#poppy x barb | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

staplegxnn · 4 months

Text

THE THIRD BEAT

(Reposts are appreciated, please do not steal, copy, or publish my work without proper credit.)

Tw: cussing, lots of juicy juicy angst

Headcannons: poppy does not like cussing (humor ensues), Barb is traumatized, Branch is a snuggly mf who loves his gfs with all his heart

Life was slow and messy for Barb after the whole “trying to turn everyone into rock trolls” thing. It wasn’t easy for her to make friends, some people still hated her, others went as far as teasing her and calling her names, it wasn’t something she could escape. But there was one escape…Poppy and Branch, Poppy was the queen of the pop trolls, a sweet and overly optimistic woman with a heart of gold and a love for glitter, and Branch was her pessimistic boyfriend, he was more chill and low energy than poppy was, but he was still all smiles and jokes. Poppy and Branch were Barbs absolute best friends, they didn’t judge her for anything, sure, Branch needed a bit more time before fully trusting Barb, but one he did, they were amazing friends. Poppy was certainly the closest to Barb, they could talk to each other for hours without getting bored, they did each others hair, they went on adventures together- they were absolutely inseparable.

Barb sat on the edge of her bed, sighing as she scribbled down some doodles in her notebook. She didn’t have anything to do today, Branch was out with his brothers and Poppy was doing some queenly shit that Barb would rather just not ask about- she had her own problems ruling her own kingdom. Barb laid back in her bed, looking up at her ceiling, she’d been staying temporarily in the pop kingdom for around a month now, since most of the rock trolls were helping re-construction of the other kingdoms, she honestly loved it there, it was bright and colorful, and sure- it was kind of not her vibe- but it made her happy nonetheless. Barb felt her hand grip around her pen, her notebook laying on her lap, she sat up and started to doodle again, it started with a head, then a body, some legs, some arms…Barb grumbled, she got up and walked to her desk, grabbing some other pens. Pink hair, pink skin, a blue and green dress…and pretty, hot pink eyes. Barb set her pen down, rubbing the paper and sighing, she chuckled, looking at the drawing.

“Poppy…”

Barb sat down in her desk chair, rocking it side to side as she flipped the page and started doodling again. Her heart thumped in her chest as she thought about Poppy, she looked to the picture on her wall of the two together, Poppy hugging Barb tightly, and Barb hugging back- she wanted that to happen again, she missed Poppy’s hugs when she wasn’t there. Barb looked back down at her paper, she drew poppy again, her smiling face and bright eyes, she closed the notebook, setting her pens aside, she took a deep breath and took the picture from the wall, looking down at it.

“Poppy. God damnit why can I not stop thinking about you….”

Barb heard a soft knock on her door, she set the picture down and opened it, almost having a heart attack as she saw the pink preppy princess standing right at her door. She stepped back.

“Ah! Poppy! Oh you’re here! I thought you weren’t gonna be back for another hour!”

Poppy giggled, hugging onto Barb and sighing.

“Ugh- the queen stuff was soooo boorrrrrinnnngg! So I snuck away to come see you!!! I- hope that’s okay-“

Poppy sat down on Barb’s bed, smiling at her. Barb nodded, smiling back and crossing her arms, trying to make Poppy’s hug last longer.

“Of course it’s okay. I’m always one for ditching.”

Barb sat next to Poppy, leaning on her a bit, Poppy leaned into her as well, the two of them falling back onto the bed and giggling. Barb looked at Poppy as she wrapped her arms around her, taking her in another big hug.

“I miss your hugs when you’re not around…”

Barb mumbled, looking up at the ceiling, trying to ignore her thumping heart and burning face.

“Awww! Barb!!! I miss you too. I wish I could come over here more often but I’m so freaking bussssyyyy- excuse my French.”

Barb laughed at Poppy’s remark, looking down at her and sighing softly.

“Eh, it’s fine, I can survive without you for most of the day. I just require like- 5 hugs per day.”

Poppy giggles, sitting up and tackling Barb, wrapping her arms around her.

“HAH! There’s number 3!!!”

Barbs face turned red, she laughed again her face now redder than the burning flames of a fireplace. Poppy noticed this, she tilted her head slightly.

Poppy, despite being busy, was a very devoted person to her friends. She had time for everyone, and everything, you could ask her to do a 4 hour long task during work hours and she’d find the time to do it for you. But most of her time was spent around two people, her boyfriend Branch, and her best friend…Barb. Barb was such a spunky woman, her personality was off the rocker and she was honestly so fun to be around, Poppy never wanted to leave her side half the time they were together, and her favorite times were when Branch, her, and Barb were all together, those were her happiest moments. Recently, poppy had been spending a lot of time with Barb, since Branch was busy catching up with his brothers, it was just the two of them most of the time, and the more that Poppy was around Barb….the more she started to notice little details about her. She always melted into hugs, she wasn’t really that snuggly, but when Poppy or Branch snuggled up to her she would cling right onto them, she always got a bit red when the two were around her…and most of all, the way Barb looked at her.

Barb looked up into Poppy’s eyes, tilting her head as well and chuckling.

“You okay there, princess?”

Poppy shook herself out of her trance, smiling and tackling Barb down into another hug, laying back on the bed with Barbs head on her chest, she melted into her like always, smiling and taking a deep breath.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just thinkin.”

Barb closed her eyes, her arms wrapping tightly around Poppy’s waist. Poppy gently ran her hands through Barbs bright red hair, it was soft and silky, and it shined like fire in the light.

“Whatcha thinkin about?”

Barb opened her eyes, looking up at Poppy with a smile. Poppy loved Barbs smile, it was one of the best things about her, it was crooked and toothy- and the most charming damn thing she’d ever seen, it reminded her of Branch’s smile.

“You and Branch, like always.”

Poppy giggled, ruffling Barbs hair. Barb grumbled playfully, turning over and pulling Poppy into an even tighter hug.

“I haven’t seen Branch in a while. Does he come home today?”

Poppy nods.

“Yeah, I hope so. I miss him.”

Barb sits up, smiling down at poppy and stretching.

“I miss him too. Let’s just hope he doesn’t bring his brothers around- cause I am not up for having like- 50 people in my house.”

Poppy giggles, laying her head down on Barbs lap. And there was that look again. Barbs gaze softened, her eyes half lidded, a spark firing deep within her pretty reds. Poppy adored it…it made her feel so special the way Barb looked at her, like she was the only woman in the entire world.

“Nah, I think it’ll just be me, you, and Branch. We could scrap book together!!!”

Poppy smiles widely, both hers and Barbs faces a bright red.

“Ah- scrap booking? Really?”

Poppy scoffs playfully.

“Yes really, you know you love it.”

Barb rolls her eyes, chuckling.

“Uh huh. Sureeeeee. Yeah fine, we can scrap book.”

Poppy squeals.

“YAYY!!!!”

She sits up, wrapping her arms around Barb and tackling her back onto the bed, laying down with her and closing her eyes.

“I love…-“

Poppy paused mid sentence, opening her eyes and looking up at Barb, that same look still in her eyes.

“H…hanging out with you.”

Barb smiled, sighing softly and looking up at the ceiling.

“I love hanging out with you too. I swear you and Branch are the only reason I’m even still in Trollstopia. I would’ve moved if I didn’t have you.”

Poppy gently plays with Barbs hair again, giggling.

“I’m happy you stayed.”

Minuets later, there’s a knock on the door, and Poppy immediately jumps up to go get it, swinging open the door and gasping as she saw who it was. Branch came rushing into the room, picking Poppy up and giggling.

“There’s my two favorite girls!!!!”

Branch threw poppy down onto Barbs bed, hopping up and giving Barb a big hug too. Barb giggled, her face flushing as Branch snuggled up to both her and Poppy.

“Oh you’re back Branch we missed you!!! Me and Barb were talking about scrap booking!”

Branch playfully rolls his eyes, just like Barb did.

“Really? Scrap booking?”

Poppy scoffs.

“You two are no fun!!! I’ll go get the supplies from my house. I’ll be right back!!!”

Branch leans in to Barb, whispering.

“Watch, she’s gonna take like a full fuckin hour.”

Poppy snaps back around and looks at Branch.

“LANGUAGE!!!”

Barb and Branch both laugh as Poppy closes the door and leaves. Branch sighs, wrapping an arm around Barb. Barb smiled and closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around herself and fidgeting with her leather jacket.

“So, anything new since I’ve been gone?”

Branch gently started playing with Barbs hair- that was one of the many things him and Poppy had in common, they liked playing with Barbs hair.

“Ah, not much. Poppy’s been busy with ruling, and I’ve just been kinda stuck here all alone until she gets done for the day.”

Branch frowns a bit, huffing.

“You could’ve told me, I would’ve come back sooner.”

Barb shakes her head.

“Nah, you were busy with your brothers. I can handle being alone…I was for most of my life anyway.”

Branch sighs, hugging Barb close.

“Well you don’t have to be alone now, you have me and Poppy. And we’ll never leave your side.”

As Branch said this, Poppy came back in the house, hopping up on the bed and snuggling right up to Barb and Branch.

“That’s right! We’re gonna be here forever and you’re gonna have to just deal with it!”

Barb smiled at Branch and Poppy, looking between the two of them.

“Ah- you guys are gonna make me blush.”

Branch chuckles, laying back on the bed and letting his head hang off the end of it.

“But you’re cute when you blush.”

Poppy nods.

“Very. I agree. BUT ENOUGH ABOUT THAT!!!! ITS SCRAP BOOKING TIME!!!”

Barb didn’t even have time to process what the two had said to her before she was dragged into the downstairs part of her house by Poppy, Branch following closely behind. Barb sat down on her couch as Poppy sat on the floor, getting out all her art supplies and clapping happily. Branch sat down next to Barb, putting his arm around her and yawning.

“Oh boy. Here we go.”

The next couple hours were filled with constant laughter and talking between the three, like always, it was the most fun they’d each had in a while, just making little paper cut outs, pouring glitter everywhere, listening to music and watching movies, it was great. By the end of the day, they were all 3 warn out, it was dark out and they’d been loud and crazy to their hearts content. Poppy sat on the couch next to Barb, leaning against her and groaning.

“Ughhhh- can’t we just spent the night? I don’t feel like going back home.”

Branch nods in agreement.

“Yeah neither do I.”

Barb chuckles.

“Yeah, no shit you can stay. Have I ever said no?”

Poppy yawns sleepily.

“Watch your-…language…”

She grabs a blanket, not even bothering to grab a pillow, just falling asleep on Barb, all snuggled up in her blanket. Barb sighed, chuckling as Branch sat behind her, covering the both of them with a blanket, Barb sighed, laying back against him and looking up at him. Branch smiled down at her, then he smiled down at Poppy, chuckling.

“She’s out like a light.”

Barb laughs.

“Yeah she is.”

Barb gently plays with Poppy’s hair, smiling as she laid against her, sleeping peacefully. Barb sighed, looking off into the distance for a second before speaking again.

“Branch? Do you guys ever feel like…I’m bothering you….? Like I’m intruding on your relationship…? I’m like- literally fuckin laying in between you two right now.”

Branch chuckles, shaking his head as he turned down the volume of the tv.

“Of course we don’t. Me and Poppy chose to have you around, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Honestly, you make our relationship complete, without you it feels like it’s missing a piece.”

Barb blushed at the remark, fidgeting with Poppy’s hair.

“Does Poppy feel that way too?”

Branch nods.

“Oh absolutely! She loves you. Anytime us two are alone together one of us always brings you up, and that’s why we’re always around you, Poppy needs you just as much as I do.”

Barb paused, the room was silent for a moment as she thought to herself.

“Branch…do you…ever think…- maybe….”

Barb paused again, looking nervous. She shook her head and sighed.

“Never mind. Night, Branch.”

Barb laid back, closing her eyes and snuggling against the two. Branch chuckled, patting her on the shoulder and laying back as well.

“Goodnight, Barb.”

Barb was the last one awake in the morning, she felt the slow rise and fall of Branch’s chest against her head, and the vibration of Poppy’s voice against her ribs. She opened her eyes, smiling down at Poppy, who immediately smiled back at her and hugged her.

“Barb!!! Sorry if we woke you-“

Barb shook her head, sighing and looking up at Branch.

“Nah, you didn’t.”

Branch sat up, helping Barb sit up as well as he walked to the kitchen and started making all of them coffee. Poppy leaned against Barb, sighing.

“Branch told me that last night you were asking if you bothered us. And you don’t!!! You really don’t. We love having you around!!! To be honest we hate “alone time” cause we like it better here with you.”

Barb giggled, nudging Poppy playfully.

“Branch, were you talkin shit last night?”

Branch walked back in with coffee, handing Barb her cup.

“So much shit.”

Poppy gasped.

“Language!!! Thank you for the coffee, sweetie~”

Poppy took her cup from Branch, taking a sip and sighing. Barb stayed quiet as Branch and Poppy spoke to each other, she thought to herself for a bit…she didn’t feel whole without Poppy and Branch with her either, she felt like she needed them as well, she felt…like she was part of their relationship in some way. She shook herself out of it, finishing her coffee and walking to the kitchen to put her cup away. Who would ever love her like that? She was a crazy, off the walls, angry, terrible person- who didn’t deserve love, that’s all she could think about, and that’s all she thought of herself. Poppy looked over to the kitchen, seeing Barb just looking down at the counter as she fidgeted with her cup. Poppy stood up, walking up behind Barb and wrapping her arms around her waist, laying her head on her shoulder.

“I know that face. What are you upset about???”

Barb shook her head, sighing and rubbing her forehead.

“It’s nothing.”

Branch scoffed, standing up and leaning against the kitchen doorframe.

“Don’t say it’s nothing. We know you, it’s clearly not nothing when you act like this.”

Barb groaned.

“That’s just the thing. You guys know me, but…you know me too well! You shouldn’t be- hanging out with me like this- you should hate me! You both know what I did…you both know how I am and get you still chose to stay….why??? Because I said sorry once? Because I had a change of heart? You shouldn’t just- forgive me right away-“

Barb put her head in her hands, sighing softly.

“I don’t deserve what you guys give me…- and I never will.”

Branch and Poppy looked at each other, both pulling Barb into a big hug. Poppy cupped Barbs face in her hands, shaking her head.

“Barb. You deserve all of what you get from us, and more. You are a sweet, loving, adorable woman and i love the way you are! I don’t care about what you did in the past- you’ve clearly changed.”

Barb placed her hands over Poppy’s hands, looking at her the same way as always.

“But…I…I just worry that…I’m a burden to you.”

Branch shakes his head.

“You are not a burden. We promise.”

But a promise wasn’t enough for Barb, she gave the two of them a soft, and clearly fake smile, before sitting up on the countertop and huffing. Poppy burrowed her head into Barbs stomach, her arms wrapping tightly around her waist, Branch just sighed and hugged the both of them, looking up at Barb.

“Cmon, you believe us right?”

Barb shrugs.

“I don’t know….it’s…- hard to. I’ve had people lie about that stuff in the past- and with you two…- I…”

Barb sighs softly.

“It would hurt worse if you two were lying.”

Branch grumbles, rolling his eyes and picking Barb up from off the counter, slinging her over his shoulder. He took her upstairs, Poppy following closely behind, Branch plopped Barb right down onto her bed, grabbing her desk chair and sitting down across from her, Poppy staying standing.

“Alright Barb. Talk. Somethings up with you. I came home, we all had some fun, and now you’re suddenly upset, and I don’t like it when you’re upset.”

Barbs face turned red, she didn’t know what to say, and she was so focused on Branch that she didn’t even notice Poppy opening her notebook.

“Ah- it’s- it’s nothing, you know me, I’m always down about something.”

Poppy suddenly spoke up.

“Oh…Barb…”

Barbs heart dropped down into her stomach when she saw what Poppy was holding- she was in some deep shit now. Branch looked over Poppy’s shoulder, his gaze softening as he smiled, looking up at Barb, who was now face down in a pillow, seeming to be preparing for the worst.

“Barb, why didn’t you tell me and Poppy?”

Barb lifted her head.

“Hah??? Tell you what??? You must be seeing things!!!! There’s nothing in that no-“

Before Barb could finish her sentence, she was smothered in a big Poppy hug, her shoulders dropped and she took a deep breath, hugging her back.

“Sorry….”

Poppy lifted her head.

“Sorry for what?? There’s absolutely nothing to be sorry about.”

Branch nods, sitting up on the bed with the two.

“Poppy is right. But why didn’t you tell us sooner…?”

Barb shrugged, she had an answer, she didn’t think she deserved to be in a relationship, especially not with two amazing people like Poppy and Branch, but they didn’t need to hear that, they probably already knew.

“I…I guess I was just nervous.”

Poppy looked at Branch, and Branch back to Poppy, the both of them smiled and nodded, looking back at Barb and taking her hands.

“There’s no need to be.”

Poppy hummed in her sweet and soft tone.

“Because- we love you like that too.”

Barb sat dumbfounded in the lower floor of her house, staring dead forward at her blank tv screen. 2 weeks. That’s how long she’d been in a relationship with Poppy and Branch, it hadn’t hit her until just then, her heart sank deep into her chest, but before she could think about anything more, she was tackled and immediately smooched on the cheek.

“BARBBBB!!!!! Hiiii!!!! I missedddd youuuu!!!”

Barb giggled, kissing Poppy back and sighing.

“You went upstairs for 10 minutes, Poppy.”

Poppy sighs, sitting up and looking down at Barb.

“That’s too long without you.”

Barb sat up as well, only to be pulled into another kiss by Poppy, Barb melted into her, sighing softly and wrapping her arms around her waist, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to enjoy the moment. Poppy giggled as she broke the kiss, holding tightly onto Barbs hands.

“Gosh, you’re such a good kisser~”

Barb turned bright red at the remark, chuckling and tucking Poppy’s hair behind her ear.

“Ah- I’m not that good.”

Branch came up from behind Barb, kissing her on the cheek and hugging her.

“Nah, you are. Don’t downplay yourself.”

Barb hid her face in her hands, shaking her head.

“Oh stop it-“

Poppy giggled, pulling Barb into another hug.

“Nooooo~”

Poppy, Branch, and Barb all sat on the couch together, snuggling closely. Barb stared off into space again as the other two spoke amongst themselves. She couldn’t help herself, she was deeper in thought then she usually was, she wasn’t paying attention to anything except for the voice in her own head. Poppy looked up at Barb, running a hand through her hair and trying to catch her attention, kissing her cheek, cupping her face, everything she could- but Barb was too deep in her own head. Branch sighed softly, just leaning his head against Barb, and waiting until Poppy was asleep around an hour later to pull Barb aside. He gently helped Barb off the couch, wrapping an arm around her waist and walking out onto the back porch with her, and as soon as they got outside, Barb broke down into tears. Branch took her hand, his heart broke seeing one of the people he loved most in the world break down like this, he just held her in his arms, hugging her closely as she cried, he didn’t even need to ask her what has wrong, she started talking all on her own.

“Branch- I- I don’t deserve you, or Poppy…I’m a horrible fucking person. I’m loud- I’m heartless, I’m too closed off to say anything about it- I…I’m the opposite of you guys.”

Branch paused as he listened to Barb speak, he gently sat down with her, taking her hands in his and kissing her forehead.

“Actually…Barb, you’re exactly like how I was once…”

Barb looked up into Branches eyes, seeming surprised. Branch just nodded.

“Yeah, I know- hard to believe- but…I was closed off once too, I was scared, I was isolated, and to be honest…I was kind of an asshole. I didn’t think I deserved love either, but Poppy helped me see differently, she helped me realize and understand that no matter what…everyone deserves a little bit of happiness. And especially you do, Barb. You’re the second sweetest girl I know, and I love you.”

Barb smiled, tilting her head slightly and giggling through the muffled sound of her tears.

“Second?”

Branch shrugged.

“No one can be as sweet as Poppy.”

Barb laughed and leaned into Branch, closing her eyes and sighing, maybe she did deserve love, maybe this was her second chance…and maybe, just maybe- she could finally be happy once again.

#trolls #trolls parb #trolls world tour #poppy x barb #poppy x branch #branch x barb #trolls fanfic

26 notes · View notes