A/N: Inspired by the Mitchell's Vs. The Machines, because that movie is awesome. And not just for being the first mainstream animated film with an openly lesbian protagonist.
Simon Spier always felt different. He wasn't athletic like most of the guys at his school. He had a handful of not super close friends in the drama club. He never got into that many in-school activities. The one thing he was truly passionate about was his little at-home movies.
He's made a total of eighty-seven of them since he was nine. His skills were involved over the years, from learning how to use a green screen to basic special effects. His younger sister, Nora, and their golden retriever, Bieber, were his go-to stars.
The rest of his family were a little less enthusiastic. His other sister, Alice, called the films cute. His mom didn't understand it but was always willing to give constructive feedback. His dad was completely not interested. If it wasn't from nature, it wasn't good enough for Jack Spier.
He spent years perfecting his craft. He applied to a film school in LA called New York Film Academy. It was like heaven to him. Getting the acceptance letter was the happiest day of his life. The only thing better than the programs were the people. Simon had finally found his people.
It was the day before he left for orientation. He was on Skype with his new friends, Bram, Leah, Abby, Nick, Cal, and Garrett. He was practically bursting with excitement to finally meet them in person.
"No way," Simon exclaimed. "You guys like those corny b films, too?"
"They're classics," Abby said.
"Si, I checked out some of your little movies last night," Bram said. "They're so good."
"Thanks, Bram," Simon said. He tried to hide his blush. "Your submission documentary on the state of the Marvel fandom between Infinity War and Endgame was a masterpiece."
"Simon, dinner is ready," Emily Spier called from the kitchen.
"I have to go," Simon said. "See y'all tomorrow."
The group said goodbye as Simon logged off. He walked downstairs, carrying his laptop. Nora had made her specialty of taco pasta. It was Simon's favorite dish, and Nora knew this. She also had made breadsticks. Emily had made the dessert.
"There's our film school student," Emily said.
"I bet you were on call with your new pretentious friends," Alice joked. She attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She was a sophomore. Nora was the only one still in grade school. She was a freshman in high school.
"They're not pretentious," Simon insisted. The family sat at the table. Nora fixed the plates and gave them to her family. She sat down, and they began to eat. "Um, I have actually made a parting gift."
"Can we have one dinner without electronics?" Jack asked.
"After this, I promise," Simon said. He opened the laptop. He played the video. The entire family was being played by sock puppets. Jack seemed unimpressed by the video. "Is something wrong?"
"I just don't see how you can make money from this," Jack said.
"Honey," Emily started.
"I just want Simon to have a backup plan," Jack said. "He's going to be across the country, and we can't help him."
"You know, forget it," Simon sighed. He shut his computer. Emily gave her husband a look.
"No, I want to see it," Jack said.
"No, it's okay," Simon said. He picked up his computer, but Jack grabbed the other end. The two began a game of tug-of-war. This caused the computer to fling into a wall, smashing it.
"All of my projects were on that computer," Simon shrieked.
"I'm so sorry," Jack said. "I'll buy you a new one on the way to the airport. I'm sure we can save all of your projects. You probably have them on a file somewhere."
"You've done enough," Simon said. He went to his room, slamming the door.