Branch walked through the village confidently, his head held high.

     He was still wearing his tux, but he had wrapped the sleeves off of it, making it more like a tank top. His hair was messy, and he had dirt and mud all over him, as if he had been rolling around in it.

—————

     Poppy waited outside Che Dante in a fancy purple and blue flowered dress. Instead of her usual green headband with three blue flowers, she was wearing a light purple headband with a single blue flower.

     She was beginning to get impatient, as she waited for Branch to show up. He was already a half hour late.

     With a slight sigh, Poppy looked at her watch.

     "Where is he..." she muttered to herself.

     Poppy couldn't help but wonder... what if that poem she found wasn't written for her? What if he had written it for someone else, and it found it's way to her by accident? Did he agree to go on this date, just so he wouldn't hurt her feelings?

     She sighed, lowering her head, as her ears dropped in sadness. She shoulda known Branch didn't like her like that... they were friends... and that's all...

     "Hey, hey, Poppā!" she suddenly heard in a shout.

     Confused, she raised her head, looking up to see Branch strolling towards her, his outfit torn and dirty.

     "Branch? What happens?" she asked, thinking he had been in some kind of accident. That was the only way she could think to explain his appearance and tardiness.

     "What? Nothin'," he chuckled. "I just thought this tux was too... boring. So not my style." He laughed loudly, grabbing onto Poppy, and dipping her, as he kissed her forehead.

     "Are you ok, Branch?" Poppy asked, raising an eyebrow, as she backed away from him slightly.

     "Of course, babe. Why wouldn't I be?" he chuckled. "Now let's go get some food! I'm starving!"

     He ran inside, screaming loudly. "Whoooo!"

     Poppy watched after him for a moment, completely confused, before finally following him into the restaurant.