Hey guys! I am truly sorry this took so long. I've been working 50-60 hours a week and the NFL owned my life for 5 months, but bonus Chiefs won the Superbowl! (I'm a massive Chiefs fan) This has still taken me way too long to get up here and no excuse is good enough for making ya'll wait. It's not a long chapter, it just kind of wraps up the story, more like an epilogue. Any way thanks for sticking with me for 2+ years, I hope you guys liked it!

Chapter 28: Final Chapter

1 ½ years later:

It was Branch's graduation day. Poppy sat with her father, Guy, Suki, Satin, Biggie, and Smidge whose foster parents had allowed her to come for Branch's big day. She couldn't quite see Branch from where she was sitting but knew he was in one of the front rows since he was close to top in his class. Poppy was so excited for him, the past 18 months or so had been a major change in both of their lives. They had continued living together but had yet to get married. Poppy wanted to wait until after she graduated, and Branch had happily agreed with her. Plus, Branch was about to start his new job, the one he had interviewed for before he and Poppy had gotten together. He'd interned there last summer, and they had been impressed enough to offer him a full-time position after he graduated.

As for Poppy's future she and Branch impressed Cooper with their song. She currently was recording her first album with the one condition being that their song had to be on it. Of course, they had agreed and Branch was also helping her with more songs along with Guy and Suki.

Finally, the graduation began with the commencement speech from the Dean, and more speeches from the valedictorian, department head, professors. And then it was time to hand out diplomas. Branch's name was called fifth and all of them jumped up and screamed together. But Poppy realized they weren't the only ones cheering for him. There were people all around the indoor stadium cheering for him. And even from here Poppy could see Branch smiling.

Poppy sat anxiously waiting as the rest of the students were called to receive their diplomas. She just wanted to run down and give Branch a great big hug.

After what seemed like forever the closing speeches came, and the graduates were free to see friends and family. Poppy was too excited to wait for her father and friends to follow her. She jumped up and ran down the stairs to the floor where Branch was somewhere. Luckily not many of the other graduates were as tall as him and she found him in a few seconds. Not caring what anyone else thought she ran to him and threw her arms around him. It obviously surprised him as it took him a few seconds to hug her back.

Branch was surprised at the sudden slam into his chest and he looked down to see the familiar pink hair. He hugged her back and she pulled away after a few seconds with a huge smile on her face.

"Omg Branch congrats! I can't believe you just actually graduated." Poppy said beaming.

He couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks Pops, I still really can't believe it myself. Four years went by so quickly, but I will admit the last two years were a little more exciting than the first two."

Before they could say anything else Peppy and their friends joined them on the floor. Peppy gave Branch a firm handshake and congratulated him. The rest of their friends hugged him, and Smidge gave him the biggest hug of all.

After Branch had finished healing, he'd went back to help tutor students. Smidge had missed him terribly and was so grateful to have him back. Poppy went occasionally just so she could see Smidge. And when Smidge had found out the two were engaged, she nearly squealed of excitement. Poppy and Branch hadn't told her yet, but when they did finally get married, they had decided she would be their flower girl. But for now, that was a ways in the future.

After everyone had gotten done congratulating Branch the group all decided it was time to get something to eat. Branch got to pick of course. Smidge was dropped off with Branch promising to see her the next day at her school.

As they all sat down to eat, everyone was smiling, talking, and laughing. Two years ago Branch could never imagine his life looking like this. He thought he would be alone at his graduation except for maybe G.D. Now he was almost never alone, which he liked more than he thought he would. Sure, sometimes he still ran off the library for an hour of quiet time, but it wouldn't take him long before he'd have to go find his pink-haired fiancé.

After dinner Branch thanked everyone for coming to his graduation and then he and Poppy headed home. Once there Branch leaned down to give Poppy a quick kiss, he had avoided doing so in front of her father.

Poppy smiled at him after they separated and put the hand with the ring on it on his cheek, "Your grandmother would be proud Branch."

That's it guys! It was short and sweet, but I feel like it didn't need a lot. Either way I'm hoping this won't be my last story.

Thanks for all the reviews and for sticking this out with me!