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2025-05-03
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2025-07-02
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2/?
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Curses and Exes

Summary:

Stan and Ford have had a great time exploring the world - they encountered hundreds of anomalies at sea and they couldn't be happier.

That is, until Ford picked up on some strange readings - readings that must have been made with some power source of incredible power, that indicate a hole, or a portal, in the fabric of the universe.

So, the Sea Grunkles go off to investigate, stopping at every town they see, losing hope of finding it and questioning their relationship with each other - wondering when the other would realize they're better off alone.

Meanwhile, Eda and Raine are enjoying life. Things are good now, all is well...

And then Eda spits out her drink when her ex walks up to her during her date with Raine.

Chapter 1

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Ford grinned, “This is it, Stan, I can feel it.”

Stan rolled his eyes as he drove past the “Welcome to Gravesfield” sign. “Yeah, just like the last three places were, right?” He teased in his gruff voice.

Ford chuckled and playfully slapped his brother's arm, “Shush Stanley.”

The two old men continued their playful banter until Stan pulled into the parking lot for the small hotel they had reservations at.

“Seriously, Pointdexter, we’ve been to a bunch of towns now – when are we gonna get back to the Stan O’War?”

Ford’s smile dimmed; his expression impossible for Stan to read; Stan winced at the sight of it.

Things were better between them now, some days, most days it was great even! But there were some days, some days that Stan thought back, to Ford’s science fair project, to just after bringing him home through the portal, getting kicked out by pa and being told to leave when there was no need for someone to take care of the kids…

Stan forced a grin onto his face as he grabbed all their bags at once, “Oof, eh, don’t worry about that, Sixer. I’m just messin’ around, gonna go check in now.”

Ford nodded, maintaining that expressionless face that hurt Stan, cause if Ford thought that Stan was too much trouble, complaining too much, being too much of a bother, suffocating him again…

His heart clenched at the thought of Ford getting rid of him again, he didn’t know if he’d be able to handle hearing Ford say such a thing again, but better that than Ford keeping him around out of pity.

Stan turned around and casually, even if he was a little hasty, walked into the hotel to check in, mentally patting himself on the back. He’s showing how useful he is, in the actual adventures and even the more mundane stuff like this that he knew Ford hated even more than him. If he keeps this up, then no matter his faults, Ford will want to keep him around.

A dream fulfilled.

Ford couldn’t keep his frown hidden anymore as he watched Stan walk inside, familiar feelings bubbling up again: shame, guilt, and self-hatred.

Since they were children, Stan wanted to sail and explore the world – a dream he was robbed of when Pa - Filbrick, he spat the name out in his mind - threw him out at seventeen, because of Ford not making his project durable enough, homeless without a penny to his name, with no future except a life of crime-!

Ford took a deep breath, calming himself down. He was lucky, Stan had more than every right to hate him, to not forgive him. Every bad thing that happened in his life was Ford’s fault – from all the bullying when they were young, to their teachers putting Stan down when compared to Ford, their parent’s comparing the two of them, and not to mention everything Ford is directly responsible for…he still felt guilty about making Stan feel like he thought so little of him for so long.

His past behavior and beliefs disgusted him now.

Especially when Stan does stuff like this - how could he ever think him selfish?

…When it came to Ford anyway, to people outside the family, he could still be pretty selfish.

Still, for all his faults, he did so much, things that Ford struggled with, like dealing with human people, other kinds of people Ford was a bit better with.

Even now, so hundreds of miles from the ocean and their boat, he didn't complain about being so far from their dream life, he would sacrifice it to make Ford happy.

Ford took a deep breath, forcing calm to return and collect himself as fast as his mind would allow. He was lucky, he told himself, incredibly lucky that Stan was even giving him the time of day, let alone willing to travel from town to town with him like this. Stan had every right to hate him, as Ford told himself he hated Stan for so long, and he knew it, had every right to leave him behind. Instead, Stan had forgiven him, something Ford could now recognize is something he was unable to do.

And that’s why, Ford told himself, if they didn’t find what he was looking for in this town, he’d throw in the towel and head back to the Stan O’War.

Back to their dream life exploring the unexplored creatures of the ocean - many of which were so strange, even when compared to some of the creatures he’s encountered in the thirty years he spent exploring the multiverse. Stan sacrificed so much for him, it was time for him to repay the favor.

Ford gathered himself and began to head to the hotel doors, schooling his expression back into something neutral that wouldn’t give away his inner self-loathing to Stan - his brother would undoubtably have words to say about that and Ford wouldn’t let Stan get dragged into anymore of Ford’s emotional problems!

Eda grinned.

Life was good for them now, their problems all but gone. Sure, she had the occasional run-in with the law, but that was just part of who she was, and it was too much fun to give up. Especially when Lily got that exasperated expression when Eda would brag about it to her sister.

The Isles were still being rebuilt, even after all this time, Belos’ institutions ran deep into just about every corner of society. But they were rebuilding, making a better Boiling Isles for everyone with wild magic.

Luz was excelling at Hexside, King even went there now, as a student not a teacher, and why Bump had to specify that to her and why King was so amused at that was a mystery she was content to let lie for now.

Eh, couldn’t be too important anyway.

Raine smiled at her, “Ready to check out that cafe Camila recommended?”

Eda nodded, “Sounds good, Rainestorm. Sounds good.”

“So, what’s the plan? We going to stick together this time or split up again?” Stan asked, watching Ford rummage through their clothes in their luggage to retrieve some small handheld scanners. Ford was pretty paranoid about hiding them, something Stan didn’t disagree with, considering some of the crazy nonsense Ford insisted on always traveling with - like that stupid die that almost got his and Dipper's brains eaten, and beyond that, Ford’s tech was out of this world with how impressive it was - more oft than not, it literally was out of this world, and this universe.

Ford finally pulled out one of the scanners, “I think we should split up.” Ford paused for a moment, Stan felt a tightening in his chest, his recent fears bubbling to the surface during Ford's brief pause. “We can find any evidence of a portal quicker if we split up after all.”

Stan nodded, his face displaying an easygoing expression, “‘Kay, makes sense.”

Yet internally, he wrestled with mixed emotions. He couldn’t shake the feeling—one that had nagged at him throughout this adventure—that maybe Ford wanted them to split up because he was irritated with Stan. Logically, he told himself, that Ford would tell him if he had a problem with him, but that fear lingered and festered within him.

Urg, or maybe some piece of Cipher that got left behind in his mind was screwing with him.

…Gross. Just gross. Stan didn’t know if that was better or worse than all these pessimistic thoughts coming from him or not.

Stan grabbed one of the scanners and chuckled, burying any thoughts of Ford being sick of him or Bill having any access to his mind deep down, “So, let’s get started then. Sooner we do this, sooner we grab dinner.”

Notes:

Hope you had fun reading this! Had this thought for awhile now, just decided to just write it and share it!

Have a server if anyone's interested in talking or sharing ideas - come by to advertise yourself, talk, meet some awesome people (we got a lot of them already), or anything else you want to do there!

https://discord.gg/tN3gfxZXbW

Chapter 2: The Meeting

Summary:

Stan meets Raine and Eda.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Stan yawned, it was a long drive here and the fatigue was settling into his bones, and certain recent thoughts that were swirling in his mind weren't making it any easier for him now. This particular journey felt almost endless, his weariness clinging to him like a heavy fog.

And of course, walking around with a handheld scanner in a case designed to make it look like a phone - but without any mind numbing apps to kill time or to check his email - was did little to ease his mind, especially when his real phone was hidden in his pocket.

But life couldn’t always be action-packed adventures, beautiful babes, and making up for lost time, and if there was one thing Stanley Pines learned over the years, it was how to be patient until things got better.

Stan Pines - master of patience! He chuckled at the mental title he just gave himself, making a mental note to call Soos later with the idea to use for the Shack - some robot he could go on about that jumps out and gives a light scare to the tour group at random times. He could probably get McGucket to build it - that guy loves building robots, then Stan frowned, remembering how often his machines ended up causing destruction, blowing up, or both.

“Maybe not,” he conceded to himself with a frown, glancing around the area. He glanced around, bored, thirsty, ready to grab a drink and-

His eyes caught something. The color of gold…just a glance, but the I T C H. The familiar itch when his brain is trying to recall something he forgot since Ford shot him since Ford saved the world.

A woman, gray hair that was somewhat familiar in shade, and very familiar in shape, a gold tooth, a voice he’d never forget until he did, losing at poker and pickpocketing all the rubes…wait, no. He blinked, that last thing was just a memory.

Unconsciously, Stan found himself moving toward her, his focus blurred by the flood of returning memories. It wasn't until he stood right before her that her voice anchored him back to the present. "Hey, buddy, can we help you?" she asked, puzzled but glaring, ready to fight him if he bothered her, he was sure.

Stan looked down at her, meeting her gaze of confusion, mirrored by the person accompanying her. Without fully processing his actions, he whispered a single word: “Marilyn?”

And her eyes widened.

Ford wasn’t worried, he was just…deeply concerned. Stan had not yet checked in with him yet, not even to make one of his jokes…

Something must be wrong.

Stan must have discovered a criminal element to this town, has taken advantage of it (in which case, they will be eating well for some time), is in danger of it, the State of Colorado realized Stan was here and he has cops chasing him, or something supernatural is here, and it’s found Stan.

If there is a criminal element to this town, Stan could likely handle them on his own, he was good at that. Same with law enforcement. Anything supernatural on the other hand? Stan could handle most things, but there was always the chance that this

Ok, he was worried. He was very worried.

Wasn’t going to stop Ford from being right there, ready to take on anyone who would try to hurt his brother!

So, with steely determination, Ford narrowed his eyes, his killer instincts taking the front of his mind, his twin guns hidden in his coat, as well as over a dozen knives hidden on his person, almost all of them enhanced by magic or what could be described as esoteric science.

‘Whoever is keeping Stan from me,’ Ford thought with a growl that made nearby strangers flinch away from him. ‘is going to pay for whatever they did to him!’

“You’re killing me!” Raine laughed. Stan grinned, happy he’s making such a good impression here.

“Ah, Raine, you’re a fun one, and I’m going to miss you when I leave the town,” Stan shook his head with a sardonic smirk. “But hey, my aim is gettin’ better!”

The two burst out laughing, Eda slapped her knee, “Ha! Oh, Steve, that’s a good one!”

Stan rubbed the back of his head. He didn’t know Marilyn well, he only knew her from one night he just remembered from so many years ago, but after everything he’s been through, regaining his identity, he just wanted to be Stan now.

Unless the law was involved.

Or the cartel.

Then he can be just about anyone else.

Oh, or any fae.

But less said about that adventure, the better.

“About that,” he fought the urge to grimace. Honesty was never easy. “not my name. Steve, I mean. It’s Stan actually. Stan Pines.”

Eda chuckled, “Well, we have something in common then.” She smirked, gold tooth showing. “Eda Clawthorne.”
Stan gaped at her before he started laughing, one fist slamming on the table. “Ha!” He shook his head, “Heh, we really were a pair, weren’t we?”

“Pair of liars,” Eda leaned back with a smirk before it died. “Listen, ah, Stan, if you want to get back together, you should know-”

“Whoa whoa whoa,” Stan shook his hands. “Look, we had fun and all, but I’m not looking for anything. Just was passing through town, saw you, and jogged somethin’ in this useless noggin of mine.” He rapped his head with his knuckles. “Just came by cause of that, swear it was no other reason. Plus, looks like you’re really happy with this one.” He punched Raine’s arm in a friendly, they rubbed the spot, looking bemused.

“So, how do you two know each other exactly?” Raine sipped their drink.”I mean, get you used to go out, but curious if Lord Calamity here,” they nudged Eda, “was up to her usual tricks.”

“And what tricks would those be?” A new voice joined their conversation, and they all turned to see a man that bore a great resemblance to Stan, but looked furious as he glared at Eda and Raine.

Notes:

I just want to apologize for taking so long with this chapter and for it being so short.

It's been a while since I watched Owl House or Gravity Falls, and after the last chapter, planned to rewatch a bunch of episodes to re-familiarize to the characters. Just, that never happened. Busy with life, other fics, and yeah, dropped the ball here.

Hoping to have a better update schedule and longer chapters for this in the future. But put this one off too long as it is, so just wanted to get this out.

Will probably be editing this chapter later.