Sunnydale AU: 100% giant-demon-snake free!

[americas_son]

Cal knew graduation was coming, but after everything that's happened in the past few months, it still catches him by surprise. It should be a major milestone, but it seems almost pointless, like it's getting in the way of more important things.

He never seriously considered skipping the ceremony, though - there's still the family image to consider, after all. And besides, for some of the people who matter to him, it is important. So he arrives right on time, crimson gown and hat in hand, and watches the other excited seniors mill around the gym.

Comments

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"So he could disappear on you."

Obviously.

[toblameforit]

Snort.

"You know what, I wouldn't put it past him."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

Cal laughs.

"Well, there can't be anything that interesting going on in here."

Even by Sherlock's standards.

He's fairly sure about this.

[toblameforit]

"Nope, just a bunch of soon-to-be-ex-high-school-students wandering around in dumbass outfits."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Come on," Cal says, "don't you love your scratchy plastic gown?"

Cal loves his so much he hasn't even pulled it on over his clothes yet.

[toblameforit]

"No."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"What, not even a little? But it's totally your color."

Cal doesn't know a lot about colors and skin tones and the matching up thereof, but he is pretty sure that these gowns aren't anyone's color.

[toblameforit]

"Yeah, I'm not sure you can be human and look good in these things."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Probably not."

Cal eyes the garment draped over his arm.

[toblameforit]

"Actually I don't think a vampire would look good in them either," he muses.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Maybe a demon."

Maybe.

"Or a werewolf." Since it would probably shred the thing pretty quickly, which could only be an improvement.

[toblameforit]

"Yeah, I bet getting dragged through the woods a couple times would really improve 'em."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Couldn't hurt," Cal agrees.

He shrugs.

"Well, we only have to wear 'em for a few hours."

[toblameforit]

"And then never think about it again," he says happily.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

Cal laughs a little.

"Yeah, I just wanna get this whole thing over with."

[toblameforit]

"Same here."

In case, you know, it wasn't obvious.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"It - doesn't really seem like the big deal it's supposed to be."

It's possible Cal is not talking about clothes anymore.

[toblameforit]

"...Yeah, I hear you."

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"I mean. Not that I ever thought it would be, but."

Cal shrugs. He knows Tony knows what he means, and knows it better than he does. At least Cal has a parent here. Hell, even Grahame actually came out of his study for the occasion.

It doesn't make up for who isn't here, but - well. No buts. It just doesn't.

[toblameforit]

"But yeah."

And that, Tony knows, is why Sherry is here. Because nobody else is.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"Yeah."

Cal sighs.

"- How many other kids here you think are in the same boat?" he asks suddenly.

It's Sunnydale. There's no way the rest of the graduating class has made it with all their families intact.

[toblameforit]

He blinks.

"Sherry'd probably know," he says after a moment.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"I'll have to ask him," Cal says. "They could be in our club."

The murdered parents club, because he figures there probably aren't a lot of deaths from natural causes in Sunnydale.

[toblameforit]

"God, now there's an idea." Tony laughs.

[americas-son.livejournal.com]

"We could meet on Tuesdays."

It just seems like a good day for it.

"There would be a lot of drinking."