Ugh having thoughts about Stanley and his creep of a boxing coach again...
It's Stanley who starts it. At least, that's what he'll tell himself, to rationalize or blame or-- something.
But the secrets start with Stanley. And Stanford of course. Because their 12 and everything is about both of them. But Ford sat out of boxing practice to study for a test. Stan asked the coach not to tell their dad.
"I think I can keep your little secret, kid." Coah tells him with a wink. "Only for my rising star, though."
Thats how it begins.
He calls Stan his 'rising star'. Boxing will take him places, so long as he listens to his coach. Really, Stan tries to not get too excited about it. After all, he doesn't need to be some pro-boxer when he and Sixer are out sailing the seas! But of course it couldn't hurt. And it is kinda nice being told he's good at something for once, especially when Ford is the one doing so well in school.
So when Ford starts ditching boxing practice for math club, its just another little secret. Its no big deal. And if Ford only shows up on the days their dad is there to watch the match, well... Stanley doesn't mind getting more one on one attention from the coach.
Its nice, having coach tell him how solid his stance is looking, how strong he's starting to get. It makes him feel like a man, all of fourteen years old. Coach tells him he looks like a man, clapping a strong hand on his shoulder and gripping him tight.
"You're tense, Stan." Coach huffs, squeezing the meat around his traps and shoulder. "Need to rub that tension out before you give yourself a stress injury. Lemme show you."
And he takes Stan into his office. He rub Stan's shoulders over his sweaty gym shirt, working the tight muscles in a way that hurts but also feels pretty damn good on his overworked shoulders. Coach offhandedly suggest they keep this a secret. Wouldn't want the other boxers thinking Stan's getting special treatment.
"You stretching enough before and after practice, Stan?" He asks on another occasion. And suddenly Stan is coming early to practice to make sure he stretches with his coach then staying after for a cool down. The coach's hands press on his back and arms and legs to guide the gentle stretches he knows he could do on his own. But why not get the little extra help?
Stanley doesn't know this isn't paternal affection. It's not as if Filbrick spares him more than a disdainful glare most days. It's nice to be paid attention to, even if it makes his skin hot in ways he doesn't quite understand. It makes him squirmy and uncomfortable, but Stan is always fidgety, never able to be still. So thats just how it is, right?
When Ford comments on how much time he's spending with the coah, Stan thinks he's jealous. This is the one thing, the only thing he's better at than Ford.
So he can't have it be bad.