Fly

Chapter 9: Finally Meeting You

Ford's return to the Mystery Shack was met with the usual excitement from Mabel and Dipper, who eagerly recounted all the adventures and fun they'd had while he was away. You, too, were eager to meet him, having heard so much about him from the twins and Stan. When Ford finally appeared, his thoughtful demeanor and the warmth in his eyes immediately caught your attention.

"You must be y/n," he greeted with a kind smile, extending a hand. You notice he has six fingers, which you find pretty cool.

Feeling a mix of nerves and pleasure, you took his hand. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to finally meet you, Ford. I've heard a lot about you—mostly good things," you added with a teasing smile.

Ford chuckled softly. "Well, that's a relief. I was worried Stan might've exaggerated a few of my quirks."

At the mention of Stan, you felt your cheeks warm slightly. "No, he's been... very complimentary."

Sensing your slight apprehension, Ford's smile grew more reassuring. "Stan's told me quite a bit about you too. Seems like he's lucky to have you around."

You glanced at Stan, who quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in fixing something on the wall. "Well, I'm lucky to have all of you," you replied, trying to hide the flutter in your chest.

As the conversation continued, Ford's presence felt surprisingly comforting—a natural addition to the group. You were glad to finally see the connection between the two brothers.

When the idea of a monster hunt came up, Mabel practically jumped with excitement. "Oh! We should go after that weird shadow creature we saw last week, right, Dipper?"

"Yeah! I've got my journal ready and everything!" Dipper added.

Ford nodded approvingly. "Sounds like a plan. What do you think, y/n? Up for a little adventure?"

You grinned, eager for a new experience. "Absolutely! I'd love to join."

Stanley, however, frowned. "Eh, I've got some things to handle back at the shack while Soos is still out. Gotta keep the business running and someone's gotta hold down the fort," he said. His tone was casual, but his eyes lingered on you just a moment longer than necessary, hinting at a reluctance to let you go without him

You felt a pang of disappointment but quickly covered it up with a nod. "Alright, we'll bring back some stories for you."

As you set off with Ford and the twins, you soon found yourself engrossed in a deep conversation with Ford about his and Stan's shared history. Ford spoke candidly about their past—stories filled with both tension and laughter—that revealed layers to Stan's complicated but endearing character. You listened closely, captivated by the tales of adventure, rivalry, and brotherly loyalty that defined their bond. Beneath Stan's gruff exterior, it became clear just how much he and Ford cared for each other, their love woven through years of ups and downs. The more Ford spoke, the more you felt yourself drawn to Stanley, captivated by his resilience, depth, and the tenderness that lay beneath his rough edges.

"So, Stan wasn't always the Mystery Shack guy?" you asked, curious.

Ford laughed softly. "Oh, far from it. He's been many things—a sailor, a salesman... a few other less reputable roles. But he's got a good heart under all that blister."

"He sounds... complicated," you said thoughtfully.

Ford nodded. "He is, but in a good way. He cares deeply, even if he doesn't always show it. I think you've seen that side of him."

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Yeah, I have."

Ford seemed to pick up on your feelings. After a particularly candid conversation where you mentioned Stan's name one too many times, Ford gave you a knowing look. "You talk about him quite a bit," he mused, a small smile on his lips. "I'm starting to think you've got a soft spot for my brother."