Uncertainty - Stanford Pines x Reader (female)

Chapter 65

The soft, rhythmic rise and fall of Ford's chest was the first thing I became aware of when I woke up. His arm was still wrapped around me, warm and firm, holding me close against him. I lay there for a moment, not moving, just listening to the sound of his breathing and feeling the comforting weight of his body next to mine.

The morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. It felt peaceful—quiet. I couldn't remember the last time I'd woken up feeling this calm.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of Ford all around me. It was a mix of spice and musk, grounding me in the present, in this moment.

Slowly, I shifted, turning my face up to look at him. He was still fast asleep, his face relaxed, his usually tense features softened in the light of the morning. His hair was slightly mussed, a few stray strands falling into his forehead. He looked so... content. I watched him for a moment, feeling my heart swell in my chest. I couldn't help but admire how deeply he trusted me, how he seemed at ease for once, despite everything we'd been through.

I let my fingers gently trace the line of his jaw, not wanting to wake him just yet. He looked so peaceful, as if the weight of the world hadn't been on his shoulders, as if his mind wasn't constantly racing with thoughts of the mysteries he'd uncovered.

I wanted to let him rest, to let him have this moment of peace as long as he could. But the more I looked at him, the more I felt the urge to touch him, to feel him, to know that he was really here, with me.

Tentatively, I moved my hand, letting my fingers brush against his cheek, the touch barely noticeable. His skin was warm, the faint stubble on his jaw scratching softly against my fingertips. I kept my touch light, not wanting to disturb him.

His eyelashes fluttered, and I held my breath, waiting to see if he would wake up. But he just shifted, his arm tightening around me for a moment as he settled back into sleep. A soft laugh escaped me.

He looked so different when he was asleep. Younger, more carefree. The usual worry lines and tension that seemed to permanently be etched into his face were gone, replaced by a gentle, relaxed expression.

I wondered how long it had been since he'd slept like this—deeply, comfortably. How long it had been since he'd felt safe enough to let his guard down.

"Love?"

I startled slightly, not having realized he'd woken up, my heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice so close to my ear. My breath caught for a moment, but I quickly forced a smile, trying to play it off.

"Good morning.", I said, my voice a little more breathless than I intended, but I couldn't help it. His proximity made my heart race, and I suddenly felt shy, not used to this kind of softness with him.

Ford's lips curled into a small, lazy smile. "Good morning, love." He shifted slightly, his hand running up and down my arm in a soothing, familiar rhythm. "Did you sleep well?"

I nodded, my fingers absently tracing small circles on his chest. "Better than I have in a long time.", I admitted quietly. There was something so peaceful about being here with him, holding me close, that I hadn't realized I'd needed.

He hummed, the sound a gentle vibration under my ear. "I'm glad." His voice dropped lower, and I could feel the weight of his gaze as he studied me, even as he continued to hold me. "I'm always glad when you're near."

I turned my head slightly, looking up at him. His expression was a mixture of contentment and something else I couldn't quite place—like a vulnerability that he rarely showed. It made my heart ache in a way I couldn't explain.