They ran deep into the Enchanted Forest, finally stopping, when they where sure they weren't being followed.

     "What's... going on... Popsqueek?" Barb asked, panting, as she tried to catch her breath.

     "I've been here before. When I was little," Poppy explained, gently placing the unconscious Branch on the ground.

     "The trolls in this forest... they tried to kill us, and the one we where just with. That's their leader. She had it out for Branch. She wanted to hurt him back then, and she still wants to hurt him now."

     She gently placed her hand on Branch's cheek.

     "Branch? Are you ok?" she asked, softly.
"That lady said he was just sleeping," Barb said.
"How do we know that's true, though?" Poppy questioned, concerned for Branch's safety.

     Barb looked at Branch, as he slept on the ground, not moving an inch.

     "He'll wake up, Poppy," she assured. "By morning... I'm sure he'll be fine."

     She looked around, the sun beginning to set.

     "I'm gonna go find some firewood, and sleeping leaves. You stay here with boy toy," Barb said.

     Poppy nodded, still looking down at Branch, sadly.

     "I'll be back," Barb promised, beginning to walk away.

      Gently, Poppy combed her fingers through Branch's hair, just wishing he would wake up.

———————

     Soon, Barb came back with two leaves, and a bunch of sticks.

     "Ok... got us blankets and firewood," Barb said, smiling.

     She handed Poppy one of the leaves, and then placed the other one on the ground for herself.

     Poppy looked at the two leaves, and then at Branch.

     "What about Branch's blanket?" she asked.
"Oh right... boy toy..." Barb said, looking at Branch. "Sorry, Popcorn. I could only find two. The leaves in this forest are really weird. Super small and colorful."

     "That's ok..." Poppy said, softly. "He can have mine."

     She placed the leaf over Branch's body, and then smiled at him.

     "You sure, Popsqueek? It's gonna get pretty cold tonight. You'll need something to keep you warm."
"Branch needs it more than I do. Besides... I know he would do the same for me."

     She tucked him in, nice and snug, and then kissed his forehead, gently.

     Barb shrugged.

     "Well... this one is mine. And I'm keeping it. No way am I freezing to death out here," she said, stubbornly, holding her leaf blanket close to her, as she snarled at Poppy.

     "Don't worry, Barb. I'm not gonna take your blanket. Here. Let me start the fire."

     She took the sticks from Barb, placing them on the ground in a pile.

     "You know how to light a fire?" Barb questioned, shocked.

     Poppy chuckled, as she smiled.

     "Of course I do. Branch taught me how. He's always trying to make sure I'm safe. That includes making sure I know how to survive if I ever get lost."

     She looked at Branch again, her smile fading.

     "I... I just wish I knew how to get him to wake up."
"It'll be ok, Popsqueek," Barb said, calmingly, as she walked over, sitting next to Poppy, and placed her hand on her shoulder.

     "He'll wake up. I'm sure of it. Like I said before. He loves you. He wouldn't leave you for anything."

     Poppy looked at her, and smiled slightly.

     "Thanks, Barb. That really helped."
"Yeah. Don't get used to it," she chuckled, putting Poppy in a head lock, as she gave her a noogie.

     "Barb! Stop!" Poppy laughed, trying to pull away.

     She finally got out of Barb's grasp, running around, as Barb chased her, playfully.

     Branch still lay on the ground, sleeping, neither one of the two girls noticing his breathing becoming slower.