Chapter Text
Ford is very excited. The science fair went perfectly! He was offered a scholarship just like he’d hoped. He’s loaded all of his things into his car, and is finally on his way to make a difference in this world. Finally the world will see him for his intellect, instead of how many fingers he had. They’d call him a genius instead of a freak!
Stanley seemed a bit off? But fairly happy for him anyway. He’d offered to help move Ford’s things across the country to West Coast Tech. He agreed, as it’s clear they might not be able to spend much time together if they are so far away. Ford thinks it’s for the best.
His pa. Well, he seemed maybe proud of him? It fills him with an anxious kind of happiness. Pa never was quite the type to show those types of feelings, saying they aren’t ‘man enough.’. He doesn’t quite agree with the notion, but he would never say that to his face. Ma was very proud of him, practically in tears when she heard the news. Even if Ma is busy with her work, she always made time for him and Stanley during their childhood. She was busy with Sherman’s kid that night when he told him.
At a rest stop, they gathered a few snacks, and Stanley tells him he’ll stay in town around campus to help him out for a week. Ford feels a bit conflicted, he loves him but was hoping for some free time. Oh well.
About an hour away from campus, they agreed to switch spots driving. Stanley seemed a bit tired, so Ford in the driver's seat and Stanley in the passenger seat.
They were laughing about some old inside joke, when suddenly someone appears out of nowhere on the crosswalk in front of them, making Ford slam on the brakes.
“What the fuck?!”
The person in front of the car, startles, then looks furious. It seems this mystery person had a cane with him, making it a bit harder to walk faster across the road. The guy immediately flips him off.
“Fuck you! Almost hit me with your piece of shit car!” The guy yells, then furious stomps away, making his way to the sidewalk.
Stanley grumbles next to him. “Not a piece of shit. This car is mine .”
He sighs, irritated. “It’s alright, Stan. Clearly it’s very different over here in California. People are way too full of themselves here.”
“Oh, come on, Sixer. New Jersey is a shithole of its own.”
“Fair enough.”
Stanley sighs. “Let’s hope the snobs at West Coast Tech aren’t too bad.”
Ford feels a need to defend WCT, it's a very prestigious school and has had many successful students go on to do great things. But he doesn’t bother, Stanley seems in a bad mood as they get closer and closer to campus.
-
Ford’s eyes sparkle with excitement as the campus comes into view. He can’t believe he was able to get in! He knows not many schools like this one would accept students like him. The campus is huge, with several different buildings with big courtyards. Currently filled with new students pilling in, looking for dorm buildings.
Stanley finally parks, in a huge overfilled parking lot.
“Okay, Ford. Remember, I’ll be in town for a bit. To help you out, with ya know, moving stuff. So you let me know if you need anything, okay?” He looks anxious, Ford puts a hand on his shoulder.
“There's no need for you to help, Stanley. But, yeah, if I need anything I’ll call.”
Stanley’s expression seems to shift at the tone in his voice.
“Yeah, okay.” He sighs. “Now get your ass out of the car.” Stanley shoves playfully at him, a big grin across his face.
Ford chuckles, pushing back. “Why do you want me out so bad?”
He rolls his eyes. “Don’t you wanna meet your new roommate?”
Ford immediately cringes. Moses, he forgot all about that part. He’s never particularly been a fan of other people, after years of being bullied throughout his years of life. Even with his big love of the school, he has a feeling that not many will enjoy his presence. Meaning there is a big chance for a shitty roommate, or at least one that will give his weird looks and shoulder checks. He takes a deep breath, it’s okay. It’s not high school anymore, these are adults and adults know better, right?
He feels a hand at his shoulder, he blinks back into reality.
“Hey, Six. Look, if anyone gives you shit. Let me know.”
Ford heaves an irritated sigh. “Stanley, it’s not high school anymore. You can’t cover me forever.”
“I can damn well try. If your roommates shit, request another. You can do that at these fancy pancy schools, right?”
Ford chuckles weakly. “You’re right. Okay, I’ll start bringing in some boxes. You can help me out in a bit, alright?”
“You got it, Sixer. Just give me the word, and I’ll beat them up.”
Ford rolls his eyes.
-
He makes his way through the confusing dorm building, glancing frantically back at the paper some lady gave him. It seems his dorm number is… 618? Yes, that’s right.
He pushes past a sea of bodies, looking up and down at the door number and his own dorm number. He feels extremely uncomfortable with the amount of bodies around him, all pushing and loud. He purses his lips. Ah, yes! Here is his room.
- Huh, weird. There seems to be a clearing of no one around this room, this can’t be good news for whoever happens to be his roommate.
Some random guy near him speaks to his own friends, referring to Ford. “Oh god, looks like that kid has him . I’d hate to be roommates with that guy. Apparently he has an awful temper and hates most people around here. At least the guy keeps out of your way if you don’t cross him.”
That's… worrying. He looks back at the paper and back at the number on the door, once again. Seems to be right. Oh well, it can’t be that bad.
He pushes the door open.
He looks around, to see…
He hears an irritated sigh, looks up to see a blonde guy (black at his roots) looking down at a textbook. “Wrong room.” Huh, the guy looks awfully familiar.
“No, this is my room.”
He looks up at the sound of Ford’s voice. The guy’s eyes burn with fury at the sight of him. Actually, now that he really sees the guy.. Wait is that-
“ You?! ” the both of them shout simultaneously.