Grunkle Fidds (-A Fiddlestan Fic-)

Aftermath: Gremloblin

(-31 years ago-)
(-9th August 1981-)

There was a knock at Fiddleford's bedroom door.

"Come in," he said, voice thick with tears.

Ford stepped into the room, holding two mugs.

"Is everything okay?" He asked. Fidds shook his head, tears welling in his eyes.

Stanford looked lost, unable to react.

"May I sit?"

He nodded, and the other man sat down beside him, unmade bed shifting under his weight.

"I brought coffee?" He offered.

Fiddleford chuckled humourlessly. "'M havin' a hard enough time sleepin' as it is."

Ford just nodded, placing both cups on his bedside table, beside his unsolved Cubik's Cube.

"How's your arm?"

He looked sarcastically between Stanford and the cast he was wearing.

"How'd ya think, Stanferd?"

Ford swallowed - he knew he was in trouble when Fidds called him that.

"I didn't mean for you to get hurt-"

Fiddleford scoffed. "I sure hope not!"

"It was an opportunity I couldn't pass! Who knows if I'd ever see one again?" He argued.

"You said a novice could catch one!"

Ford suddenly seemed sheepish. "If they could find one. They're incredibly elusive!"

"I asked ye to go! I told ya I didn' feel safe, but you ignored me! We're supposed t'be partners, but ya never listen t'me!" Fiddleford started to raise his voice. "I coulda died! I've been havin' nightmares all week and all you care 'bout is yer dumb book!"

The other man blinked. "Fiddleford, I... this book is the key to cataloguing the mysteries of this town-"

"Ohh, here we go!" Fidds climbed off the bed, unable to sit next to him any longer. "I'm sittin' here, askin' fer some comfort and all you can think about are the mysteries of this town! You can't even apologise for something you know you did wrong! Well, ye know what? If you love these damn mysteries so much, why don't you go offer them coffee? And ask fer their help building yer portal?" He scoffed once more. "I left my wife to come be with you! I left my son halfway across the country because I..."

Ford's eyes widened slightly, seemingly able to fill the gap left by his silence. Fidds let his arms fall to his sides.

"I came because I care, and you asked fer my help. But if I can't rely on you then what's the point 'n me bein' here?"

Stanford rose to his feet quickly, taking Fiddleford's healthy hand in his.

"Fiddleford, you're the most brilliant man I've ever had the pleasure to meet. None of the creatures out there could replicate your brilliance, your charm... your musical talents." He chuckled, glancing at the banjo in the corner.

Fidds broke into a smile.

"I can't do this without you, F. I promise, from now on you can rely on me to keep you safe. Because... I care too. I care very, very much, Fiddleford."

He interlocked their fingers, all six of his holding onto Fidd's five.

"Allow me to teach you some relaxation techniques. After all, we're scientists, and by using our creativity, we can solve any problems we face - even our fears."

In the back of Fiddleford's mind, an idea started blooming.

In the back of Stanford's, a quiet, teasing voice whispered, "Nice work, Sixer. Better keep him close if you ever wanna finish that portal."

(-31 years later-)
(-6th July 2012-)

After the kids went to bed that night, Stanley walked into their bedroom and saw Fiddleford sitting quietly, hands shaking.

"Hey, baby," Stan said, his voice soft, like how he might speak to a baby deer or a lost child.

Fidds looked up and smiled. "Howdy, Lee."

"Everythin' alright? Ya seem kinda... shaken. I can make ya some tea?" He offered.

Fiddleford shook his head. "Not right now, beau."

Stan nodded. "What can I do for ya?"

"Can I have a hug?"

His eyebrows shot up. "Sure ya can, Fidds."

The skinnier man wrapped his arms around his neck, and was immediately buried in Stanley's warm embrace. His face became wet as his tears seeped into his husband's shirt.

"Woah, uh, hey, you're okay, right? I gotcha, you're safe," Stan whispered, patting his partner's head gently.

"Y-You weren't here. I-I was in danger and you couldn' help me."

Stanley's stomach dropped.

"Oh, God, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, baby, I should never have left." He squeezed tighter and tighter, cradling Fidds as he sobbed. "You're safe, now, okay? I won't let nothin' hurt ya, ya hear me?"

Fiddleford nodded, tearful gasps escaping as he finally let his brave act crumble and dissolve.

"I'm here, baby, I've gotcha. Nothing's gettin' past me. No cryptids or monsters or... giant trees that eat cars."

Fidds laughed wetly, and Stan smiled down at him.

"There y'are." He kissed him on the head. "I love ya, Fidds."

Fiddleford stretched up and kissed him on the lips. "I love you too, Lee."