BROPPY ONE-SHOTS

And, I Hope I Do Right By You

Prompt; Branch has been feeling insecure about their relationship for the past three months, and Poppy is there to reassure him.

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  "Branch?" Poppy waved a hand, breaking the daze he was in. He glanced towards her, catching a glimpse of worry in her expression. He noticed his breathing come to an unsteady rhythm, nearly spazzing out into a full-blown panic attack.

  Just how long was he overthinking?

  Branch cleared his throat, smacking his lips together as he felt how intensely dry it was. "Yeah?" He replied, breaking her gaze as he focused on the marbled floor, suddenly becoming so fascinated by it.

  "Are you okay, sweetheart?" She asked softly, slowly wrapping her hand on his forearm, but Branch didn't take notice.

  Huh.. it's so shiny, His eyes traced the outlines of each tile, realizing how uneven it was. His face scrunched up into a slight grimace, clearly annoyed at the poor work done here.

  Poppy patiently waited, allowing him to take a moment to recollect his thoughts. It was nothing new to her, and as always, she knew how to handle it. After all, Branch was her boyfriend. Of three years.

  And she'll always remain by his side.

  Branch continued to silently count the tiles, gradually scowling at each he counted. Before he could explode, he was reminded of his girlfriend beside him, his face tilting to look at her, before dropping again. "Oh, right. Yes, I am."

  Poppy sighed, unconvinced. "No, Branch. You're not, and it's okay. You can talk to me." She smiled, rubbing his arm affectionately. Same procedure, same outcome. Nothing new, just more reassurance.

  Branch stared down, focusing on her touch. So soft, her skin was so warm. He loved how electrifying it felt, sending a rush of goosebumps under his skin, leaving a trail of ghostly kisses. Her hands ran up and down, in a way that made his heart jolt.

  Man, did he love her.

  "It's the same old, Pops." Branch gave in, lifting his gaze to meet her eyes, "I just don't think I'm enough for you. You deserve better. More than me." His voice wavered, muffled to a cracked sob.

  Poppy nodded, understanding, and stopped the movement on his arm to interlock their hands. She squeezed them gently, "Branch, there's nothing more I can ask for. You have given me more than enough, I'm really happy to be with you." She kissed his cheek lightly, nuzzling his neck before backing away.

  Branch lightly smiled for a brief moment, a few droplets of tears running down his cheeks, leaving a warm trail of dryness. "You're not saying that just to make me feel better, are you?" His eyes now held worry, "You've dealt with me for three years now, I'm scared you'll get sick of me eventually."

  Poppy shook her head. "No, Branch. I'd never get tired of you, you're the love of my life. I don't care how many more times I will reassure you, I will continue to because I want to." She cupped the side of his face, bringing him closer to her, "Plus, I get to see your beautiful smile afterwards."

  Branch leaned towards her, pressing their foreheads together. "Pinky promise?" He lifted his pinky, offering her to wrap her own around his. She giggled and quickly accepted it, lifting it towards her lips to plant a small kiss.

  She grinned, sealing their promise with the kiss. Although, Branch will eventually forget, she didn't mind making a thousand more promises.

  As long as Branch was happy, she was too.

  "Yes, I pinky promise. You are the one for me, and will continue to be for as long as we live."