Chapter Text
While Stanford was happy to finally be back in his home dimension there were still plenty of moments when he did miss some of the other worlds he'd been to. Most of those moments included whenever he realized just how behind the technology of this world could still be compared to all the others he'd visited. Attempting video-chats in this dimension was just the worst. The whole process could be so anger-inducing and stressful as he tried to get a steady connection from his boat out in open waters. But no matter how hard Stanford or Fiddleford tried to be patient, their computers and signals just weren't strong enough to hold even a simple conversation.
"Fiddleford? I think we're loosing our connection again."
Stanford could only watch the glitched-up screen. Had Fiddleford even heard him? It almost looked like he was fighting against the low-frame, static-filled screen. Only bits and pieces of his words even making it to the speakers on Stanford's end. Just before the screen went completely black, he heard one small piece of dialogue break though the growing white noise.
"Don't worry darlin', I'll get this here transmitter-ma'jig a stronger signal and I'll call back before you know it!"
And with that Fiddleford's connection was lost and he logged off. Darling? Had Fiddleford really just called him that? Stanford wished there was some way to record the feed so he could rewatch it to know for sure. Because surely he must of misheard Fiddleford through their poor connection. He might of meant to say... Well Stanford wasn't immediately sure what other words could be mistaken for 'darling' but he was sure Fiddleford must of just used one.
At least, that's what Stanford told himself as he turned around to see his twin brother grinning from ear to ear.
"Darling?"
"Stanley it was probably just a-"
"Oh man, seriously?" Laughter bubbled out of Stanley. "You two are a thing? Damn, how did I not see that one coming!"
"It- it was, you probably just heard wrong, the whole message was a mess and kept loosing its signal and-"
"And he just called you darling!"
Stanford was desperate to make him stop. "No Stan-"
"Guess we don't have to worry about getting any other trips funded!"
"Stanley no!"
"Since now you've gotta sugar daddy!"
Ford felt his face go scarlet as Stanly slapped his knee. This seriously could not be happening. He tried to say something, anything to make him stop. But all that came out was panicked stutterings.
Luckily, Stan noted how quickly Ford's demeanor changed and his laughter died down to chuckles as he slumped into the chair next to his brother. "Hey, it's fine you know! I just wasn't expecting it! Like, I've never ever seen you really date anyone and low and behold, out of the blue, the first guy I see you dating is freaking Old Man McGucket! It's fine though, really!"
For a brief moment things grew quiet and Ford sighed in relief, thinking he was finally dropping the subject. But much to his dismay Stan eventually kept talking. "So... How long have you guys been together?"
"We, we aren't a couple, Stan! I mean, I don't think we are. We had been before but that was so long ago! And we only started talking now. I- I think he just had a slip of the tongue. That's all."
Stan didn't believe it for a second. "Ok, whatever you say Ford!"
"Im serious!"
Before Stan could retort the screen burst back to live. When a notification came up with an incoming call from Fiddleford, Ford felt a small pit of dread form in his stomach.
"Yeah, good luck with that!" Stan said, attempting nonchalance as he left the room. "I'm gonna go make some food if you want anything!"
Alone again, or at least as alone as Ford could get in the compact ship, he accepted the call and waited for the inevitable. Funny, how one word said by a man with more hair on his chin then his head could cause such a dilemma for Ford.
Sure enough Fiddleford was once again on screen, the resolution much better now though. "Hello? Stanford, can ya hear me?"
"Loud and clear." He replied, nervousness ebbing away upon finally seeing the other. "So where were we?"
The rest of the evening continued on peacefully. Fiddleford and Stanford talked about many things from new scientific discoveries to all the stories of what they'd seen and done for the past years. Not to mention their own, new personal projects, Fiddleford with his new inventions and patents and Stanford with his research and exploration. The whole while Ford felt a sense of calm while talking, as if they were in the same room and they'd never even been apart. Ford had known how much he'd missed talking to Fiddleford, let alone anyone, while lost in the portal. Only a year and a half ago he'd been so certain that he would never live to see any of his family or Fiddleford ever again. Yet despite all the odds here he was, thirty years later, back in his home dimension and being given a second chance. Even after the literal apocalypse they were both not only alive but now friends.
As Stanford went into full detail about his and Stan's ridiculous encounter with a giant squid, he couldn't help but beam with pride at the sound of Fiddleford's laugh. It had alway sounded like a braying mule yet also had such a warmth to it that he couldn't help but laugh too.
"Gee Ford," Fiddleford's laughter ebbed into small snickers. "Sounds like you and Stan are havin' quite the adventure!"
"Indeed, despite the few squid-mishaps it really has been great!" Ford sighed. Regrettably his eyes fell on a clock and realized just how late it had gotten. Now Ford only had a few hours left till sunrise. And he had a long day of sailing ahead of him.
"Oh darn!" Fiddleford said on the other line, catching sight of the time as well. "Sorry Stanford, I didn't mean to keep you up this late!"
"No, it's fine actually!" Stanford added hurriedly, "I'm glad we're able to catch up after all this time."
"Me too..." Fiddleford agreed. "But I really should be letting you get some sleep so I'll be hanging up now!"
"Wait! Do you umm- would you like to do this again tomorrow?"
"Yeah sure, I'm free most the day so call whenever ya like, Ford!"
"Ok, goodnight then!"
"Goodnight darlin'!"
And with that the screen went blank and the only sound was the churning waves surrounding the boat. As he stood up from the desk, all the exhaustion he'd been ignoring for the past few hours caught up to him with a vengeance. But even while stumbling half-asleep through the rocking ship Stanford could feel himself smiling. His family was safe, Bill was gone, and now he truly had one of his dearest friends back. Everything seemed just perfectly right with the world. That was at least, until he began recounting their parting words.
"Dammit!" He hissed under his breath "He called me 'darling' again didn't he?"