[ Paranormal Pull ] - Stanford Pines x Reader

Early Morning's Love

(A/N): This is really short in comparison to my other chapter's because I'm really tired right now. I haven't been posting too much because I've been recovering from my oral surgery. I had my wisdom teeth removed and they were deeply embedded in my jaw and had to be broken to small hunk before they could be removed. So I've been suffering. It sucks. But here's the new chapter, anyways.

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You woke to the familiar sounds of birds chirping their songs to the morning sun. Groggily, you went to get up until you realized exactly where you were. Looking down, you saw the sleeping figure of Ford. You wondered briefly as to why he was here- and beneath you for that matter. Then it all came rushing back.

Oh. Right. That happened.

Careful not to disturb him, you carefully maneuvered off his body and covered him with a thin blanket in case the cover was too hot. Before stepping outside, you looked at his sleeping face. He looked...uncomfortable. You hadn't worried him, had you? That was the exact opposite you wanted anyone to do; nonetheless Ford.

Putting on a shawl made for you by your grandmother, you held the brilliantly knitted cloth close as your bare feet hit the cold, damp porch. Looking off into the forest, your weary eyes watched each bird flit about and pluck whatever they had on their minds for breakfast from the earth.

Popping your hand back inside after carefully opening the sliding glass door, you grabbed your pack of cigarettes and held the door long enough for Freeway to join you. Sitting on the steps, you patted your canine companion to your side. He obeyed.

"You're a good boy, Free. Thanks. I needed that."

Giving you a lick in acknowledgment, you rubbed his fur a few more times and retrieved a cig and lit it. Taking a long drag, you exhaled the secondhand smoke into the cold morning air. It wasn't long until your buzz hit you. God, no wonder you became addicted to the feeling. It was like nothing mattered for a while.

"(Y/N)?"

The sound of Ford's sleep-infected voice drew you from your own thoughts. Without turning around, you took another drag before responding.

"I'm sorry."

There was an uncomfortable silence between you two. You didn't know what else to add besides that. You were sorry. Very sorry. He didn't need to get into this. He didn't need to worry about pathetic ol' you.

Ford sat next to you, much to your astonishment. Blanket in hand, he then used it to wrap you both in it. Deep inside, you were shrieking. Your body disobeyed you in showing much emotion, though. You felt better, yes; but your body language was still on autopilot.

"Don't be, dear. I understand."

You felt a lump in your throat form. It came on quickly, so you struggled fiercely to prevent it from blooming into sobs. Your body just didn't wanna listen today. And it was only six or seven in the morning.

"Why do you care?" It was a harsh question, but you didn't really mean for it to sound that way. You really wanted to know.

"(Y/N). Look at me."

You refused. You were spilling wet tears, and your cigarette had long since gone out and hit the wet grass.

"Look at me. Please."

You hated it when he used that tone. Biting your lip, you turned to the gray-haired man.

"...Yes?"

"You're a very wonderful woman. You made my brother happy; you make the kids happy. You're like a mother to them," by now, you were definitely letting silent tears fall.

"To me? You're my research partner. My best friend. (Y/N). I...I love you?" His face flushed a deep pink when he realized what he'd said.

"I-I mean...you're very special. I lo-like you a lot. S-sorry I di-"

Hearing him so flustered brought a goofy grin to your face. Placing an index finger on his lips, you stopped him from babbling any further.

"I love you too. It's okay."

Staring at you with big eyes, his expression was unreadable. His intentions weren't anywhere's good enough to be predicted. That was until he leaned in and kissed you.

It was soft and so sweet. You've wanted this for a long time now. Without much hesitation, you kissed back and enjoyed the few moments you two shared in one another's company, occasionally going back in for another kiss.

BARK!

"Be quiet, Freeway."

Ford was quite the character. And you loved him for that.