Fly

Chapter 4: Movie Night

Before moving into your new apartment, you planned a cozy movie night with Stan and the twins. However, Mabel ended up having a sleepover with her friends, and Dipper preferred to hide away upstairs with his nose in a book. That left just you and Stanley alone, a rare chance to enjoy each other's company.

"Hey, toots," Stan grinned, grabbing the remote. "Since it's my TV, I get to pick the first movie."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "Oh, please. Every time you pick, it's the most boring stuff. You've got zero taste, Stanley."

"Zero taste, huh? Then watch this—'12 Angry Men.' Bet it'll blow your mind."

Your eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "Really? An old courtroom drama? Alright, alright, I'll give it a shot. But I swear, if I fall asleep, I'm blaming you."

Settling in beside him, you prepared for a slow start, but soon enough, the movie pulled you in. For an old black-and-white film, it was unexpectedly gripping. You found yourself glued to the screen, caught up in the intense debates and revelations. Stan, usually quick with a joke or snide comment, seemed just as engrossed, his expression focused and intent—a rare sight.

When the credits rolled, you turned to him with wide eyes. "Wow, that was actually amazing! I didn't expect to be so caught up in it. For a movie set in one room, they made the whole thing so compelling!"

Stan chuckled, a bit proud. "Told ya! Ford's been pestering me to watch it forever, figured tonight was as good a time as any."

"Fords your brother right?" you asked.

"Yeah," Stan nodded. "He'll be back in a few days. Just needs to wrap up some research on anomalies in another town. You'll meet him soon."

You nodded thoughtfully, a grin playing on your lips. "Well, he has good taste. But now, it's my turn! We're watching... 'Pride and Prejudice!' you declared, punctuating your words with a theatrical drumroll.

Stan groaned. "Ugh, a romance? Really?" What do they see in these sappy flicks?"

You nudged him playfully. "This isn't just any romance—this is a masterpiece! It might just make you believe in love again."

He snorted but shrugged. "Alright, fine. What's the worst that could happen?" He settled back on the sofa, trying to look disinterested, but you noticed him sneaking a glance at you, almost as if gauging your excitement.

"You'll love it, I promise," you said, inching a little closer to him.

The movie began, and as always, you found yourself drawn into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. When Mr. Bennet appeared on screen, you couldn't help but sigh contentedly. "You know, I've always liked Mr. Bennet," you confessed.

Stan raised an eyebrow, glancing at you. "Why? Don't tell me you're into silver foxes now, toots?" he teased.

You laughed, leaning a bit closer. "Why not? If it's Mr. Bennet, I'd gladly be his wife, despite the age difference. Besides, I want a man who loves his daughters and wife and isn't ashamed to let it be known."

Stan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a hopeless romantic, toots, I'll tell ya that."

"Well, I'm hopeless indeed," you replied with a soft, wistful smile.

As the scene where Mr. Darcy touches Elizabeth's hand came up, you couldn't contain your excitement. "HE TOUCHED HER HAND! AND THEN HE FLEXES IT AFTERWARD—AHHH!" You slapped Stanley's arm, unable to hold back your glee.

"Ouch! Easy there, toots," he chuckled, rubbing his arm. "Why are you so excited? He just touched her hand."

"You don't get it!" you exclaimed. "Back then, people wore gloves to maintain propriety or whatever, so for him to be so overwhelmed that he HAD to touch her... and then he's shocked by his own reaction! It means he's really into her!"

Stan glanced down, and you noticed a hint of pink creeping up his cheeks. His gaze had landed on your hand, which was now resting on top of his. Realizing this, you quickly pulled away, flustered. "Sorry," you mumbled, hoping he didn't notice the warmth spreading across your own face.

"No worries, toots," he murmured, scratching the back of his neck, his eyes flicking back to the screen with a newfound intensity.

As Darcy's awkward, heartfelt confession unfolded, you shook your head, laughing softly. "Wow, he fumbled that so bad."

Stan looked at you, confused. "What's 'fumbled'?"

"Like... doing something clumsily. He didn't explain things properly—he just blurted it out without thinking," you explained, clicking your tongue.

Stan nodded slowly. "Yeah, he really did fumble it," he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at you. And you couldn't help but smile back.

As the movie progressed, you both found yourselves getting more invested in the story, yelling at the screen together. "Come on, defend yourself, girl! Get your man!" you cheered.

Stan joined in with gusto. "Yeah, show that lady who's boss!"

You both burst into laughter, realizing how much you'd gotten into it. By the end, you noticed Stan subtly wiping away a tear, which made your heart swell. He'd actually enjoyed it.

"I gotta hand it to you, toots," he said, his voice softer than usual. "That was a good pick. A masterpiece, like you said."

"Told you so," you replied with a triumphant grin. "Maybe next time, we can have another movie night... at my new apartment?" you suggested, your heart racing at the idea.

"Sounds like a plan," he replied, his smile warm and genuine.

The night had slipped away, and it was well past midnight. You both decided to call it a night, with you needing to get ready to move the next day.

"I had a great time, Stan," you said softly.

"Me too," he replied.

As you were about to head upstairs, your foot caught on a rag, nearly sending you flying. But in a swift move, Stan grabbed your hand, steadying you. His grip was firm and warm, and for a moment, you both just stood there, close and breathless.

Clearing your throat, you straightened up. "Thanks... and goodnight, Stanley."

"Goodnight, toots," he replied, watching as you hurried up the stairs.

Once you were out of sight, he glanced down at his hand, flexing it with a little smile. "Now I get you, Mr. Darcy," he chuckled softly to himself.