Soostan Month Prompt 13: Secrets
Ford had missed his old house, just a bit. It was Soos’ now, of course, but still. Designing and having the house built was a labor of love. It had sheltered Stan for three decades, still had evidence of the kids’ previous Summer stay, and had been the only true place of refuge for the town's residents when Bill attempted his takeover of their universe. It was special to Ford, even if he called the Stan O’ War II home now. It'd always have a place in his heart.
He had so many wonderful memories here. A lot of muscle memory, too, even after almost a year out at sea. Which must be why, after searching for Stanley all throughout the Mystery Shack and house proper, he went into Stan's old bedroom unannounced.
He did, in fact, find Stan there. As well as Melody. Fitting, considering that Stan's previous bedroom now belonged to her and Soos. And there, he found his brother wrapped in an embrace with her, lips locked together and eyes closed in bliss, one of Stan's large hands tilting her chin up just so.
The moment hung in the air and Stanford found himself unable to look away. Unable to move. Barely able to think as he watched his brother tenderly embrace and kiss someone who Ford assumed he thought of as a future pseudo daughter-in-law. He could remember the little Stan had told him of Soos’ past, but what clearly came to mind was how much Soos valued Stan, how highly he thought of him, how Soos clearly loved him almost like a father. How could Stan do this to him? How could he just betray him like this? Shock, anger, and disgust boiled within Stanford so deep that he began to physically tremble.
“STANLEY PINES!” The sudden shout escaped from Ford's throat before he could even register he'd said anything.
Stan and Melody leapt away from each other's touch like they'd been scalded. Both pairs of eyes were wide with shock, and Stan clutched at his chest, heaving.
“Moses, Six, ya almost gave me an’ Mel a heart attack!”
“Oh, ‘Mel!’ ‘Mel’, he calls her! I had no idea you two were so close.”
Melody held her hands up in defense, stepping forward. “Dr. Pines, please, this isn't what it looks like.”
Stanford whirled around, expression morphing into something more sad than angry. “Melody, I just saw you.”
“I know, but–”
“How could you do this to Soos? I can understand Stan doing something like this, but you? Imagine how Soos would feel if he knew!”
“Hey,” Stan barked, crossing his arms over his chest. “I may bend the rules on what counts as legal or moral even on my best days, but I don't appreciate ya thinkin’ I'd stab Soos in the back like that.”
Melody placed a comforting hand in Stan's arm.
Ford let out a ridiculous noise, something that sounded like a disbelieving, incredulous scoff as he gestured at the situation around them.
“What do you call this?!”
“A misunderstanding,” Melody replied.
“What exactly is there to misunderstand?”
“You're lacking crucial information, Poindexter. ‘Course you're gonna come to the wrong conclusions.”
“Oh, please,” Stanford rolled his eyes. “I have half a mind to go tell Soos right now.”
Stan smirked. “Yeah, you're right. You should tell him.”
“Tell me what?”
Ford turned, and there he was. Standing in the doorway of the bedroom was Soos, dressed in Stanley's old Mr. Mystery outfit, likely fresh from a tour. Ford gaped up at him for a moment, unable to even say a single word before Stan brushed past him, arms outstretched.
“He wants ta tell ya the secret's out,” Stan grinned, wrapping his hands around Soos’ shoulders. “C'mere, baby.”
And then they kissed. Stan kissed Soos. On the lips. And Soos looked completely content. Pleasantly surprised, even! And then he was kissing back. Stan and Soos were kissing in front of him just after he'd caught Stan and Melody doing the same thing. For a moment, Ford's brain went completely blank before rebooting itself like one of Fiddleford’s “laptops.”
And then, as if to add insult to injury, Melody caught Ford's eye with a grin as she passed him by so she, too, could greet Soos with a smooch.
All three of them looked at him, with Melody on one side of Soos and Stan on the other. Soos’ large arms wrapped around the both of them as they exchanged looks amongst themselves and at Ford. And suddenly the picture became much clearer.
“Ah. I see. And when exactly were you planning on informing me of this, Stan?”
Stan clutched his hands together, shrugging. “Didn't really know how to tell ya. Honestly, can hardly believe it myself. Don't know what these two see in me.”
“Oh, hush,” Melody chided.
Stan continued. “But they like me, an’ I like them. Around the time we got phones to keep in contact with the kids, so me, Soos an’ Mel started talking over the phone. Mostly by text, but I'd call ‘em when I'd get a moment alone.”
“Soos told me he's liked Stan for a really long time,” Melody added. “I wanted to see what he saw in him. He seemed so interesting. I had no idea the fabled Mr. Pines was such a sweetheart.” She reached over to pinch Stan's stubbly cheek. “I couldn't help but fall for him, too.”
“Aw, Mel…” Stan looked away, red dusting at his cheeks. “Ah, besides, it's the perfect set-up. I get to go sailing with you, they get to stay here, we can still talk while at sea, and they only get me for three months outta the year so there's not enough time for ‘em to get sick of me.”
“Don't say that, dude, we never get tired of you!”
It was a sweet scene. Adorable, even. But, inside, Stanford couldn't help but feel… Hollow.
“And you didn't think you could tell me?”
“It– it's not that, it's just… I mean, it's not like I'm ashamed or anythin’, but you know me an’ Soos’ history by now. It's kinda weird.”
“Stanley, as the resident Oddologist here, I'm more than accepting of relationship dynamics that fall outside of what society at large perceives as normal. Frankly, as long as everyone involved is in agreement and happy with it, why would I have any issue with it? And,” Ford paused, a sincere smile rising to his lips as he met his brother's gaze. “As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me.”
Stan returned his grin, smile reaching his eyes. Ford watched as Stan looked between him and… His partners.
“I am,” Stan said. “I'm really happy.”
“Yes!”
“Group hug!” Soos announced.
He threw his arms around Stanley in a tight bear hug from behind. Then, Melody joined in the front, wrapping her arms around Stan and caging him between the two of them.
“Sixer! Save me!” Stan laughed. “The affection! It burns!”
“C'mon, Dr. Pines, group hug!” Melody waved him over.
Ford took a second to just watch. It wasn't the exact relationship dynamic he assumed Stanley had with them, but… Well, they made him happy and he did the same for them, and he'd still be able to live their shared dream of sailing the seas and exploring the world together. What more could he ask for?
So, Ford, too, surrounded Stan in an embrace and sealed his poor twin's fate of receiving the love he so deeply deserved.