Chapter Text
Was breaking the statue a good idea? Nope. Was (y/n) gonna try her hardest to get Ford to do it? Yep.
"That's the worst idea I've never heard." Ford stated, standing to join her.
"You can't argue. What I said makes sense. It's going to break one way or another." Ford shook his head.
"No. I'd rather put off the ruin of the world than to bring it right now." She put her hands on her hips.
"Ford, please. You said yourself that him coming back is mostly impossible." He huffed.
"No I did not. I said I'd like to THINK he can't come back. I said it was possible he could. This is the most idiotic thing you could have suggested." She sighed.
"I touched it. I didn't feel any weird magic stuff. It's just stone. And I know that breaking it will make you breathe easier." Ford face palmed.
"I understand that you're trying to help. This is just dangerous and stupid." (Y/n) took Ford's hands.
"Please, listen to me. I can just feel that it'll be safe." Ford laughed halfheartedly.
"Forgive me if that doesn't make me feel better. (Y/n) this is just reckless." She shook her head, tightening her grip on his hands.
"If I know you like I think I do, then I know you've come here. I know you've studied this statue every way possible. If I know you, I know you wouldn't leave it here if it was a danger to others. Look me in the eyes and tell me I'm wrong." Ford took a deep breathe, and after a few moments he met her gaze.
"You're not wrong. Rationally speaking... I know he can't come back. But... I'm like a child, scared to swallow a pill for the first time. I know I won't choke on it, but my brain is telling me that I will." (Y/n)'s face softened.
"But at some point you have to swallow that pill Ford." He took a deep breath.
"I know. Trust me, I know. I've put this off for years. ... I feel so weak." The girl gently wrapped her arms around him.
"You're not weak. ... Ford, tell me. Rationally. Will Bill come back if we break this statue?" He sighed.
"No. No, he won't." She squeezed him slightly.
"Then why don't we do this?" He stared at the statue from over her shoulder.
"I don't know. ... we should, huh? This is... this is something I have to do, isn't it?" She leaned back to look at him.
"I think so. But I won't make you. It's okay if you want to leave it. As long as you know he won't come back." He rested his forehead on hers.
"I don't think I'll let go of the fear until the statue is gone. I'm going to do this." He let her go and walked up to the statue. Hesitantly, Ford took hold of the top hat, and pulled the statue from being stuck in the ground. Taking hold on one of the corners, he fully lifted the statue.
"This is it." He muttered. Taking a few deep breathes, he worked up the courage, and threw the statue, effectively smashing it into pieces. A kind of shimmering fog seemed to life from the pieces, floating away. Neither party spoke as they watched the fog disappear. Once it was gone, the clearing seemed to feel... lighter. It seemed as if everything in the clearing sprung to life. Everything seemed brighter, more alive. The couple made eye contact, both having noticed the change.
“.... Just like that... he’s gone?” (Y/n) nodded.
“Gone forever.” A quiet laugh escaped Ford.
“He’s gone. He’s really gone.” (Y/n) took hold of Ford’s hand, studying him.
“How do you feel?” A smile graced his features.
“I feel... like a weight has been lifted from me. I feel... free. Bill has had a hold on me for so long, and now it feels like the grip he had has been released.” He turned, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Thank you. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to do that without you. I’m thankful to have someone I can rely on.” (Y/n) smiled brightly, returning the hug.
“That was all you, I just watched. I’m really glad this turned out so well. I’m happy that I can rely on you, too.” Ford wrapped an arm around her, leaving the clearing.
“Let’s go home, it’s already been one heck of a day. After all of this, it seems clear to me that we’ll be able to overcome anything, as long as we do it together.” The girl smiled, leaning in just a bit closer.
“Hey, Ford?” He gave her a sideways glance.
“Hm?”
“I love you.” The man smiled.
“And I you, (y/n).”