AN: Happy 4th of July!
The toons didn't fully grasp the reasons behind celebrating the 4th of July. They had never learned about American history during their time in the studio and It hadn't been a topic that came up once they escaped. But they understood it was about freedom, something they appreciated greatly, and any excuse to have a lot of fun with their family and friends were great in their books.
That morning, after a light breakfast the toons and adults piled into the Stein's car and Connor's truck. The drive to Connor's house was passed in excited chatter, laughter and the occasional shout of anger and frustration as someone was jabbed with a stray elbow in the cramped spaced. Once they arrived the toons eagerly piled out and began exploring the large property, starting up a game of tag. The adults and Ink creatures meanwhile unloaded supplies and started up the grill.
The morning and start of the afternoon passed by quickly, full of fun and games. The toons and ink creatures enjoyed being able to really cut loose with their appearance and abilities without the worry that someone who didn't know about them would pass by and discover them and without fear that their more extreme quirks would frighten or accidentally harm someone else, Bendy especially had a blast in changing his form between toon and Ink Devil and every stage in between to give him an advantage in their games. At one point it dissolved into a game of "catch the Demon" as the other ganged up to get the quick little Devil. Bendy giggles with pleasure as escaped the other's grasp, easily darting between the grabbing hands or flying just out of reach.
Eventually, the smell of food cooking on the grill reminded everyone of how hungry they were and the canes paused so everyone could eat. There was plenty for everyone, even with some of the toons tremendous appetites, and everyone chatted pleasantly as they ate their fill. The games started up again after everyone had something to eat, though at a more lazy pace. They did get a water balloon fight going for a while, though they were careful that no one got too soaked. While the games went on, there was food still available and often a toon or two would take a break to snack on something.
As the evening approached, the adults herded the toons together and gave all of them some clothes to keep warm and disguise themselves. Driving a little, they came to a base of a large hill that had several other cars parked around it. They gathered some blankets and went up to the hill where there were already others sitting, but between their disguises and the darkness of the night, no one was the wiser. Setting out blankets, everyone settled down to wait.
It wasn't long before there was a whistling sound in the distance followed by a pop and the sky exploded with color. Bendy and the other toons gasped in surprise and wonder, watching as sparkling flecks of color floated above them and began to fade, only to be replaced by another wave of color. The toons loved the fireworks show, watching all the different colors and patterns paint across the sky. They were very excited when they got to wave sparklers around, making fun patterns and a few even attempting to write their name.
Eventually, the lateness of the night caught up to everyone and they made their journey home. The ride back was a lot of quitter, with a few toons even starting to doze, but there was still the atmosphere of happiness among everyone. They had a great day and while the toons weren't very attached to the original meaning of the holiday, they enjoyed celebrate the freedom they've gained. They never even imagined that they would be able to run in the sun and have fun together when they had been trapped and tortured in the dark depths of the studio. Yet here they were, enemies turned friends and families. Things they had only heard about in passing or distant memories were nowhere for them to enjoy.
When everyone tucked in for bed for the night, everyone had smiles on their faces. They had all gained so much now and they couldn't be more grateful. And soon, everyone fell into a peaceful sleep.