First lines challenge by Allison

[shoemaster.livejournal.com]

Title: Gaudeamus
Author: shoemaster/Allison
Summary: Kidfic only she's kind of grown up and stuff.
Notes: First line from ifreet Seriously, I'd rather watch from here. Thanks to the_antichris for the title.

"Seriously, I'd rather watch from here."

“Ray-”

“No, Fraser, you go and sit, I wanna stand back here.”

“I could-”

“Your back would never forgive you. Go.”

Benton sighed. Ray was exaggerating, the ceremony wouldn’t be that long - Lindsey’s class wasn’t particularly large. “Very well, but if you change your mind, I’ll be with the Kasook’s.”

Ray grinned and stepped towards him for a quick kiss, “I know.”

The procession started promptly at three and Benton turned to watch the class of 2016 of Samuel Hearne Secondary School walk down the center aisle. There were speeches, of course, and a few songs before the diplomas were actually handed out. Mrs. Kasook was crying already, even though Daniel was still in his seat.

Benton glanced back to where Ray was standing, his shoulders hunched as he leaned against the wall. Neither of them were predisposed to tears, but he did wish Ray was seated next to him. If Ray were to be somewhat overcome, he had to know that Benton wouldn’t fault him for it. Lindsey’s graduation was an emotional time- technically they had fulfilled their duties as her adopted parents. She was ready to be a fully functioning member of society: she was registered to vote (Benton had helped her fill out the forms the day after her birthday), she could drive (he never thought they would survive that experience), she had completed high school and had been accepted to more than one university. He didn’t think he’d ever actually have the time to teach her all the things he wanted her to know.

She was still so young and-

“Lindsey Fraser-Kowalski.”

He was on his feet immediately, clapping with the rest of the crowd. She took her diploma and shook hands with the principal before grinning out at the audience. Benton met her eyes quickly, and let every ounce of pride show on his face When her eyes flicked to either side of him and didn’t find her other father he motioned with his head to the back of the room. Ray was whistling quite loudly and she found him easily and the look of confusion changed back into the broad smile.

The students were supposed to return to their seats immediately after receiving their diploma but Lindsey walked decorously off the stage and then continued straight past her seat before flinging herself into Ray’s arms, the same way she had when she’d come home from kindergarten. It hadn’t been that long ago, only twelve years, but she’d be leaving them in the fall, starting university in Toronto and…

Benton took a deep breath as he watched his family cling to each other. Ray lifted his head and met Benton’s eyes, squeezing Lindsey so tightly Benton imagined he could feel it from across the room.