They spent the night in a treehouse town inhabited by frog people before continuing to make their way through the train. They eventually came to one that was a beach continuing on either side of them as far as the eye could see with the water stretching out before them beyond the horizon. On the beach in front of them was a small village with a pier full of all sorts of boats.
"Are we going to have to sail to the next the next door?" Stan wondered out loud, unsure whether to be excited by the prospect or horrified.
"Possibly," Ford replied, firmly ignoring all the mixed feelings that churned within him at the thought. "Let's see what we can find out from the village."
It didn't take long for this car's local to confirm that yes the door was across the ocean and the only way to get there was by boat. By trading some of the weirder and more unique supplies and trinkets from previous cars, they were able to purchase a small sailing boat, which only increase the feelings associated with their old childhood boat. Both ignoring the complicated emotions they were feeling, Stan and Ford went about prepping the boat. Soon they were able to take off and start crossing the water, following a map they were given to guide them.
"Is this what you've always dreamed of?" Ford eventually asked, both of them watching the waves pass. "I'll admit, it's not too bad."
"Sailing is nice," Stan agreed, staring out at the horizon. "But I think you were missing the point of my dream and talking about sailing off together. Having adventures out on the water was never what it was really about."
"Obviously it was the treasure and babes," Ford attempted to joke, before coughing awkwardly and continuing in a more serious tone. "I didn't realize what you really wanted then and, truthfully, I probably wouldn't have figured it if it wasn't for this crazy train adventure. But I'm grateful that this train helped me realize that you just wanted to be a part of my life as my brother like you had always been. I hadn't appreciated all you have done for me at the time or how hard you worked to bring me back, especially considering how horrible of a brother I'd been in return. Thank you, Stanley, for always looking out for me even though I haven't done the same in return and never giving up on bringing me home. I promise I'll make it up to you by being a better brother."
"I appreciate that Sixer and you don't have to make it up to me," Stan replied, smiling at being thanked before becoming more serious. "I mean, I wasn't a perfect brother either. I should have been more supportive in letting you go to your dream school, but I was just so scared that you would go off, make tons of nerdy friends, and realize you didn't need a worthless numbskull like me."
"You're not worthless," Ford immediately denied.
"Well those ten years on my own didn't exactly prove that wrong," Stan cut in, holding up a hand to keep Ford from interrupting again. "I know now I was a stupid kid making stupid choices, but that was still how I felt for a long time. It wasn't until I had the Mystery Shack going that I actually felt like I accomplished something on my own. I had a business that people would actually spend money on and it helped get me through my continued failure with the portal."
"And then I came in and immediately wanted to tear it all down." Ford sighed, rubbing his face as he realized another grievous error he had made in regards to his brother. "It wasn't my right to demand you give it up. It's been your home for the past 30 years while you tried to fix my mistakes. Yes Stanley, my mistakes, not yours. I'm the one that built the portal and refused to tear it down when I was warned about how dangerous it was. I'm the one that cared more about my research than going what was necessary to protect the world. It was my pride that to getting me trapped in the multiverse, not you."
"Stan, please forgive me for making you feel unwanted and unappreciated in the home and family you had made for yourself," Ford said sincerely, placing his hands on his brother's shoulders to make sure Stan looked him in the eye. "I was wrong to try and reshape everything as I wanted it instead of finding a way to fit into what was already there. I still want to be a part of this family, if you're willing to let me in."
"Always Sixer," Stan replied. "I just wanted my brother back."
"And I promise to be the brother that you deserve," Ford replied, before embracing Stan like he should have when he had first come out of the portal. Stan was only surprised for a moment before he returned the hug with all his strength.
Ford - 0
Stan - 0
The hug ended when the lights appeared the air forming their door home.
"What's going to happen now?" Stan asked as they faced their portal home. "While it's nice knowing you're not kicking me out, we still haven't figured out what we're going to do next,"
"I don't know, but whatever it is we'll be doing it together," Ford smiled, holding up his hand. "High Six?"
"High Six!" Stan replied with a big grin. Together they left the train behind.
A Week Later
Stan and Ford, along with all the guests, cheered as Dipper and Mabel blew out the candles on their Birthday cake. The last week had been spent with a lot of family bonding moments and an adventure or two, just making the most of the time they had. The party was wonderful, full of laughter, cake, and presents.
Eventually, though, it came time for the younger twins to head home. There were a lot of heartfelt goodbyes, a few threats (to make sure a certain pig was allowed onboard), and promises to see each other next summer.
"I going to miss those little trouble makers," Stan said, still waving even though the bus was out of sight.
"Me too," Ford agreed as the others headed back to town. "Is the Mystery Shack closed now that the summer's over?"
"I usually keep it open on weekends and have one last big rush on Halloween," Stan informed with a shrug. "After that, I close until Spring Break. Usually, I spend most of the winter working on the portal, but I don't have to worry about that anymore."
"In that case… I have an idea…" Ford said with a mischievous grin. "Like Fiddleford, I've managed to finally patent a few of my inventions and I've been able to get a good deal on a sailing boat. How would you like to take it out once the Shack's closed for the year? I'm sure we'll be able to have quite a few adventures before we need to come back."
"Sounds perfect Sixer," Stan grinned back. "I'm in!"
The two headed, both of them looking forward to their brighter future.
AN: That's the end. It's been a lot of fun and I hope you enjoyed the ride.
