Gravity [2D x Reader]

Tassel

July 15th, 2003. 3:33pm.

"Graduates, please move your tassels from right to left to signify your transition." The speaker concluded his address.

The auditorium erupted into cheers, and I found myself grinning uncontrollably as I reached up and shifted my tassel.

When the ceremony ended, we filtered out into the sunlight. The crowd was packed with family and friends, all looking for their graduate. My eyes scanned the sea of faces until I spotted my people.

My cousin was the first to reach me, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did it!" she said, beaming.

"Couldn't have done it without you sending care packages," I laughed.

Before I could say more, another voice said, "Congrats, Y/n." I turned to see Damon, his ever-calm demeanor offset by the proud smile on his face. 

Behind Damon stood Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel. 

Murdoc gave me a mock salute, while Noodle hugged me tightly.

"Congrats, kid," Russel said, his deep voice warm.

"Thank you all for coming," I said, touched. "It means a lot."

I couldn't help but notice the whole band came but him. 

But before I could linger on the thought, I turned to see Derek making his way toward me, carrying a small bouquet of bright flowers. He handed them to me with a soft smile. 

"You looked great up there," he said, kissing my cheek.

"Thanks, and these are beautiful," I replied, holding up the flowers.

"Wait, everyone, we've got something to show you," Derek said.

I turn to him. "We do?"

Derek holds up my left hand to show off my ring. "Y/n and I are engaged!"

"Oh, right-" I awkwardly laugh it off.

The group burst into cheers and congratulations. My cousin grabbed my hand to examine the ring up close, while Noodle's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Well done, mate," Murdoc said to Derek, smirking.

"Congrats to both of you," Damon added with a nod.

"It's official now. She's off the market," Derek joked, slipping his arm around my waist.

"Guess I'm really stuck with you now," I teased, nudging him with my elbow. "Wait," I added, turning to Derek with a grin. "Now we're both officially graduated. Took me a little longer, but I had to make it count."

"You mean you just wanted an excuse to party a little longer," he quipped back, earning a laugh from everyone.

After a little while, the ceremony's crowd slowly started to die down.

Derek glanced at his watch. "So, what do you say we grab lunch and celebrate properly?"

"Sounds perfect," I said as we walked together toward the rest of the day.