The First One

Chapter 1

"Hey, Simon" Hiram calls out, as he searches through the things on the bookshelf.

Simon turns his head to the man, humming in response.

"What month is it?" The man asks, and Simon looks away in thought.

"It is October, I believe," The ghost murmurs as his brows furrowed in curiosity. "Why do you ask?"

"For no particular reason..." the man begins, "Although, I have a question for you," Hiram says, turning to the ghost.

"I don't entirely know if it's appropriate, though..."

"Oh?" Simon's eyes widened, the ghost laughing in astonishment. "Now, I'm getting scared"

Hiram looks at him, confused.

"Feel free to ask, Hiram" Simon gestures to him to speak, giving him a welcoming smile.

The inventor takes a breath in. "...Have you celebrated any holidays since your death?"

"Oh..." the spirit breathes out, "Well, not since I've met you and your family, no" he simply says, leaning on the edge of the table.

Hiram hums. "Why is that?"

"Well, usually, you spend holidays with someone close to you" he explains, "
...I didn't have anyone like that for a long time, you know" the ghost says sheepishly, looking away. "Never felt obliged to, really"

Hiram stays quiet, his face frowned in guilt. "Yes, that would make sense," he says in thought. "I apologize-I should have known better" he murmurs as he takes a seat in his chair.

The spirit walks up behind Hiram, lightly stroking his shoulder. "I don't mind it," he explains, concern evident in his voice. "But we have each other now, don't we?" he leans down to the man, wrapping his arms gently around his neck. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"You must have done something in the last 300 years, though," Hiram jokes, and it makes the spirit laugh uncontrollably.

"That's true," he agrees, "But what life, or afterlife, that really was? A miserable one."

Hiram sighs, leaning into his touch. "I know"

Simon walks in front of him, kneeling. He reaches out for his hand, intertwining them together.

Hiram's gaze darts away, as he looks in thought. "...Simon" he calls out for him yet again.

"Yes?" The spirit tilts his head at him, listening closely.

"Do you remember when Virginia and I carved pumpkins in the garden last year?" The man squeezes his hand slightly, nostalgia washing over him. "Or how you helped us hang lights around the house?" The man laughs bittersweetly at the memory. "Those were great times"

Simon stares at the man absently, his eyes are glassy. He nods gently. "Last Halloween? It feels like it just happened yesterday"

"Are you going to be our scarecrow this year?" Hiram jokes, and Simon gasps theatrically.

"Oh that is absolutely absurd-"

"...And I'm gonna impale you on that twig myself" Hiram adds, and it makes the spirit gasp even louder, clutching his chest. "You're a madman, Hiram, and I will make sure everyone knows that" he jokes lightheartedly, almost throwing himself at the floor.

"You say so?"

"Of course!" he threatens playfully, waving a finger at him. "I'm deadly serious"

Hiram says nothing, he just pulls the spirit close for a kiss. "I can see that"

Simon rolls his eyes, huffing under his breath. "You will never get tired of that, I see?"

"Never" Hiram grinned, laughing at the ghosts amusement.

Simon just smiles back, as he always does.