Chapter Text
Ford watched his brother in silence as Stan finished reading. His brother stared at the horizon, deep in thought.
‘Stan?’ he asked timidly.
He watched the corner of his brother’s mouth twitch and tremble as he tried to hold back the tears. His nose got even redder than usual and Stan’s shoulders were soon shaking. The waterworks started and Ford scooted closer to him, holding his brother with one arm. His hand traveled up and down his back as he tried to comfort him.
Stan wiped his tears on his sleeve and he saw a handkerchief being held in front of him. He thanked his brother quietly, blowing his nose ridiculously loudly. Ford wore a scowl, but said nothing. Now was not the time to reprimand Stan.
‘I told him about your actions in Gravity Falls. I had to… modify the story somehow so that dad would understand what happened. I told him Bill was a criminal who tried to kidnap innocent people. Once he took me captive, you sacrificed yourself to save me and made sure Dipper and Mabel were safe while you went to rescue me. In the end, he was impressed with you and did admit he went too far all those years ago.’ Ford said.
‘Yeah. He could’ve done it sooner, though. I phoned home a couple of times. Sent letters. But I guess the ol’ man just didn't care enough.’ Stan retorted in a hoarse voice.
‘Dad moved shortly after I went to college. He had some trouble paying some debts he owed some shady people and left Jersey to protect ma and Shermie.’
Stan gave his brother a surprised look. He had never learned about any of this.
Ford let out a long sigh. He and Stan watched the sunset. The way the horizon line seemed to burn always bewitched the twins.
‘I know this isn’t the best Christmas gift, but I figured a full admission from our dad was the least I could give you. I hope you’re not angry at me.’
Stan sniffled, sounding tearful, but somehow happy: ‘Angry? No, I’m not angry at you, Sixer. You proved yourself to be a good brother in the end. The best. I only wish we hadn’t wasted so much time.’
Ford felt a pang of guilt in his chest. ‘You can blame me for that.’
‘Yeah, you were always hard headed.’ Stan said playfully.
‘Don’t start.’ Ford warned.
Stan smirked.
‘By the way, Poindexter, I’m having trouble remembering some things.’ Stan said.
Ford quirked an eyebrow. ‘Such as?’
‘Did you manage to pop that cherry while we were apart? I don’t remember if you’ve told me that.’
Ford stared back at his brother in disbelief. Stan was looking teary-eyed and his nose was red and bloated. Still, the old rascal wore a mischievous smirk and had the nerve to ask him if he was still a virgin.
Ford refused to answer him. ‘Oh, for the love of-’
Stan nudged him, stifling a laughter. ‘C’mon, Sixer. Did you nail some babes in college or not?’
‘Goddammit, Stanley, this was supposed to be a chance to talk about family and sort out any memory problems you still had. Instead you take advantage of the fact that I have my guard down to...to...ask me stupid questions!’ he retorted angrily, scowling.
Stan was having way too much fun. ‘So you still haven't got a woman to let their guard down around you, huh?’
Dipper cleared his throat loudly, standing behind them.
‘It’s time for dinner. I thought you’d want to help me cook before Mabel gets any ideas and monopolizes the kitchen.’
Stan promptly got up. ‘Alright, Dips. I’m comin’.’
Dipper saw his grunkle had been crying. ‘Grunkle Stan, is everything alright?’
Stan turned to look at him. Dipper was usually indifferent to his grunkle while he was spending Summer in Gravity Falls for the first time. But since then, the boy had grown and matured a bit. He had grown out of that nerdy boy shell. He was taking responsibilities and being more attentive than usual. As he watched Stan with concerned eyes, the man realised he never came to appreciate his nephew as much as he deserved.
Stan opened a genuine smile and ruffled Dipper’s hair, accidentally knocking his cap to the floor and gave him a noogie. The boy was going to complain, but decided to let his grunkle have his way with him. The man was looking far from fine. This was his way of showing appreciation for his family, anyway.
‘C’mon, Dips! Let’s make the best damn dinner this family has ever had!’ he laughed heartily.
‘We only have Cup Noodles left. And some chicken nuggets.’ he replied, adjusting his cap on his head and following his grunkle.
Night fell and the Pines gathered around the table near the captain’s cabin to enjoy Christmas eve together. Mabel had lit some nice aromatic candles and managed to cook the nuggets without burning them. Other families were gathered within warm houses nicely decorated with Christmas lights and pine trees, eating turkey and drinking wine. Many had stopped calling relatives family a long time ago. Some felt alone surrounded by their own blood. Meanwhile, the Pines enjoyed their simple meal in each other’s company, eating and chatting away, enjoying something which was absent in many families on Christmas.
Stan scanned the table with his eyes, watching his beloved niece and nephew, and his brother, whom he thought was lost to him and felt fortunate to have such a beautiful family. Nevermind the years of loneliness and the hardships he faced. All amounted to this single moment.
His father’s words struck a deep chord within him and it was as if a weight he had been dragging for fourty years was finally lifted from his shoulders. He ate his nuggets feeling as lighthearted as his ten year-old self and he smiled at the memories of his own childhood. Despite everything that had happened, he was happy. For the first time in a long time, Stan felt his mother and father were watching over him on that Christmas eve. And wherever they were, he was sure they were proud of their son.