The Desired Effect

I Still Want You

Saturday 7th January - Barstow, California

They weren't joking when they decided to all squeeze into the tiny room for the night. Jordan had got himself comfortable in the bath with an extra pillow and a scratchy motel blanket. Meanwhile the other 3 all shared the rather pokey double bed. They eventually created a type of spooning train with Brandon spooning Poppy and Poppy spooning Chris. It partially made Poppy wish she hadn't picked up the phone to Jordan those hours ago as she'd be enjoying the peace and quiet of the motel room but instead here she was, surrounded by boys.

Brandon was the first to wake. He groaned and assessed his predicament. He didn't want to wake either of his friends but he urgently needed the bathroom and to stretch his back. All it took was him to stretch his legs for Poppy to begin to stir.
"Time is it?" She groaned quietly, stretching up to wipe the sleep from her eyes.
"Think it's about 7" Brandon whispered sitting up now he didn't have to worry so much, "Are you hungry?" He asked, "there's a nice breakfast cafe around the corner?" Instantly, Poppy's eyes blinked open.
"Pancakes?" She started excitedly, making Brandon smirk.
"If you want?" he smiled as Poppy pushed herself up  and out of the cramped bed.

The pair quietly and quickly got themselves ready, left a note for the other two and set off, somehow without disturbing the others. They crossed over the road and practically skipped down the street to the cafe Brandon had in mind. Brandon was sporting his signature cap. Poppy was unsure whether it was a privacy tactic or because he couldn't be bothered to tame his wild hair. Once at the cafe they ordered coffees and food. Poppy opted for a stack of pancakes with strawberries while Brandon went for toast, bacon and eggs. 

"How did you end up all the way down here Poppy? I'm impressed you got so far in one evening" Brandon pondered, taking a bite of his toast.
"I just wanted to get away so I followed the traffic out of town and just kept going" Poppy shrugged, carefully stabbing a strawberry with her fork.
"- you had me worried you know?" Brandon remarked, flicking his eyes up to meet hers. Poppy scrunched her nose up as if to ask why. "these roads are dangerous especially late at night and, and well, I care about you" Brandon explained, trying to sound as casual as possible. Poppy did her best to seem unaffected by the statement and stared at the last remaining strawberry on her plate. "I hate that I made you feel so bad that you had to runaway, it scared me to think of you out here, all alone -" he went on, reaching out to hold her hand. "What you said yesterday when I snapped, it was all so true, you're much wiser than I give you credit for" he smiled weakly as he rubbed her knuckles gently. "We're a team Pops and I need you especially" he smiled confidently this time as his eyes locked with hers, which were now glazed with tears.

"I still want you" Poppy declared, staring straight into his chestnut eyes, her voice so low he didn't quite catch it. She flipped her hands so that she was now holding his, a smile slowly returning to her lips. Brandon beamed. He sat up and leant across the table to kiss her. Their lips lingered for as long as was acceptable before they broke apart. Neither of them could stop smiling.

"I care about you so much Poppy, I know I screwed up but life was unbearable without you" Brandon admitted, holding her hands so tightly.

"you'll just have to hold onto me tighter from now on then" she sassed, offering a cheeky smirk.

"a hundred percent" Brandon nodded, tightening his grip on her hands. They both burst into laughter once more out of relief and pure joy. It was like a switch had been flicked. They had suddenly managed to pull one another from the downward spiral they had both fallen into. As they proceeded to bounce down the street, the sparkle had returned to their eyes. They savoured the feeling of having one another's back and of being genuinely happy, something neither of them had felt for a good while.

Later that day - Las Vegas, Nevada

Hours later, the gang made it back to Las Vegas safely. The journey had been spent karaoke-ing to classic rock and arguing about who's the best guitarist, Johnny Marr or George Harrison. Jordan was in charge of the snacks, Poppy was in charge of the music and Chris was navigating but Brandon knew the roads like the back of his hand anyway. Just after midday they finally saw Sin City creep into the distance.

"Ahh, home" remarked Brandon, a fond smile on his lips.

"I'm so glad we've got everyone home in one piece" added Jordan bravely.

"Aren't we all?" chuckled Chris keeping the mood light.

"All that matters is we're all safe and happy now" chirped Brandon, as they finally reached the city.

"It's about time" Jordan commented sassily, giving Brandon the eye.

"Behave, you're no Casanova either" Brandon chuckled, checking Poppy in the mirror. "we're remaining professional for now - " Brandon smiled sweetly at her in the mirror.

"For now" Chris laughed, easing any threat of tension within the group. The truck erupted with laughter.

First to be dropped off was Jordan then Chris. Brandon offered to cook for Poppy as a peace offering. Both of them knew it was just an excuse to be together a little longer. Poppy sat at his breakfast bar sipping orange juice whilst he cooked up some chicken pasta. They chatted and joked the time away and before they knew it, food was ready. He was no chef but to Poppy it was divine.

"Come here," Brandon instructed, sliding himself closer to Poppy, "you look like you have orange lip liner on" he chuckled, taking a napkin to wipe away the remaining sauce from her lips. Poppy blushed and looked away, giggling as Brandon insisted on holding her still. With a gentle dab, he removed the orange and smiled at her. Her gaze softened and her flushed cheeks subsided. "thats better" he smirked. "You have the prettiest eyes y'know, I never thought it was the right time to tell you that until now" he told her, his fingers gently caressing her jaw along to her chin. Poppy wrapped her fingers around his wrist and grasped firmly. She had never felt such a tender touch.

"Your touch" she spoke, her voice quiet and timid, "it gives me goosebumps" she admitted, her cheeks flushing once again. He smirked, pleased he had such an impact on her.

"We can take things at your pace, ok" Brandon stated, suddenly very aware of his words and actions. Poppy nodded. She took a deep breath and then leant forwards, pressing her lips confidently into his. Lust poured between their lips and almost crackled aloud with electricity. Their hands roamed over one another's body as Poppy shifted onto Brandon's lap, while their lips fought for dominance. Before things could get too heated, Poppy eased off and instead focused on admiring the view. She played with his dark curls, noticing the odd strand of shiny grey sticking out. Brandon also admired the view of a highly focused Poppy paying him attention. That was sexy enough for him.

"I'm sorry" Poppy spoke shyly, sitting back down in her chair.

"What for?" Brandon frowned, sitting forwards.

"For that?" she declared, "for you know, just stopping" she shrugged and began to fiddle with her nails.

"Poppy" Brandon's tone was soft, he leant forward to rub her arms reassuringly. "It's ok, there's more to life than sex y'know" he admitted, wishing she wouldn't be so hard on herself.  "and y'know what?" he cocked his head and she frowned, shaking her head slightly "I think you're much sexier when you innocently show me attention like just then" he smirked before leaning forwards and planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. All traces of concern left her face and instead she began to smile. "Lets get these cleared away" he remarked, collecting the dishes from the table and expertly changing the subject.