In My Corner

Part 1 of the Boxing AU

Chapter 2

In the years that followed, Stanley and Stanford somehow became closer than ever.

Entering high school, the twins' respective hobbies had them spending less time with each other. After school, Stan would go to the boxing gym, while Ford would send time with the science clubs or the libraries. Soon, their peers of similar interests often became their friends. However, their so-called 'friends,' didn't understand the bond the two brothers shared. They often wondered why one would never go without the other.

Instead of this thought process making the brothers more independent, they became closer as a need to prove that although their hobbies were different, although they themselves were so different, Stan and Ford were still best together.

People didn't get it, but they respected the brothers (and feared Stan's fists) enough to let them live how they wanted to. While their attitude didn't gain them many friends, they still had each other to lean on.

(The only incident that might have ripped the two apart involved one very lovely, Carla McCorkle, but she had met a hippy with bell bottoms before any irreparable damage could occur.)

They were the perfect team. Stan kept the bullies of Ford's back letting him nerd out to his heart's content. He also helped carry the dozens of references that Ford always wanted. Ford continued to help his brother in learning boxing techniques and always patched him up.

Ford's brain and Stan's fists, earned them awards and recognition through the years.

And despite their busy schedules, they made sure to always put away a little bit of time working on their boat. The future was looking bright, for the both of them.

Until one day..

-000-

Stanley and Stanford - Age 18

"Pines twins to the principal's office. Pines twins to the principal's office." Stan and Ford exchanged a confused look, but they left class to head to the office. Ford hoped it wasn't another warning for Stan. Although the Principal seemed to have a bit of a soft spot for Stan (he was a boxing fan), there was only so many times that Stan could get into fights and not get into trouble.

As they neared the door, a voice interrupted them, "Not you, Stan. The principal asked for Ford," the secretary said, a slightly flirtatious smile directed towards his brother.

Stan smiled back and swaggered to her desk. She giggled. "Aww, are you sure hon? Cuz-"

"I'm heading in, Stan," Ford interrupted, rolling his eyes. On second thought, his brother was fine.

Stan shot the girl a quick wink and followed his brother into the office.

The boys' eyes widened when they saw both of their parents already sitting down. There was only one chair in between their mom and dad, but the principal didn't ask Stan to leave. Stan shut the door and stood of to the side, while Ford went to take the seat.

"Now , I would like to speak to you very frankly, if I may?" The principal asked.

"Very frankly is the only way I speak," Filbrick answered.

"You have two sons, both of which you can be proud of," the principal said.

"Yes, we're very proud of both of our sons," GiGi Pines said. Filbrick said nothing.

"One of them is turning into our local boxing hero. Stanley, I heard you just got your pro license?" The Principal asked abruptly.

"Uh, yes, sir," Stanley replied.

"Good for you," the principal said with a nod. "However, you should know about how your other son is a genius! All his teachers are going bananas over his science fair experiment!" He exclaimed with much more enthusiasm than when he was talking to Stan.

"You ever heard of West Coast Tech?" The principal continued, handing over a pamphlet to Ford. "Best school in the country, their students turn science fiction into science fact! The admissions team is coming over tomorrow to check out Stanford's experiment. Your son may be a future millionaire, ."

"I'm impressed," Filbrick said with a smile.

Ford looked to his father in amazement. His dad was never impressed!

Their parents and the principal continued to talk about Stanford's opportunities and about his bright future. Ford however, was silent, completely immersed in the thought of the possibilities that lay before him by going to West Coast Tech. None of them noticed Stan's hurt expression.

-000-

Later, Stanley and Stanford were both sitting on their swings at the beach.

They were both silent, but for very different reasons.

Ford was swinging slightly, with a goofy grin on his face. Every once in a while he would let out a happy sigh and stare at the pamphlet in his hand.

Stan watched his brother be happy about a future that didn't involve him.

"Ford?" Stan asked, tentatively.

His brother looked over at him with a bright smile. "Yeah, Stan?"

"So, uh," Ford kept smiling, "Thinking about going to some stuffy college on the other side of the country?"

Ford chuckled. "Yeah, I can't believe. It sounds too good to be true," he said dreamily.

"You sure you want to go? Once we finish the Stan O' War, it could be beaches, babes, and international treasure hunting for the rest of our days," Stan declared, gesturing to their pride and joy. Ford looked fondly at the boat and Stan, but glanced back down to the pamphlet. Stan's heart clenched. Or maybe that was only his dream...

"I would love that," Ford said. "But I can't pass up this chance." Stan looked away and frowned. "And neither should you."

Stan whipped around to look at his brother. "What?"

"You have your pro boxing license now. It's what we've working towards this whole time. And I I feel like.. that I'm not helping you as much as I used to," Ford admitted. "I.. always want to be by your side Stan, but I don't want to weigh you down."

Stanley was speechless. Those were, that was something he should be saying to Ford, not the other way around. Before Stan could even wrap his mind around the conversation, Ford continued talking.

"But that all depends on if the college board is impressed with my experiment tomorrow. I mean, if they aren't, then I may have to consider the treasure hunting thing," Ford finished, punching his arm in the shoulder. He flashed Stan a worried smile and left to go back home.

Stan watched his brother go and kept looking even when his brother was out of view. Then he turned his gaze to the Stan O' War. The sun backlit the boat, masking the imperfections. But even with those flaws, Stan thought the ship was beautiful. He could just imagine it, him and Ford, sailing away from the town and going wherever they wanted to.

Together.

Then he thought about how happy Ford was thinking about the college. How hopeful Ford was about Stan's own boxing career.

He sighed and stood up.

There was something Stan had to do tonight.

-000-

The next day, Ford had burst out of the school with a huge smile on his face. "I did it!" He yelled, not caring if anyone else heard him.

Because he had done it! The college admission people had loved his project and they were giving him a full ride to West Tech. Ford couldn't wait to tell Stanley.

He wondered if Stan was still snoring away, curled up in bed where he had left him. Ford had been a bit worried about getting in, but not enough to worry his brother. It wasn't very often that his brother got to sleep in.

But now Ford had to go tell Stan the news!

Ford could imagine Stan's reaction, Stan smiling and offering him a hug and a high six...

"Hey Stanford, I heard the news!" Said a familiar someone, interrupting Ford's daydreams.

It was Angie McCorkle. And for some reason, she was talking to him. They hadn't spoken since she had splashed punch on him at the dance. Surreptitiously, Ford checked to see if anyone else around. Sure she had said 'Stanford,' but there was no way she was talking to him.

"I heard the news," she gushed excitedly.

She had heard about his admittance into West Coast Tech? "Uh, you did, well-" Ford stuttered.

"That Stanley's first boxing match is set for this following weekend! Wish him luck for me, okay?" Angie said with a smile. She walked away with a wave and Ford gaped at her.

Then her words sunk in.

"STANLEY'S FIRST MATCH IS THIS WEEKEND!?"

Author's Ramblings -

Both the names for Ma Pines and the unnamed girl that splashed punch on Ford, are not mine. Gigi Pines is from the amazing theywerefireworks' fic, Homecomings. And Angie McCorkle's name is from the lovely redcarrigan's fanfic, The Divide Between You and I.