A New Adventure (a Fiddauthor Fanfiction)

>>Two<<

Finals approached unbelievably fast for both roommates. The duration of the semester, Ford and Fidds were inseparable; anywhere one went, the other was there. They were the buzz of all their classes, especially their advanced physics class where they shared a lab table. The two were always whispering to each other, telling jokes and passing notes. Everyone had something to say about Fiddleford and Stanford.

Things changed drastically during the month of December, however. Ford, who handled stress fabulously, was doing great. He learned during his high school career to meditate when things became too much to handle. As a result, Ford meditated at least two hours a day, typically after study sessions.

Fidds was not quite so good at managing his stress. He had regular anxiety attacks, and a nasty habit of pulling on his hair when he had a break down. However, having Ford at his side helped in many ways. First, having his roommate nearby was calming to Fidds, who was terrified of being alone. Only on one occasion did Ford come back to the dorm to find Fidds in the bathroom, curled into a ball with tears streaming down his face. Second, when Ford was around and these horrendous attacks came upon him, Ford would sit with him to ride out the moment until Fidds had calmed down. And finally, Ford often taught Fidds ways to manage his stress, to regulate his breathing, and to calm his heart rate. Overall, having Ford as a roommate was proving to be amazing.

One day in late December, the weekend before final exams started, Ford and Fidds were out on a walk in the forest surrounding their university. They had packed their bags full of food and camping gear, ready to spend their last weekend before hell broke loose in a remote place in the woods. Fidds was bundled up, wearing a tan, knit hat with a pom-pom at the tip, a thick scarf, and a coat on top of his favorite pull-over sweatshirt. Ford had dressed a bit warmer, only wearing his signature red turtleneck, a jacket, and gloves. It truly wasn't all that cold out, but Fidds was always cold.

"Don't'cha think this is far enough?" Fidds asked, bent over on his knees to catch his breath.

Ford rubbed his stubbly chin, "I suppose. All I really wanted was a clear view of the stars. There's supposed to be a meteor shower tonight, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Fidds smirked at his enthusiastic counterpart. "Let's get unpacked, then. I'm freezin'."

The two men spent a decent amount of time unpacking their tent and attempting to set it up in the frigid snow. Fidds was able to start a fire (Ford supposed all those years on a farm did not go to waste), and the two huddled around it, regaining sensation in their fingers and toes. Ford had brought hot dogs and a few cans of beans, which he found was Fidds' favorite camping food. As the two ate their dinner, they talked about their preparedness for their upcoming exams.

Fidds scooped a mound of beans out of his can, "Have you got any family to go home to this Christmas?"

Ford shrugged, "Not exactly."

Fidds eyed his roommate. Family was a touchy subject for Ford. They had known each other for months now, and Fidds still wasn't sure if he had parents, or if he had been raised by wolves.

Ford sighed, folding his arms against his chest, "My parents aren't exactly enthusiastic that this was the college I was accepted to. There was... a falling out before I left. Things were said that I'm sure we all regret, and then I was gone. They probably don't want me back home ever again."

Fidds reached over and placed a soothing hand upon his friend's shoulder. Ford could feel his cold fingers through his jacket. "Ford, I'm sure that ain't true. Family is family, no matter what."

Ford shook his head, "You don't understand. My father is serious as a heart attack, and twice as deadly. My mother is a liar. The only other family I have is my two brothers, but if I'm being honest, I know my twin is in prison. My younger brother isn't even old enough to hold a conversation. After everything that happened, I'm most positive they don't want me back home ever again."

Fidds wasn't sure how to respond. He figured there was something serious Ford had been hiding, but he had no idea he felt like this. All he could do was stay silent and home that he could think of a proper response.

"Why...don't we spend Christmas together?" Fidds suggested. "My family's all the way back in Tennessee, and I already knew I wouldn't be able t'ford a plane ticket back there. We could stay here together, just the two of us!"

Ford's eyes lit up. "Y-you mean it? You want me to stay here with you?"

Fidds smiled, "Why wouldn't I? You're my best friend."

* * *

That night, Fidds and Ford sat under the stars, anxiously awaiting the meteor shower to begin. Fidds' knee was bouncing rapidly, a surefire sign that he was stressed. Ford reached over and placed a hand on his leg, trying to calm him.

"What's the matter, friend? This is supposed to be a relaxing weekend," Ford chided, rubbing his thumb on his kneecap.

Fidds' face blushed a light pink, "I can't stop thinking about those exams. If I don't do well I'll-"

"Fiddleford, you are at the top of your classes!" Ford chuckled lightly. "You are smarter than I am for Christ's sake!"

"There is no way that can be true...the second part, at least," Fidds smiled gingerly. "Anyway, that don't help the fact I'm nervous."

Ford scooted closer to his roommate, "Just breath, Fidds. You're going to be okay."

Fidds heart rate began growing rapid, but for an entirely different reason. What was this feeling? "Ford, this isn't helping," Fidds nearly yelled. He jumped off the log they had been sitting on and into the snow.

Ford was taken aback by the dramatic actions of his friend. "Fidds, what is the matter?"

Fiddleford had never felt this way before. His heart was beating faster than ever before, his knees were weak, his hands were clammy...

"I-in all honesty, F-Ford, I ain't quite sure," Fidds managed to squeak out.

Ford reached down to offer a hand to his friend, who graciously accepted the gesture. He fumbled on his way up, and managed to trip once more, knocking down Ford in the process.

The two laughed.

Fidds had landed on top of his roommate, but he hadn't really noticed until he stopped laughing and noticed a red-faced, incredibly embarrassed Ford underneath him.

"Oh my!" Fidds yelped as he jumped backwards. "I'm so, so very sorry, Stanford!"

Stanford just laughed harder. "Sorry about what? It was an accident!"

Fidds' face turned bright red, "Oh... yeah, an accident."

His heart was still jumping out of his chest. That's when the first meteor fell.