Realized I never shared this one on tumblr so :)
What about an AU where Ford goes through one of the portal-potties in Gravity Falls and ends up like. In a small town halfway across the country.
Coincidentally, Stan also happens to be in that town, and when Ford sees him he marches (somewhat angrily) right up to Stan and demands Stan drive him back to Gravity Falls. Ford determines Stan should do this for him because Stan owes him after sabotaging his project in highschool.
Stan goes through a rollercoaster of emotions. Shock at seeing Ford in the middle of nowhere. Confusion as to how Ford got there. Doubt when Ford tells him about teleporting portapotties. But also elation at seeing his twin again, and guilt because Ford immediately brings up the project. And then anger. Because who is Ford to just march up and demand things of him without so much as a “how have you been?”
And yet Stan still agrees. Because he loves Ford and won’t leave him stranded alone with no way of getting home.
Then proceeds the Road-Trip Of Lies, in which Stan lies his pants off about everything the entire time to try and prevent Ford from discovering what kind of life he’s been living since he got kicked out. And it’s difficult, because Stan isn’t the type to ask too many questions. He usually doesn’t care enough about others and has learned that asking questions can get you in trouble.
But Ford. Ford is highly inquisitive by nature and wants to know everything all the time. He’s nosey as hell and always asking questions. This makes for awkward conversations with Stan.
Ford: We can head out to Gravity Falls tomorrow. It’s getting late now and I assume you’ll want to prepare. Take me to your house for the night.
Ford: Yes. I assume you live around the area?
Ford: Oh. Then what are you doing out here?
Stan: I’m, uh. On a business trip?
Ford: In the middle of nowhere??
Stan: This is just a rest stop for the night! I haven’t gotten to my, uh. Destination yet.
Ford: Oh, okay. Well take me to your hotel then.
Ford: Why do you have blankets and stuff in the back of your car? This thing is a mess.
Stan: UHHHH, well, uhhh. That’s the stuff. I need for my business trip? I keep blankets around in case there’s… uhh. Ever an instance my car breaks down or something and I get stranded?
Ford: Hmm. Makes sense I suppose. Good to be prepared.
Ford: This place is disgusting. Couldn’t your business put you in better accommodations?
Ford: What company do you work for anyway?
And such proceeds various incidents of the like. Stan lying through his teeth on their way to Oregon until he can’t lie anymore and gets caught. Then the truth spills out ugly :) Darn brothers and their incapability of minding their own business.