The snack pack sat around the fire, as it danced for them, putting on a little movie. They watched in amazement, smiling at the beauty of it.

     "Isn't this great, Branch? Branch?"

     Poppy looked around, noticing Branch wasn't at the fire with them.

     She stood, looking around, finally spotting him at the edge of the pond.

     He was sitting at the edge, his head resting on his hand, as he threw a stone into the water.

     The water grabbed the stone, handing it back to him, so he could throw it again.

     "You ok, Branch?" Poppy asked, walking over to sit next to him.
"Yeah..." he replied with a slight sigh. "I'm fine."

     "Why aren't you over at the fire?"
"I just... prefer to be alone."

     He threw the stone into the water again, and the water picked it up, handing it back to him.

     It formed into the shape of a dog, dancing on top of the pond, it's tongue hanging out, and tail wagging, waiting for Branch to throw the stone again.

     Poppy chuckled at the sight.

     "The water really likes you," she said.
"Yeah... not sure why. No one else does," Branch replied with a sigh, throwing the stone again.

     Poppy's smile faded, as she looked at Branch, sadly.

     "Don't say that... of coarse people like you."
"Oh yeah... name one," Branch replied.

     The water handed the stone back to Branch, and he threw it again.

     "Me," Poppy said, suddenly.

     Branch looked at her, confused.

     "What?"

     "You said to name one person who likes you. Well... I like you."

     He smiled slightly, and then looked away.

     "You're probably just saying that to make me feel better," he said, throwing the stone again, the water instantly retrieving it, and handing it back.

     "Nugh-ugh," she said, shaking her head, as she smiled, nudging him with her elbow. "I mean it, Branch. You're one of my best friends. I mean... you risked your life today... for me."

     "Psh..." Branch chuckled. "I didn't risk my life."
"You did. You had no idea what that troll was gonna do, but you let him take you anyways. Just so he wouldn't take me."

     Branch smiled at her again.

     "Thanks, Poppy," he said, softly.

     She really was making him feel happier. Happier than he's been in a long time.

     Stealthily, the water came over in its snake like form, nudging Branch closer to Poppy.

     "Hey! Cut that out," Branch laughed, throwing the stone again.

     The water retrieved it, but instead of handing it to Branch, it put it on the ground between him, and Poppy.

     He and Poppy reached for it at the same time, their hands accidentally touching.

     They looked at each other, shocked.

     Branch blushed, pulling his hand away, as he turned his head.

     Poppy smiled, and then took his hand back, holding it gently.

     He looked at their hands together, and then up at Poppy.

     She smiled at him, and he smiled back, both of them turning their heads to gaze up at the stars.

     Creek was sitting over at the fire, when he noticed Poppy sitting with Branch.

     He glared at Branch, getting jealous.

     "Think you can take my girl... I don't think so..."