipation as King Gristle and Queen Bridgette recited their vows.
Bored, Branch had begun to picture the bride and groom instead as himself and his lover, Poppy. The two Bergens spoke words that melted like velvet to Branch. It was true love if he’d ever seen it before, he was convinced. They had finished reciting their vows, Bridgette throwing in a few “Pookie-Bears” and “Sweetie-Pies” here and there. The sky had decided to set the mood perfectly, a beautiful painting of pink and orange pastels from the passing sunset. It was events like this that made Branch feel alive, and grateful to be where he was today. He couldn't help but envision something this perfect- if not even more- for himself on his own wedding day.
In addition to a wedding ceremony, it was also Bridgette’s coronation. She was becoming Queen of the Bergens, a title earned from marrying the dashing young King Gristle. Continuing the fantasy of his perfect day, a realization hit Branch like a ton of bricks.
Poppy. Poppy was the Queen of the Pop Trolls- His Partner.
He would be- well, he wouldn't be King of the Pop Trolls. That's not how it worked. He would however be a royal consort, a lower title which allowed the Pop lineage to continue with the royal hierarchy. It was weird, but Branch didn't care. If he and Poppy were to have children, then their son would be King-
He and Poppy… having children?
Branch was shaken from his flustered thoughts as a small pink hand brushed his wrist. “Branch,” The female voice spoke, calling the attention of the Troll beside her. Branch became red, his thoughts having run wild to places he had never thought of before. “Are you okay?” The female voice belonged to his partner Poppy, coaxing Branch closer to her with a gentle tug at the nape of his wrist. Her boyfriend had been lingering and was now suddenly red in the face.
“S-Sorry.” Brach stuttered, flustered. “It's just so beautiful.” Branch stumbled for an excuse, not wanting to admit he was now envisioning her in a beautiful wedding gown. The dress she had on was still beautiful, an adorable bridesmaid gown she had stayed up late the night before perfecting for the big day. “Awe, Branch, you're so sweet. But you are not holding my tail!” Poppy spoke through gritted teeth, stress sifting through her words. “Ugh! With your bowtie off center too!? Branch!” An offended look fell over her face as she scolded him, reaching over and adjusting the glittery tie around his neck. Branch rolled his eyes with a soft chuckle, letting his girlfriend adjust the sequined tuxedo to her liking. Poppy seemed to notice his scoff, her lip poking out in a pout.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just want to make sure everything is perfect for Bridgette.” She put her hands up in defense but returned to scolding Branch. “I told you my tail was going to wag too much and mess up the flow of my dress! Please hold it Branch.” She held the long curled tuft of fur on her tail, handing the base of it to Branch. “You worry too much.” Branch mused, accepting the task of assisting his lover in controlling her excitement. “You look cute when it wags. Who cares?” Branch mused, twisting a few of the pink hairs of her tail between his digits.
This caused Poppy to flush, turning away with a glare. “Branch!” She hissed, fanning her face in an attempt to diffuse her embarrassment. Branch couldn't help but feel his tail wiggle in time with hers as he attempted to control the snake writhing wildly in his hands. It was true, Poppy was extremely excitable.
The ceremony would close, and Branch would lose track of Poppy’s tail as she sprouted forward in a full run with a happy squeal, celebrating her friend's newfound love and status. Branch watched the peppy little Troll scamper off, the pang in his heart reminding him that she was his, his one and only. Branch couldn't believe how sickly in love he was with her.
As the crowd began to disperse to attend the cake-cutting, Branch stepped off to the side to take off the pesky bowtie that was irritating his chin. He loved Poppy and her experimental clothing ideas, but scratchy sequins were not a hit. Branch skittered off away from the crowd, needing to take a walk after that long and agonizing ceremony in a noisy and rambunctious crowd of Trolls. Luckily the forest was nearby, he could regroup there.
The Pop Queen was the only thing the lovesick Troll could think about. How amazing she was, how the white speckles on her cheeks fanned outwards to frame her face. How the light in her eyes never faded, even when she was exhausted to the bone. Branch held his hands up to his flustered face, feeling how warm and happy he felt. He took a deep breath, relishing in the feeling. This was so much better than gray. This felt so much better than lonely, paranoid, and spiteful. He was in love, and she was the most beautiful, inspiring, adorable-
Branch could have rambled off synonyms for hours. He made his way back around the party after the short break, giving him a sliver of time to regroup. Still overwhelmed, Branch didn't care. He let his lovesickness carry him through the dense crowd of Bergens and Trolls, wanting nothing more than to spend the rest of the love-filled day with his even more loving partner. Then suddenly, as if a cloth had come to smother out his light, his thoughts echoed back a daunting question.
“Is this what it's like to feel like a normal Troll?”
The question stopped Branch in his tracks. Such a dark question, where the hell did that come from?! Branch grew angry at himself, of course, he had come to ruin his perfect happiness.
Suddenly, they all started falling like raindrops.
“What, am I not a normal Troll?”
“How am I not normal?”
“Just because I was gray, doesn't mean I'm any less of a Troll.”
“What if it does?”
The banter wouldn't stop, completely snuffing out Branch’s light. Of course, of course. Who was he kidding? He can't get married. Not if he keeps doing bummer shit like this. Not if he can't keep up with Poppy…
Branch took the moment of mental clarity to check his surroundings. He was almost to the throne room, where the reception was being held. It was still a long way up for the little Troll, giving Branch a moment to realize how exhausted he was. He had been keeping up with Poppy all day, but that girl could run. Planning a wedding isn't easy, and Branch had the title of her right-hand man. The tall Bergen steps grew daunting, reminding Branch yet again to go over the construction plans with Poppy for the Troll staircase. By the time Branch had reached the top, his tail was dragging on the floor. “Geez…” He tiredly rubbed the side of his neck, feeling the tiredness stemming from there.
He thankfully met up with Poppy quite quickly, the small pink Troll enthusiastically greeting Branch with a hug by the entrance. “Eee! This is so perfect!” Poppy exclaimed, grasping her boyfriend's hands while jumping up and down. Branch acknowledged her with a smile, before asking his question with beaten breath. “How long is the party going to last?” Branch’s ears perked up in anticipation of an answer.
“All night of course!” Poppy exclaimed happily. Branch’s expression faltered without escaping the diligent notice of Poppy. “What?” She quickly lost her smile. “Poppy, we’ve been running around all day…” Branch said innocently while rubbing his foot into the dirt, insisting that maybe they should wrap this up soon. Poppy, however, was strongly in the mood to party with her newly-wed BFF. “I'm not tired at all. Are you?” She frowned, gripping her boyfriend's hands in hers. Branch let a gentle shrug loose, he certainly didn't want to sleep after all of this. Maybe spend a nice evening with Poppy. His heart was aflutter, but if his partner wanted to party, he would bear with the overstimulation.
“I mean, I don't care. I'm just saying. We can stay.” Branch swayed with his hands in hers, a slight hum in his voice. Poppy knew how to pick up on the smallest of hints from him, god he loved that about her. She raised her eyebrow in confusion. Branch seemed to be having an inner battle with himself, unsure of whether to stay or go. “I-I mean,” Poppy spoke up, certainly not wanting to put her boyfriend through more stress if he was already tuckered out. “Oh Poppy, don't worry about us! We’ve got stuff to do.” Bridgette spoke up from across the table, looking at her newlywed husband with a glint in her eye. The man swallowed before tugging at his shirt nervously, erupting a giggle from both Bridgette and Poppy.
“If you know what I mean.” Bridgette giggled deviously. “Thank you so much for the party, Poppy!” King Gristle cut his wife off, standing up from the chair. “Me and my new wife would love to spend the night watching movies together. We can party after the honeymoon!” He inflicted, hoping the Trolls would get the message. “O-Oh! Of course!” Poppy giggled, winking at Bridgette. She spun on her heels back to face Branch. “Perfect timing then.”
As the couple was pacing out of the Begen castle, the sky happened to catch Branch’s eye. The sun had mostly set, the dusk of night settling into the deepened atmosphere to let the black liquid of space spill from the darkness. Splotches of stars began to peek out of the ink, creating quite a beautiful scene. “Wow…” Branch heard erupt from Poppy, who had also caught that evening’s sky in her eye. Branch’s attention had turned to Poppy, now seeing her illuminated by the setting sun. Those speckles of stars seemed to reflect off of her glossed eyes, watching as those balls of light darted back to meet Branch’s own.
“Isn't it beautiful?” Poppy asked, sincerity in her voice, welling up with emotion.
Branch didn't look away from her. “Y-Yea,” He whispered in response. Poppy’s mouth dropped in shock, realizing what Branch had meant by the comment. “Branch!” She gasped, becoming flustered and running up to her boyfriend. She started giggling like mad, spinning as he embraced her. Her tail couldn't stop whipping rapidly, experiencing the blissful moment of love with her boyfriend. “Shush you.” She giggled, planting a teasing kiss on the cheek. She gently let go of his hands that held her, taking a step back.
“Hey, um… Do you want to do something tonight?” She asked, her question poised in a way Branch wouldn't be able to refuse. He raised an eyebrow with a smile. “I'm not opposed, just nothing that requires a lot of energy?” Branch suggested lightly with a smile. Poppy nodded in agreement. “How about dinner? My treat, for helping me out with everything today.” Poppy clasped her hands together with a smile. Branch grinned. That idea sounded perfect. A quiet and lovely dinner date with his even lovelier girlfriend. “Sounds like a date.” Branch mused. “Mhm!” Poppy announced in excitement—finally, a night to spend together, with love fresh in the air.
Branch felt as if he might pop the question right then and there.
