(Ford x Reader) Hickory Pines

CH. 16 Thoughts

Stanford POV

Back at the lab, I find myself unable to sleep. It's already the next morning, and I know I promised Y/N I would talk to them, but I'm unsure if I can keep that promise. A part of me is still processing my interaction with Bill, and the weight of having to build a portal hangs heavily on my mind. I'm ecstatic about it, but I'm also overwhelmed. The fact that I can't ask Y/N for help makes everything feel even heavier. They can't weld or build, and they can't cook, either. Keeping all of this a secret on top of the pressure is just too much.

A knock on my lab door jolts me from my thoughts. "Huh? Yes...?" I mumble sleepily, and I hear a heavy sigh from the other side. "Stanford, I made breakfast. Remember?"

Shuffling from my chair, I scrape it against the concrete as I yawn. "I didn't forget, Y/N. I'm just a bit groggy, that's all." I stand up, and my back pops loudly, making Y/N gasp through the door. "Yeesh..." they comment, which makes me chuckle. "Don't worry about it. It's normal for me."

I drag my feet up the stairs, pushing forward as a bookshelf clicks out of place and opens. Y/N moves aside, holding a warm, steaming plate of pancakes. Didn't we have pancakes last week? Regardless, I'm pleasantly surprised that the kitchen isn't a charred mess, and neither is the food. "By God, you look awful. Did you sleep at all?" they ask as they hold the bookshelf open, letting me out before it slides back shut.

I wave my hand dismissively, causing them to groan. "This is what I mean by you need to take better care of yourself," they scold, and I shove my hands into my pockets. "I know—I just have a lot on my mind."

Y/N scoffs as they slide my plate onto the table in the kitchen, glancing back at me over their shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye, I see them slip a small binder into a drawer. "You're always thinking about something... At this point, I think your eyebags have as many wrinkles as your brain."

I laugh a little as I reach for a mug, preparing to fill it with coffee. Before I can grab the kettle, Y/N snatches it from me and sets it back. "You've had enough coffee already. Don't think I didn't notice you sneaking in here last night..."

I grumble and cross my arms. Y/N moves the mug over to a small pitcher, pouring me some water. Watching the liquid reminds me just how thirsty I am. They set the pitcher back on the counter, ice and a few small lemons bobbing inside. I practically rip the mug from their hands and start chugging, drawing an amused but concerned laugh from Y/N.

"I had a feeling this would happen..." they comment, shaking their head.

Taking quick gasps after chugging the water, I look at them. "Sorry..."

"Don't apologize..." they say softly while refilling my mug. "Just do better next time..."

I nod and chug another mug of cold water, feeling the heavenly liquid slide down my throat. They pipe up while I'm drinking like a dying animal, "Don't worry about my findings, by the way..."

I frown, feeling a pang of guilt. I stop drinking and hold the mug in my hands. "No, really, you can tell me. I've been dying to listen. Don't let my bad choices snuff your excitement."

They take the mug from me, topping it off again. "You need rest," they continue to lecture. "I'm not letting you stay awake just to hear something I can tell you later. But if there's anything you need to tell me, I'm all ears."

Moving the mug back into my hands, I stand there for a moment before finally sitting down at the table, Y/N following suit. I'm unsure how to respond. They seem to have quickly figured out that I have something to say, but I can't just yet—not until I know I can.

With a heavy sigh, I slump my shoulders, and Y/N sets the pitcher down on the table. Their voice drops to a concerned whisper. "What's going on, Stanford?"