Chapter Text
“I’m giving you a chance to do the first worthwhile thing in your life and you won’t even listen!”
The yell echoed through the huge, barren underground lab, bouncing off the frame of an interdimensional portal and smacking its unsuspecting recipient right in the face. Stan fumed, indignation pouring through his blood like wildfire and setting his teeth on edge. What right did Stanford have to decide that? He had no idea what Stan had been doing over the last decade! Stan had kept himself alive. Was that not worthwhile?
Maybe not. Ford had just called and Stan had come running, dropping his current moneymaking scheme to get there as fast as possible. Stan had driven across the country at the drop of a hat to help his twin.
And now he was in Ford’s stupid basement, holding Ford’s stupid book, having his hopes and dreams once again crushed. He should have known better than to hope. Stanley Pines wasn’t allowed to hope. He wasn’t allowed to be safe or have comfort or a home. Stanley Pines was the worthless twin and, apparently, Ford had finally accepted that.
“Well, listen to this!” Stan fumbled in his coat for the lighter that he knew was there; Ford glared at him, not listening, but oh he would listen. Stan would make him. “You want me to get rid of this book? Fine, I’ll get rid of it right now!”
Stan could see the moment Ford noticed the lighter – the moment his brother’s expression turned from fury to abject horror, his bloodshot eyes widening, lunging forward even before a yell tore from his throat.
“No!” He wrenched the journal from Stan’s hands, clutching it protectively to his chest. Stan was about to grab it back but Ford’s next words stopped him dead. “You don’t understand!”
And – yeah, that tracked. Stanley Pines, resident ignoramus, not understanding something. Story of his life. Ford was curled around his stupid book that he’d wanted to get rid of just a few seconds ago, glaring. The book that apparently was worth more to him than his own brother. And Stan – was the idiot who didn’t understand. Oh yes, the status quo had reasserted itself alright.
Why did he think anything different would happen?
“I don’t – understand.” A laugh bubbled up from Stan’s chest. It felt bitter and humourless, more like a sob than anything. “I don’t understand. Wouldn’t be the first time, huh?”
Ford stared at him like he’d lost his head. Stan laughed again and dragged a hand down his face, suddenly feeling very, very tired.
“That’s – yeah. Okay.” He dropped his lighter back into his pocket. It wasn’t funny but Stan couldn’t hold back a dry chuckle, turning his head to hide the tears that were forming in his eyes. “Fine. Have fun with your – your dumb mysteries.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets and headed for the door.
“Stan!” Ford called after him. A tiny bubble of hope rose up in his chest and he stomped it out as he took the stairs. What was the fucking point?
Stanford’s house was still a wreck up here. Ford didn’t seem to care as he rushed after him.
“Stan!”
Stan took a deep breath and turned to face his panting brother. “What? I’m doing what you wanted. I’m leaving.”
“You’re supposed to take the journal!” Ford made an aborted gesture as if to shove the book at him but hesitated, evidently warring between the need to give Stan his journal and worry that he would destroy it. Stan choked on another bitter laugh.
“Why the hell should I take your stupid book? I don’t understand, remember? I’m just the dumb muscle with no brains and no sense, right?” He stabbed a finger at his staring brother. “Well, I’m finally wising up. I don’t have to do shit for you, Stanford. I don’t owe you anything!”
Stan flung his arms out wide, which in hindsight wasn’t a good move, because his hand knocked into a jar on the kitchen bench… which in turn smashed into several other nearby beakers. He yelped and tried to catch them, only to end up with clear liquid splashed across his hands. The glass containers smashed on the floorboards.
“Shit.”
“My experiments!” Ford shrilled. “Is trying to destroy my science project not enough for you? You have to sabotage my experiments as well?!”
“That was an accident!” Stan shouted back.
“Everything’s an accident with you. Why don’t you just own up to the fact that you don’t want me to succeed? If you’re not going to help me then you can just-!”
That was only the beginning of Ford’s rant, but… Stan couldn’t really hear it anymore. The blood rushing in his ears was way too loud. And why was his vision swimming? And getting dark…?
Well, at least he didn’t have to listen to Ford yelling anymore. That was his last coherent thought before buzzing overtook him.