(Ford x Reader) Hickory Pines

CH. 19 Can You Keep it?

Stanford POV

"Of course I'm 'ere!" Fiddleford exclaims as he steps inside, and I move aside to let him in, quickly shutting the door as lightning flashes outside. "I just didn't expect you so soon," I say, smiling as laughter bubbles up. It's heartwarming to see such an old friend. I wrap an arm around his shoulder and pull him into a close hug.

He stumbles a bit under the weight of his items, and I notice he's quite packed. Two suitcases filled to the brim are rolled alongside him. He adjusts his circular glasses with a nervous chuckle, then blinks at the sight of the pillow fort. "Is that a pillow fort?" he asks, giving me a questioning look.

I let go of his shoulder and lean against the couch. "It might be... Just because I have important research to do doesn't mean I'm a complete killjoy."

Fiddleford shuffles his things to the side and steps closer. "So... he's here?" A small voice catches my attention, and I recognize it as Y/N. I can only hope I mentioned them to Fiddleford earlier. By the look of surprise on his face, it seems I forgot.

I pull back the sheet of the pillow fort to reveal Y/N. They shyly wave, and I see Fiddleford tense before nervously fiddling with his shirt collar. "Stanford, you didn't say another person was 'ere..."

"Ah..." I click my tongue, just as I suspected.

"I, uh..." Y/N stumbles over their words, shifting in place. "I'm Y/N. I'm assuming you're Fiddleford?" They smile at him, and I see Fiddleford relax slightly. "Yeah, I am," he replies with a small nod, but then he glances at me with a look of mild reproach. I rub the back of my neck awkwardly and look away. "Apologies, I should have mentioned it. They've been staying here for a while now."

Fiddleford steps back, clearly taken aback. "Wait— They're, uh— stayin' 'ere?" His expression turns bashful, and I feel guilty for not mentioning Y/N's presence, especially considering all they've done for me. Y/N looks at us, confused, clearly realizing I didn't inform Fiddleford.

I take a breath and decide to let Y/N take the lead. Thankfully, they pick up on my cue.

"Yeah, it's a long story," they chuckle, patting a space next to them. I watch as Fiddleford crawls inside the fort and takes a seat. Their introduction may be unconventional, but it seems to be going okay.

"So, I was kidnapped by gnomes..." Y/N begins to recount their predicament, explaining how their home is compromised, how we met, and why they're here. Fiddleford listens intently, soaking in every detail. The atmosphere grows heavy with thought, and the rain pattering against the windows, once calming, only heightens my frayed nerves.

I notice Fiddleford's expression shift with Y/N's story—concern, curiosity, apprehension, and disbelief all flicker across his face. I decide to join them, hopping over the back of the couch and slipping through the fort's entrance to sit in a circle with them. They glance at me and nod before Y/N continues.

I chime in when necessary, filling in any details Y/N misses or correcting them when they exaggerate. I know they might find it a buzzkill, but I want to ensure Fiddleford hears the truth; it's too important.

With slow, deliberate nods, Fiddleford processes the information before exhaling and clasping his hands together, elbows on his knees as he leans forward. "That's a lot..." he finally says, looking at me. "And yet you forgot to say anything! Goodness, Ford! That's a lot of information to keep from your workin' pal!" He straightens up and crosses his arms.

I pat his back. "I should have mentioned it. I know... When I called you, I might have been..."

"Sleep-deprived?" Fiddleford accuses, and I slowly nod, accepting my fate.