@bearcaught
since the impromptu move to new haven, simon had been focusing on making the house feel like home. a sanctuary to retreat to. or as pessimistic minds might say, a comfortable hiding place. the work kept simon inside which he certainly wasn't complaining about. he knew that he couldn't remain in the house forever - he could only clean an already spotless house so many times and make up random chores for so long. he just needed a little more time before he reintroduced himself to the world.
then grant and jake returned home from a shopping trip with a flyer that advertised this beltane fire festival. the paper had made it sound fun and simon's wonder only increased as his bandmates kept sharing details. the three of them attended plenty of fairs and festivals growing up, but that felt like a lifetime ago. back when they were still masquerading as humans for their own safety. before a hunter glared at simon with pure hatred in his eyes. all because he had somehow figured out fact or fiction's best kept secrets.
a memory simon isn't terribly keen to remember, but is left to navigate the impact of every single day. it keeps him on the outskirts of the festival and seated at a picnic table. so close to community. connections that bring a warmth one can only compare to fire. so close and still so far away.
until jake's voice cuts through the surrounding noise as he approaches the table. "si, c'mon and check this out! they've got bear claws!" one of simon's favorite pastries, a mere mention almost guarantees an awakening of his appetite and an upcoming search to acquire them. he loosens the back of his phone case as he stands up, credit card falling into his waiting hand. "where?" simon calls out. hunger wastes no time with overriding his nerves, propelling the bear forward to join the crowds.
as he disappears, a photo settles on the table after falling out and just barely missing simon's hand. smiling faces belonging to simon's family look back up, including a younger version of himself with a brighter grin and hidden fear noticeably absent from his eyes. just a moment frozen in time from a few years ago, when he was surrounded by family and unaware of what was to come in life yet still excited beyond measure.
