Catch a Rising Star

A/N: Here it is! Prepare yourselves for the second to last chapter of this story. I had it ready yesterday, but it was Christmas Day, so I was mostly spending it with my family opening presents and enjoying time together. Not that I didn't enjoy it, I loved it. Plus, it was pretty late when I finished it, and I was really tired.

Anyway, let's get on with Chapter 17! Roll it!

Chapter 17

Songs of Forgiveness and Love

About half an hour later, Branch and Harper arrived at Northwest High where Harper's school dance was being held. They got out of Branch's car, locked it, and then headed over to the school gymnasium, where loud party music could already be heard from inside. There was a curtain of streamers over the doorway, and lights were flashing colorfully from the inside of the gym.

Harper wore a pink, knee-length sleeveless dress with a sweetheart neckline, along with a see-through matching shawl over her shoulders, the skirt showing soft silver sparkles as she walked, along with white low kitten heels. Branch just wore a dark blue tuxedo with a matching bow tie and black dress shoes, his hair gelled up a little and brushed neatly.

The young man fiddled around with his bow tie. It had been a long time since he attended a high school dance, and it was only once. Harper saw her brother acting so nervous, and she rolled her eyes fondly.

"Relax, worrywart." She said with a teasing smile. "You look great. And at least it's a high school dance. You won't be bombarded, promise."

Branch smiled fondly at his sister. "Thanks, Harper." He said.

The indigo-haired girl returned the smile and then hugged her brother tightly, him returning it gratefully. When she broke the hug, she lightly pressed her finger against his forehead.

"Remember, you said that you wouldn't." She reminded him.

"And I remember that I made no promises." He said with a little teasing grin, making her laugh.

With that, Harper removed her finger, pulled Branch behind her and they both went into the gym. Already, students were dancing or mingling, and colorful spotlights were flashing like crazy. The music was also pretty loud as well.

Harper saw Mandy standing over at another side of the room and quickly went over to her. Branch just shook his head fondly at her and then went over to the wall to watch and keep an eye on students that were getting a little too cozy.

Luckily, everyone seemed to be keeping a respectable distance, both on the sidelines and out on the dance floor. However, there were some students that recognized him from TV and were snickering to themselves. Branch lightly bit his lip, but he ignored them. He was not going to be brought down by high school sophomores.

Just then, the music stopped abruptly, and everyone, both students and staff, were all wondering about what was going on. Harper on the other hand, she just smiled and then stood off to the side to watch the show. Mandy watched her step away, curious about her actions.

Suddenly, there was a large number of teenage girls, including Mandy, fangirling like crazy as a very familiar face known as Poppy Summers slowly and gracefully stepped out onto the stage. She was wearing a knee-length periwinkle blue dress with an illusion neckline, tiny yellow star prints on the skirt, and matching heels with ankle straps. She had let her hot pink hair down, held back by a matching periwinkle headband with a yellow star on the side, there was a silver bead bracelet on her right wrist, and in her arms was her guitar.

She stood in front of the microphone, ignoring the cheers and squeals from her fans that were in the gym. "Branch Hawthorne?" She asked.

The person in question's eyes widened when he recognized that voice. It couldn't be her, could it? She wasn't supposed to be here, she was in Los Angeles. Right?

He slowly looked forward towards the stage, and his eyes widened slightly further when he saw that Poppy was really there. She didn't look very much like a pop star; more like a young woman ready to be taken out on a modest little date, but she still looked even more beautiful than he had remembered her, even if it had only been a few days.

But then, he noticed how the spotlight eventually landed on him, and he could feel everyone's surprised eyes land on him. He saw that the students were opening up a path for him towards the stage, but he felt like he couldn't move a muscle as he tried to ignore their analyzing gazes.

"There's some things that I forgot to say to you back in California." Poppy said, smiling softly when she saw him in her view, looking very handsome. "And I want to say them to you now."

The students all 'oohed' in clear amusement at her touching words, and Branch felt his face slightly heating up in embarrassment. But his eyes were still glued to Poppy. What kind of crazy idea did she have planned this time?

Poppy was also lightly blushing and smiling shyly at the students' reaction to her words. But she wasn't going to act like a schoolgirl with a crush, she was a woman in love; there's a difference.

She then began strumming her guitar while Bridget, who came with her to Wichita and was wearing a simple, knee-length hot pink dress, began playing a tune on a nearby keyboard that she had borrowed. Then, the pink-haired superstar started to sing softly and lovingly, the shy little smile still on her face while keeping her eyes focused on Branch.

(A/N: I actually found a video about these two using this song! I don't own it, though.)

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Poppy: I miss those blue eyes,
How you kissed me that night.
I miss the way we sing.

Like there's no sunrise,
Like the taste of your smile.
I miss the way we breathe.

The smile on her face slowly faded away as she finally began to let out her guilt and heartbreak into her voice as she continued to sing.

But I never told you
What I should have said.
No, I never told you,
I just held it in.

And now, I miss everything
About you.
I can't believe that I
Still want you.

And after all the things
We've been through,
I miss everything about you,
Without you, oh.

Branch could literally feel the pure emotion that she was putting into her song. But he was trying his best to not let his hopes up until he knew for sure. Was she really here to apologize, or just to put on a show and pretend? He knew that Poppy would never stoop that low, but he wasn't entirely sure what to think about her anymore after their fight. At least when it comes to her beliefs on publicity.

I see your blue eyes
Every time I close mine.
You make it hard to see.

Where I belong to;
When I'm not around you,
It's like I'm not with me.

But I never told you
What I should have said.
No, I never told you,
I just held it in.

As Poppy started singing the chorus again, Bridget provided back-up vocals.

And now, I miss everything
About you.

(Bridget: Still, you're gone.)

Poppy: I can't believe that I
Still want you.

(Bridget: And I'm lovin' you;)
(I never should've let you walk away.)

Poppy: And after all the things
We've been through,

(Bridget: I know)
(It's never gonna come again.)

Poppy: I miss everything about you,
Without you, oh.

There was a brief interlude as the music just played for a bit, and suddenly, it felt like Branch and Poppy were the only ones in the gym as she started singing again, with Bridget singing back-up. As she was singing, Poppy stopped playing her guitar, took it off, grabbed the microphone, and slowly began walking off the stage and over towards Branch, while he finally found the courage to at least meet her halfway there.

But I never told you
What I should have said.
No, I never told you.
I just held it in.

And now, I miss everything
About you.

(Bridget: Still, you're gone.)

Poppy: I can't believe that I
Still want you.

(Bridget: And I'm lovin' you;)
(I never should've let you walk away.)

Poppy: And after all the things
We've been through,

(Bridget: I know)
(It's never gonna come again.)

Poppy: I miss everything about you;
Without you, oh.
No, no.

The song slowly came to its end as Poppy hummed the last bit of notes, her eyes never leaving Branch's, even when the entire gym started cheering. But then, it slowly stopped when they saw that no one was making any moves or saying anything. Bridget and Harper exchanged a worried glance from where the latter was watching the scene.

Finally, Poppy spoke up. "Branch, listen." She said. "I know that this probably isn't what you really wanted to hear from me, or that this whole thing might only make things even worse for both of us, but I thought that this was the best way for you to listen to me."

"You singing to me?" Branch asked, trying his best to not sound sarcastic, even if he kind of wanted to.

"Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry." Poppy said. "For everything." As they were talking, Satin and Chenille came into the gym with a camera, and they were streaming the exchange live.

"Don't you think it's a little late for that?" Branch continued to question her. "Everyone in town thinks that I was lying or making a scene."

"That's their problem." Poppy replied, making a few people gasp in indignation. "I should've said something about us, but I was too afraid. I could've at least said that we're friends, but I didn't. And you're suffering the consequences because of me."

It was then that they both realized that Satin and Chenille were recording this live. Poppy then saw her chance and looked right at the camera.

"You all want to know the truth?" She asked the camera. "Well, here it is. I do know Branch Hawthorne." She then turned back around to keep her focus on the person in question.

"Branch Hawthorne is a complete smart-aleck, a know-it-all, and a grumpy stick in the mud. But he's honest." She said. "He makes a promise, he keeps it. He's reliable, he's strong, he's loyal, and he deeply cares for his sister and grandmother, the only family he has. He understands me like no one else does."

She then took one tentative step closer to him. "And I'm absolutely crazy about him." She added, making Branch's eyes widen in surprise. "Branch, I'm so sorry that I hurt you. Please, can you forgive me?"

It was completely silent as everyone waited for his answer. Branch wanted to open his mouth again and say something, but it felt like the words were like sticky caramel in his throat. Instead, he just stared at her, not sure of what to do or say.

Harper watched her brother with anticipating eyes. Come on, Branch. She thought nervously. Say something. Or do something. You can't let her go. She already made that mistake; don't you dare make the same one.

After a few tense seconds of silence, Poppy felt a lump forming in her throat. Tears of heartbreak, embarrassment and shame were starting to well up in her eyes. Branch noticed it, and opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. As Poppy started to walk away back towards the stage, he finally took a deep breath and tried again, finally responding to her song with one of his own.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Branch: You with the sad eyes,

Everyone that was in the room gasped at the sweet sound of his voice, although Poppy's was a little quieter. She then slowly turned back around to see Branch softly smiling at her as he took a couple of steps forward.

Don't be discouraged.

Poppy felt her breath hitching again with anticipation as Bridget took her guitar that she left on the stage and started to play it as Branch continued to sing.

Oh, I realize
It's hard to take courage.

Harper smiled at the sight of her brother singing, and then headed back over to Mandy. She grabbed her gobsmacked best friend's arm and pulled over to where Bridget was. She then gestured over to where some handbells from the school's orchestra were being kept.

In a world full of people,
You could lose sight of it all.
The darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small.

Harper and Mandy began playing the bells on Bridget's signal when she paused in playing guitar. But to Branch and Poppy, it was like they were back in their own world as Bridget took up the guitar again while the girls stopped with the bells.

Show me a smile then.
Don't be unhappy.
Can't remember when
I last saw you laughing.

This world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear.
Just call me up,
'Cause I will always be there.

By then, Branch and Poppy were back to standing in front of each other.

And I see your true colors
Shining through.
I see your true colors,
And that's why I love you.

Poppy's eyes widened, her jaw slightly dropped in an inaudible gasp, and she softly smiled when she saw that shy but loving little grin on Branch's face. She then joined him in song.

Poppy: So don't be afraid

Both: To let them show.
Your true colors,
True colors are beautiful.

Branch slowly took Poppy's hands in his, bringing her a little closer to him. Then they both started to slowly dance in the little space they had as they continued to sing, their voices harmonizing perfectly and beautifully. For everyone who was watching, either in person or on TV, they could tell that no two people ever looked more right for each other than the pair that was slowly dancing and singing together.

Branch: I see your true colors
Shining through. (Poppy: True colors.)
I see your true colors.

Both: That's why I love you.
So don't be afraid
To let them show.

Branch: Your true colors,

Poppy: True colors,

Both: Are beautiful,

Soon, their dance and song came to a delicate end, their hands still interlocked.

Branch: Like a rainbow.

Poppy: Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
Like a rainbow.

The music came to a smooth, soft ending with one of the band members playing a harmonica along with Bridget's guitar. When everything became silent again, everyone began cheering again for the song, but Poppy and Branch still had all of their focus on each other. After about another minute of applause, everyone became silent again, waiting for what might happen next.

Finally, Poppy found her voice. "So, do you forgive me, Branch?"

Satin and Chenille aimed their microphone over to the pair, them and the rest of the gym waiting for a final response. Then, Branch smiled at her and nodded, making everyone "aww" at the sight of the pair and then applauding again as Poppy beamed at him with bright and joyful eyes and threw her arms around him in a hug, and his own arms found their place around her waist.

Poppy snuggled into the crook of Branch's neck, humming contently. But when she opened her eyes, she saw that even though the crowd was getting back into its usual atmosphere, Satin and Chenille were still there with their camera, looking almost ready to cry themselves.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat at them sternly, both her and Branch's eyes narrowed at them pointedly. The twins then caught their implication.

"Oh, right." They whispered, and began getting themselves and the camera crew out of the gym.

The pair slightly chuckled at them leaving so quickly, and then focused back on each other. After getting lost in the other's eyes, they started to lean their faces in closer, their eyes slowly closing.

But then their moment was interrupted again when they heard that someone cleared their throat at them again. Branch inclined away from Poppy to see Harper looking at them expectantly. He then rolled his eyes fondly at her when Poppy retracted back to see what happened.

"Poppy, this is my sister, Harper." Branch introduced his sister to his new unofficial girlfriend. "Harper, this is Poppy Summers."

The pink-haired superstar smiled at the indigo-haired teenager. "Nice to finally meet you, Harper." She said to her. "Your brother has told me quite a bit about you."

Harper made a little squeak in the back of her throat when she tried to speak to her idol, who apparently is also her brother's new girlfriend, even if it might not be official right then; but then she quickly cleared it up and tried again.

"N-Nice to meet you too, Miss Summers." She said to her, slightly stuttering.

Bridget then came over to her. "You'll get used to this pretty easily." She assured her, before winking at her best friend and leading Harper away from the couple for the moment.

Both of them lightly shook their heads fondly, and then turned back to face each other again. "You didn't have to come all the way to Kansas for this." Branch said.

Poppy just smiled. "Yeah, I did." She answered. "I've heard that it's not cool to ask someone out on the phone."

Branch shook his head at her while smiling as Poppy continued to speak. "So, do you want to go out sometime? On a real date?"

"Do I have to wear a disguise?" He asked her.

She just chuckled while smiling. "No." She said.

"Do you?" Branch continued to ask.

Poppy shook her head, her smile growing a little wider. "No." She repeated.

Branch then smiled. "Then, yeah. I'd like that." He replied, making Poppy smile softly at him. "A lot."

Then, the pink-haired looked thoughtful. "What is it?" Branch asked her.

A little teasing grin came on her face. "How would you feel about coloring your hair?" She asked him. "I was just thinking that this particular shade of blue is a good color on you." She then pointed to the blue that was on his suit.

Branch playfully rolled his eyes at her comment. "Let's not get too ahead of ourselves right now." He said, making both her and himself laugh lightly.

"Oh, one more thing." Poppy said before reaching into a hidden pocket in her dress and pulling out a familiar pair of black designer sunglasses. "For you."

Branch fondly rolled his eyes. "You remembered." He said, taking the sunglasses from her and then placing them over his eyes. "How do I look?"

Poppy's face turned thoughtful as she looked at her new unofficial boyfriend. "Like a superstar." She answered. Even though she couldn't see his eyes because of the dark shades, she could tell that he had playfully rolled his eyes at her comment.

She reached back into the hidden pocket of her dress and then pulled out an exact matching pair of sunglasses with a twinkle in her eye, making Branch chuckle, which in turn made her smile brightly and knowingly at him. She then put them on her own face and once again took Branch's hands in her own as they started to dance together on the dance floor, lost in their own world. Maybe this whole thing could work out after all.

A/N: Yeah. Everything is fixed, but there is one more little thing to address before this story comes to a close in the last chapter, where it will come to light.

However, there is one thing I need to ask you guys about, and it was what I hinted at in the previous chapter. How would you guys feel about... A trilogy?

I kind of want to indulge more on this relationship between Poppy and Branch; you know, where fame meets reality, and the challenges that it could bring. Also, there will be characters from both the films, the Netflix series, and the Hulu series that will either help them stay strong or try to tear them apart. It will kind of bring their relationship to face a few more tests about what's really important in life. Sound interesting? Let me know in the comments.

The songs that I used in this chapter were "I Never Told You" from Colbie Caillat, and of course, "True Colors", the ever familiar cover sung by Branch and Poppy themselves, Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick. I love both of these songs, but I don't own them, although I did kind of change up the lyrics of the first song to fit in better with the scenario. All credit goes to their respective owners.

Well, one more chapter to go! See y'all then! Please leave a review about what you think, and remember to stay healthy! The New Year will be here soon!

Got to fly! ;)