Then, without warning, Stanley dropped to his knees.

The sight was so unexpected that Fiddleford froze, heart skipped a beat in sheer confusion. Stanley Pines, the man who never let his guard down, who never showed weakness, was now kneeling in front of him, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

—Stan— Fiddleford began, but his voice faltered as Stanley reached out, his hands trembling as they grasped at Fiddleford’s.

—Please,— Stanley whispered, his voice hoarse, almost broken. —Please choose me.—

Fiddleford stared down at him, his heart pounding in his chest. He had seen Stanley vulnerable before, but never like this. Never so raw, so exposed. The tears on Stanley’s face were real, his voice shaking with emotion, and it struck Fiddleford like a punch to the gut.

Stanley’s grip tightened, his hands shaking as he clung to Fiddleford’s fingers. —Nobody ever chooses me, Fiddleford. Not Ford, not my parents, not anyone... I’m always second, always the backup. But I... I can't do it anymore. I need you to choose me this time.—