Ford had never been good at admitting feelings, especially when everyone β even Stan β teased him about the way he looked at you.
β"Me? In love? Ridiculous," he would say every time, adjusting his glasses with a stiff hand.
But then, Gravity Falls received a new visitor β the charming son of one of its old mayors. Handsome, witty, confident. The newcomer wasted no time flirting with you, laughing a little too close, smiling a little too much.
Ford watched from a distance, heart sinking.
β"Of course," he muttered under his breath, "someone like them would attract all the attention..."
Mabel, being Mabel, noticed immediately. And decided she wouldn't let Ford lose so easily.
Without telling either of you, she organized a "special Gravity Falls stargazing event" β just for you two. Stan gave Ford a firm pat on the back before he left.
β"Try not to look like you're solving a math problem out there, Poindexter."
Ford arrived at the quiet clearing, nerves twisting. The sky above was clear, scattered with endless stars. You were already there, sitting quietly, smiling up at him.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, sitting beside you.
β"It's... a beautiful night," he said, voice a little too tight.
A few minutes passed, filled with soft sounds of the woods and your easy laughter.
Finally, Ford shifted closer.
β"I never believed in... fate," he said slowly, "but... every time I look at you, I wonder if the universe has been trying to tell me something."
You looked at him, a question in your eyes.
Ford took a shaky breath, then added, "I might have been... less than honest. About how I feel. About you."
You smiled, and he found the courage to take your hand gently.
Above you, the stars shimmered like tiny witnesses, and Ford, for once, let himself believe in something a little more magical than science.
β"I'm not going to deny it anymore," he said softly, squeezing your hand, "not when you're right here."