A/N:

Hey guys! I'm dropping in with another update...I'm so sorry for the delay in this chapter. This week has just been one of those sorts of weeks. Real life decided to eat me, and I won't go into too many details but the main delay came from Sunday. I lost one of my Guinea Pigs, who ironically, was named Poppy from Trolls. So between that, weather, and some other things I got a little behind on being in the creative mood. But I'm back now and hopefully you guys enjoy this chapter!

I also have a request for you guys as well, once I get the next chapter done (should be the final one unless I come up with anything else new) I'm planning on doing a series of short stories (1-2 Chapters) involving Reed and Piper and their family. And I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions/inspiration for what I should type? Here at the ideas I have so far...

-Viva and Branch's Brothers getting to meet Piper and Reed

- Viva and the brothers getting to baby sit Piper and Reed

-Piper and Reed meeting Bridget/Gristle and their Aunt Brandi/Cousins

Other wise I'm open to all suggestions! I can't guarantee they'll all get used but I'd love for some help with other fun ideas for these!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Trolls related all of their content belongs to DreamWorks and I own nothing of the franchise or series.

I will also be using the Sia Song "Rainbow" in later chapters...and I also do not own it!

I do however own my own OC's and would apricate anyone asking before they are used. Thank you!

On with the fun! X;DDD

Chapter 3: Bunker Adventures and Talks

Branch had never been so thankful that he knew the back ways around the village like the back of his hand as he had at the moment.

He was currently making his way to the outskirts of town towards his bunker, the darkness concealing his movements as he briskly walked towards his old home.

In some form it didn't surprise him that he'd felt the need to go back to the bunker, it was still almost like a security blanket to him. Somewhere that he could go that was private and he felt he could think and sort things out.

He paused in his walking as he felt Reed shift slightly in his hair making sure his son was secure before scurrying on his way.

Arriving at the larger stone that marked the entrance to the bunker Branch paused as he looked down fondly at the mat that sat outside the elevator door.

Being here always brought back so many memories, both good and bad for him.

When he and Poppy had officially decided to move in together he had decided to move out of the bunker and into the pod they currently called home. It had felt like the right step to create a new home for themselves at that juncture of their lives.

Once Branch had decided to move out both Floyd and John Dory (who was staying with them whenever he wasn't off gallivanting on an adventure) had moved to the village themselves. While Clay and Viva stayed between Pop Village and the newly connected Putt Putt Village.

The bunker had in turn become a bit of a storage space, work space, or sort of retreat for the family after that.

Branch used it now mostly as a place to get away when he felt he needed to step away from the craziness of being king. It had become his workshop for any ideas or inventions he needed to work on for the village. It also supplied the weapons and traps he kept to help with the protection of the village (something Poppy still gave him grief for worrying over.).

The rest of the family had insisted on keeping the main areas clean, saying it was a great place for family gatherings since there was more then enough space for everyone. Plus the extra rooms made for a great place if there were visitors or guests.

Branch was lost in his thoughts as he clambered onto the lift for the elevator, he closed his eyes as he pulled the lever inhaling the comforting sent of damp earth as he began his descent down the narrow shaft.

He was surprised when he felt his hair moving, his eyes popped open as he looked up to see Reed's little pink face peering out from his hair. The little trolling having been intrigued by the sudden change in scenery and smells.

Branch felt a soft smile tug at his lips as he watched his son's wide eyed expression of wonder as they made their way down into the bunker.

Once the elevator stopped at the bottom Branch hopped off the platform the dim lights of the bunker welcoming him as he walked towards the main living quarter.

He reached into his hair removing Reed who was still looking around at the bunker in wonder, Branch had wondered if being underground would freak the little guy out. But on the contrary it seemed his son was fascinated.

Given this was the first different thing that the trolling had seen outside of their home pod but it was endearing to think that maybe he liked the bunker as much as his father did.

"Yeah, she's still a beauty..." Branch mumbled a proud smile gracing his lips before he let out a heavy sigh as they made their way over to the old couch that still sat in the living room.

He sat down on the old creaking couch allowing the cushions to mold to his body like a hug, feeling himself relax as soon as he did his eyes closing for a moment as he adjusted Reed in his lap.

Reed who'd still been looking around blinked his eyes to look back at his father tilting his head slightly as he looked at his relaxed form as if sensing his mood shift. The little trolling seemed to pause for a moment before he leaned his head against his father's chest to feel his his heartbeat.

Branch blinked at the sudden contact, he looked down at his son who'd tucked himself against his chest.

He felt a bittersweet smile tug at his lips as he watched him, the reason as to why he'd come here hitting him in that moment.

All of the pent up emotions he'd been pushing back finally flooding over him as he blinked to try and keep the tears at bay but failing.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry." He said as he felt the tears start rolling down his cheeks as he brought his hand up to gently brush Reed's hair...hair the same color his had been at one time.

He knew the little trolling couldn't hear him...but he didn't matter in that moment.

"I know what Dr. Plum said, and what you're mother said. But I still can't help feel like this is all my fault. For being gray for so long...for something I didn't do right while you were still an egg..." He said his voice cracking as closed his eyes.

"I wish things were different, that there was something...anything I could do to fix this." He half whispered as more tears fell down his cheeks.

"I know what it's like to be different, I know how hard that is.." He said memories of his gray days flashing in his mind, being called the village grump, party pooper, being blamed for his grandmother's death.

Branch knew first hand how cruel the other trolls could be when it came to things they didn't understand. And that scared him for his son.

"I'm scared for you...scared that you'll go through what I did when I was gray." Branch said once again closing his eyes as he heaved a sigh as he sniffled leaning his head against the back of the couch.

He staring up at the brown ceiling of the bunker, the place where he'd spent so much time staring when he was younger. Days when it seemed like all he knew was bitterness and sadness at his past. And here he was again desperately staring at that ceiling for help.

He knew this was a conversation he should be having with Poppy, he knew she was more then likely having the same thoughts and fears as he was. He also knew she was his rock, his grounder, he knew she'd have all the answers and the way to chase away his fears.

But he also knew the walls of his heart and at least for the time he wasn't ready to open up just yet. He knew that was selfish of himself but just for the moment he wanted to just deal with his emotions on his own.

He knew he'd talk with her, let her chase all the fears and thoughts away and make it better in the only way she could. He just wasn't ready yet.

His brain continued to process his emotions, his tears starting to subside as he continued staring up at the ceiling.

"Ah!" was what finally brought Branch back into reality, the sound causing him to jump slightly.

He sniffled as he looked down at his lap to find Reed staring up at him, blue eyes meeting his own as his son looked at him tilting his head to one side.

"W-wha?" Branch asked surprised at the noise his son had made, the majority of the noises he'd been making up to this point had been just coos and grunts that could be counted as laughs. But this sounded like he was actually trying to get Branch's attention.

"Aha!" The little trolling said as he motioned with his hands at his father's face.

Branch wasn't for sure what was happening but he slowly brought his face down to Reed's level, his son's eyes never leaving his own. He was caught even more off guard when a little pink hand came up to gently pat at one of his tear stained cheeks.

Branch chuckled a little as he closed his eyes at his son's gentle touch.

"Yeah sorry bud, Daddy's alright." He said sniffling as he rubbed at his eye with the palm of his hand before ruffling Reed's hair.

The little Trolling only blinked at his father's affection before a small smile spread across his face, his little blue eyes lighting up as if he understood that he was the cause in the shift of his father's mood.

Seeing the light in his son's eyes Branch felt a sudden shift in his emotions, it wasn't big and it certainly didn't dispel all of his fears and worries.

But just by a little bit he felt himself feeling a little bit lighter. While he might never know what had caused Reed to be like this, and he might be in constant worry about his son's future. And he wouldn't have all the answers.

But maybe that was alright, maybe that was all just part of being a parent even with the extra worries of having a child with special needs.

Maybe just being in the moment was enough for now. He knew he still needed to have that talk with Poppy, and he was sure she'd give him the same advice he was starting to feel in his heart.

Plus he also knew that having Poppy in his corner to lean upon when things go too hard would be welcomed as well. As would the help of the rest of his family once they introduced them to the newest members of their family.

He knew it'd be hard, and he was still afraid of what the future was uncertain but for the first time in days he felt just a little better.

They sat on the couch for a bit longer, allowing Branch to collect himself and his thoughts.

All too soon Reed began to get antsy at setting in one place for so long, the little Trolling's attention span coming to an end.

Branch heaved a sigh as smiled at his son before scooping him up in his arms.

"Come on, champ...I'll give you the grand tour of the bunker. Then we'll go home to Mommy and you're sister." He said chuckling as Reed let out a giggle and clapped his hands in approval at moving.

"Hopefully they've not gotten up to too much trouble, knowing you're mother..." Branch said cringing at the thought of all the trouble Poppy could get into left to her own devices with an infant.

"Yep, your old man's still pretty proud of this baby got me through some hard times. And if we ever needed to fully stock her again she'd keep the entire family safe for quite some time." Branch announced proudly a smirk on his face as he finished giving his son the grand tour of the bunker.

He knew it was silly for one to be showing an infant around in such a place he'd never remember any of what he'd just seen at least not until he was older. He also knew Reed couldn't hear anything he'd been telling him.

But it felt right to show off what was still his pride and joy to his son, and even if he couldn't hear him it just didn't feel right to not at least talk to the infant. Maybe as he grew up he could learn to read lips something Branch made a mental note of to mention to Poppy as a possible idea.

Reed only smiled at his father and babbled before chewing on his fingers.

Branch chuckled at his son before a thought struck him.

"Here, let me find you something." He said as he lifted Reed up into his hair before making his way to one of the storage rooms that was currently full of boxes and supplies.

Reed peeked out of his father's hair in curiosity as Branch wove his way though the boxes, his tongue sticking out as he dug through the meticulously labeled boxes before him.

"Aha!" Branch said as he found two boxes that were stacked towards the back of the room. He picked both up in his arms and carefully weaved his way back out of the sea of boxes.

Once back out in the main room Branch placed both of the boxes down on the couch.

"Let's see here..." He said as he opened the first box that was labeled 'Instruments' inside were several well worn instruments of varying sizes and types.

Branch's eyes soften as he looks at the contents of the box, the instruments had been his and his brother's when they were younger. They'd been left at his Grandmother's back at the Bergen Tree during the great escape.

He'd been more then amazed when he was able to return to the pod that they were still packed away where they'd been left, same with the other box that contained most of his and his brother's childhood toys.

He'd collected them and put them at the back of the storage room, fully intending to give them back to his brothers whenever they'd come back around. But the chance had never presented itself, and honestly he was afraid John Dory would probably make off with them claiming them to be "memorabilia" to hoard.

Branch snorted before rolling his eyes at his brother's eccentric behavior.

He'd get with Bruce, Clay, and Floyd about anything they'd want the next time he saw them, JD he'd deal with on his own.

Reed suddenly moving his his hair broke Branch out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see his son looking excitedly down into the box with instruments.

The little Trolling's eyes lighting up as he used one hand to hold on to his father's hair and the other arm to reach out towards the box. Branch laughed to as his brow was pushed down over one of his eyes.

"Alright, alright...hang on there hot shot." Branch laughed as he followed to where his son was reaching out.

"You want this?" He asked as he picked up a faded multicolored tambourine out of the box and held it up to Reed's height.

"Oooooh!" His son vocalized as he reached out with both hands to take the instrument from his grasp.

Reed stared at his prize his eyes sparkling a little bit before he let out a happy giggle...and proceeded to shake the tambourine as hard as his little hands would shake it.

Branch cringed at the sudden loud series of jangles and thumping that followed as his son played with his new toy.

"And I'm gonna regret that choice in...three...two...one..." Branch deadpanned as the repetitive noise continued from from his hair.

Despite his prediction he couldn't help but chuckle and roll his eyes as his son continued to play his giggles and babbling mixing with the racket as he proceeded to gather the two boxes back up into his arms and headed to the lift so they could return home.

Branch was definitely regretting his choice by the time he could see his home as he walked along the path back through the village. He scowled over the top of the two boxes he was carrying the jangling and thumping from his hair loud and clear.

He'd have to remember to apologize to any of the trolls who they'd possibly disturbed later when he got a chance.

While he was amused at his son's antics the fact that he couldn't hear how loud he was currently being was a bit of an issue if sort of cute, it was starting to give him a headache actually.

Branch climbed the stairs to their pod, carefully balancing the boxes with one arm as he opened the door.

He was briefly thankful when he noticed Reed stop his playing clearly having noticed the change in their surroundings, he felt the little trolling shift and peek his head out of his father's hair to look around.

Branch snorted as he sat the boxes down next to the door and was about to call out for his wife when he heard giggles coming from the kitchen one that made his ears twitch.

A soft smile spread across his face at the sounds, one of the laughs he instantly recognized as his wife's the other as his daughter's.

"So then Biggie realized Mr. Dinkles wasn't lost at all...he was just stuck to his back..." Poppy's sweet voice drifted from the kitchen.

Branch chuckled softly as he and Reed made their way towards the doorway, the sight that greeted him made his heart swell as he leaned lazily against the doorway.

Poppy was seated at the table her head propped up by her arm next to a bowl as she made motions with a spoon at her daughter as she continued to chatter. Piper next to her in one of the two high chairs giggling and babbling along to her mother's story.

The only part that made the whole scene less adorable was the fact that Piper was covered from head to toe in pink and yellow frosting which had clearly come from the spoon that the infant was gumming in between giggles.

But minus that...little inconvenience that Branch would be sure to let his wife know about later...it was truly an adorable sight to be held. He wanted to watch the scene before him forever.

Of course at that very moment Reed, at seeing his mother and sister let out a coo before shaking the tambourine that was still clasped in his hand.

Poppy's head immediately perked up as she looked towards the doorway, her smile lighting up like a thousand watt light bulb at seeing them as she quickly got up from her chair and skipped over to them.

"There are my boys!" She said giggling happily as she gave Branch a quick peck on the cheek before she reached up and took Reed from his hair.

The little trolling letting out a happy squeal at being in his mother's arms. Poppy giggled as she nuzzled her nose to her son's before blowing a raspberry on his tummy ill-citing happy giggles as she carried him over to the high chair that sat next to Piper's.

Piper smiled over at her twin giggling as she eyed the toy her twin had, Reed saw her look and held out the tambourine towards her sticky grasp.

"Whoa...whoa...let's do a trade before you make that all icky, sweetie!" Poppy said as she lightening fast swapped out the tambourine for a frosting laden spoon in Reed's grasp.

The trollings both blinked at the pink blur that was their mother, and Reed seemed upset for a split second before realizing the spoon had something that looked yummy on it. He tilted his head a little looking at the sweet treat.

Piper eyed her twin before motioning with her own spoon towards her mouth. The blue haired trolling eyed his sister for a moment before hesitantly raising the spoon to his mouth.

He gummed at a bit of the frosting before his blue eyes lit up much like his mother's had just a bit ago and he began happily gumming away at the spoon.

Piper watched her brother and giggled as she too went back to her treat, though she was currently working on the frosting that was spread all over her hands.

Poppy giggled as she watched her children for another moment before turning back to Branch, cringing when she saw the disproving raised eyebrow he was giving her.

"Frosting? Really?" He asked as he shook his head at his wife as she gave him a tittering smile as she placed the tambourine on the counter as she started to walk over to him.

"Oh you know, I just thought it might be nice to give Piper a little treat...and of course that meant Reed needed one too..." She said as she gave her husband an apologetic smile.

"Poppy, a treat isn't enough sugar that they won't sleep for forty eight hours..." Branch stated with a groan as he looked at both of his children who were both covered in and continuing to devour a bag full of sugar.

"Oh come on, forty eight hours is a little extreme. They'll crash...eventually..." Poppy said waiving off her husbands concerns which only caused him to face palm.

Branch was too busy trying to process how to respond to his wife's nonchalant attitude at giving their twin infants sugar that he didn't even notice Poppy making her way over to him.

Realizing what she was up to when she finally made her way over to him he let out a groan and continued to not meet her gaze even as she wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him into a hug as she tucked her head under his chin and proceeded to bat her eyelashes at him.

"Oooh come on..." She said as she gave him a gentle shake in her strong grip.

Branch was trying hard not to give into the smile that was tugging at the corners of his lips as he wrapped his arms around his wife.

"You know you're insufferably frustrating..." He muttered as he pulled her closer against him.

Poppy giggled from her place where her face was snuggled into his chest.

"You know you love me..." She said the smile evident in her voice.

"Yes, Yes I do." Branch stated the smile finally spreading across his face as he placed a kiss on the top of her head which caused Poppy to hum happily.

They stood like that for several minutes just enjoying each other's embrace.

"Soooo...how was the bunker?" Poppy quietly asked her eyes darting up to look at Branch's face, she felt his embrace around her waist tighten for a brief moment.

She knew he'd know that was her silent question to if he was finally ready to open up, finally after a moment she felt him relax slightly as he let out a breath that she wondered if he'd known he'd been holding.

"I-It was good." He said a hesitant stutter to his voice before she felt him sigh fully and she knew he was ready.

"Listen, Poppy...I'm sorry for the way I've been acting the last couple of days. I never wanted to worry you." He said quietly as he seemed to sag against her tiredly.

"I've just been so worried, when we first found out about expecting an egg I was already worried about messing something up. And then when we found out it was twins...I just felt even more anxiety..." Branch said trying to articulate the feelings that had been building up within him.

Poppy only nodded her head against his chest urging him to continue.

"And then when Piper and Reed finally hatched and everything seemed fine I was so relieved. But then when Dr. Plum told us about Reed, I just...I don't know...it was like that anxiety came back ten fold." He said his voice cracking as she pulled herself back to look up at his face his eyes shining with tears as he looked down at her.

"When it hit me that I might have been the cause of why Reed is deaf, the fact that I was gray for so long and may have caused this. And then the thought that he might go through what I did when I was gray...being the village outcast...it scares me...it scares me so much. I don't want him to go through what I did..." Branch stated the tears finally starting to pour down his cheeks.

"Hey...hey...listen to me...it's alright." Poppy stated as she reached up to cup his cheeks so she could look into his eyes and get him to focus.

"I know that telling you none of this isn't your fault won't ease that feeling until you believe it yourself. But if Dr. Plum said it wasn't anything you did then I believe her, and I'll keep telling you that until you believe it too." Poppy stated her own voice wavering as she gave Branch a small encouraging smile.

He sniffled as he turned his face slightly into her palm as he listened to her.

"And it's alright to be afraid, I think that comes with being a parent. If it makes you feel any better I'm afraid too...afraid of what the future holds for Reed. For what the future holds for Piper. What either of them might go through..." She said her voice finally cracking as she felt her own tears starting to well up in her eyes.

"But I also know that no matter what I'm going to be there for them, it's going to be scary. None of us know exactly how this is gonna go...but I'm going to be there for them...no matter what." She said a confident smile forming on her lips.

Branch felt his heart lift at seeing the confidence in her eyes and her smile. It marveled him at how she always knew exactly what to say to put his doubts and fears in their place.

"And I'm going to be here for you too, we're a team after all. I mean we've literally stared down Bergens, the Rock Apocalypse, and Talent Sucking Succubi...I think we can handle parenting." She said giving him a wink.

Branch couldn't help but chuckle at that thought.

"How do you always know what to say to put everything in perspective?" He asked quietly finally feeling some of the tension leave as he looked at his wife who beamed at him.

"Talent?" She said with a giggle as she wrapped her arms back around him happy to see him finally starting to sound like himself.

"If you say so, but seriously thank you, Poppy. I'm sorry it took me so long to come to you about all of this." He said quietly as he returned her embrace.

"It's alright, I know you'll come around when you're ready. And as I said I'm always going to be here for you whenever you need me." She said giving his chest a nuzzle with her cheek.

"Thank you, and I'm here for you too...even if it might take me a bit to come around." He said with a bitter chuckle.

Poppy hummed as she nodded against his chest.

"Let's also not forget that we've got some pretty awesome other people in our corner as well." Poppy stated as she once again to pull back to look up at Branch's face.

"You mean our fantastamazing family and friends?" Branch asked with a smirk raising an eyebrow at using Viva's famous line.

Poppy grinned at him at hearing that phrase, though it quickly left for a more serious expression.

"Speaking of that, I'm also gonna say..." She said as she closed her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"The first person who even thinks about bullying my sweet little boy is gonna have go through me first! And then they'll need to take a number cuz I'm sure there will be a line to kick their sorry little..." She ranted her pink eyes a blaze and for the first time in his life Branch was fairly certain he was afraid of his wife (and not for her over hyperactivity).

"POPPY!" He quickly cut her off before she finished her sentence.

Poppy blinked as she breathed rapidly after being so worked up, she'd even surprised herself with that little rant and judging by the look of fear on Branch's face she'd done a good job of scaring him as well.

She quickly cleared her throat as she regained her composure.

"But anyways, the first person to try it had better be ready to mess with all of us." She said crossing her arms and huffing, which caused Branch to sigh and shake his head at his wife's antics. Though he did agree with her...woes be the first one to mess with either of the twins...or their mother...or any member of their extended family.

"Well either way, thank you for listening and at least for the moment putting more at ease. Even if I can't guarantee I won't loose my head again at some point." He said as he leaned over and pecked her on the cheek.

Poppy smiled before giving his shoulder a gentle bump with her fist.

"Anytime, and I'm ready, had lots of practice over the years." She said as she grinned causing Branch to roll his eyes playfully at her.

The sound of a giggle brought both of the parents out of their serious conversation and Branch thought he might cry again when he looked over to see both of the twins still completely covered in frosting.

"I guess bath time is next on the list?" Poppy asked as she looked over at Branch.

"Oh no, don't look at me on that one. The frosting was you're idea." He said pointedly at his wife who pouted at him.

"But it'll be fun!" She said motioning to the twins who looked at their parents and grinned.

"I think you're idea of fun is different to mine, Poppifer." Branch stated sarcastically as Poppy made her way back over to the counter where she'd put the tambourine Reed had been holding earlier she picked it up to inspect it.

"Oh come on, Branchifer, I know you enjoy a good challenge." She said as she gave the instrument a shake.

"A challenge, yes, wrestling the equivalent to Rhonda hyped up on sugar into a bath...I think I'll pass." He stated dryly as he eyed both of his children with mild disgust.

Poppy only rolled her eyes at her husband before snorting.

"By the way...where did you get this? I don't remember us having any toys like this." She said as she held up the tambourine.

"Oh, I brought that from the bunker. It was mine and my brother's when we were little there's a whole box of instruments and toys in the living room." Branch stated absentmindedly lost in plotting the best way to go about giving the twins a bath.

It wasn't until he heard Poppy's sharp intake of breath followed by her squeal of delight did he realize his mistake.

He turned slowly to see Poppy still holding the tambourine in one hand, her hands on her cheeks and her eyes had gone starry.

"You have things that you and and you're brothers played with as kids?! And when you were originally in BROZONE?!" She asked practically dancing in place lost in her fan-girl mode.

Branch heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"And this is why I never told you or John Dory about any of this, you two and you're fan memorabilia." He grumbled as he shook his head as she started to whine at him for holding out on her as he started to get the kids out of their high chairs for a bath.

Doing is best to ignore his now fan-girling wife.

And that's it for Chapter 3! I had a blast typing this one...it was fun getting to balance the seriousness and the humor. X;DDD

I'd also love to hear the ideas you guys wanna chunk at me for the series idea...as I said I have somethings planned. But I'm open to any and everything...so let me know what you think!

Hope you enjoy! I'd love to hear you're feedback! Knowing anyone gets enjoyment out of my hard work makes my day!

Please read, enjoy, review, and do all the nice things you do for these sorts of things! Thank you so much!