#i guess it might come down to like being in the fandom for longer so stuff has happened?

[ohsc]

genuine question i’m not trying to be rude but why do dean and sam / jensen and jared fans hate each other it doesn’t make sense to me akdkwkf

[lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom]

'Fake' Feelings

Zuko x Reader

Summary- In a pinch, you have to pretend to be in a relationship with Zuko. Little do you know it was never pretend for Zuko.

A/N- HAPPY BIRTHDAY @thethreeeyed-raven!!!!! This isn't my typical fandom as y'all know. I wrote this as a birthday gift to my best best best online friend. SHE'S AWESOME. Go check her fics out <3<3! CONTAINS A SINGLE BAD WORD >:)

Word Count- 2,468

"Mai, I already told you. I can't be with you!" Zuko was getting frustrated. While he did love Mai at one point, that was a long time ago. Zuko was now the Fire Lord, their relationship seemed like ages ago.

"And why not Zuko? We've been through this a hundred times. You always come running back, you're so pathetic. May as well cut the middle part and we can act like nothing happened." She stepped closer, pressing herself on his arm. "Like we always do..."

Zuko had finally realized how Mai controlled him. When he was weaker he was naive, now he knew what he wanted. Someone who never put him down, someone who never called him 'Pathetic.'

You.

He immediately thought of you. How you were so strong, but never put others down to feel powerful. How you always spoke your mind, but only out of the kindness you hid deep down.

Your walls were built up so high, but he knew who you were. He knew how beautiful you were.

"I can't be with you because I'm dating someone else." The words left his mouth faster than he could think.

This stopped Mai in her tracks. "Excuse me?"

"Yeah, you're not the only one I am allowed to go out with. We've been broken up for awhile now." Zuko was no longer on the defense, but the attack.

"You do know that I am the only one who could love you. Who could love a traitor, a banished prince. Who else, huh?" Her arms were crossed, a smirk on her face. She knew she outwitted him.

Releasing his bit lip, Zuko exclaims your name.

Her face dropped. She knew exactly who you were. She was furious.

"We'll see about that..." With that, she left the room.

You were on your way to visit Zuko, one of your closest friends, for a 'friend reunion' Sokka had planned. You were of course excited to see him after so long. Though, the ride on Appa was miserable. About a hundred "are we there yet"s and "I'm hungry"s from Sokka.

The five of you- Sokka, Toph, Katara, and Aang made it safely to The Fire Nation shortly.

Upon landing, a man in red robes greeted everyone.

"The Fire Lord sends his deepest regards, as he could not see to you himself. You are instructed to follow me to your rooms." He had a stoic expression, but you guessed he greeted people all the time.

Oh well, Zuko must be very busy as a Fire Lord. You were sad, but couldn't blame him.

What you didn't know was that Zuko was pacing his room, definitely not busy. In reality, he cleared his schedule as much as possible for the week you were all visiting.

How was he going to tell you? He was deeply embarrassed, not to mention Mai might try and pull something with you. He knew not to underestimate her.

The thought of her trying to hurt you was enough to rack up the nerve to confess. He just needed a moment alone with you.

A grand dinner was prepared for the Avatars arrival, the rest of you reaped the rewards of being his friends.

"This is SOO good!" Sokka exclaimed, "Zuko sure has a way with food....." He slammed a fist on the table, before quickly lifting more food to his mouth,

"Sokka, you know he has chefs who make the food, right? Please tell me you know that..." You deadpanned, looking at him.

"Uh... Yeah! Yeah, definitely...." He looked down, that was until a new voice appeared.

"Sokka, did you really think I cooked all this?" Zuko walked to the seat at the head of the table. You noticed you were sat to his right.

It was a Fire Nation tradition that the Lady of the house would sit to the right of the Lord... You brushed the thought off quickly, writing it all off as a coincidence.

"W-well I don't know! You've been working ALL DAY!" Sokka squawked.

The dinner went on smoothly, well as smoothly a dinner can go with this group. You could feel the servants and servers rolling their eyes at all the unprofessional comments, jokes, and laughter.

You didn't care, you were just happy Zuko was able to be himself.

Hours later, when everyone was worn out and had their stomachs filled, they started to head to bed.

You were one of the last to leave, having been helping tidy up as much as you could.

You thanked and farewelled the servers, trying your best to remember where your room was.

The Palace was much bigger than you remembered. The halls upon halls blurred together. You were soon lost.

Every direction you turned looked the same, you started to breathe heavy.

You could already see it, 'cause of death, starvation in the Fire Nation Palace.' Or maybe dehydration would take you quicker?

A man passed by, you were saved! Though, the closer you got the bigger his scowl grew.

"Excuse me, I think I'm lost. Can you help me?" You were nervous asking, it was so 'common' for someone to get lost in a palace. You were sure your cheeks were red.

His face was dark, his eyes covered by his demeanor. For some reason he seemed annoyed at you.

"Sir?"

A hand rested on your shoulder from behind. It started you, putting you into a 'fight mode.'

Turning around swiftly calmed your nerves as quickly as they came. It was Zuko.

"Can I help you?" Zuko was talking to the strange man, who was no longer so 'big and bad.'

"No Fire Lord Zuko, my apologies." He barred his head in a bow and left.

You had a small smile on your lips, "Thanks, he was starting to scare me." While you were positive you could have taken the man, you were tired and didn't really feel like fighting.

"Of course, I can show you to your room." He held his arm out, you took it.

The gesture was friendly, you told yourself. Nothing more.

You must have been lost for awhile, as it took a few minutes to get to your room. The small talk exchanged was nice, but something told you Zuko was hiding something.

At your door, he stopped. "Zuko, do you want to come in? You seem restless."

"Actually, I do have something to tell you..." The tone of his voice scared you.

"Oh, then please sit." He joined you on the edge of your end. The door shut behind you two.

You pushed a strand of hair back, nervously sitting. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not really sure how to tell you this... I really am ashamed to have to ask you for a really big favor..." You had seen him on edge a lot, he was quite the stressor. Nothing like this, though.

"Zuko, anything. What do you need me to do?" You questioned.

He looked down at his hands, "You can tell me. I'm in no position to judge you, you know that."

"I uh," He rubbed the back of his neck, "I told Mai that we were dating so she would stop trying to get with me." He spit out so fast you almost missed what he said.

"Oh."

Well that's not what you thought he would say...

"That's not the worst part." He lowered his face to his hands, "The ball in four days, well I told her you were going with me... She's got Ty Lee lining up suitors for her. Trying to make me mad. Also she uh, she's probably told everyone now..."

"Oh." You were at a loss for words.

"I... I don't know... I'm sorry. This is stupid, at the ball I'll tell everyone what happened. I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen! It just slipped out an-"

"Zuko."

"Yes?"

"What if you don't have to tell everyone?"

You hadn't looked at him since he started talking. Honestly, a night with Zuko at a ball? It sounded like a dream. Zuko was handsome, kind, generous, and you'd had a crush on him for months. You knew he wouldn't ever really date you... So you might as well seize the opportunity, right? What could go wrong!

The two of you decided it would be wise to not tell anyone else it was fake, as Sokka, Toph, and Aang had big mouths. They'd slip up sooner or later. As for Katara, she wouldn't have kept that big of a secret from Aang.

So, for the next few days you and Zuko spent every second together. At first, it was coming up with plans for the ball. It turned into getting more physically comfortable with each other. That eventually escalated to spilling each other's deepest secrets, ya know... just in case...

Even in four days, you found yourself going from a crush to madly in love. You found out his quirks, what made him tick, his hidden likes and dislikes. Not a second was spent apart.

The afternoon before the ball you were stressed. It had been easy up until the ball. You just had to be yourself around Zuko, now you had to pretend in front of hundreds...

Katara helped you pick out a beautiful red and black dress. To match Zuko's of course.

A big scene was planned out between the two of you, Zuko would introduce you to everyone in an announcement and you'd walk don't the grand starts arm in arm with him.

It was fun to imagine and talk about, but now the 'what ifs' were running wild.

You somehow made your way to Zuko's room, knocking hesitantly. He begrudgingly opened, but became excited when he saw you.

"Zuko, I'm terrified." He quickly guided you into his room.

"What happened?"

"What if I fall? What if no one likes me? It's a lot of steps it-" He cut you off.

"Hey, it's okay... We can throw everything out the window. Just saw the words."

You swallowed thick. "No, no just... Just promise you'll be there? For me?"

Your name was a whisper on his lips, "Ill always be here for you... Just imagines its only us up there... Just normal day."

You nodded, more relaxed knowing he'd be by your side through I tall. It also gave you a wicked feeling of comfort to know he was still willing to do whatever you preferred. He would have ended the lie immediately if you asked, but you wanted to be there for him as well. To make sure Mai would leave him alone.

The Palace was bustling with people, waiters, food, activities, and entertainment. It all came to an abrupt stop when Lord Zuko appeared.

It was comical, trumpets blared and all head turned.

"Fire Lord Zuko, accompanied by-" Your name seemed unreal on his lips. To be announced with a Fire Lord? You felt you didn't deserve it.

You slowly walked into view of everyone, whispers erupting. To be 'accompanied by' was essentially dating for Lords and Ladys.

All eyes were on you as you took Zuko's arm, walking down the steps. You felt light, your grip tightening on Zukos.

"Almost there, I'm right here." His words were all the comfort you needed.

Music resumed and the party goers continued their fun.

That was expect for one person. Mai. She marched up to you, her questioning eyes on guard. Watching her march over sparked a fury in you, the fire started and didn't stop until you spoke.

"Hello Mai. How can I help you? Is your father well, since he lost his job as Governor and all..." You passively aggressively asked, a mock frown on your face.

"What would you know about Governor dad's and all? You grew up poor." Damn, she got you there.

"I guess the difference in poor and rich is personality. Cause you don't have one..." You shrugged your shoulders at her, biting back a laugh.

"At least Zuko loved me for who I am, not who I was pretending to be." She remarked, not really knowing why Zuko loved her or you.

"Damn Mai, you must know a lot about pretending. Seeing as you're a two faced bitch. Should I go and tell Ty Lee you called her an 'easy bed'." A gasp left her lips in shock, how did you know she said that? Well, you wouldn't tell her, but a gossiping Fire Sage spilled the beans.

Zuko, who had been temporarily called away to exchange pleasantries with a Navy Captain, had returned.

"Mai, I see you've met my girlfriend." He said, snaking a hand around your waist. Chills were sent up your spine.

She gave a scoff, "It'll never last. You're only in it because he's the Fire Lord." She pointed to you, then him, "And you, you just seemed to pick up the next girl you saw laying around. Talk about a downgrade. When you get tired of her, i'll be waiting." She walked away.

"What is her problem!" You exclaimed, face hot with anger.

"Jealousy, I think." He said.

You turned to face him completely. "What for, she doesn't even seem to like you anymore?"

"Maybe cause you're prettier than her?" He said, not realizing his own words.

Your cheeks were now flushed for a different reason. You swiped your lips with your tongue before speaking, "Thank you..."

Hours of dancing, partying, and eating went by. Everyone bought the act easily, you and Zuko were naturals at dating. The fun died down, and many were starting to go back home.

Zuko walked you back to your room, hand in hand.

"Thank you. I really cannot thank you enough, just ask. Whatever you want is yours." Zuko said, still grasping your hands at your bedroom door.

"I don't need anything. This was really fun actually, I know you were just pretending... but i've had the best time the past five days."

"Pretend?" His face screwed up, like he was in denial.

You blinked a few times, own lip curling. "Well, I mean... You made it pretty clear this was all just an act. I-I am not hurt." You were, but wouldn't let him know.

"Words cannot express how genuine these days have been... Oh gosh, I haven't felt this free since I was a child." He pressed on, serious.

"Y-you mean, none of this has been fake to you?"

"Well, I know you signed up for 'fake'." He looked over you, face uncertain.

With a step forward you spoke, "This hasn't been fake for me either..."

"Really?" He pressed his chest to your slightly, hand wavering around your waist. "Because I don't think I could live if you're lying right now."

"Will this answer your questions?" You leaned up, closing the gap and kissing him.

A/N-Thank you for reading, I haven't fully watched ATLA In a little bit sorry if Zuko is OOC!! When it's not midnight and I'm not super tired, I will edit any mistakes!

[akirathedramaqueen]

Only one person has the power to make Stolas cry

And I'll keep the intrigue just a little bit longer so you can try to guess for yourself and experience the kind of satisfaction I had once I pieced it all together. And, oh boy, did it click!

Okay, so today, after a rather passionate conversation with @tealvenetianmask about how fandom seems to perceive Stolas as overly emotional and soft demon, we started rummaging through all the scenes where Stolas actually cried. We were blown off by some revelations.

First note: it's actually not much. Our owl appears to be very sturdy and often bites back when attacked, rather than shutting down as one might expect.

Second note... Better let me show you. Let's walk through all the 'Stolas cries' scenes and see what is happening there, and answer the question, "What, or rather who, sets him off the rails?"

This is your last chance to place your bets and educated guesses. Because below are big clues, and, eventually, answer.

Circus

We follow up on Stolas shortly after the disastrous date at Ozzie's - arguably, a couple of hours later. He looks absolutely miserable. He has boozed himself to unconsciousness. His eyeliner is ruined from earlier tears. He groans, either from headache or emotional turmoil, grabs three Happy pills, and shoves them down his throat.

Whatever happened at this club ruined our bird, to the point he's looking for anything to avoid being alone with his thoughts.

Western Energy

One shed tear. That's all Stolas allows himself. That's what I am talking about when I claim he is actually very tough. He is being tortured, mutilated, and by this point, he has a pretty good understanding that his demise is likely inevitable.

And you know what he does in response? He talks back. He cuts through Striker's bullshit about royals taking everything from him and points out that his killer took a contract from a royal. He literally humiliates Striker with sex jokes and mocks his oversized dick on the statue ego. Figuratively, he spits death in its face.

The Full Moon

Stolas is destroyed.

This meeting was nerve-wracking even before it happened - all the preparation, insecurities, misunderstandings of the past, and lingering, terrifying questions (He loves me? He loves me not?).

It takes weeks to set everything in motion. He planned it meticulously. He scripted every word, every movement of his body, every subtle tone in his voice.

But he forgot that there was another party in this play. The party who was not given the script and is burdened with his own trauma. One shitty assumption, one poorly-thought-out action, and here it is - mockery, avoidance, a fight... and tears. His first meltdown he wasn't able to conceal.

His worst nighmares came true, or so he convinced himself. He loves me not.

Apology Tour

Our last stop on our 'we-love-being-tortured-by-crying-Stolas' tour is here.

The wound is still fresh, bleeding even, and here he comes, rubbing salt into it. Someone Stolas still desperately wants. Someone who was infinitely brash, rude, and aggressive just this morning. Someone who doubled down on statements that made Stolas believe this particular someone hates him.

That someone tries to talk. To explain. To apologize. Wonders how Stolas could actually care about him. Says the prince is better off without him.

Fuck... The prince came here to forget, to wipe that someone (okay, it's getting increasingly hard to pretend it's not obvious yet) from his memory, at least for the night, and he still won't let Stolas go.

He breaks into tears, crushed, reassured he can't have anyone who would hold him, who would say he is the only one, but recuperates shortly after - he was taught better than this.

Okay, are we ready for the shocker of the year?

It's Blitzø.

It was his date with Blitzø at Ozzie's, where he was ignored, humiliated, and was told that their relatioship was only about sex, and that he was the one who made it clear.

It was Blitzø turning down (or so he thought) his distress call, leading him to believe he was left alone to die.

It was Blitzø mocking his confession and assuming it was just a fucking roleplay.

Finally, it was Blitzø haunting him since that very morning and, albeit with better intentions, still hurting him beyond his abilities to recover.

The only person who tore his soul apart enough to break his inpenetrable mask - built up by decades of gritted teeth, restraint, and bravery - was the one he probably cares about the most.

It was not Octavia, whom he holds close to his heart but couldn’t allow to see him depressed. He had to be strong for her; he needed to raise and support her.

It was not Stella, whom he endured for years, yet did not satisfy her wish to see him whimper. He talked back, argued, ignored, and seethed. But he never gave in.

It was him. An imp who stole his grimoire and gave him the best time of his life, however sad that may sound.

Now, thanks for joining this drama in four acts. You may pull out your handkerchiefs and ugly cry right here, in your places. Don't hold it in.

Because I don't.

[silly-little-soul]

Shane accepting himself as a dad

A/N – “Little” thought dump I wrote at the hairdresser today, I'll probably continue it when I find the time

I haven't played sdv in forever cause I can't find the charger of my switch I miss it

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Fandom: Stardew Valley (Shane x gn!Reader/Farmer)

Summary: Thoughts on the lead-up to Shane and Jas moving in with you

Tags: established relationship, tbh reader appears like thrice maybe, some fluff, some angst, some reverse comfort, no beta we die like my activity

Warnings: Some talks about alcoholism and mental illness cause it's Shane, a shit lot of miscommunication, brief talk of Shane and Farmer having own kids, death mention

Note: It got too long so I didn't get to the part where reader/farmer would've been more prominent so this is very focused on the dynamic between Shane, Jas and Marnie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thinking about how in the game when you marry Shane he doesn't take Jas with him

I wish she could live on the farm with you, but let’s actually look at that scenario and Marnie's place in it

Shane is Jas’ official caretaker, but with how his mental health and alcohol consume used to be he definitely wasn’t able to fully take care of her, I’m guessing Marnie did most of that. Like Shane DOES really care for her and did what he could, it just wasn’t enough when he got worse. Simultaneously he saw Marnie care for her the way he wished he could've and it just seemed so effortless (it wasn’t, she was just grieving differently). It made him feel like he could retreat from his parental role, have Marnie take it and stop himself from pulling Jas down with him, he didn’t want to be selfish and put her well-being at risk just to be the one playing parent.

Honestly, he was probably right in that decision, he couldn’t have fully cared for a child.

But it’s different now, he’s better now, he’s ready.

He starts spending more time with her again, no longer feeling like he’s a risk to her, no longer being so ashamed. He takes on tasks like making lunch and bringing her to bed more often.

He doesn’t even notice it until Jas, Marnie or you point it out, might write a scenario for that at some point but let’s move on for now

Anyway, he realizes he’s taken the role of a parent for her. And then you give him the mermaid pendant, and he’s so happy that everything is slowly working out.

When he comes home and tells Marnie she is quick to pull him into a tight hug, she’s so happy he’s managing to really turn his life around.

Jas is so so excited, asking when they'll move to the farm

Shane wants to have her come right with him, he's talked to you about it and you were quick to tell him you'd be happy to have her, but he realizes he should really talk to Marnie about that first.

So they kinda just redirect her question.

Later though they sit together and talk about the upcoming change of Shane's living situation.

At Shane’s declaration of wanting to take Jas right with him, Marnie is hesitant and gently suggests that might not be the best idea.

Shane believes it’s because Jas has become a daughter to her, something he actively pushed to happen by making her take all responsibility for the little girl (and for him too, actually), and he figures he doesn’t really have the right to take Jas from her after she has been the one taking care of her for so long.

Except that isn’t the reason at all. Marnie has never seen herself as Jas’ mom. She loves Jas a lot of course and she’ll surely miss her a lot once she moves, but she has never not seen Shane as the one to be Jas’ new parent.

She wants this for both Shane and Jas, but she’s just so worried. She’s seen Shane at his worst and all that has lead up to it, seen him almost get better but then fail again more often than she’d like to have.

She’s honestly more worried about Shane than Jas. What if Shane takes on too much responsibility at once? His new role as a husband, the changes that come with living on the farm, and then he'll also be fully responsible for Jas? She's worried he'll end up feeling overwhelmed and get worse again. And then if Jas sees it this time, oh gosh... (Okay, maybe it is about Jas)

Now bear with me it's about to get a little confusing

Shane doesn't know that's the reason, Marnie doesn't tell him outright to not upset him.

So when she brings up the hint of “are you sure? She can stay here some longer too” he thinks it's because of her relationship with Jas and he's just like “yeah y'know maybe that works” because he doesn't want to take Jas from her after making Marnie take care of her so long, however she thinks it's because he really does think it'd be too much at once.

So they're like “okay good talk” and go their ways and while Marnie is like “okay cool I'll help some more till he feels able to care for her fully” Shane is knocking on your door having half a breakdown like “I fucked up I'll never get to take on the role of her father”

On a side note, he went to the farm and not the saloon, and both of you have a brief moment of gratitude for the fact so let's take a second to appreciate him for that too

Alright, he has been appreciated

But yeah, I kinda hc their communication isn't great in general. It's not for lack of trying (not anymore, it used to be a factor when Shane wasn't doing well) or something causing arguments, it's more so a thing where the two talk and then think everything is fine when they in reality have talked past each other so hard.

It's usually silly, small stuff like chores or something and resolved with a quick clarification and doesn't cause issues – except this time it did.

Anyway, he's at your doorstep, kinda having a breakdown.

You let him in of course, get him some water, gently tell him to calm down and tell you what happened.

His explanation is not very coherent, consisting mainly of him repeating how he fucked up, it might very well spiral into a full on panic attack.

Shane's not usually someone to panic but this is about Jas, who is the most important thing in the world to him, not to forget the only way he knew how to cope is kind of gone.

After a while he manages to explain what's going on more clearly, how he so badly wants to care for Jas the way he should have from the start, but he can't because he made mistakes he can't fix, how Marnie has taken that role and is entirely reasonable in wanting to keep it.

Then he breaks down again.

You don't really know what to do, he's in a terrible state, and what can you say? If the situation was truly how Shane presented it (which you assumed of course) there wouldn't really be much you could do to help.

You end up calling his therapist, he's against the idea at first but caves at your pleading look.

He's put you in situations in which you had to try help him with no idea how to before, hell he's made you fear for his life with this kind of bullshit before! He doesn't want you to go through that again.

In the beginning you sit with him, help explain to his therapist what happened, let Shane lay his head on your chest while talking to her.

When after a while he is much calmer you go make his favorite dinner, waiting for him to finish the phone call.

They make an appointment for Saturday and Shane hangs up, wordlessly coming over to you and letting himself fall into your arms. You have dinner and go to bed, deciding it's better for him to stay with you tonight, and maybe also the next few day. You'll figure out how to go on about this on Saturday.

Meanwhile Marnie has no idea about all of this and tells Jas about the decision (she thinks) they made, how Shane will move to the farm but needs some time to “settle in” as she calls it, and then Jas can move there too later on.

She's bummed about not getting to come along right away but is generally okay with the idea, not much bothered.

This whole misunderstanding is only really revealed when Jas and Shane cross parts the next time. This could be several days later, or the next one which I'm gonna go with.

Unfortunately for Shane, Jas was already planned to come to the farm that day to “help” (aka pet your animals) so she shows up there in the morning and it's. A bit awkward. Not that she'd notice, though.

Inevitably the topic of Shane moving to the farm comes up. It's in bypassing, it doesn't really matter how, but it causes even more chaos.

She says something about how she'll miss him when he moves to the farm, which feels like a punch in the gut to him, cause he doesn't even know she just means in the short while till he gets her over there too.

He tries not to let it show in front of her, it's not her fault, so he tries to play over his reaction by saying something along the lines of “I'll miss you too, but you and Marnie can come visit. If the farmer and me start a family you can come over and-”

And like damn. Not the best thing he could've said in that situation.

Cause up until just know she thought she was coming after him like a month or something later!

Jas' eyes fill with tears and she has such a look of betrayal on her face Shane doesn't even finish his sentence.

“You don't want me here?”

And he's just like fuck lol

In retrospect he doesn't actually know what Marnie told Jas and how she explained the decision to her. Thinking about it she probably didn't exactly go “Hey actually Shane used to be a good for nothing alcoholic so I decided I'm your mom”

But wait, does Jas want to stay with him on the farm?

Because yeah wait!! He did not consider that and how she feels about this.

Meanwhile Jas is now also a victim of the miscommunication between Marnie and Shane (aren't we all?)

Before Shane can think of something to say she's bolting, running back home.

You - who watched the interaction happen - and Shane go after her, coming to the ranch to find Jas crying in her bed with Marnie sitting next to her and trying to coax her into explaining what happened. When she sees you she moves away from her, figuring you two must have a better idea of what's going on.

Shane takes Marnie's place and asks Jas why she's crying.

She looks up at him with a heartbreaking expression and says “You said you'll start a family, but what about me?” (not rlly like that but I suck at dialogue)

And Shane is like “Marnie is your family”

I love him but.... shut up, Shane!!

That blow was so hard both you and Marnie could feel it!

In his defense, he realizes that was dumb as fuck like immediately after.

“I mean... fuck, she's been a mom for you so long, way more than I ever was, I can't just take you away now”

And Marnie stiffens cause like that's the moment it starts dawning on her something didn't go quite right in their earlier communication. And then you notice her reaction and it starts dawning on you as well and you kinda just look at each other like “oh shit”.

Which Shane and Jas are completely unaware of.

“She's not my mom! I don't want her to by my mom”

And Jas is honestly really irritated by Shane's interpretation of their family dynamic because yeah Marnie has taken care of her a long time and she's really close to her of course but she still never saw her as something other than her aunt, just like Marnie always considered Jas her niece.

“Why don't you want to be my dad?”

It's sort of a breaking point for all four of you.

For Shane it feels like in a matter of seconds he's reliving every moment since the day Jas' parents died. They chose him as the one who'd take in Jas if something happened to them. They could've decided on Marnie, but they didn't. In that moment he realizes that maybe his fear of this parental role he really did want to take not being rightfully his was never about Marnie to begin with.

At the same time, Marnie and you decide to finally intervene. She gently pulls him towards the door, telling him they have to talk, meanwhile you sit with Jas to comfort her.

You let her climb into your lap and hug her, just holding her and waiting for Marnie and Shane to finish talking, until she speaks up again quietly

“Do you not want me on the farm?”

And you're of course immediately telling her you do!! You want her there, you consider her family and she goes “I think Shane doesn't” and like no he does!! He's just stupid!

Except you don't say that to her of course cause don't say that to her.

Meanwhile Marnie is torn between hugging Shane because man he's apparently spent years thinking he has no place as her parent and scolding him cause how the fuck did he spend years thinking he has no place as her parent.

It ends up being the scolding (gently though, she does get where he was coming from).

She explains everything to him, from exactly how she feels about Jas to what she meant when she suggested to have Jas stay with her.

“You're her father now. Her parents chose for you to be and she did too. You're her dad, and nothing you or I do can change that”

And it's wild because he realizes he has always refused those titles. He always talked about his parental role or his role as a father, yeah, but he's never dared call himself her dad. But he is, isn't he?

They have a long talk and Shane learns his place in the family was never a question, while Marnie has her anxiety over Shane taking on too much at once calmed.

They settle on Jas staying at the ranch on weekdays and the farm on weekends for the first month, so he can settle and you can get used to having a child around all the time. After that she'll move to the farm entirely, with the promise to have her stay at Marnie's a bit if Shane ever feels like it's too much for him.

He goes back to Jas' room to explain everything to her and tell her she'll of course come along to his new life.

And when he opens then door he sees you sit with Jas – with his daughter - in your arms, petting her hair comfortingly and he's like yeah.

That's his family.

[rebelliousstories]

Snowman

25 Days of Ficmas

Relationship: Spencer Reid x Reader

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Request: No

Warnings: Fluff

Word Count: 1,456

Main Masterlist: Here

Criminal Minds Masterlist: Here

Summary: Snowfall means that Spencer can not go into work today. With the roads closed, what is a girlfriend to do?

Consider Donating: Here

P. Miller said, “With every falling flake, a unique spark of interest falls from heaven.”

It was always a gamble as to whether or not she would have her boyfriend home for the holidays through out the year. He had been in Chicago on Halloween. His birthday was spent in El Paso. For her birthday, Spencer was all the way in Seattle. The Fourth of July, Easter, and Thanksgiving were, you guessed it, spent away from home. They did manage to do a breakfast date on Valentine’s date because he was in the middle of working on a case, and could not spare a moment longer than that.

But when it has been a paperwork week, coupled by ice on the roads to the point that even driving was out of the question, and a federal holiday? Well, this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. Someone might have thought that today was Christmas by how excited her boyfriend was dragging her out of their apartment. She barely had a moment to fasten her coat and gloves before Spencer was dragging her out into the snow that had fallen.

It was a rare snowy day that had come for them. These kinds of heavy snowfall days were not common for Virginia, but you best believe that they were going to take advantage of it.

“Come on, darling! Let’s go!” Spencer nearly tripped over his own feet running towards the white ice that coated the ground.

“Would you at least let me get my laces done, please? You don’t even have your scarf on, honey.” She tried to follow closely, but that man decided to use his long limbs to his advantage today.

Chuckling, she watched as Spencer decided to finally lay down on the ground. He began to laugh the longer he stayed there, and even more so when his girlfriend stood above him. His wild curls fanned out around his head like a halo, while his smile beamed ear to ear.

“Are you having fun yet, honey?” The edges of his scarf dangled just over his coat covered torso from where it rested in her hands. Spencer grabbed her legs and brought her down with him into the freezing cold below.

“Now, I am,” he replied, rubbing his hands over her thighs. Sitting up, he brought her up with him, and let her wrap his scarf around his neck. They sat in the snow for a moment longer, before she stood abruptly.

“Maybe you can sit there in the cold, but I can’t.” Her hands were trying to be warmed with her breath, but it had a difficult time of getting through the leather covering them.

The man got up a second later and wrapped her in his arms and his coat as much as he could. Before long, they were running around and genuinely having a great time together. Snowballs were flying, snow angels were being made, but there was one thing that Reid was hesitant on bringing up. When they took their next pause, she saw that apprehensive look on his face. That look that said, “I want to say something, but I am afraid of what it is going to do for us.”

“Honey, what’s bouncing around that big, beautiful brain of yours?” The man in question kept his eyes to the ground as he chewed on his lips. “Spence? Spencer?”

“Could you um…” he stammered, “could you help me make a sn- a snowman? Please?”

He looked like a kicked puppy for a minute while he waited for his answer. Her heart swelled as she looked at her boyfriend. This man had three PHD’s, two BFA’s, was a renowned profiler working with the best team in the world; and he was asking for help on how to build a snowman?

“Oh, Spence. Yeah, we can build a snowman.” Cupping his rosy cheeks in her hands, she brought his gaze up to meet hers. Once he got the confirmation he was looking for, Reid surged forward and captured her lips with his. It was not until she pushed him off that he finally relented and let her enough room, and air, to speak.

“Do you want decorations for it? We can go get some now if you’d like?”

“I just wanna build one now. We can find decorations around here, I think.”

Thus began the building. While he knew how to technically make it, he had never actually built one. Snow days like this one rarely happened in Virginia, and that the last thing on his mind when he had cases in wintery environments. Besides, it was not like he could have done so in Las Vegas. Maybe could have built a sandman but that just does not have the same feelings attached to it.

They spent so long on just the base. Making sure it was perfect and round before they placed anymore on top. Of course, while they were making it, Spencer was being Spencer and was happily rattling off random facts about the history of snowmen.

“Did you know that the earliest recorded instance of a snowman is in a Dutch book from 1380? Although, some historians and archeologists debate as to whether or not ancient peoples made them too.”

“There’s a holiday called Sechseläuten that’s celebrated in Zurich, Switzerland. Every third Monday of April since 1818, a cotton snowman is stuffed with dynamite and paraded through town. It’s called the Böögg, and at the end of the parade they set him atop a 400 feet tall pile of scrap wood where they set it ablaze. It helps mark the beginning of spring for them.”

“During the Middle Ages, when craftsmen couldn’t work with their given tools for various reasons, they would turn to the copious amounts of snow outside to sculpt and build with. It is from this that we got snowmen as a festive winter tradition.”

Through it all, ever once did she attempt to silence him. In fact, she liked listening to all of his little tidbits of information. The man was a vast encyclopedia of knowledge that she was honored to be around more often than not.

In lieu of coal for the eyes or buttons, various rocks were placed. Their snowman got a set of traditional stick arms. All they were missing was a nose. Reid did not want to give another rock on his face, nor did he think that a branch would be appropriate. He scoured the field around them to try and find something that they could use instead. When he could not find anything, his lips turned down and pouted a bit before looking towards their new friend.

A tap on his shoulder brought him back to his girlfriend who was now holding something in her gloved hands. A canary yellow flower rested between her index finger and thumb as she presented it to him. With a confused tilt, Spencer looked towards his girlfriend.

“Where did you find that?”

“Over by the curb. Probably the last one of the season. Maybe this would be okay? In place of our carrot?” She offered the flower to him, and a larger smile graced her features as he took it from her gloved hands.

Spencer worked for a minute on getting the stem inside of the compacted snow. It took a bit of work, but eventually he made it happen. Once it was placed inside, he took a few steps back, and opened his arms for her to snuggle up to him.

As they stood there, looking at their creation, a serene calm flowed over the couple. This was exactly what Spencer had hoped this would be like. His cheek rested on the crown of her head, while his arms wrapped tighter around her body. Her arms were doing the exact same thing as she nuzzled into his chest.

“Thank you, darling,” came a whisper that was nearly drowned out by the wind that had begun to pick up.

“You’re welcome, honey. I hope this made you happy.” The man pulled away just a bit to look at his girlfriend’s face that was now just as rosy as his.

“More than you know,” and he leaned down to finish that statement off with a sweet kiss.

At that point, the wind managed to sneak underneath her coat, causing a violent shiver to pass over her. With a chuckle, Reid began to lead her back inside to warm up again. However, before they left completely, he did have her get a picture of them with their first snowman on her phone. Eventually, he would get around to printing it out so that he could have that memory for years to come.

It was always a gamble as to whether or not she would have her boyfriend home for the holidays through out the year. He had been in Chicago on Halloween. His birthday was spent in El Paso. For her birthday, Spencer was all the way in Seattle. The Fourth of July, Easter, and Thanksgiving were, you guessed it, spent away from home. They did manage to do a breakfast date on Valentine’s date because he was in the middle of working on a case, and could not spare a moment longer than that.

But when it has been a paperwork week, coupled by ice on the roads to the point that even driving was out of the question, and a federal holiday? Well, this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. Someone might have thought that today was Christmas by how excited her boyfriend was dragging her out of their apartment. She barely had a moment to fasten her coat and gloves before Spencer was dragging her out into the snow that had fallen.

It was a rare snowy day that had come for them. These kinds of heavy snowfall days were not common for Virginia, but you best believe that they were going to take advantage of it.

“Come on, darling! Let’s go!” Spencer nearly tripped over his own feet running towards the white ice that coated the ground.

“Would you at least let me get my laces done, please? You don’t even have your scarf on, honey.” She tried to follow closely, but that man decided to use his long limbs to his advantage today.

Chuckling, she watched as Spencer decided to finally lay down on the ground. He began to laugh the longer he stayed there, and even more so when his girlfriend stood above him. His wild curls fanned out around his head like a halo, while his smile beamed ear to ear.

“Are you having fun yet, honey?” The edges of his scarf dangled just over his coat covered torso from where it rested in her hands. Spencer grabbed her legs and brought her down with him into the freezing cold below.

“Now, I am,” he replied, rubbing his hands over her thighs. Sitting up, he brought her up with him, and let her wrap his scarf around his neck. They sat in the snow for a moment longer, before she stood abruptly.

“Maybe you can sit there in the cold, but I can’t.” Her hands were trying to be warmed with her breath, but it had a difficult time of getting through the leather covering them.

The man got up a second later and wrapped her in his arms and his coat as much as he could. Before long, they were running around and genuinely having a great time together. Snowballs were flying, snow angels were being made, but there was one thing that Reid was hesitant on bringing up. When they took their next pause, she saw that apprehensive look on his face. That look that said, “I want to say something, but I am afraid of what it is going to do for us.”

“Honey, what’s bouncing around that big, beautiful brain of yours?” The man in question kept his eyes to the ground as he chewed on his lips. “Spence? Spencer?”

“Could you um…” he stammered, “could you help me make a sn- a snowman? Please?”

He looked like a kicked puppy for a minute while he waited for his answer. Her heart swelled as she looked at her boyfriend. This man had three PHD’s, two BFA’s, was a renowned profiler working with the best team in the world; and he was asking for help on how to build a snowman?

“Oh, Spence. Yeah, we can build a snowman.” Cupping his rosy cheeks in her hands, she brought his gaze up to meet hers. Once he got the confirmation he was looking for, Reid surged forward and captured her lips with his. It was not until she pushed him off that he finally relented and let her enough room, and air, to speak.

“Do you want decorations for it? We can go get some now if you’d like?”

“I just wanna build one now. We can find decorations around here, I think.”

Thus began the building. While he knew how to technically make it, he had never actually built one. Snow days like this one rarely happened in Virginia, and that the last thing on his mind when he had cases in wintery environments. Besides, it was not like he could have done so in Las Vegas. Maybe could have built a sandman but that just does not have the same feelings attached to it.

They spent so long on just the base. Making sure it was perfect and round before they placed anymore on top. Of course, while they were making it, Spencer was being Spencer and was happily rattling off random facts about the history of snowmen.

“Did you know that the earliest recorded instance of a snowman is in a Dutch book from 1380? Although, some historians and archeologists debate as to whether or not ancient peoples made them too.”

“There’s a holiday called Sechseläuten that’s celebrated in Zurich, Switzerland. Every third Monday of April since 1818, a cotton snowman is stuffed with dynamite and paraded through town. It’s called the Böögg, and at the end of the parade they set him atop a 400 feet tall pile of scrap wood where they set it ablaze. It helps mark the beginning of spring for them.”

“During the Middle Ages, when craftsmen couldn’t work with their given tools for various reasons, they would turn to the copious amounts of snow outside to sculpt and build with. It is from this that we got snowmen as a festive winter tradition.”

Through it all, ever once did she attempt to silence him. In fact, she liked listening to all of his little tidbits of information. The man was a vast encyclopedia of knowledge that she was honored to be around more often than not.

In lieu of coal for the eyes or buttons, various rocks were placed. Their snowman got a set of traditional stick arms. All they were missing was a nose. Reid did not want to give another rock on his face, nor did he think that a branch would be appropriate. He scoured the field around them to try and find something that they could use instead. When he could not find anything, his lips turned down and pouted a bit before looking towards their new friend.

A tap on his shoulder brought him back to his girlfriend who was now holding something in her gloved hands. A canary yellow flower rested between her index finger and thumb as she presented it to him. With a confused tilt, Spencer looked towards his girlfriend.

“Where did you find that?”

“Over by the curb. Probably the last one of the season. Maybe this would be okay? In place of our carrot?” She offered the flower to him, and a larger smile graced her features as he took it from her gloved hands.

Spencer worked for a minute on getting the stem inside of the compacted snow. It took a bit of work, but eventually he made it happen. Once it was placed inside, he took a few steps back, and opened his arms for her to snuggle up to him.

As they stood there, looking at their creation, a serene calm flowed over the couple. This was exactly what Spencer had hoped this would be like. His cheek rested on the crown of her head, while his arms wrapped tighter around her body. Her arms were doing the exact same thing as she nuzzled into his chest.

“Thank you, darling,” came a whisper that was nearly drowned out by the wind that had begun to pick up.

“You’re welcome, honey. I hope this made you happy.” The man pulled away just a bit to look at his girlfriend’s face that was now just as rosy as his.

“More than you know,” and he leaned down to finish that statement off with a sweet kiss.

At that point, the wind managed to sneak underneath her coat, causing a violent shiver to pass over her. With a chuckle, Reid began to lead her back inside to warm up again. However, before they left completely, he did have her get a picture of them with their first snowman on her phone. Eventually, he would get around to printing it out so that he could have that memory for years to come.

[isthisimportant]

Stay

Fandom: LOTR

Pairing: Faramir x GN!Reader

Word count: 1.2k (Wow. Right on the dot!)

Warnings: None apply!

A/N: I'm still reading the books (currently on return of the king) and I couldn't help but fall in love with this man. Please have something extremely teeth-rotting and cliche, but it melts my heart.. I swear.

********

The sun was bidding its farewell, and its once harsh light, now soft, shone through the windows, tinting the room a glowing shade of orange.

You glanced once at the scroll laid out before you and the sun was gone. Its light now replaced by the cool light of the stars. You walked to your window in search of the moon. You liked looking for her and welcoming her as one would a lifelong friend. She did not disappoint. She appeared quickly from behind a cloud almost as if she was as delighted as you were upon your reunion. It was a regular practice of yours to greet her upon her arrival and it gave you some peace to your mind.

It was short-lived, however, when a knock at your door startled you and you were faced with Faramir, captain of Gondor swaying on your doorway, half-covered in sweat, breathing heavily, you could assume, in pain.

“Y/N...”, he merely whispered your name before you instinctively reached out to hold him as his body tilted forward, out of his control.

“Captain Faramir, my lord, what brings you to this state?”

You led him to the bed at the corner of the room next to the desk with tonics and elixirs.

It was customary for soldiers to be tended to at the Houses of Healing but for Captain Faramir, one might guess he would have his treatment go to him in his chambers, much like the steward. Of course he had come here more than occasionally for several minor injuries. The reasons for that you couldn’t understand. You were now well acquainted with the captain and he with you. He trusted you and brought many of his men to your healing hands.

“I would tell you everything. Once you have given me something to relieve me.” He groaned and laid down on the bed, taking off his armour.

You stared at him in confused wonder for a few moments before springing into action: you bade him take off his shirt for you to inspect the damage while preparing a tonic for the pain. Unbeknownst to you, he was gazing at you with wonder as well. The way you worked so quickly but with resolve and calm. He welcomed the feeling of your gentle fingers on his skin, tending to his wounds. It was not by accident that he chose this door in the circle. He was accustomed to the path that led to your door all too much. He’d grown attached to you ever since he watched you save the life of one of his soldiers.

You pressed a cloth drenched in another elixir to his wound and he drew his breath sharply. As a reflex you put your hand on his head, hushing him softly. There was only the dressing of the wound left.

“Hold this to the wound, Captain.”

He begrudgingly did as you said and took from you the cloth. You swiftly tied up the wound and handed him a tumbler of water.

He moved to sit but you laid a hand on him once more, on his shoulder. “Please, Captain, lie down.”

He nodded and gulped down the water quickly. You turned to clear up the mess and opened another window.

“Thank you, Y/N. I feel as if I were being healed by Elvish medicine.”

You felt heat creep up your cheeks as you turned to meet his eyes. They were soft and sincere. His hair glowed almost silver in the moonlight. His features showed gratitude and something else you could not quite place.

“Elvish medicine is far superior to our practices, my lord.” You bowed your head, afraid that you would be encaptivated forever by his gaze if you suffered it any longer.

“And... I was only doing my duty. You needn’t thank me. It is a small token of appreciation for all you do for your people.”

You mustered a small smile directed at him and found him still staring at you with the same look in his eyes, speechless.

“If that will be all, my lord, I would bid you good night.”

You turned and all but ran to the door when he spoke again, softly, unsure of his own words.

“Will you not stay?” It came like an arrow and it pierced your walls. It did not cause you pain or grief but rather longing and doubt. ‘Stay?’ Stay with Captain Faramir through the night as he sleeps, watching over him? Perhaps even, holding him should he feel anymore pain? How could you possibly say no?

“I can call on one of the others for you, my lord. I’m afraid my shift comes to an end when the moon begins hers in the sky.”

You did not look at him for his answer. You waited, head bowed.

Faramir didn’t expect this. He thought he was certain about the feelings each of you held for the other. He thought you would always stay by his side and he by yours. But perhaps he was the sun and you were the moon, destined to travel the same road in the same sky but cursed to never meet because it wasn’t the way of the world.

“If that is your wish, I will not stop you. But do not trouble the others for me.” The words came out hesitantly, in disappointment.

“Then I shall take your leave, Captain. May you rest well.”

He watched you leave so quickly and felt his heart drop quicker. Suddenly, the pain in his side intensified and he groaned clutching at his wound. As he did so, he dropped his tumbler and it fell with a resounding echo in the empty room. Embarrassed beyond measure he let the tumbler be and just laid there staring at the ceiling.

He wished you would return and hold his hand, magically washing away his anguish. He could almost feel your touch again and the thought soothed him. He closed his eyes and held on to that thought. It made him blissfully drift away with the cool wind on his cheeks.

In that state between wakefulness and sleep he brought your imaginary hand to his lips and kissed it. But he found he did not kiss air but skin. Perhaps it was another illusion cast by his dreams. He then felt a hand part the hair on his face and a pair of lips on his forehead, unsure and almost trembling but sweet. He didn’t wake. He didn’t want to wake and destroy the moment. Content and relieved of his pain, he fell into a deep sleep. It was a good dream.

When he awoke to rays of sunlight prickling at his eyes, he found you fast asleep on your chair with your head on his bed. The tumbler had been placed on the table, full of water once more. He looked down to find your hand entwined with his. Was this also a dream? It could not be. For even his dreams could not conjure such a divine picture of you. Whatever it may be, he would not disturb this. No, he would lay here forever if it would make this feeling last as long.

[fleurriee]

 Ummm Hi I'm sending in this request before the population of fandom for avatar dies out completely can I ask for something that is so cute. Like shy reader who really likes neteyam but is to nervous to ever say anything about it and she's kind of singled out a lot and has little friends ( but her and neteyam are cordial with each other ) She goes to a gathering and is the only one who notices that neteyams stress and frustrated despite the festives and approaches him shyly with an offer to help “ i just want to be used by you tonight. can i be your personal toy? “ pls considered and thank you for still posting avatar also your a great writer

wooooo to be the one to help nete relieve some stress.... i loved this one, so thank u for sending it in!! hopefully the population of the fandom doesn't die out too much lmao... but, tysm, ily anonie <3

pairing ; neteyam x fem!reader

summary ; you take in into your hands to help neteyam relieve some of his stress and frustration.

themes ; talks of smut, tiniest amount of fluff possible, shy!reader/lonesome!reader

You’ve never been good with friends.

After all the time, you guess there’s just something about you that rubs others the wrong way, causing them to flee in the opposite direction quickly, before you can attempt to cling on to them.

Maybe that was it - maybe you came off too desperate, wanting just one friend who understood you completely, who would be by your side for all the good and bad. Maybe you were seeking it too eagerly; maybe you just needed to let it happen gradually.

The closest you’d got to a friend was arguably Neteyam Sully, Toruk Makto’s eldest son and future Olo’eyktan of the clan. But, the most you’d even really been was cordial with him, smiling and greeting one another in passing. Still, he was the only one who would meet your eye for longer than two seconds.

A part of your brain raged at you that it was just him being nice, just him wanting to make a good reputation for himself, seeing as he would be leading all of you when the time came later on down the line. And, that did make sense, but your optimistic side, the one that won out more often than not, told you he might secretly enjoy your company, that he didn’t just think of you as another random Na’vi.

You kept that particular thought in your head every time you looked in his direction… more so than ever now that the gathering was in full swing.

So much was happening, you weren’t entirely sure where to look - Na’vi were lingering within every corner of the surrounding area, each of them chattering away to their own family and friends, boisterous laughter spilling from them until you couldn’t even hear yourself think.

Making your way around people, trying your best to not bump into anyone and apologising to those that you did, you let your eyes flicker around to whoever they did. Your parents had actively forced you further out into the open, hoping that by doing so, it might help you interact with more Na’vi that were your age. But, looking out at the sea of people now, you couldn’t help but believe there was no worse idea than this one.

And, then, your eyes flew over him - Neteyam Sully. He’s standing towards the edge of the entire crowd, all alone as his own gaze flickers across everyone. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his brows are pinched, eyes slightly lowered. Even from a distance, it’s obvious he’s not enjoying himself.

The stress and frustration is emitting from him, lingering within the air and filtering within your own system, until you feel like it’s your job go to comfort him. Maybe this was the opening your parents had wanted for you - maybe you should take it with both hands and run with it.

So, with your heart on your sleeves as it pounded within its ribcage, excitement pounding within you at the thought of your offer you were going to give him, you made your way over to him.

He hadn’t noticed you coming until you were stood just in front of him, a shaky smile on your lips in spite of your nerves. When he spotted you, you noticed his shoulder had relaxed a little, looking down upon you with a welcoming smile of his own. “Hey…”

“Hi,” you spoke quickly, trying to muster the courage you needed for this next comment of yours, knowing it would definitely help him relax, “you didn’t really looking like you’re enjoying yourself…”

Neteyam chuckled at your words, shaking his head, but still looking fondly at you. “You could say that.”

Swallowing deeply, you sent him another timid smile, fingers beginning to fiddle with one another and stepping closer to him, making sure only he could hear your next words. “Well,” you started, “why don’t you… use… me?” you paused, gauging for a reaction, watching his ears perk up extremely high on his head, his tail starting to flick. “I mean, you can take it out on me… I can be your personal toy…?”

Your last sentence came out as more of a question, swallowing your heart in your throat. Just seconds away from deciding to turn back with your tail between your legs and embarrassment flushing your cheeks, he reached out for one of your arms, licking his lips and putting his fangs on display. There was a new twinkle in his eyes now, one that definitely had your stomach tingling with further desire.

“You gonna let me fuck you, pretty girl?” he asked, voice suddenly rough and low in comparison to the happier one he’d had earlier.

With a tight grip on your wrist, not letting you even think about leaving him now you had him excited and aroused, you knew you’d made the right decision to finally come out of your comfort zone and wrap yourself lovingly around Neteyam Sully.

[samsheughan]

Confession I guess?

I figured it's time I was honest with y'all. (below the cut; feel free to skip if it's not your preferred cuppa)

I know I don't owe anyone an explanation of any kind, but as I've always said and stood by, I hold what audience I have with the highest regard and respect and I feel y'all deserve more from me than just the occasional "thanks for reading!" you know?

That being said, I want to let everyone know that, it's official: I am writing an original novel that I do plan to have published as soon as possible. I am planning on this novel being a trilogy of sorts, so there will be multiple books coming from me! :D

I have been writing fanfiction since I was 12 years old. What started on a floppy disk has flourished into a passion that I will always be proud of and grateful for. Writing fanfiction has spared my life more than once, and in the process of writing fanfiction, I have made friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I am so SO so grateful to y'all.

However, as time has gone on, and especially in the last few years or so, writing fanfiction felt more like an obligation rather than the hobby it's supposed to be. And that's no fun. But trying to bridge the gap between fanfiction and actual fiction (aka, the kind you can get paid for) has also been a struggle. I had a hard time trying to detach the ideas I had for fics from their respective fandoms and convert them into something that could be an original novel.

I have tried to adapt some of my more popular fanfiction stories into original ones, but a lot of the fandoms I've been in just don't make that an easy prospect (even my Modern AUs are hard to adapt since what makes them Modern AUs is deeply embedded in their respective fandom). But lately, the fog from that cloud seems to have lifted, and I am currently working on the manuscript for my very first novel!

All that aside, you might be wondering: "but Liz! You promised us you'd finished your fic! You promised, you promised, you promised!!" And you're right. I did promise. A promise I still intend to fulfill. I am a woman of my word. Sutures will be finished.

Someday.

But the timeline for that finale is now offcially on an indefinite hiatus. I could wake up tomorrow morning and finish it all and then post it that evening. Or it could be 10 years before I'm able to get back to it. Who can say? I sure as hell cannot. And while I hope I won't have to make y'all wait that long, like Claire, I have a glass face and cannot lie. But I also have to live in reality: I am my family's primary breadwinner. We are all disabled in some form and I am no longer capable of working outside our home. Wolf hasn't been for some time, so us staying home with The Pup just makes more sense now that we have officially pulled him from public school to homeschool him ourselves. Doing something working from home is now my chief focus, and I have to do what I need to do to facilitate that. We are good for the time being though (so much so that I closed the gfm I started a few months ago, so thank you to everyone who helped us out in our time of need 💜)

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a published author. A writer of love stories, in every romance genre I can get my wee fingers on! xD I am now in a position to chase that exact dream, and I cannot wait to be able to share what I've been doing!

To the Outlander fandom: my heart is yours from the moment I saw y'all. You've held my spirit with your two hands, and kept it safe (hey, jammf would be proud of me for channeling him here, be quiet :P) I have had many ups and downs with fandoms but I am eternally grateful for the love and appreciation this fandom has showered me with and I hope y'all will continue to stick around to see what else I got up my sleeve!

Stay tuned! Good shit is coming xx

[gabrielsbubblegumbitch]

do you have any opinions on the hazbin critical and vivziepop critical tags?

tw // mentions of sexual abuse and sucide

I have a personal beef with them. And not because I love Hazbin and Vivzie so much but for more presonal reasons so the following opinion won't be measured at all.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are some legit criticisms out there. Like, the show could definitely do better with body diversity and giving us more varied sapphic relationships instead of just throwing a ton of male/male couples at us. And, yeah, Vivzie's response to some of the criticism has been... questionable. (I still cringe when I think about that one time she explained that Raphielle can ship ValAngel because they are sa survivor, but Raphielle explicitly admitted to not be one).

But then, there's stuff that's just... pulled out of nowhere. Like the whole thing about Valentino being a "fetish character." Come on, the world of villains is filled with queer, flamboyant baddies. What sets Valentino apart is how his abusive behavior is shown in the open, making us rethink our love for villains. If it weren't for Mascarade, people would worship this moth daddy gangster in a dress, much like they are with Vox now. It's hard to root for the bad guy when you see the fallout of their actions. Like, Loki committed war crimes and no one was outraged when he got his own TV series and dragged creators for supporting atrocities.

Constant Valentino/Angel Dust discourse actually leads to the more serious issues I have with this "community", more harmful than just "bad media literacy" like the way they handle the topic of sexual abuse and weaponize it, without ever listening to victims. There is this constant shitstorm about Angel being a "bad sa survivor rep," that the way he's written is insensitive because "he shouldn't be horny, he's sexually traumatized." Like, do these people not understand that making Angel unable to enjoy his sexuality the way he wants would essentially mean acknowledging that it's no longer his but belongs to his abuser now? Also, the argument I keep seeing that drives me BAT SHIT CRAZY aka "I can enjoy this media that is centered around murderer, you cannot enjoy the media that treats rapist as a nuanced character because rape is objectively worse than murder." WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU THAT? Reading this makes me feel so angry and sad and guilty because frankly, I was raped, and of course, it was horrible but still I'd choose it any time over being murdered. Because I have my life, I'm loved, and I love, I pursue my dreams, and I can still experience so many good things in my life. Painting sexual assault as this worse-than-death experience is not the feminist take they think it is and does not do victims any good.

Or accusations that Vivzie's support of fandom bullying led to someone taking their life. It's such a ridiculous and harmful claim. Honestly, this thing always makes me heated because suicide is not an easy decision, ask any person who ever faced it. It's not like "ah, this stranger told me to kms, I guess I gotta do it now." Of course, any kind of bullying and abuse adds to the suffering and can be the final trigger, but to me, it's just so disrespectful and harmful that someone could have experienced prolonged, intense suffering and all of this is omitted, their death labeled as a result of "fandom bullying" and weaponized in fandom drama. Also, it's simply cruel to put the blame for it on one, uninvolved person.

Also, it always annoys me when people hold small creators to immensely high standards while not doing the same with others. If we keep lynching and canceling every media that is not objectively morally pure, we won't be left with only perfect media. We will be left with media produced by white, privileged billionaires who might be real-life rapists, abusers, and thieves but are too powerful to be taken down by social media outrage. Hazbin's success is a major W for the underappreciated medium of animation (we saw what WB did to 90% of their animated shows), unpopular genres like musicals (Wonka creators were literally too ashamed to market it as one??), and unapologetic queer narratives that are not written for a heteronormative audience or centered around queer oppression (ofmd, the other medium I can think of in that realm has just been canceled). I can't stand people so desperate to put it down driven by their black-or-white sense of morality. Kant won't be patting your back for being the Moraliest Person because you bullied an indie creator and her fans.

Also everyone who feels the need to explain me hazbin critical agenda - save your breath. I'm very emotional about it and I frankly don't fucking care why you think you are right.

[telomeke]

4 MINUTES – COUNTING DOWN

We're now just shy of the mid-point in 4 Minutes (three eps down with five more to go) and I've been avidly watching, but getting quite confused at the same time by all the twists and turns.

Part of that confusion stems from not being able to watch the "Sultrier" version at first, despite getting Viu Premium. (How do they come up with these euphemisms though? Remembering that KinnPorsche also had a "La Forte" incarnation. 🤣) The sanitized 4 Minutes was annoying, not just because the sexy bits were cut out, but also because we missed important, informative parts of the narrative.

For example, Korn and Ton Kla's Ep.1 sex scene was actually an in-your-face illumination of their relationship dynamics, and also a parallel with Win and Ton Kla's own Ep.3 turn in the sheets later, that revealed so much about their characters in the vein of show-don't-tell.

Ep.2's tryst between Korn and Fasai was also missing, as was (inexplicably) the conversation between Korn and a smoking Great in Ep.1. I can only presume it was Great's cigarettes that caused that scene to be snipped, because other scenes also had alcohol and ciggies all blurred out. Highly annoying, but anyway – I finally found out what was going on with Viu Premium, so if anyone else is having trouble finding Sultrier, I will share some tips in a different post.

And with that out of the way, I finally got to watching the unbutchered 4 Minutes – and I'm finding it smart, sexy and oh-so stylish in the mold that we've come to expect from Be On Cloud. Sumptuous cinematography and visuals are now quite a BoC hallmark, that started with KinnPorsche and continued in Man Suang – and 4 Minutes so far has been a delight to take in, a cinematic and super-twisty supernatural thriller overflowing with signs, symbols and scenes (possibly) pregnant with hidden meaning, so much so that the fandom is all a-flutter, me included.

Directing (and editing) has been taut, and I think Director Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubthien does much better when given free rein (unsaddled by screenwriting duties, and P'Pond maybe! 🤣) My take is colored by Man Suang – its huge potential for intellectual engagement (all that historical drama and political intrigue!) was unfortunately not developed to a satisfying extent; its most potent elements were given insufficient screentime, watering down what could have been a truly juicy experience for the viewer. Perhaps it might have done better as a mini-series with a longer timeframe for the developments to unfold, but that's a remake for another day perhaps.

Anyway, back to 4 Minutes. They've been really stoking the furnace with clues to the truth underlying the narrative, and fan theories abound as to what it all might mean while we breathlessly await revelation.

So I can only guess at some of the stuff, and nod at some of the visuals. But here's some of what I've picked up on.

The title 4 Minutes (especially with so many references in Ep.1 to cardiac arrest) is quite likely a nod at the widespread belief that when the heart stops beating, you only have four minutes to start resuscitation before the process of brain death begins to set in. (I'm seeing a lot of different opinions about this online, with some sources insisting the window of time is much longer. But there are enough mentions of the four-minute deadline in more than a few Thai sources that I think this is probably the intended significance, especially since screenwriter Sammon is also a medical doctor who would know of this notion's currency in popular culture. Here's an example in Thai media: CPR กู้ชีวิต ก่อนสมองตายใน 4 นาที/CPR saves life before brain death in 4 minutes.)

After the four minutes are up, it is too late to save the stricken patient – so there is a sense of urgency underlying the notion. (For another work that plays on this, see Madonna's song 4 Minutes where the urgency being messaged is about saving the planet instead.)

But with cardiac arrest, the premise is that even when corporeal death is signaled (cessation of the heartbeat being the traditional marker of this), a person's life-force still has that small window of time for human intervention to make a difference, a sort of ultimate last chance beyond the final frontier, if you will.

This aligns somewhat with what we're seeing of Great's do-overs, each time he is thrust back four minutes into the past. But I think there's also a bit more to it, based on what we're seeing in Episode 3.

Among all the fan theories online, this one by @myezblog caught my eye: Theory - plot is pretty much revealed.

Now, whenever Great is alone, we see that his clocks reset (and Great is aware of this too, by Ep.3). In Ep.1, his clock showed 11:00am (at timestamp 05:00, after his call with Title). And in Episode 2 we were shown Great's clock turning to 11:01 at timestamp 35:06, and in Episode 3 it went to 11:02 (timestamp 41:37).

But the ominous 11 o'clock actually put in an appearance even before these instances. Looking back, at the start of Episode 1 we were shown that the patient in the Emergency Department Resus bay basically flatlined at 11:00 – that was their time of death.

If it's really Great whose heart stopped on that Resus trolley in Ep.1, what we appear to be seeing is a flashback of events playing in his head, leading up to the time of his cardiac arrest (11:00).

And what his clocks are showing him (and us) whenever he's alone during that flashback is basically a countdown of the four minutes that he has, before he is brought back (hopefully) or is gone forever (I hope not – it wouldn't be much of a series then!).

So in the coming episodes, we should be watching for Great's clocks to tick up to the 11:04 mark – that is likely the time horizon when Great is jolted back to the present, hopefully having learnt some lessons reviewing his past that will be key to solving his conundrums in the present and the future.

[love-triangles-au]

Most def an #extreme geometry question

But I remember a few hcs being popular in the GF fandom including sensitive sides/edges, tentacles, and magic teleport hole?

How does it work in your AU?

Bfhaha a seasoned triangle-lover, are you, anon? Alright, sure, just for you. Time for an anatomy lesson!

So, in order of what you mentioned: yes, yes and maybe, but we have our own spin on them! Well, for Bill, at least. Bill and Venuz aren't of the same species, so they're pretty different. (Note that everything Bill has applies to all Flatlanders*, so, like, Kryptos has the same things going on) * Once again they're not exactly Flatlanders but it's the name we go with (until the Book of Bill comes out, hopefully >:Dc)

Sensitive sides are more just sensitive vertices in our headcanon (edges are still good! Just more pleasant than exciting), and he's gotta be in the mood. Think, like, poking someone's neck vs. kissing someone's neck; same area, but the way you touch it and the intent/context matters! But, the more they're stimulated the more they'll swell, making them kinda smooth out to be less pointy and more squishy. Then they're REAL sensitive

I always liked this headcanon a lot because it feels very alien. Like, yeah, that's probably the exact kinda weird thing a sentient shape would have going on, why not :P I kinda flip-flop over whether or not Venuz also has this because on one hand I like them being similar anatomically, especially in terms of, well, geometry-related stuff, but I also feel like it's so highly-specific that it wouldn't really be a believable coincidence. I dunno, you can decide!

As for the other two, it'd probably be best to just totally lay out how Bill's parts function. I'm still hesitant to post any outright explicit stuff on here (if that's something you guys really wanna see then let me know and I might reconsider) but I'll do my best to describe what he's got going on down there in the meantime

So, Flatlanders are natural hermaphrodites, and they use the same hole on their bottom plane (or angle if tilted like Kryptos) to store both sets; a cloaca or genital slit, basically. This opening is very discreet, essentially invisible under most circumstances, but, as with corners, swells and puffs up a bit when excited. Whether it's situated horizontally along the base like an envelope or vertically like a human's is up to you

The first half near the entrance is just a typical vaginal canal, nothing much to see there, but, deeper down (anchored around what I guess would be the cervix?) are about five prehensile "tentacles" (sometimes I call them "intercloacal flagellum" just to be cute about it). Which set of parts are in use determine their function. They serve to either stimulate their partner to speed up the mating process if being penetrated, or anchor onto their partner and hold them steady if penetrating. I imagine the cervix would probably be able to move up and down to make room in the vagina or extend the tentacles.

However, there's one tentacle different from the rest, and that one IS erogenous. It's thicker, longer, and has an arrowhead tip, but it's just as prehensile. I think this is probably juuust abstract enough to not be pornographic

Oh, and ejaculate is black; just for that extra bit of weird!

The reason I say "maybe" in regards to the "magic hole" is because, like, if we're being realistic, none of this could physically fit in Bill's body (neither could his eyeball). Just one of those kinda things you gotta be willing to suspend your disbelief on xDc Admittedly I don't know the required math to get exactly how dimensions work, but I sometimes wonder if part of his body extends into the forth dimension or something and that's where his organs really are. Or maybe you can only take the "god" out of the "chaos god," not the "chaos". Who knows?

As for Venuz, he's less interesting, probably because unlike Bill he's still from the same neighbourhood as Earth. Just has a genital slit between his legs (situated on the front plane instead of the bottom) that houses a more humanoid penis, though it lacks foreskin and a scrotum so it's pretty minimalist, just a shaft with a head.

HOWEVER, Venuz also has god-powers, so he can have whatever he wants! In fact, he sometimes likes to mimic what his partners are used to, both to make them more comfortable as well as to shake things up for himself, so he'll sometimes give himself some tentacles and have a tangle with his boyfriend. Lots of versatility there!

Hope that sated your curiosity, anon! I have made a visual guide (the images here are excerpts and is written in-character which is why the notes are all "!!" y'know 'cause Bill is always "!!") but once again I'm tentative about putting anything outright pornographic on here; would have to know that that's something quite a few people want to see before considering it Also never sure whether to main-tag these or not...will stick with "not" for now :P

~ Mod Emily 🦇

[songbirdsanctuary]

Between Chaos and Change

I just finished Gravity Falls and know almost nothing about the fandom but here's a fic anyways, also Bill is my favorite villain ever. ┑(￣Д ￣)┍

Warnings: Nothing notable. I guess Dipper/Bill? If you don't like the ship?

Word count: 30,506.... I think I need to post shorter fics, these are getting longer and longer

Dipper gripped the steering wheel of his slightly beat-up car, eyes flicking between the road and the endless stretch of pine trees around them. The sky was tinged with the soft hues of early morning, a mixture of lavender and pale gold, the sun just beginning to rise over the distant mountains. Beside him, Mabel slept soundly in the passenger seat, her head lolled against the window, her vibrant hair splayed in every direction. Waddles, who had grown even larger in the three years since they last visited Gravity Falls, lay sprawled across her lap, snoring softly. His little hooves occasionally twitched, lost in whatever piggy dream he was having.

The car was loaded with memories and luggage—suitcases full of clothes, snacks, and a couple of Mabel’s “emergency” craft kits. Dipper couldn’t help but chuckle as he glanced in the rearview mirror at the colorful mess in the backseat. The sight reminded him of summers past, of adventures he thought he might never have again. But here they were, heading back to the place where everything had changed for them.

Three years. It felt surreal to think that it had been that long since their last summer in Gravity Falls. Since then, they had kept in touch with Soos, Stan, and Ford, but life had pulled them in different directions. High school consumed most of their time, and though the mysteries of Gravity Falls had never quite left Dipper’s mind, the world outside the small, bizarre town had its own set of challenges. He often wondered if things would still feel the same, or if they had changed so much that even the town's mysteries might seem distant, like a half-remembered dream.

Mabel shifted in her sleep, mumbling something unintelligible before settling back against the window. Dipper smiled softly, the familiar warmth of sibling connection making the long drive feel less tiring. They hadn’t told anyone exactly when they were coming, hoping to surprise Soos. From what they’d heard, the Mystery Shack was still the chaotic, lovable tourist trap it had always been—only now under Soos’s enthusiastic leadership. Stan and Ford had also returned from their globe-spanning adventures, apparently settling back into life in Gravity Falls after who knows how many near-death experiences.

Then there was Soos’ news: he was married to Melody now, which still felt a little unbelievable to Dipper, even though he knew how much Soos adored her. They had been dating for a while, and from the photos Soos had sent, they seemed ridiculously happy. The idea of Soos being a responsible, married adult running the Mystery Shack was strangely comforting to Dipper—like one of the few constants in an ever-changing world.

The car bounced slightly as Dipper turned off the main road and onto the familiar dirt path that wound its way through the thick forest, leading to the Shack. Every bump in the road, every familiar tree, sent waves of nostalgia rushing through him. The scent of pine filled the air, thick and earthy, and the distant sound of birds waking up in the forest created an almost magical ambiance. It was the kind of place that could make you feel like you were stepping into a different world, one where the impossible felt possible.

As the Mystery Shack came into view, nestled among the trees with its creaky old sign still hanging askew, Dipper felt a flutter of excitement and anxiety. What would the summer hold this time? Would there be new mysteries to uncover, or had Gravity Falls quieted down in their absence?

Dipper slowed the car and pulled up to the house, the familiar rickety building looming ahead. The old place hadn’t changed much, though there were a few new decorations here and there—likely Melody’s touch, he thought. The neon "Mystery Shack" sign flickered in the early morning light, casting an eerie yet familiar glow over the clearing.

He parked the car and took a deep breath, resting his hands on the steering wheel for a moment, soaking in the sight before him. “Well, here we are,” he muttered to himself, his heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

“Mabel,” Dipper leaned over and gently shook his sister’s shoulder. “Hey, Mabel, wake up. We’re here.”

Mabel stirred, blinking groggily as she rubbed her eyes and sat up. Waddles let out a snort of protest, shifting on her lap but not fully waking. “Huh? Already?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. She glanced out the window, her eyes widening as she recognized the place that had been their summer home three years ago. “Dipper… we’re back,” she whispered, a grin spreading across her face.

Dipper smiled, nodding. “Yeah… we’re back.”

Mabel stretched her arms high above her head, yawning as she shook off the last remnants of sleep. “I can’t believe it! We’re really back,” she said, the excitement in her voice barely concealed by her fatigue. She unbuckled her seatbelt and smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with energy despite the long drive. "Let’s go say hi before we bring in our luggage," she suggested, bouncing slightly in her seat. Her tiredness was no match for the enthusiasm bubbling up inside her; being back in Gravity Falls made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t felt in years.

Dipper nodded, stepping out of the car and closing the door gently, not wanting to wake Waddles just yet. He watched as Mabel nearly skipped toward the front door of the Shack, her excitement contagious. He smiled, shaking his head in amusement, then followed her up the creaky wooden steps that led to the entrance. The porch looked just as they remembered it — the same odd assortment of knickknacks cluttered around, the same worn welcome mat, and even the faint smell of pine and mystery in the air.

Mabel pushed the door open, and the familiar jingle of the bell above it rang out, echoing through the dusty room. Inside, the Mystery Shack looked much the same: cluttered, strange, and wonderfully familiar. Melody was at the counter, busily sorting through receipts and writing in a logbook. She didn’t look up when the bell rang. “Welcome to the Mystery Shack, please enjoy your visit and feel free to browse our-” She stopped mid-sentence when her eyes landed on the two figures standing in the doorway.

Her face lit up with recognition. “Dipper! Mabel!” she exclaimed, a huge smile breaking across her face. She quickly came out from behind the counter, arms wide open. “It’s been forever! You two look so grown up!” Melody pulled them both into a warm hug, practically squeezing the air out of them.

Mabel laughed, hugging Melody back enthusiastically. “We missed you! And Soos! And everything about this place!”

Melody let go and motioned for them to follow her. “Come on, Soos is in the back. He’s going to flip when he sees you two.” She led them through the Shack, her voice filled with excitement. “Things have been wild here, but in a good way. Soos has been doing such an amazing job with the Shack! You won’t believe the new things he’s added.”

Dipper smiled to himself as they followed Melody, glancing around at the various oddities lining the walls and shelves. Everything felt both familiar and new, as if the Mystery Shack had evolved in their absence but still retained its strange charm.

Melody pushed open the door that led to the living room, calling out as they entered. “Soos! Guess who’s here!”

There was the sound of clattering from one of the back rooms, followed by the unmistakable voice of Soos. “Hold on, I just gotta fix this… um, there! Coming!” A moment later, Soos appeared, fiddling with a fake eye patch he had placed over one eye. He straightened it awkwardly before looking up and freezing when he saw Dipper and Mabel standing in the living room. His face broke into an enormous grin. “Guys!”

Soos rushed over and pulled them both into one of his trademark bear hugs, lifting them off the ground slightly. “Dudes! It’s been, like, forever!” he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion. “You guys haven’t aged a day! Well, except you have, but in a cool way! Mabel, Dipper! Man, it’s so awesome to see you two back here!”

Mabel giggled, hugging Soos back as tightly as she could, while Dipper grinned. "It’s great to see you too, Soos. The Shack looks amazing!”

Soos beamed at the compliment. “Yeah, Melody’s helped out a ton with keeping everything running smoothly. But enough about that, Stan and Ford are gonna freak out when they see you guys!”

As if on cue, there was the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching from the hall. Stan and Ford appeared from around the corner, mid-conversation about something undoubtedly science-related. Ford was holding some kind of bizarre gadget in his hands, while Stan was wearing his usual gruff expression.

Stanley looked up first, squinting at the two figures standing in the living room. He paused for a second, then his eyes widened in recognition. “Well, I’ll be a three-eyed jackalope! If it isn’t the Pines twins!” His gruff voice softened, and a big grin spread across his face as he stomped over toward them. “You’re taller! I mean, not that much taller, but I’m still impressed.”

Mabel threw her arms around Stan’s waist without hesitation, grinning up at him. “Missed you, Grunkle Stan! Did you guys bring back any cool stuff from your adventures?”

Stan ruffled Mabel’s hair with a fond chuckle. “Oh, you bet we did, kid. We’ve got stories you wouldn’t believe.”

Ford, who had been watching from a few steps behind, finally stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. His face lit up in a rare, genuine smile as he greeted them. “Dipper! Mabel! It’s been too long.” He gave Dipper a firm handshake and Mabel a warm hug, his normally reserved demeanor cracking just slightly. “I was just telling Stan that it feels like Gravity Falls hasn’t been the same without you two around.”

Dipper shook Ford’s hand, feeling a rush of nostalgia. “We missed you both, too. And I can’t wait to hear all about what you’ve been up to!”

Ford chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll find some of our adventures… familiar.”

Stan clapped his hands together loudly, cutting through the moment. “Alright, alright! Enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s go sit down! We’ve got catching up to do, and I’m sure you kids are starving after that drive. I’ll whip up some of my world-famous nachos!”

Dipper and Mabel exchanged a look and grinned, following the group into the cozy living room. The familiar warmth of the Mystery Shack enveloped them as they settled in, surrounded by friends, family, and the promise of another unforgettable summer in Gravity Falls.

After they caught up with everyone downstairs, Soos and Melody mentioned that the attic was still set up for them, just like old times. Dipper and Mabel grabbed their bags from the car and made their way up the creaky stairs to their old summer sanctuary.

When they reached the attic, the door let out a familiar creak, and Mabel practically bounced into the room. “It’s like nothing’s changed!” she said with a grin, her eyes scanning the space. True to Soos’ word, it looked almost exactly the same as they had left it three years ago, except for a few new posters on the walls and some updated furniture. Waddles trotted in behind her, snuffling around as if he, too, was reminiscing.

Mabel dumped her sweaters in a colorful heap on her bed, sighing happily. “Ah, sweet sweater freedom!” She began rifling through them, but paused, frowning. Most of her old ones were too small now. She picked one up, holding it out in front of her, the vibrant yarn almost mockingly tiny. “Well… guess I grew more than I thought,” she muttered. But then her face brightened. “Good thing I brought my new collection!” With a dramatic flourish, she tossed her new sweaters onto the bed in a rainbow pile, the brightly colored fabric bouncing slightly.

Waddles, who had outgrown his little corner in the attic, was given a whole section of the room by Mabel. She set down a few soft blankets and pillows for him, which he promptly snuggled into, letting out a contented snort. “You’ve got the best spot in the house, Waddles,” she told him with a grin, patting his head.

Meanwhile, Dipper was meticulously unpacking his things on the other side of the room. He placed his journal carefully on the desk, followed by a small stack of books and a couple of framed photos he’d brought with him from home. Everything was neatly organized, in contrast to Mabel’s more chaotic method of settling in.

Mabel flopped down on her bed, leaning back with her hands behind her head, staring up at the wooden beams of the attic ceiling. “I can not wait to see Candy and Grenda… and mmmaaayyybbeee Pacifica…?” Her voice trailed off teasingly, her eyes flicking over to gauge Dipper’s reaction.

Dipper, half-listening as he placed a notebook on his nightstand, gave a nonchalant shrug. “You think she’d be happy to see you?” He wasn’t paying much attention, but when Mabel didn’t respond immediately, he glanced over. Her face was a little red, and she was biting her lip, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

Dipper paused, his brow furrowing as he put two and two together. His eyes widened slightly, realization dawning on him. “Wait a second…” He turned fully to face her, a smirk creeping onto his face. “You like her! How’d I not realize before?”

Mabel’s face flushed a deeper shade of red, and she shot him a glare, her arms crossing defensively over her chest. “No, I do not!” she said, but there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. “You’ve seen how I act around someone I have a crush on!”

Dipper couldn’t help but chuckle. He knew his sister too well to be convinced. “Yeah, but come on, Mabel. The guys you’ve had crushes on before… once you got past their physical looks, did you really like them? I mean, actually love them?”

Mabel hesitated, her eyes flicking down to her lap. She twisted the edge of her blanket between her fingers. “I guess not…” she admitted quietly, her voice softer than before. But then she looked up, her stubbornness flaring again. “But that doesn’t mean I like her!” She threw her arms out in exasperation, as if that would somehow make her point more convincing.

Dipper raised an eyebrow, a small, knowing grin playing on his lips. “You’re blushing,” he pointed out, crossing his arms and leaning against the bedpost, waiting for her to crack.

Mabel opened her mouth to protest, but when she caught sight of her reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall, she froze. Sure enough, her cheeks were flushed pink, a telltale sign of embarrassment.

She huffed, grabbing a pillow and burying her face in it. “This doesn’t mean anything!” she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow. But when she peeked out, her expression was a mix of frustration and uncertainty. “I mean… even if I did like her—which I’m not saying I do—what if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

Dipper’s teasing expression softened, and he walked over, sitting on the edge of her bed. “You guys got along pretty well by the end of that last summer,” he said, his voice more gentle now. “People can change a lot in three years. Maybe she’s changed too. Maybe she’s more open than you think.”

Mabel sighed, letting the pillow fall to her lap. “I don’t know, Dip. It’s different with her. It’s not like my other crushes where I just thought someone was cute.” She paused, looking out the window at the sprawling forest beyond. “Pacifica’s… complicated.”

Dipper nodded. “Yeah, she is. But you like her because she’s complicated. Not in spite of it.”

Mabel stayed quiet for a moment, processing what he said. Finally, she gave a small smile, though there was still a bit of uncertainty in her eyes. “I guess I’ll just have to see how things go,” she murmured, almost to herself.

Dipper patted her shoulder and stood up, going back to organizing his stuff. “That’s all you can do. And hey, I’ll be here to back you up, no matter what happens.”

Mabel smiled a little wider at that. “Thanks, bro.”

“Anytime, sis.”

—

The next morning, Mabel was eager to explore Gravity Falls again. She had her heart set on heading to town, maybe catching up with Candy and Grenda, and seeing what had changed since they’d left. But Dipper had different plans. While Mabel bounced out the front door with her usual energy, Dipper found himself drawn to the forest.

He wasn’t sure why, but there was something pulling him back to where everything had started — where he had found the third journal. The cool morning air filled his lungs as he walked, the familiar pine scent grounding him. The forest seemed both unchanged and different at the same time, as if the passage of time had subtly reshaped its paths. The trees whispered in the breeze, but the echoes of past mysteries hung heavy in the air.

Dipper followed the same route he had taken so many times during that unforgettable summer, his feet carrying him down familiar trails. As he reached the spot where the journal had first been uncovered, he paused. This was the place where it all began — the magic, the danger, the mind-bending chaos.

After a moment of reflection, he decided to venture deeper into the forest. His thoughts drifted to Bill Cipher. Even after Bill’s defeat, Dipper still felt uneasy about the demon’s lingering presence. Bill had been reduced to a statue after the final battle, and though Dipper knew it was foolish, a part of him wanted to see that statue again. Maybe it was for reassurance, to know that Bill was still gone, still trapped. He rationalized it as wanting closure.

The further he walked, the more the forest thickened around him, the canopy overhead dimming the sunlight. The clearing where Bill’s statue had been was close now. But just before he reached it, Dipper heard footsteps behind him — light, deliberate, and approaching fast.

He stopped and turned, his eyes landing on a boy around his age. The stranger had blonde, mid-length hair with a striking black stripe running through it. His skin was pale, but he looked mixed, almost unnaturally so, and his bright amber eyes seemed to glow faintly in the shaded forest. The boy was smiling — a wide, almost too-perfect smile that sent a small shiver down Dipper's spine.

“Um... Hi?” Dipper said cautiously, unsure of who this guy was or why he was out here.

“Hello there,” the boy replied smoothly, his voice eerily calm. Something about the way he spoke put Dipper on edge, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Dipper swallowed, trying to shake off the unease crawling up his neck. “So... uh... who are you?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. The last thing he wanted was to come off as nervous, but something about this guy just felt off.

“Billy,” the boy answered, his smile never faltering. It was such a simple response, but there was a strange weight to the way he said it.

Dipper nodded slowly. “Well... I’m Dipper.” He shifted his stance, keeping a wary eye on Billy. “So, what are you doing out here in the woods?” It wasn’t exactly unusual to meet someone out here, but the fact that this guy had just appeared out of nowhere was making Dipper’s instincts scream.

Billy glanced around the forest, his eyes casually sweeping the surroundings. “Just walking around,” he said with a shrug, before turning his gaze back to Dipper, his amber eyes locking onto him with unsettling intensity. “What about you, Pine Tree?”

Dipper’s stomach dropped at the sound of that nickname. Pine Tree. No one had called him that in years — not since Bill Cipher. His hand instinctively went up to touch the brim of his pine tree hat, the same hat he’d worn during that fateful summer. He quickly tried to dismiss the strange familiarity of it. Maybe it was just a weird coincidence, maybe Billy was calling him that because of his hat… but still, something felt wrong.

“Uh, just... taking a walk,” Dipper said, feeling a sudden, overwhelming urge to check on the statue of Bill Cipher. He could almost sense something was wrong now, an invisible tension in the air. Without another word, he hurried into the clearing.

When he reached the spot where Bill’s statue should have been, he froze. The grass was bent and flattened, as if something large had been removed, leaving only a faint outline where the statue had once stood. But the statue itself — Bill’s stone form — was gone.

Dipper’s heart raced. His worst fear, the fear he’d never dared speak aloud, was coming true. Bill wasn’t just gone — something had moved him. And something about Billy felt too close to the truth.

“Looking for something, Pine Tree?”

Dipper felt his blood turn to ice as he heard the voice behind him. He turned around slowly, his mind racing. Billy stood at the edge of the clearing, his smile wider now, his amber eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. But something about the way Billy looked at him now made it all too clear. That voice, that nickname, the eerily familiar smile… it all clicked.

Dipper took a step back, his breath catching in his throat. “Bill…” he whispered, the name slipping from his lips before he could stop it.

Billy’s grin widened, his amber eyes flashing with a dangerous light. “What gave it away, Pine Tree?” he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.

Dipper’s mind spun as he tried to process what was happening. Bill Cipher — the demon he had thought was gone forever — was standing right in front of him, somehow disguised as a human. He had taken on this new form, blending in, hiding in plain sight.

Dipper’s heart pounded in his chest. He took another step back, his hands shaking. “How are you… how are you back?” he demanded, his voice a mix of fear and anger. “I thought we destroyed you!”

Billy — Bill — chuckled softly, the sound sending chills down Dipper’s spine. “Oh, Pine Tree, you didn’t think it’d be that easy, did you? A demon like me doesn’t just disappear. I’ve been... waiting.” He spread his arms wide, his grin stretching unnaturally. “And now, here I am. Better than ever.”

Dipper’s mind raced, trying to come up with a plan, but he was unarmed, alone, and standing face-to-face with the one being he had hoped never to see again.

“How—Why—I…” Dipper stammered, his brain struggling to catch up with what was happening. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but he was rooted to the spot, his mind racing in a chaotic whirl of fear and disbelief. “Why?!” he finally blurted, stumbling backward as if putting more distance between himself and Bill might somehow help him make sense of it all. “How long… how long have you been like this?”

Bill cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand, that same cocky grin never leaving his face. “Too many questions, Pine Tree, too many questions!” He let out a theatrical sigh, as if all of this were a boring formality. “But fine, I’ll indulge you, for old times’ sake. How long? Oh, I dunno... what’s it been? A day? Two? Doesn’t matter.” He flicked his wrist, as if brushing away the significance of his return. “How did I get out? That’s the fun part. I had to use a lot of power to break free from that pesky statue I was trapped in. You see, I’m mostly powerless now.” He paused, watching Dipper’s reaction with gleeful eyes. “And why am I back? Well, Pine Tree... I was bored! Satisfied now?”

Dipper felt his chest tighten, the panic rising up again. He took another step back, shaking his head as his thoughts scrambled. “N-no! We need to—wait... did you just say ‘mostly powerless’?”

Bill rolled his eyes, an exaggerated motion as though the entire situation was amusing him. “Yes, mostly powerless,” he repeated, twirling a finger in the air. “I can’t do all the fun stuff I used to—no more dreamscapes, no more multiverse-breaking schemes, no more mind-warping reality as we know it. Believe me, it’s frustrating. But don’t worry, Pine Tree, I’m not interested in tearing the world apart anymore. That was the old me.” He smirked, tilting his head slightly, his glowing eyes twinkling with mischief. “Now, I’m just here to... observe.”

Dipper’s heart was still pounding, but something about Bill’s tone made him pause. Observe? That didn’t sound like the chaos-loving, reality-bending demon he had fought against all those years ago. Bill Cipher wasn’t the type to sit back and watch. He always had an agenda—always. “Why should I believe you?” Dipper demanded, his voice shaking. “You’ve lied before. What’s stopping you from pulling the same tricks all over again?”

Bill gave an exaggerated sigh, folding his arms across his chest. “Pine Tree, Pine Tree, Pine Tree… You’re still thinking I’m the same guy I was three years ago. I told you, I’m different now. That last little encounter of ours? It cost me big time. My powers? Practically zilch now. Sure, I can shapeshift, do the occasional parlor trick, but I’m not exactly in the world-domination business anymore.”

Dipper narrowed his eyes, searching for the lie. Bill was too smooth, too charming in a way that made Dipper’s skin crawl. But then again, if Bill really was powerless—or mostly powerless—there wasn’t much he could do, right? Dipper wasn’t ready to let his guard down, but something about Bill’s demeanor had changed. It was less manic, less explosive, and more... restrained.

“What are you really after, Bill?” Dipper asked warily. “You don’t just observe. There’s always something with you.”

Bill smirked, looking at him with something akin to pity. “You’re right, Pine Tree. I don’t just observe... but that’s all I can do for now. No schemes, no deals, no ripping open the fabric of reality—just little old me, wandering around this strange little town of yours. Gravity Falls has always been a place of... intrigue. So many mysteries, so much potential. Now, I get to see it from a whole new perspective.” He stretched his arms out, gesturing to the forest around them. “Think of me as... a tourist! No harm, no foul.”

Dipper's pulse quickened again, but now there was a flicker of curiosity amidst the fear. “You’re telling me you’re just here to watch Gravity Falls? No tricks? No ulterior motive?”

Bill tilted his head, his yellow eyes glinting mischievously. “I’ve got nothing left to gain, Pine Tree. No power to take, no chaos to spread. Right now, I’m just enjoying the sights and sounds of this charming little town. It’s like... semi-retirement.” His grin widened. “Besides, it’s not like anyone would believe you if you told them good ol’ Bill Cipher was back and acting all... normal, would they?”

Dipper hesitated. Bill was right about that—if he went back to the Shack and told everyone Bill was wandering around in a human form, who would believe him? And even if they did, what could they do about it if Bill was as powerless as he claimed? His mind raced, searching for a solution, but none came.

“I’m not letting my guard down, Bill,” Dipper said firmly. “I don’t trust you, and I’ll be watching you. One wrong move, and I’ll figure out a way to stop you again.”

Bill put a hand to his chest, feigning a hurt expression. “Oh, Pine Tree, you wound me! But I understand. I wouldn’t trust me either, if I were you. Go ahead, keep an eye on me! But I promise, I’m not the villain in this story anymore.” He gave Dipper a wink, his eyes glowing briefly before dimming again. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more observing to do.”

And with that, Bill turned and casually strolled off into the forest, whistling a jaunty tune as he disappeared between the trees. Dipper stood there, heart still pounding, watching him go. His mind was spinning. Bill Cipher was back. But was he really just a powerless observer now? Or was this all part of a new, more insidious plan? Either way, Dipper wasn’t about to let his guard down.

Taking a deep breath, Dipper turned back toward the path to the Mystery Shack. He had to tell the others, no matter how crazy it sounded.

Dipper walked through the forest, his mind a jumble of uncertainty and curiosity. The more he thought about his encounter with Bill—or Billy, as he was calling himself now—the more he questioned if Bill really meant what he said. Maybe he wasn’t the same power-hungry chaos demon anymore. Maybe he really was just bored. Could he leave him alone for now? Could Bill actually be harmless this time? It was a thought that gnawed at Dipper’s mind, though he knew better than to trust it completely.

The day passed, and the twins decided to spend some time outside. Mabel, always full of energy, sat cross-legged on the grass, her knitting needles clicking away as she worked on a colorful sweater. This one was a mix of purple, blue, and pink, and it was meant for Dipper—whether he liked it or not.

Meanwhile, Dipper’s gaze kept wandering to the treeline. Every rustle of the leaves, every distant sound from the woods set him on edge. He wasn’t sure if he was looking for Bill or hoping not to see him at all. Mabel, perceptive as ever, noticed his distraction.

“Dipper? You good?” she asked, pausing her knitting and glancing up at him. Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

Dipper blinked, realizing he had been staring into the distance for too long. “Yeah,” he replied, though his voice sounded uncertain, even to himself. “I just... I think I want to take a walk. Alone.”

Mabel frowned, clearly not buying his excuse, but she nodded. “Alright,” she said, her fingers resuming their rhythmic knitting. “But if something’s bothering you, you know you can tell me, right?”

“Yeah, I know.” Dipper forced a smile before turning and heading toward the woods.

As soon as he was surrounded by trees, his heart began to race again. The memory of seeing Bill yesterday was still fresh in his mind. What if he’s watching me right now? he thought, his eyes darting around the dense foliage. He took a deep breath and tried to shake the paranoia. Maybe if he confronted Bill again, he’d get some clearer answers.

He didn’t have to wait long.

Just as he reached a familiar clearing, a voice echoed from above. “Why do you keep coming out here so much, Pine Tree?”

Dipper jumped, spinning around to see Bill dangling upside down from a branch, hanging by his legs like a bat. The grin on his face was unmistakably Bill’s. It sent a shiver down Dipper’s spine, though he tried not to show it.

“I guess,” Dipper said cautiously, “to keep an eye on you.”

Bill

rolled his eyes, swinging back and forth lazily from the branch. “Oh please, you think I’m that interesting? Look, Pine Tree—if you’re gonna keep ‘keeping an eye on me,’ then how about we actually hang out? I’m bored out of my mind here! Wandering around in the woods gets old real fast.”

Dipper narrowed his eyes. “How do I know I can trust you?” he asked, his voice low and skeptical.

Bill grinned wider, his amber eyes glinting with mischief. “You can’t! And that’s the fun part! You know you’ll never trust me. I’m not gonna waste time trying to prove myself—because, let’s be real, you’re always gonna have your guard up. But hey, I just want to hang out. You’ve got nothing to lose... right?”

Dipper crossed his arms, frowning as he mulled over the offer. The idea of spending time with Bill—whether he was calling himself ‘Billy’ or not—made his stomach twist with unease. But at the same time, the demon-turned-human seemed genuinely different, even if his attitude hadn’t completely changed. He wasn’t making any threats, wasn’t trying to strike any deals. For now, at least, he seemed harmless. And maybe keeping him close is better than letting him wander around on his own...

“Fine,” Dipper said, reluctantly. “But if we’re going to do this, there’s one condition: you can’t call me Pine Tree, and you definitely can’t call Mabel ‘Shooting Star.’ They won’t be as... accepting of you as I am. If you slip up, they’ll figure out who you are.”

Bill nodded, though the glint in his eyes didn’t fade. “Alright, Dipper,” he said, over-enunciating the name as if it were foreign on his tongue. “And Shooting Star is... what’s her name again? Mm-mmmabel?” He exaggerated her name, testing it out.

“Yeah, Mabel,” Dipper replied, still feeling uneasy. “And don’t try anything weird around her.”

Bill floated down from the tree, landing gracefully on his feet and straightening his shirt. “Weird? Me? Never! I’m just here to make a few friends.” His smirk widened, and Dipper resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Lead the way, Pine—uh, Dipper. Let’s go meet your sister.”

Dipper led Bill back toward the Mystery Shack, his nerves on edge the entire time. Mabel was still outside, sitting on a blanket with her knitting supplies spread around her. Waddles was lounging beside her, snorting occasionally in his sleep.

As they approached, Mabel looked up and waved, a bright smile on her face. “Hey, Dipper! You’re back already? Oh! Who’s this?”

Dipper hesitated for a moment, glancing at Bill. “Uh... Mabel, this is Billy. I ran into him while I was out walking. He’s, uh, new to Gravity Falls.”

Billy—stepped forward, putting on an exaggerated smile. “Hey there, Mabel! Nice to meet you. Dipper here’s been giving me the grand tour of your weird little town.”

Mabel beamed at him, her excitement bubbling over instantly. “A new friend? Awesome! I’m Mabel Pines, and this,” she pointed to the snoring pig beside her, “is Waddles.”

Billy’s eyes flicked toward the pig for a split second before he returned his attention to Mabel. “Nice to meet you, Mabel. And Waddles. Cute pig.”

Mabel’s face lit up even more, oblivious to any tension Dipper was feeling. “I love your hair!” she gushed, pointing at the black stripe in Billy’s blonde hair. “It’s so cool! You should totally hang out with us sometime—there’s so much fun stuff to do here.”

Dipper felt his stomach tighten again as he watched the interaction. Mabel was her usual cheerful self, but Bill—he couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in Bill’s mind. He had agreed not to use their nicknames, but Dipper could tell that part of him was itching to slip up, just to see what would happen.

For now, though, ‘Billy’ was playing it cool.

Billy's amber eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned in closer to examine the half-finished sweater. "What are you knitting?" he asked, sitting down on the grass beside Mabel.

With a grin, Mabel held up the colorful fabric in progress, the purple, blue, and pink strands tangled around her fingers. "It’s a sweater for Dipper!" she announced proudly, as if it were her magnum opus.

Billy chuckled, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "I know blue is a ‘boy color,’ but aren’t pink and purple a bit... girly?" His eyebrows raised, a teasing smirk forming.

Mabel rolled her eyes, clearly unfazed by the comment. "Pfft, I know, but here’s the thing: I learned something about Dipper a few days ago, and now I’m making him a sweater for it!" She sang the last part, her voice full of excitement as she set to work again.

Dipper froze for a moment, shooting his sister a sideways glance. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, the flush creeping up his neck as Billy raised a curious eyebrow, locking eyes with him.

"I seeee," Billy drawled, giving Dipper a knowing look that made his stomach drop. There was no way Bill actually knew anything, right?

Dipper’s face burned brighter, and just as he opened his mouth to protest, the door to the Shack creaked open, and Grunkle Ford stepped out into the yard. His expression shifted from casual curiosity to something more tense and guarded when his eyes landed on Billy. Ford's gaze lingered for a moment too long, as if something about the boy didn’t sit quite right with him.

"Oh, greetings," Ford said cautiously, adjusting his glasses as he eyed Billy up and down. "Who are you, exactly?"

Billy tilted his head, a bemused smile forming on his lips. "Billy! And how are you, Six Fingers?"

Dipper’s heart dropped into his stomach as his foot instinctively shot out, kicking Billy in the leg, earning him a quick, startled glance. Did he seriously just call Ford 'Six Fingers'?

Ford tensed, his eyes widening in surprise. There was a brief, loaded silence as Billy quickly raised his hands in mock surrender. "Oops! I mean, I’ve just never seen a human with six fingers before." He shot a quick glance at Dipper, who gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod, silently telling him to stick to the cover story.

Ford glanced down at his hand, his expression softening ever so slightly as he inspected his six fingers, the once-source of his self-consciousness. "Well, it is unusual, I suppose," he said, though there was a lingering suspicion in his tone. "The name’s Stanford. I haven’t seen you around here before. Did you move here recently?"

Billy nodded, his grin widening. "Yep! Just moved in a day ago. Thought I’d come check out this strange little town."

Ford’s eyes narrowed slightly. There was something about Billy’s demeanor, the way he spoke, that set off alarms in his head, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. The energy this boy gave off felt... wrong. Familiar in a way that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He shook the feeling off for now, deciding it was probably nothing.

"Well, welcome to Gravity Falls," Ford said, though his voice was distant. "If you’ll excuse me, I have some errands to run. But it was... interesting to meet you, Billy."

Billy waved with an exaggerated flourish as Ford turned to leave, his posture still a little stiff. Once he was out of sight, Dipper let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. That was way too close.

“Six Fingers, huh?” Dipper muttered under his breath, glaring at Billy.

Billy smirked. “What can I say? Old habits die hard.”

Meanwhile, Mabel was completely oblivious to the tension that had just passed between them. She finished the last few stitches of the sweater and held it up proudly. "Ta-da! It’s done! You’re gonna love it, Dipper!" she declared, laying it out on the grass for everyone to admire.

Billy glanced at the sweater, then back at Mabel with a twinkle in his eye. "You really outdid yourself, Mabel. Dipper's gonna be the talk of the town in that thing." His tone was light and teasing, but Mabel beamed at the compliment, clearly taking it at face value.

She giggled. “Thanks, Billy! You’re fun—kinda weird, but fun!”

Dipper watched the exchange with growing unease. Of course Mabel liked Billy. Why wouldn’t she? He was charming, quick-witted, and had that same playful energy Mabel thrived on. And for now, Billy seemed content to play along, not letting his true identity slip—at least not yet.

As the afternoon wore on, Billy stuck around, joining Mabel in her arts and crafts projects, much to her delight. They laughed and joked, and Mabel showed off her collection of glitter, yarn, and googly eyes. Billy seemed genuinely amused by her antics, even adding in his own suggestions for "improvements" to her crafts.

Dipper, however, couldn’t shake the feeling of dread gnawing at him. He watched them interact, unable to relax. How long could this charade last before Mabel figured it out? Before Bill slipped up again? And what would happen when she finally realized who Billy really was?

For now, Mabel was clueless, laughing at Billy’s jokes and finding him more entertaining by the minute. But Dipper knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out, and when it did, he had no idea how Mabel—or anyone else—would handle it.

Time slipped by faster than any of them realized. The sun had long dipped beneath the horizon, and the sky was now inky black, speckled with stars. The air around the Mystery Shack had cooled, a light breeze rustling the nearby trees. Ford had returned home a few hours earlier and, after observing Billy from a distance, had retreated inside. He hadn’t mentioned anything, but Dipper could tell Ford was quietly mulling over the odd energy Billy gave off.

Dipper glanced at his watch—11 PM. He couldn’t help but feel anxious the longer Billy stayed. He’d been subtly keeping an eye on them while Billy and Mabel hung out, chatting and laughing as though they’d known each other forever. It was disconcerting how easily Bill fit in. Mabel hadn’t grown tired of him at all. They’d spent the entire day talking, making crafts, and swapping stories, as if Billy were just another kid from town.

Finally, Dipper cleared his throat, standing a few steps away from where the two sat under the porch light. “It’s getting close to 11. I think you should get home soon, Billy,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. There was no telling what could happen if Bill overstayed his welcome.

Billy glanced over at him, amber eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, his mischievous grin never faltering. "Well… I guess I-"

Before he could finish, Mabel, full of boundless energy even at this hour, bounced on her feet and interrupted him. “You should sleep over!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “We could stay up late, tell ghost stories, or maybe watch one of those cheesy horror movies you mentioned earlier!”

Dipper’s heart leapt in panic. The last thing he needed was for Bill to stay overnight, where he could stir up even more trouble. He sighed, trying to sound firm without coming off as too suspicious. “Mabel, we just met him. Maybe another time, alright?”

Mabel’s face fell slightly, her lips forming a small pout, but she didn’t argue. “Fine… but next time for sure!” She shot Billy an apologetic look, and he simply winked, giving her a playful salute.

“Well, guess I better head out,” Billy said, standing up and stretching his arms above his head. “But hey, today was a blast. See ya around, Mabel, Pi-Dipper,” he added with a nod. There was something in his tone that made Dipper's skin prickle, but he tried to brush it off.

After saying their goodbyes, Dipper and Mabel watched Billy disappear into the woods, his figure fading into the darkness. Dipper let out a small sigh of relief, finally feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. He wasn’t entirely sure if Bill was telling the truth about being "mostly powerless," but for now, it seemed like he was just enjoying himself—no chaos, no destruction. Yet.

Back inside the attic, the twins began getting ready for bed. The familiar coziness of the old room settled around them like a comforting blanket, the soft glow of their bedside lamps casting warm shadows across the walls. Dipper sat on his bed, lost in thought, until something soft hit him in the chest.

He blinked and looked down to see the sweater Mabel had been working on earlier—purple, blue, and pink stripes running across the fabric. Mabel stood nearby, a proud smile on her face. “C’mon, I really want you to try it on!” she insisted, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. “I think you’ll like it.”

Dipper hesitated for a moment, his fingers brushing against the soft material. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention when it came to his identity—he’d only recently started figuring things out for himself, and even then, he wasn’t exactly open about it. “I… I’ll put it on,” he said softly, “but I might not wear it outside. I’m not… that open about being bisexual yet.”

Mabel’s smile softened, her eyes full of understanding as she walked over and sat beside him. “That’s okay,” she said gently. “You don’t have to wear it outside. I just wanted to make something to show support for my brother.”

Her words hit Dipper harder than he expected. The lump in his throat grew, and for a moment, he couldn’t quite find the right words. Slowly, he slipped the sweater over his head, pulling it down until it rested comfortably against his skin. It was incredibly soft, the kind of fabric that felt like a warm hug. He glanced down at the colors, the pink and purple standing out against the blue in a way that felt… right. It felt like him.

“Thanks, Mabel,” Dipper said, his voice quieter now, but sincere. He looked up at her, meeting her eyes with a small smile. “It’s perfect.”

Mabel beamed, her whole face lighting up. “I knew it! You look amazing, Dipper! Seriously, that sweater is so you.” She clapped her hands together, clearly thrilled that he liked it.

Dipper couldn’t help but smile a little wider, the warmth of the moment sinking in. Despite everything that was going on—Bill, the weirdness, the uncertainty—he was reminded, yet again, of how lucky he was to have a sister like Mabel. She always knew how to make him feel like he wasn’t alone, even when the world got complicated.

As the night grew quieter, they both settled into their beds, the soft sounds of the forest drifting through the open window. For now, the threat of Bill loomed in the background, but at least Dipper had this moment of peace. He glanced over at the sweater draped across his bed, a symbol of his sister’s unwavering support, and let himself relax for the first time that day.

Whatever happened next, at least he wouldn’t face it alone.

.

.

.

.

A few weeks had passed, and in that time, Bill—still in his human guise as "Billy"—had become a somewhat regular part of their group. Mabel seemed completely at ease around him, but Dipper, despite his efforts, couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at the back of his mind. Bill didn’t seem to be plotting anything, no strange occurrences or sinister schemes had surfaced, but Dipper knew better than to let his guard down. It didn’t matter how "human" Billy acted—he was still Bill Cipher, and Dipper didn’t trust him.

Today, Mabel had mentioned she was bringing someone along with her to hang out, so Dipper and Billy had made their way to a clearing in the forest to wait. Bill was lounging on the blanket Mabel had spread out the last time they hung out, lazily making the arts and crafts supplies float in the air with a wave of his hand. The scissors, glue sticks, and paper spun in slow, lazy circles above him as he grinned mischievously.

“You’re not much for conversation, huh, Pine Tree?” Bill said, his smirk growing as he glanced over at Dipper.

Dipper frowned, feeling the irritation rise in him. “You know… Are you permanently stuck in this human form, or can you just shapeshift into it whenever you want?” He was genuinely curious, but asking the question made him feel a little uneasy. The last thing he wanted was to encourage Bill to go back to his true form.

Bill’s smirk widened, and without missing a beat, he dropped the floating craft supplies onto the ground and stood up. “Oh, you wanna see the real me, Pine Tree?” His voice took on that familiar eerie tone that always sent a shiver down Dipper’s spine. “You only had to ask.”

Dipper’s stomach twisted as Bill’s human form began to shift. His skin turned bright yellow, taking on a rough, brick-like texture, and his once-normal human features melted and warped. His eyes merged into a single, all-seeing eye, and his body began to shrink and transform, his clothes morphing into the flat, black lines of the bow tie that had once adorned his triangular form. In moments, there he was—the floating, yellow triangle Dipper had hoped never to see again.

Bill hovered in the air, spinning slowly as his single eye focused on Dipper. “Better, Pine Tree?” he teased, his voice oozing with smugness. “You think I look cuter like this?~” He gave a little twirl, as if showing off.

Dipper’s face turned red, and he quickly shook his head. “I don’t think you’re cute!” he sputtered, feeling flustered by the sudden shift. “I was just curious about your stupid shape-shifting!”

Bill floated closer, smirking even wider. “Oh, come on, you can admit it~” he teased. “You’re just dying to tell me which form you prefer. This—” He spun in the air again. “Or Billy? I can go back to being your new best buddy if that’s what you want.”

Before Dipper could respond, a voice echoed through the trees, cutting through the strange tension. “Did we have to do this on a muddy day?” The voice was unmistakably Pacifica’s, and Dipper immediately turned to see her stepping into view, followed by Mabel. Pacifica was dressed down in casual clothes—nothing fancy, but still fashionable, with her makeup done perfectly, as always.

“That’s why I said not to wear your fancy clothes,” Mabel was saying, grinning up at her friend. “You always freak out about mud!”

Pacifica rolled her eyes but smiled, clearly used to Mabel’s teasing by now. She turned her gaze toward the clearing, her eyes landing on Dipper and Billy. “Is this that ‘Billy’ person you were telling me about?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she eyed the mysterious newcomer.

Bill—back in his human form now—gave a dramatic bow. “Yep! Nice to meet you, Llama- I mean, Pacifica!” He caught himself just in time, grinning as he corrected the slip-up. Dipper shot him a warning look, but Bill only winked at him in response.

Pacifica nodded slowly, clearly sizing up ‘Billy’ with a skeptical look before sitting down on the blanket with Mabel. “Well, at least you don’t seem totally weird,” she muttered, though there was still a hint of suspicion in her tone.

Mabel, ever the optimist, didn’t seem to notice Pacifica’s hesitation and immediately started unpacking snacks and crafts. “So, what do you think?” Mabel asked brightly, her excitement practically infectious. “Isn’t Billy fun? He’s got all these cool stories, and he’s super funny!” She nudged Dipper with her elbow, though he was still standing awkwardly to the side, trying to keep his cool.

“Yeah… real funny,” Dipper muttered under his breath, watching Bill carefully as the demon-turned-human sat down across from Pacifica, looking far too comfortable for Dipper’s liking.

Pacifica crossed her arms, her gaze still fixed on Billy. “I guess we’ll see,” she said, her tone less enthusiastic than Mabel’s.

As the afternoon wore on, Bill started picking up on something in the air—something that Dipper had been too preoccupied to notice. Mabel, who had been energetically working on her latest knitting project for Waddles just an hour ago, was now sitting beside Pacifica, her focus completely shifted. Her hands held the half-finished sweater, but her eyes weren’t on her work—they were locked on Pacifica, who was absorbed in folding intricate pieces of origami. Mabel’s face was flushed, her cheeks dusted with a soft, rosy red that was hard to miss. Every time Pacifica glanced up or smiled, Mabel’s expression softened, a small smile creeping across her lips.

Bill, lounging lazily beside Dipper, leaned over and whispered, his voice carrying that familiar slyness. “Hey, Pine Tree.” His voice pulled Dipper out of his thoughts, and he turned to look at Bill, his brow furrowing. Bill’s golden eyes gleamed mischievously as he tilted his head toward Mabel and Pacifica. “Does Shooting Star have a thing for Llama over there? I mean, maybe her face is dyed red, but I’m pretty sure that’s a blush.”

Mabel wasn’t being her usual loud and boisterous self. She wasn’t jumping up to impress Pacifica or throwing herself into over-the-top antics to get attention like she did for other crushes. Instead, she was quieter, almost reserved, her gaze soft as she watched Pacifica’s nimble fingers work on the delicate folds of paper.

Dipper let out a small sigh and nodded slightly. “I’m pretty sure she does,” he muttered, his eyes flicking back to Bill.

Bill smirked, his eyes narrowing as if he was watching an entertaining show. “Interesting… I didn’t think Shooting Star swung that way.” He glanced at Mabel again, a curious glint in his eye. “Guess I was wrong. That’s what makes you humans so fascinating—always full of surprises.”

Dipper glared at him, not liking the tone in Bill’s voice. “Don’t even think about messing with her,” he warned, his voice low and firm. “This is not some game for you to play with.”

Bill held up his hands in mock surrender, though the smirk on his face never wavered. “Relax, Pine Tree, I’m not plotting anything… this time,” he said with a wink. “I just think it’s cute. Little Shooting Star has a crush on Llama, and she’s all shy about it. Who knew she could be subtle?” He laughed softly, clearly amused by the situation.

Dipper’s frown deepened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he kept his eyes on Mabel and Pacifica, his mind racing. Should he talk to Mabel about it? She hadn’t said anything to him, and knowing Mabel, if she had a crush, she’d normally be loud and proud about it. But this was different. Maybe Mabel didn’t even fully realize it herself yet.

Meanwhile, Pacifica, seemingly oblivious to the subtle tension around her, was carefully creasing the final fold of her origami swan. She glanced up, catching Mabel staring, and smiled. “What do you think? Pretty good, huh?” she asked, holding up the delicate paper bird for Mabel to see.

Mabel blinked, pulled out of her daze, and her blush deepened as she gave a quick nod. “Yeah! It looks amazing!” she said, a little too enthusiastically, her voice just a touch higher than normal. She scooted a little closer, her hands fidgeting with the yarn in her lap. “I can never get the folds right when I try. You’re, like, so good at it.”

Pacifica chuckled softly, clearly pleased with the compliment. “Thanks. I guess it’s just practice. I could show you how, if you want?” she offered, holding out another piece of paper.

Mabel’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, and she eagerly nodded. “Yeah! I’d love that!” she said, setting her knitting aside to take the paper from Pacifica’s hands. Their fingers brushed for a moment, and Mabel froze, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.

Bill snickered under his breath, watching the interaction with amusement. “Oh yeah, she’s got it bad,” he whispered to Dipper, who shot him another warning glare.

Mabel, completely unaware of the exchange between Dipper and Bill, focused on the paper in her hands as Pacifica leaned closer to guide her through the folds. Their heads were inches apart, and Mabel’s heart raced in her chest. She could smell Pacifica’s perfume—a light, floral scent that made her feel dizzy in the best way possible. She tried to focus on the origami, but all she could think about was how close Pacifica was, and how much she wanted to impress her.

“Like this?” Mabel asked, her voice a little shaky as she made the first fold.

Pacifica smiled and nodded. “Exactly. You’ve got it.”

As Mabel continued folding, she snuck glances at Pacifica, her heart doing little flips in her chest. Maybe she hadn’t fully realized it before, but now it was becoming clear. She liked Pacifica—a lot. And for the first time in a long time, Mabel felt nervous. It wasn’t like the silly crushes she’d had before. This felt different. Real.

Dipper watched from the sidelines, feeling a strange mix of emotions. On the one hand, he wanted to be supportive. He loved Mabel more than anything, and if she liked Pacifica, then he’d back her up, no question. But on the other hand, he couldn’t shake the protective older-brother instinct that flared up whenever his sister got close to anyone.

Beside him, Bill chuckled again, clearly enjoying the show. “Ah, young love,” he said, stretching his arms behind his head. “So awkward. So… fragile.”

Dipper rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to snap at Bill again. He’d deal with that later. Right now, his focus was on Mabel—and what, if anything, he should do next.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the forest, Dipper finished with the little wooden stick house he had been building. He glanced at the darkening sky and noticed the chill that started creeping into the air. Pacifica seemed to notice too, her posture shifting as she packed away her origami.

“Hmmm, it’s getting late,” Pacifica said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I might need to head home soon.”

Billy, who had been fiddling with a blob of string and sticks, perked up. “Hey, how about a sleepover?” He suggested, flashing his trademark grin. “Sho—uh, Mabel, didn’t you say we’d have a sleepover sometime? Why not all four of us?”

Mabel's eyes lit up instantly, her face practically glowing with excitement. “Yes! That sounds awesome!” She was already on her feet, her energy contagious. Dipper, however, felt a bit hesitant. The idea of Billy staying over still made him feel a little uneasy, given that he was secretly Bill Cipher. But before Dipper could voice his concerns, Pacifica spoke up.

“You know what? That actually sounds kind of fun. I'll head home and grab some extra clothes,” Pacifica said with a rare, casual smile. “Meet you guys back at the Shack.”

Mabel was practically bouncing off the ground with excitement. “Yes! I can’t wait, it's going to be so much fun!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands.

With that settled, they all packed up their things and made their way back to the Mystery Shack. Once inside, Dipper and Mabel headed toward the living room, where Ford and Stan were lounging.

"Hey, Grunkles!" Mabel called cheerily. “So, we were thinking of having a sleepover tonight with Pacifica and Billy. Is that okay?”

Ford looked up from his book, his brows knitting together in slight concern. His eyes lingered on Billy a moment too long. “Billy, huh? You’re the new kid in town, right?” Stan asked cautiously.

Billy, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, smiled innocently. “That’s me! Just a harmless, bored guy looking for something fun to do,” he said, but Dipper could see the subtle glint in his eyes.

Ford didn’t look entirely convinced. He closed his book and looked at Dipper for confirmation. Dipper shifted uncomfortably under his gaze but nodded. “Yeah, Grunkle Ford. It’s just a sleepover,” he said, trying to sound casual despite the swirling thoughts in his head. Ford seemed to take the hint, but he still didn’t look entirely at ease.

“Alright, fine. You can have your sleepover, but the door to the attic stays cracked open,” Ford said sternly, clearly not trusting Billy completely.

Stan, who had been half-listening to the conversation, finally chimed in. “Yeah, yeah, just no pranks and no setting anything on fire,” he said, waving his hand. Then, with a sly grin, he added, “And the open-door thing is non-negotiable.”

Mabel flashed a thumbs-up. “Deal!”

A short while later, Pacifica arrived at the Shack, carrying a small overnight bag. She looked a little out of her element, eyeing the rustic interior of the Shack before shrugging it off. “Alright, I’m here. So, where are we sleeping?” she asked, glancing around the attic.

They had already set up a few sleeping bags, but Pacifica frowned when she saw hers. “The floor?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mabel, ever the problem solver, waved her hand dismissively. “No worries! You can share my bed if you want. It’s a full size, so there’s plenty of room.”

Pacifica hesitated for a second before agreeing, though she didn’t seem thrilled about the idea. “Fine, I guess that works.”

Billy, who had been observing from the side with a mischievous glint in his eyes, chuckled. “Aww, that’s cute,” he teased. Then, with a dramatic hand to his chest, he turned to Dipper with a mock-serious tone. “So, Pine Tree, does that mean you and I will be sharing a bed too?”

Dipper’s face turned beet red, and he waved his hands frantically. “W-what? No! Absolutely not!” he stammered, causing Billy to laugh even harder.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding! You’re too easy to mess with, Pine Tree,” Billy said, grinning from ear to ear as Dipper’s blush deepened.

Mabel, oblivious to the teasing, had already begun chatting with Pacifica about what movies they should watch later and what snacks they should eat. The room was quickly filled with laughter and chatter, though Dipper couldn’t shake the uneasiness in his stomach. Despite the fun atmosphere, there was still something unnerving about having Bill Cipher—no matter how ‘harmless’ he claimed to be—sleeping just a few feet away.

They all settled into their spots as the evening wound down. Mabel and Pacifica chatted and giggled from Mabel’s bed while Billy casually stretched out in his sleeping bag, making jokes here and there. Dipper found himself lying awake longer than the others, his eyes occasionally drifting toward Billy, who looked relaxed but somehow out of place among the group.

Dipper pulled his blanket up and closed his eyes, trying to push away the lingering doubts. “Maybe things are different now,” he told himself, though he wasn’t entirely sure he believed it.

.

Dipper blinked groggily as he woke up, rubbing his eyes and trying to adjust to the faint light in the room. It took him a moment to realize something was off. He turned his head slightly and saw Billy—Bill—sitting up, staring blankly at the ceiling while absentmindedly making a bunch of random sweaters float around the room. Some of them were Mabel’s, while others seemed to be conjured out of nowhere.

“Bill, what are you doing?” Dipper muttered, still half-asleep. His voice was groggy but laced with annoyance.

Billy looked over at him and grinned, his glowing amber eyes catching the dim light. “Oh, nothing much, Pine Tree. I don’t need to sleep, remember? Just passing the time ‘til morning.” He paused, his gaze shifting over to Mabel’s bed, where Mabel and Pacifica were sound asleep. A small, amused smile tugged at his lips. “Aw, look at them. All cuddly.”

Dipper turned his head, noticing the two girls as well. Pacifica was sprawled on her back, still managing to look dignified even in her sleep, while Mabel was curled up, her head resting against Pacifica's chest. It was... adorable, Dipper had to admit. But he quickly shifted his attention back to Billy.

“Hm. Don’t mess with them,” he warned, his tone serious but sleepy.

Billy gave a faux-innocent shrug, his grin widening. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Pine Tree.”

Dipper sighed and lay back down, pulling the blanket over his head in an attempt to get comfortable again. But no sooner had he closed his eyes than Billy's voice cut through the silence.

“Hey, Pine Tree, the floor’s chilly,” Billy complained, his voice adopting a whiny tone. “Can I lay in your bed?”

Dipper felt his face heat up, his tired brain struggling to comprehend the question. “What? No!” he sputtered. “If you’re cold, then… I don’t know, shapeshift into a blanket or something!” His heart thumped loudly in his chest as the absurdity of the situation sank in.

He heard the sound of Billy shifting around in his bean bag. “C'mon, pleeease?” Billy practically purred, dragging out the word in that annoyingly smooth voice of his.

Dipper groaned, burying his face deeper into his pillow. His exhaustion was winning over his common sense. “Fine,” he muttered, “Just let me sleep.”

He felt the bed dip slightly as Billy moved, sliding under the blanket beside him. Dipper turned onto his side, putting as much distance as he could between himself and Bill without falling off the edge of the bed. He stared at the wall, trying to ignore the strange energy that Billy always seemed to radiate, even when he was being ‘human.’

As he lay there, though, his curiosity got the better of him. He chanced a glance over his shoulder, and his breath caught for a moment. Bill was lying still, staring up at the ceiling, but Dipper could see his eyes glowing faintly in the dark. They looked... different. His pupils were unnaturally sharp, more pointy and angular than they should’ve been for a human.

“Enjoying the view, Pine Tree?” Bill’s voice came out in a low, teasing whisper, catching Dipper off guard. His smirk was unmistakable, even in the dark.

Dipper immediately turned away, feeling his face burn with embarrassment. “Shut up,” he mumbled, pulling the blanket up to his chin.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Billy whispered playfully, his voice almost too close for comfort. “You know, I’m really not all that bad once you get used to me.”

“Yeah, well,” Dipper grumbled, keeping his back turned, “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.”

Billy just chuckled softly, the sound sending an odd shiver down Dipper’s spine. “Suit yourself, Pine Tree.”

The room fell into a tense quiet after that. Dipper’s mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Despite Bill's teasing and unpredictability, there was something unsettling about being this close to him. Yet, oddly enough, a part of Dipper felt like Bill wasn’t as dangerous as he once was. Maybe he really was powerless... or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

As he tried to push those thoughts aside and focus on sleep, he couldn’t help but wonder what the next morning would bring—whether Billy would keep up this strange façade of being harmless or if something darker was brewing beneath the surface.

.

.

.

.

More time had passed, and despite his deep-seated mistrust, Dipper began to wonder if Bill really had changed. There were signs—small ones—that suggested a different side to the former dream demon. Bill had been getting better at calling people by their actual names. He no longer referred to Mabel as "Shooting Star" or Ford as "Six Fingers" when they were around. Still, when it was just Dipper, Bill would slide back into his old habits, calling them those names.

It was hard to say exactly when Dipper started to feel more comfortable around Bill. Maybe it was the way Bill always seemed genuinely curious about what the others were doing, or maybe it was the fact that Dipper had spent so much time with him under the guise of "keeping an eye on him." He reasoned that being around Bill was simply a precaution—a necessity, not enjoyment. But that didn’t explain the moments when he found himself relaxing in Bill’s company, even laughing at some of his sarcastic comments.

Recently, Bill had decided to change his appearance again. His blonde hair, once free and chaotic, was now slicked back and tied into a bun, a style that somehow made him even more annoyingly good-looking. Dipper couldn't help but notice—and that only made his internal conflict worse. He didn't have feelings for Bill. He couldn't. Mabel had teased him about it, as she always did, but Dipper knew it wasn’t true. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

The problem was, lately, Dipper had started second-guessing everything. He couldn't figure out why he felt so conflicted, or why Bill's presence was becoming harder to ignore. And it wasn’t just because of the slicked-back hair or his perfectly tailored human form. It was the way Bill would glance at him, or the way he'd sit just a little too close, as if daring Dipper to react. Bill was always testing him—pushing his boundaries.

One evening, as Dipper sat in his room, lost in thought and wrestling with his emotions, there was a knock at the door. “Dipper?” Ford’s voice came from the hallway. “Billy stopped by—”

Before Ford could finish his sentence, Billy casually strolled past him, entering the room without waiting for an invitation. He flopped down onto the bed beside Dipper, sitting just a little too close, as always. There was no mistaking the intentional proximity. Bill did it on purpose. Ford hesitated in the doorway for a moment, glancing between them, but then left without saying anything.

“So,” Dipper started, trying to regain control of the situation, “why are you stopping by?”

Bill leaned back, resting on his elbows with that familiar, infuriating grin. "Can’t a guy just want some company? You’re always so suspicious, Pine Tree." He rolled his eyes but then glanced away for a second, his expression dimming just slightly. “But since you asked, I was… bored. Things have been dull without, y'know, infinite power. Kind of sucks being a human and powerless.”

Dipper frowned, caught off guard by the sudden change in Bill's tone. It wasn’t like him to admit vulnerability, even if it was wrapped in sarcasm. As the night went on, Bill continued to drop cryptic hints about how he felt lost. He spoke vaguely about his ‘loss of purpose’ since his power had been stripped away, and how everything in this strange human world felt hollow compared to what he once had.

It was unsettling. For the first time, Dipper saw a glimpse of something other than manipulation in Bill’s eyes. The more Bill talked, the more Dipper found himself wondering if there was more to Bill than just his scheming and mind games. Could it be that he was really feeling lost? Was there an actual person beneath the surface of the trickster demon?

Dipper couldn’t help but wonder if Bill was just toying with his emotions, weaving some new plan to manipulate him. But there was something in Bill's voice tonight—a depth Dipper had never heard before. It made him question whether Bill was still the same villain he once knew, or if maybe—just maybe—there was something more to him than Dipper had ever realized.

"You're really laying it on thick tonight," Dipper said after a long silence, trying to break the tension with a half-hearted joke.

Bill chuckled but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Dipper with a softness that made his usual sharp gaze feel almost… human. "You ever wonder what happens to someone like me, if all my power ends up leaving?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do I just disappear? Fade away? Maybe that’s why I stick around. I don't want to disappear, Pine Tree."

Dipper stared at him, unsure of how to respond. For the first time, Bill didn’t sound like he was bluffing. There was an undeniable weight to his words, and it left Dipper questioning everything all over again. Was Bill still manipulating him? Or had Dipper been wrong about him this whole time?

“I... Um...” Dipper stammered, his thoughts in a whirl as he stared at Bill, unsure how to respond. Something about Bill’s sudden vulnerability left him feeling conflicted. He hesitated, reaching a hand out tentatively but stopped short of actually hugging him, unsure of what to do next. Bill, of course, noticed the gesture immediately.

Bill sat up slightly, watching Dipper with an unreadable expression before slowly leaning closer. Dipper, with more caution than he expected, wrapped an arm softly around Bill, his heart pounding in his chest. To his surprise, Bill didn’t pull away or make a sarcastic comment. Instead, he seemed to relax, his weight settling as his head gently lolled onto Dipper’s shoulder. For a moment, the world outside their small bubble didn’t exist.

Bill let out a quiet sigh, almost like he couldn’t believe what was happening either. "This feels... shockingly nice," he whispered, his voice so low it barely reached Dipper’s ears. Dipper’s mind raced, torn between disbelief and the odd comfort of the moment. Was this real? Was Bill really letting his guard down?

Before Dipper could even begin to respond, the door creaked open.

"Dipper?" Ford’s voice cut through the stillness, and both Dipper and Bill jumped slightly. Bill, always quick to mask his emotions, slipped out of Dipper’s hold and sat up, though there was still an odd serenity in his demeanor. Ford stood in the doorway, eyebrows raised, clearly sensing something strange had just happened, though he made no immediate comment.

“Uh… could I talk to you for a moment?” Ford asked, his tone even but laced with a subtle urgency. He glanced briefly at Bill before returning his focus to Dipper, making it clear who the conversation was really about.

Dipper shot a glance at Bill, who only gave a slight shrug and leaned back casually, as if unconcerned by whatever Ford had to say. "I'll just wait here, Pine Tree. You know where to find me," he said, his usual nonchalance creeping back into his voice.

Dipper followed Ford out of the room, closing the door behind him. They walked down the hall in silence, the atmosphere thick with tension until they reached the study. Ford shut the door behind them, turning to face Dipper with a seriousness that made Dipper’s stomach tighten.

“Dipper,” Ford began, keeping his voice low, “I need to talk to you about Billy.” The way he said the name made it clear he didn’t entirely believe it. “There’s something off about him. I’ve been observing him these past few weeks, and I can’t shake the feeling that he isn’t what he seems.”

Dipper swallowed, trying to keep his face neutral. He knew this conversation was coming—Ford wasn’t the type to ignore strange behavior, and Bill’s very presence was bound to set off alarm bells for him. But Dipper wasn’t ready to admit the truth. Not yet.

“What do you mean?” Dipper asked, playing innocent.

Ford frowned, pacing a little as he spoke. “I’ve encountered... entities before. Creatures that can mimic humans—sometimes even personalities from other dimensions. Billy has that kind of energy, like something isn’t quite right with him. He could be from a different dimension altogether, posing as a human for reasons we don’t yet understand.”

Dipper’s mind raced. He couldn’t let anything slip about Billy really being Bill Cipher. That was a secret that needed to stay buried. He couldn’t even trust Ford with that information, not now. So he nodded, pretending to think it over. “I get what you’re saying, Grunkle Ford, but… Billy hasn’t done anything suspicious since he got here. He just… seems like a regular guy.”

Ford narrowed his eyes, clearly not convinced. “A regular guy who showed up out of nowhere, with no history or background? Who conveniently knows things he shouldn’t—like the time he commented on my six fingers when we first met. Not to mention the strange aura he gives off. It’s subtle, but it’s there.”

Dipper shifted uncomfortably, knowing Ford wasn’t entirely wrong. Bill had slipped up a few times, but those were mistakes that had gone unnoticed by Mabel and the others. Ford, however, was far too sharp. He always had been. Dipper needed to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory.

“Maybe he’s just eccentric,” Dipper said, trying to sound nonchalant. “I mean, we’ve met weirder people in Gravity Falls, right? Just because he’s a little strange doesn’t mean he’s dangerous.”

Ford sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Dipper, I’m not saying he’s dangerous—at least, not yet. But something doesn’t add up, and I don’t want you or Mabel getting too close to him until we know more about who— or what—he really is. There are too many unknowns here.”

Dipper nodded, doing his best to appear thoughtful, though inside he was battling a storm of emotions. “I’ll be careful, Grunkle Ford. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Ford looked at him closely, as if trying to read between the lines of what Dipper wasn’t saying. After a moment, he nodded, though his expression remained tight. “Good. Just… be on guard. Gravity Falls is no stranger to deception, and I don’t want you falling into something dangerous.”

With that, Ford turned and left the room, leaving Dipper standing alone, his mind buzzing with anxiety. He’d dodged a bullet this time, but how long could he keep Bill’s true identity hidden? And more importantly—how long could he keep pretending that Bill wasn’t getting under his skin in a way that made him question everything?

Dipper barely had time to brace himself before the door burst open with a loud bang, and Mabel tackled him to the ground with enough force to knock the breath out of him. "Dipper!" she shouted, her voice a mix of excitement and energy as she landed on top of him, pinning him down with her enthusiasm.

"Mabel!" Dipper wheezed, trying to catch his breath while she bounced on top of him. He gently pushed her off, sitting up and rubbing the back of his head. "What... what was that for?"

Mabel's eyes were practically glowing, her grin stretching ear to ear. "I have HUGE news!" she exclaimed, completely ignoring his question as she grabbed his shoulders and shook him. "Guess what, guess what, guess what!!"

Dipper raised an eyebrow, blinking at her. "Uh… you won the lottery?"

"No!" Mabel laughed, shaking her head so hard her hair whipped back and forth. "Way better! I confessed to Pacifica!"

Dipper’s eyes widened. "Wait… what? You… told her?"

Mabel nodded furiously, her cheeks flushing with excitement. "Yup! I told her everything, Dip! All those feelings I've been keeping inside, all that nervousness—it’s finally out! And guess what?" She paused for dramatic effect, her grin somehow widening even more. "She feels the same way!"

Dipper stared at her, processing the information. "Wait, wait. So you and Pacifica are... together now?"

Mabel squealed, bouncing up and down on her knees. "YES! We're officially girlfriends!" Her voice cracked with excitement, and she clasped her hands together. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it, Dipper! She was so sweet about it, too! She said she liked me for a while but didn’t know how to bring it up! Can you believe that? Pacifica Northwest—the queen of cool—was nervous to tell me she liked me!"

Dipper felt a wave of happiness for his sister, a genuine smile forming on his face despite the whirlwind of emotions he’d been dealing with himself. "Wow, Mabel, that's awesome! I'm so happy for you guys."

"I know!" Mabel beamed, her face glowing with joy. "We were walking back after getting some snacks, and it just felt like the right time, so I took a deep breath and said it! I thought I was going to throw up from nerves, but then she smiled and told me she liked me too!" Mabel hugged herself as if reliving the moment, her excitement palpable. "It was like a scene from one of those cheesy romance movies—only better because it was real!"

Dipper chuckled, rubbing his shoulder where she'd tackled him. "Well, I’m glad it went well. Pacifica seems like a good match for you."

Mabel nodded, her eyes sparkling. "She's great, Dip! I feel like we’re even closer now, and we’re gonna do all kinds of cute couple stuff like stargazing, making friendship bracelets, and maybe even going on a date! Can you imagine? Me, Pacifica? It’s going to be epic!"

Dipper couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement. "Sounds like you two are going to have a lot of fun."

Mabel suddenly gasped, her eyes lighting up again. "Oh! And don’t tell anyone yet, okay? We want to keep it a secret for now—just until we’re ready to tell everyone else." She winked at him, placing a finger to her lips. "It’s our little secret!"

Dipper smiled and nodded. "Got it. My lips are sealed." He was genuinely happy for her, and it was good to see her in such high spirits.

Just then, a voice called from across the room. "What’s all this whispering about, Pine Tree? Secrets, huh?" Billy, lounging casually on Dipper’s bed, had an amused smirk on his face, clearly having overheard part of the conversation.

Dipper shot him a look. "Nothing for you to worry about."

Bill raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, I’m not worried. Just curious~"

Mabel narrowed her eyes at Billy but grinned. "Nope! Not telling you, Mr. Mystery! This one’s between me and my bro."

Billy chuckled and leaned back against the pillows. "Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. But I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually~"

Dipper rolled his eyes, but the smile remained on his face. For now, at least, Mabel’s happiness was more than enough to push aside the uncertainty he felt around Billy. Besides, after everything that had just happened, there was no way he was letting Bill Cipher ruin this moment.

.

.

.

More time passed, and Dipper found that Bill had been sticking close to him more often. At first, it made him uncomfortable, but as the days went on, he found himself minding less. It was strange, the way he felt drawn to Bill’s company, even if he didn’t fully trust him. But there was something about having him around that… felt nice.

One warm afternoon, Mabel decided it was the perfect time for a day at the lake, and she had gotten the whole gang together: Grenda, Candy, Pacifica, Dipper, and, of course, Billy. They had packed towels, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen, and by the time they reached the shimmering lake, everyone was buzzing with excitement.

"Come on, slowpokes!" Mabel called, already halfway to the water with Grenda and Candy hot on her heels. She was wearing her neon rainbow swimsuit, practically glowing in the sunlight as she dashed into the water, laughing with joy.

Pacifica followed a bit more cautiously, testing the water with her toes before stepping in, her expression shifting from hesitant to relaxed. "Not bad," she muttered to herself before wading deeper in.

Dipper stood at the shore, adjusting his swim trunks and glancing around. It had been a while since they'd all done something like this together, and he was looking forward to just relaxing. But his thoughts were quickly interrupted when Billy—shirtless—strode confidently past him, a smirk playing on his lips.

Dipper couldn’t help but notice that while Billy wasn’t exactly muscular, he was lean, fit in a subtle way that somehow made him even more infuriatingly good-looking. His skin was smooth, almost glowing in the sunlight, and Dipper could feel his face start to warm up as Billy got closer. He tried to brush it off, but each time Billy moved, Dipper's stomach did a little flip.

"Something wrong, Pine Tree?" Billy asked, his voice playful as he caught Dipper’s glance. He leaned in a little too close, his arm brushing lightly against Dipper’s.

Dipper nearly jumped out of his skin, taking a quick step back. "No! Nothing’s wrong. Just… just stay over there, okay?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but the heat in his face betrayed him.

Billy’s grin widened, clearly enjoying Dipper’s reaction. "Whatever you say~" he replied, but he didn’t exactly make an effort to stay far away. Every now and then, as they swam, he’d brush up against Dipper “by accident,” a smirk on his face each time it happened.

Mabel, oblivious to the tension between her brother and Billy, was splashing around with Grenda and Candy, who were having their own fun. They had built a makeshift floating raft out of pool noodles and were trying to balance on it without tipping over.

Pacifica, meanwhile, was lounging on a large inflatable, enjoying the sun but occasionally looking over at Mabel with a small smile. Dipper could tell that things between them were going well, and a part of him was relieved that Mabel seemed so happy.

As Dipper floated on his back, trying to clear his head, he felt another light bump—Billy, again. Dipper shot him an exasperated look. "Seriously? Can you not?"

Billy chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What? I’m just swimming, Pine Tree. No need to get so flustered." He swam a bit closer, his voice lowering just enough for Dipper to hear, "Unless... you want me close~"

Dipper's face flushed an even deeper shade of red, and he quickly turned away, swimming toward the others to put some distance between himself and Billy. But even as he tried to focus on the splashing and laughing of the others, he couldn’t shake the strange feeling Billy left him with—a mix of frustration, confusion, and something else he wasn’t quite ready to name.

Billy’s laughter echoed behind him, soft but clear. "I think you like me more than you let on, Pine Tree~"

Dipper muttered under his breath, trying to ignore the comment, but the warmth in his cheeks stayed long after the words faded.

As the sun began to set and the group eventually made their way back to the shore, Dipper couldn’t help but notice how close Billy stayed—always within arm's reach, his presence constant. And no matter how much Dipper tried to focus on anything else, he found his thoughts drifting back to that smug grin, those teasing remarks, and the way his heart seemed to race whenever Billy got a little too close.

Maybe Mabel’s right. Dipper thought to himself, a sense of dread and curiosity mingling in his chest. Maybe I do like him... but I really, really shouldn’t.

After some time, Dipper waded out of the lake, water dripping from his hair and swimsuit as he trudged over to the shore. The sun was beginning to dip lower, casting a warm orange glow over the clearing. He spotted Mabel sitting on a towel, her neon swimsuit still slightly wet as she munched on a chocolate bar. Her legs were stretched out, toes wiggling in the fading sunlight.

She looked up and grinned as he plopped down next to her. “Hey, Dipper!” she said with her usual brightness, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she watched him catch his breath.

Dipper leaned back on his elbows, trying to act casual, but his thoughts were still swirling with the tension from earlier. He felt his face flush, but this time it wasn’t from the sun or exertion. His mind kept replaying Billy’s teasing words and how close he’d been—too close.

Mabel, ever the observant sibling, didn’t let it slip by unnoticed. She leaned toward him, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "Sooo..." she drawled, a knowing grin spreading across her face. "You were looking kinda flustered out there, Dip-Dop. Like, really flustered."

Dipper glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "What? No, I wasn’t! I was just swimming."

Mabel giggled, her grin growing even wider. "Oh, you soooo were!" She popped another piece of chocolate in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "Especially when Billy got all up in your space. You were practically a tomato! What’s up with that?" She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, clearly enjoying herself.

Dipper rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t shake the awkward heat creeping up his neck again. "I was not! He just—he’s annoying, okay? That’s all."

Mabel leaned even closer, lowering her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. "Uh-huh… Sure. Annoying in a 'can’t stop looking at him' way?" She gave him a playful nudge. "You have a crush on him, don’t you?"

Dipper froze, his body going rigid at her words. His mind raced, desperately searching for a way to deny it, to brush it off with a laugh or a sarcastic comment—but nothing came. He could feel Mabel’s eyes boring into him, waiting for a response, but he stayed silent.

The silence, of course, only made Mabel's eyes widen with realization. She gasped, dramatically placing a hand over her mouth. "Oh. My. GOSH!" she squealed, bouncing excitedly. "You do have a crush on him! Dipper Pines, I knew it!"

"Mabel!" Dipper hissed, looking around to make sure no one else had heard her outburst. He tugged on her arm, trying to pull her back down onto the towel. "Would you keep it down?! I do not—"

But Mabel was already scheming, her eyes narrowing as she grinned like a Cheshire cat. She crossed her arms, tapping a finger to her chin as though deep in thought. "Hmm… this is too good. You like Billy!" She poked him in the ribs teasingly. "I mean, he is pretty cute, you know. That hair, those smirks—"

Dipper buried his face in his hands, groaning loudly. "Mabel, stop! It’s not like that!"

"Ohhh, I beg to differ," Mabel said, her voice full of glee. "You’re blushing just thinking about him! I can’t believe I didn’t notice sooner! And here I thought I was the only one who’d end up with a summer romance. But nope, it’s my bro too!" She laughed, clearly delighted by this new discovery.

Dipper could feel his face burning hotter by the second. "I don’t have a crush on him," he muttered again, though even he wasn’t entirely sure if he believed it at this point.

Dipper shot her a glare, but it lacked its usual bite. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he felt like the world was tilting just a little bit out of balance. "I don’t... I mean, it’s not like—"

Mabel’s grin grew wicked as she leaned in closer, practically vibrating with excitement. "You know what this means, right?" she said, her voice dripping with glee. "We’ve gotta set up a situation. Maybe you and Billy should go stargazing tonight. Just the two of you~"

Dipper’s eyes widened in horror. "Mabel, no."

"Oh, yes," Mabel said, nodding eagerly. "We could make it all romantic! I’ll get the blanket, maybe some snacks, and then you can sit under the stars, just you two! You’ll be so close~" She waved her hands dramatically in front of her face, mimicking some kind of dreamy scene. "Who knows? Maybe he’ll even try to hold your hand—"

"MAAABEL!" Dipper’s voice cracked as he practically jumped to his feet, mortified at the thought. "We are not doing that!"

Mabel cackled, clearly enjoying every second of his suffering. "Oh, you’re no fun!" She leaned back on her towel, looking up at the sky with a smirk. "But I am totally scheming something. Just wait, bro. This is going to be epic."

Dipper groaned again, flopping back onto the towel beside her, covering his face with his arm. He had no idea what Mabel was planning, but one thing was for sure: he was in for a long, long summer.

Dipper trudged back to the shack, kicking up dust and trying to ignore the swirling thoughts in his head. His shoulders slumped, and he sighed deeply. Part of him really hoped Mabel would let him be about this whole thing. But he knew his sister far too well—there was no way she'd let it go that easily. He could practically hear her scheming, coming up with some ridiculous plan to embarrass him even more.

—

Hours later, Dipper woke up, staring at the ceiling in the darkness of the attic. He rubbed his tired eyes, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. He knew Mabel would go all out with her matchmaking antics, and he wasn’t sure he could handle that kind of attention. Especially not with Bill.

After a few minutes of staring blankly into the shadows, he made a decision. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, pulling on his hoodie. If he was going to do this, he needed to take control of the situation before Mabel made it ten times worse. He slipped out of the shack, the cool night air wrapping around him as he headed into the woods.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the trees. Dipper walked with purpose, crunching over dried leaves and sticks, his heart racing faster with every step. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say, but one thing was clear: confessing now, on his own terms, would be way less embarrassing than letting Mabel get involved.

Eventually, he reached a clearing, the same spot where they’d hung out earlier that day. He sat down on the soft grass, his thoughts swirling around him. How am I supposed to do this? He ran his fingers through his hair, anxiety creeping up his spine. But he knew he couldn’t back out now.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the clearing. “Pine tree!”

Dipper nearly jumped out of his skin, his heart pounding in his chest as he turned to see Bill standing at the edge of the clearing. He was wearing his usual smirk, the one that was somehow equal parts teasing and charming.

“Why are you out so late? Don’t you humans need sleep or something?” Bill asked, strolling over with a lazy confidence. He raised an eyebrow, studying Dipper with a knowing gleam in his eyes. “Oh, wait. Mabel mentioned something about you getting sleep-deprived when you’ve got a lot on your mind. So, what’s eating you, Pine tree?”

Dipper swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. His pulse quickened, but he forced himself to speak before he lost the nerve entirely. “I, uh… I have something to tell you,” he muttered, his voice a little shaky. “Something I’ve been thinking about.”

Bill tilted his head, his interest clearly piqued. “Oh? Do tell,” he said, leaning closer with a grin that made Dipper’s stomach flip.

Dipper shifted awkwardly on the grass, his heart racing as he avoided Bill’s gaze for a moment. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, but he had to get the words out. He had to say it, or he’d never stop second-guessing himself.

“I… I think I like you,” Dipper finally blurted out, his voice quiet but steady. He looked up at Bill, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation. “Like, really like you. And I know it’s probably weird because you’re… well, you’re you. But I just wanted to tell you before—before Mabel does something crazy and makes it worse.”

For a second, Bill didn’t respond, just staring at Dipper with a curious expression. His yellow eyes glimmered in the moonlight, and Dipper couldn’t tell if he was amused or… something else.

Then, to Dipper’s surprise, Bill’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “Well, well,” Bill said, a light chuckle escaping his lips. “Didn’t see that coming, Pine tree.” He leaned back slightly, folding his arms over his chest as he considered Dipper’s words. “But I gotta say, you humans are full of surprises.”

Dipper’s heart sank for a moment, unsure of where this was going. But before he could spiral into a pit of embarrassment, Bill spoke again, his voice more relaxed, almost gentle. “You know, Pine tree… I kinda like you too,” Bill admitted, his gaze locking with Dipper’s. “You’re fun. A little neurotic, but in a cute way.”

Dipper blinked, taken aback by Bill’s sudden openness. “Wait… really?”

Bill nodded, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Yeah, really. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out with someone who’s constantly trying to figure me out? It’s adorable.” He leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a playful whisper. “So, how about it, Pine tree? Wanna give this boyfriend thing a try?”

Dipper’s face flushed, his mind racing as he processed what Bill had just said. His awkward confession had actually worked. Bill—Bill Cipher—was willing to be his boyfriend. It was almost too surreal to believe.

But then Dipper felt a smile tug at his own lips, a nervous but genuine one. “Yeah,” he said, his voice soft but full of relief. “I think I’d like that.”

Bill’s grin widened, and without missing a beat, he leaned back on the grass, stretching his arms behind his head as if this whole situation was the most casual thing in the world. “Good. ‘Cause I’ve got a lot of time on my hands, Pine tree,” he teased. “And I plan on making this as entertaining as possible.”

Dipper let out a shaky laugh, the tension in his chest finally loosening. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like maybe—just maybe—things were going to be okay.

Bill’s voice cut through the clearing again. “So, now that your mind is clear, are you sleeping in the woods or heading back to the shack?” He grinned, mischievous as ever. “If you do head back, I wouldn’t mind joining you, Pine tree.”

Dipper hesitated for a second, but the warmth in Bill’s voice—oddly genuine, without the usual sarcasm—made him nod. “Yeah, let’s head back. It’s getting late, anyway.”

Bill jumped to his feet, brushing off some dirt from his jeans with a snap of his fingers, a small spark of light dancing in the air. “Lead the way, Pine tree.”

They walked in comfortable silence through the woods, the moonlight filtering between the trees, casting long shadows. Dipper could hear the distant hoots of owls and the rustle of wind through the branches. Bill, oddly enough, seemed quieter than usual, like he was content with the silence for once. No teasing, no cryptic comments—just a calm presence by Dipper’s side.

By the time they reached the shack, Dipper could feel the exhaustion catching up with him. The cool night air had made him shiver slightly, but he felt better having Bill there, even if it was still a little strange to think of him as a boyfriend.

They slipped inside as quietly as possible, careful not to wake anyone. Dipper led the way up the stairs to the attic, feeling the creaky wooden steps underfoot. He turned to Bill, motioning for him to follow. “Come on, we’ll have to be quiet. Mabel’s a heavy sleeper, but if she wakes up, we’re doomed.”

Bill chuckled softly but nodded, following closely behind.

Once they made it to Dipper’s room, they both slipped into bed, Bill’s usual confidence giving way to something more subdued as he lay down beside Dipper. The room was dark, only a sliver of moonlight slipping through the curtains. The quiet stretched on, and neither of them spoke for a long while.

Dipper shifted under the blanket, turning to glance at Bill, who was laying on his back, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Something about the moment felt calm but charged, like the air was thick with unspoken thoughts. After a few beats of silence, Dipper felt a sudden urge, one he didn’t entirely understand, and he acted on it without thinking too much.

He reached out, his arm finding its way around Bill’s waist, and pulled him into a hug, cuddling up against him. Bill’s body stiffened immediately, like he wasn’t sure how to react. His usual easygoing confidence faltered, and Dipper could feel it—Bill was unsure, hesitant even.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the quiet between them feeling heavier. But then, slowly, Bill seemed to relax in Dipper’s arms. His body loosened, and Dipper could feel him adjust slightly, getting more comfortable in the embrace.

Dipper’s face pressed gently against Bill’s shoulder, his fingers resting lightly on Bill’s side. He hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted this—to be close to someone, to feel that warmth. And even though it was Bill, the former demon, it somehow felt right.

Bill, for his part, seemed to be figuring out the concept of physical contact as they lay there. He was still a little awkward, not quite sure where to put his arms, but after a few moments, he managed to drape one arm loosely around Dipper’s shoulders, though it was tentative, almost like he was afraid to fully commit to the gesture.

“Hey, Pine tree,” Bill’s voice was quieter than usual, more reflective, as though the closeness was making him think too much. “I’ll slip out of here before Shooting star wakes up. I wanna see what kind of crazy scheme she’ll come up with tomorrow.” He smirked, his voice carrying that familiar playful tone again, but there was something softer under it.

Dipper chuckled softly, his breath warm against Bill’s skin. “Yeah, that sounds like Mabel.” He paused, then added, “But for now… let’s just stay like this for a while. If that’s okay?”

Bill didn’t say anything right away, but after a beat, Dipper felt him nod, a small, almost imperceptible gesture. “Yeah, Pine tree. That’s okay.”

And so they lay there, the quiet of the attic wrapping around them, Dipper’s arms still securely around Bill as the night drifted on. For the first time in a long while, Dipper felt like he didn’t have to overthink anything—he could just be. Even with Bill Cipher, of all people, by his side.

. .

Two days had passed since Dipper’s late-night confession to Bill, and things had been surprisingly normal—well, as normal as they could be with Bill Cipher hanging around. He didn’t bring up the confession, and neither did Dipper, though there was an unspoken shift between them. The teasing was still there, but it felt lighter somehow. Bill’s presence, while still annoying at times, was becoming something Dipper found himself looking forward to.

Mabel, however, had other plans. Dipper could tell she had been plotting something since she saw how flustered he had gotten around Billy at the lake. Every now and then, she’d drop hints—little comments, side glances, or suspicious smiles. And now, it seemed, she was ready to set whatever plan she’d concocted into motion.

Dipper was sitting on the couch, flipping through one of Ford’s old journals, when Mabel burst into the living room, full of energy as always. "Hey, Dipper! I’ve got a super fun idea for today!” she chirped, bouncing on her toes.

Dipper raised an eyebrow. “Uh, what is it this time?”

Mabel grinned, practically glowing with excitement. “How about a bonding day? You, me, and Billy! I was thinking we could hang out in the attic, play some games, tell secrets, and eat a ton of snacks! It’ll be amazing!”

Dipper squinted at her, immediately suspicious. “Why the attic? And why so specific?”

Mabel waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, come on! It’s cozy, and we haven’t hung out there in a while! Besides, we gotta make sure the attic is extra nice for the summer.”

Dipper sighed but agreed, figuring it was just another one of Mabel’s hyperactive ideas. “Alright, fine. But if this turns out to be one of your weird schemes—”

“It’s not!” Mabel interrupted, her innocent smile a little too innocent. “Just go up there and get things ready. I’ll bring Billy!”

Dipper reluctantly made his way to the attic. He knew something was up, but he didn’t have the energy to argue. Plus, what could Mabel even be planning? He doubted she’d try anything too ridiculous.

After a few minutes of waiting in the attic, Dipper heard footsteps approaching. Mabel’s voice rang out as she pushed the door open. “Here we are! Billy, Dipper—let the bonding begin!”

Billy, as usual, sauntered into the room with his usual casual confidence, hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face. “Well, well, Pine tree. Guess we’re having a little quality time today, huh?” His golden eyes gleamed with amusement.

Before Dipper could respond, Mabel skipped over to the door. “Okay, you guys have fun! I’ll go get some snacks.” She winked at Dipper, then, in one swift motion, she slammed the attic door shut with a loud click.

Dipper blinked. “Wait—Mabel, what are you—”

He rushed over to the door and jiggled the handle. It didn’t budge.

“Mabel!” he shouted, pounding on the door. “Let us out!”

From the other side of the door, Mabel’s voice chimed in, sounding way too pleased with herself. “Sorry, bro-bro! You and Billy need some alone time! I’ll be back in an hour… or two… maybe three. Have fun!” Her footsteps faded down the stairs, leaving Dipper and Billy locked in the attic.

Dipper’s face flushed with frustration, though there was a hint of embarrassment too. “Ugh, Mabel…” he muttered, leaning his head against the door.

Billy, meanwhile, looked thoroughly amused. He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall with that familiar smirk plastered on his face. “Well, looks like we’re stuck here together, Pine tree. Gotta say, your sister’s got quite the sense of humor.”

Dipper glared at him. “Yeah, hilarious. She’s probably thinking this will, I don’t know, force us to bond or something.”

Billy chuckled, stepping closer. “Maybe that’s exactly what she’s hoping for.” He gave Dipper a playful nudge. “So, got any bonding activities in mind?”

Dipper rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t start.”

Bill shrugged, flopping onto Dipper’s bed and kicking his feet up like he owned the place. “Come on, Pine tree. We’ve got time to kill. Might as well make the best of it.”

Dipper hesitated for a moment but eventually sat down on the edge of the bed, shaking his head. “You know Mabel’s gonna tease me about this for the next year, right?”

Bill’s grin widened. “Oh, I wouldn’t doubt it for a second. But, hey, look at the bright side—we’ve got some uninterrupted time together. Maybe that’s what you secretly wanted, huh?”

Dipper’s face flushed again. He shoved Bill’s leg lightly. “Shut up.”

The teasing continued, but the atmosphere between them was lighter than it had been before. Despite the situation—and Mabel’s meddling—Dipper found himself oddly at ease.

They had been talking for what felt like hours, discussing everything from the weirdness of Gravity Falls to the mysteries Dipper had encountered, when Bill’s grin turned sly. He leaned a little closer to Dipper, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “Pine tree, I have an idea,” Bill began, voice low and teasing.

Dipper raised an eyebrow, already feeling a sense of dread. "Oh no... What now?"

Bill chuckled, clearly enjoying how on edge Dipper always seemed to be around him. “How about when Shooting Star opens the door, we look like we’re doing something... intimate, let’s say. But, here’s the kicker—we aren’t. It’s all just a play, get it?”

Dipper’s face immediately turned a deep shade of red. “I- what...?! Bill, that’s—" He stammered, trying to find words to express how ridiculous that sounded.

Bill laughed, a sound that was always half-mocking, half-genuine. “Relax, Pine tree. I don’t mean we actually do anything. It’s just for fun—acting, as you humans like to call it. We give her a little show, freak her out, then we both have a good laugh.”

Dipper swallowed hard, his heart racing. “O-okay, but... What exactly do we—”

Before Dipper could even finish his sentence, Bill moved fast. In one swift motion, he darted toward Dipper, pinning him down on the bed, his hands pressing into Dipper’s shoulders. Their faces were inches apart, and Dipper felt a strange mix of panic and disbelief. Bill’s breath was hot on his neck as he whispered, “She’s coming. I hear her footsteps.”

Dipper froze, unsure of what to do or how to react. His mind screamed at him to push Bill off, but he knew Mabel wouldn’t fall for it if it looked like he was resisting. He forced himself to relax, though his heart was pounding so hard he thought Bill might be able to hear it.

Bill shifted slightly, leaning in closer, almost too close. His lips brushed Dipper’s ear as he whispered, “Play along, Pine tree. It’s just a game.”

Dipper could barely breathe, his whole body tense despite his attempt to look casual. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, forcing himself to focus. It’s just Bill. It’s just for Mabel. Just pretend.

A second later, the door creaked open.

“Mabel, what—” Dipper’s voice faltered as Mabel stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes wide, taking in the scene before her.

There they were—Bill hovering over Dipper, his body pinning him to the bed, one hand pressed firmly against Dipper’s chest, while Dipper lay underneath, flushed and clearly trying to remain composed. From Mabel’s perspective, it looked exactly like what Bill had intended.

Her mouth dropped open in shock. “Wha—what the heck are you guys doing?!”

Dipper opened his mouth to explain, but Bill beat him to it, grinning wickedly. “Oh, you know, just... bonding.”

Mabel’s face turned bright red, a mix of embarrassment and confusion as she tried to process the scene in front of her. “Dipper! You didn’t— I mean, I didn’t think you guys were—what?!”

Dipper finally managed to push Bill off him, sitting up quickly. “Mabel, it’s not what it looks like! We were just—”

Bill cut in, laughing. “Oh, come on, Mabel! Don’t be so shocked. We were just messing with you.”

Mabel blinked, staring at them both. “Wait... what?”

Bill leaned back against the bedframe, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “You should’ve seen your face. Classic.” He gave Dipper a wink, as if to say, mission accomplished.

Dipper, still trying to cool the heat in his face, glared at Bill. “Yeah, thanks for that,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Mabel stared between them for a moment longer, then realization dawned on her. “Oh my gosh... You guys were messing with me!” She let out an exaggerated groan, slapping a hand to her forehead. “I can’t believe I fell for that!”

Bill grinned wider, clearly enjoying every second of the chaos he’d caused. “Told you it would be fun, Pine tree.”

Dipper gave him a look that said I’m going to get you back for this, but despite his irritation, there was a small part of him that had to admit—Bill had pulled it off perfectly.

Mabel, now over her initial shock, pointed a finger at both of them. “You guys are the worst! I was literally about to plan a whole intervention because I thought something was going on between you two!” She stomped her foot, half-serious, half-laughing.

Dipper groaned, rubbing his temples. “Great, just what I needed—another one of Mabel’s elaborate plans.”

Bill leaned back, hands behind his head, looking thoroughly satisfied. “Hey, at least you learned something today: you’re a pretty good actor, Pine tree.”

Mabel crossed her arms and huffed, though the corners of her mouth twitched up in a grin. “Fine, fine, you got me good. But I’m gonna get you guys back. Just wait.”

As she turned to leave the room, Dipper shot Bill a look, his voice low. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Bill’s grin didn’t falter. “And yet, you still like having me around, don’t you?” He gave Dipper a playful nudge, that mischievous glint never leaving his eyes.

Dipper huffed, though there was no real bite to his words. “Yeah, yeah… whatever.”

Mabel returned a few minutes later, a slightly exasperated look on her face. She stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, clearly trying to process what had just happened. “So, you’re telling me I tried to get you two together, and instead, you prank me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bill, still lounging casually on the bed, burst into laughter. “Oh, Shooting Star, you’re adorable! But here’s the thing: we were already together. Bit late on the matchmaking,” he teased, a grin plastered on his face.

Mabel blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. “Wait... what?” Her gaze darted between the two of them, as if searching for confirmation. “Since when?!”

Dipper rubbed the back of his neck, his face heating up again. “Uh, last night,” he admitted, his voice quiet but steady.

Mabel’s jaw dropped, her usual energetic demeanor momentarily stunned into silence. “You’re kidding, right?!” she exclaimed. “I mean, I knew something was up, but I didn’t think... You two actually got together?!”

Dipper nodded sheepishly, not sure how else to explain it. “Yeah... I guess we did.”

Mabel’s expression shifted from shock to excitement almost instantly. “Oh my gosh, this is so amazing! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” She hopped onto the bed beside them, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So, how did it happen? Who confessed first? What did you say? I need all the details!”

Before Dipper could answer, Bill chimed in with a smirk. “Well, it wasn’t exactly the most romantic confession, if I’m being honest. Pine tree here was all awkward and stuttering, but it was kind of cute.” He shot Dipper a teasing look, which earned him a playful shove.

Dipper rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, okay, I was nervous. It’s not like this is a normal situation, Mabel.”

Mabel giggled, leaning in closer. “I knew you had a soft spot for him, Dipper. I could just tell by the way you’d get all flustered when he was around. And Billy, you’ve been acting all clingy lately. It was just a matter of time before something happened.”

Bill winked at her. “What can I say? Pine tree’s growing on me.”

Just as Mabel was about to launch into more questions, Ford's voice echoed from the hallway. “Dipper? I overheard something about you and... Billy?”

Dipper froze, his heart skipping a beat. Ford. Of course. The last thing he needed was Ford prying into this, especially since he still didn’t know the truth about Billy’s real identity.

Bill straightened up, his playful demeanor slipping slightly as he stood. “Well, that’s my cue to leave, Pine tree. Don’t want to deal with the serious talk.” He gave Dipper a quick nod and strolled out of the room, hands in his pockets like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Ford stepped in just as Bill was leaving, watching him carefully as he passed by. Once the door shut behind him, Ford turned his full attention to Dipper, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Dipper," he began, his voice soft but serious, "is there something I should know about your relationship with Billy? You’ve been spending a lot of time together lately.”

Dipper felt a lump form in his throat, trying to keep his expression neutral. “Uh, yeah... we’re kind of... dating now.”

Ford’s eyes narrowed slightly, though not in anger—more in confusion. “I see,” he said slowly, as if processing the information. “It’s just... Billy is an unknown variable, Dipper. We don’t know where he came from, his history, or what his true intentions might be. He could be from another dimension or—” Ford paused, as though considering the weight of his next words, “—he could be something else entirely.”

Dipper’s stomach twisted at the implication, but he quickly masked his unease. “I know you’re worried, but he’s... he’s not a threat, Ford. I promise. He’s just... different.”

Ford crossed his arms, still skeptical. “You seem convinced of that. But I’m not so sure. Billy’s behavior, his knowledge of things he shouldn’t know, it’s all... concerning. I don’t want to see you get hurt or manipulated.”

Dipper sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I get it, Ford. I really do. But I trust him. He’s changed.”

Ford’s eyes softened a little, but the concern remained. “Just be careful, Dipper. Relationships—especially with people we don’t fully understand—can be complicated. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to come to me. I’ll always have your back.”

Dipper nodded, grateful for Ford’s support, even if he couldn’t be completely honest with him. “Thanks, Ford. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ford gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the room, and Dipper sat back on the bed, exhaling deeply. He knew that keeping Bill’s secret was risky, but for now, he had to trust that things would work out.

.

.

.

.

About a month had passed, and things had settled into a strange sort of normalcy at the Mystery Shack. Bill, now almost always in his human guise as Billy, had become a regular part of their lives, particularly Dipper’s. Despite Ford’s lingering suspicions, Dipper seemed happy, and Mabel had grown used to teasing them both. Yet, Ford could never fully shake the uneasy feeling in his gut.

It was late one night when Ford was taking a solitary walk through the woods, thinking through one of his experiments, when he saw something strange up ahead in a small clearing. He approached cautiously, his senses heightened as he squinted through the trees.

That’s when he saw it.

A floating, glowing triangle hovered in the air for just a brief second. Its single eye blinked, scanning the surroundings as if caught off guard. Ford’s breath hitched in his throat. His pulse raced. There was no mistaking it—Bill Cipher.

Before Ford could even fully process what he was seeing, the form flickered and shifted, morphing rapidly into the human figure of Billy, standing casually with his hands in his pockets. He looked around, a faint smirk forming on his lips as though nothing had happened, his posture relaxed.

Ford, hidden behind a nearby tree, stumbled backward slightly, but the sound must’ve alerted Bill, because he turned to face him. The two locked eyes.

For a moment, neither spoke. Ford’s mind raced, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed. Bill raised an eyebrow, then plastered on a charming grin, stepping toward Ford as if the sudden shift in forms hadn’t occurred. “Ah, Six-Fingers,” he said, his voice smooth and disarming, “out for a late-night stroll, huh?”

Ford took a sharp breath, quickly gathering himself as he stepped into the clearing. His eyes narrowed, his heart pounding in his chest. “Don’t play dumb with me, Bill.” He spat the name like venom, his suspicions now confirmed. “I saw you. You reverted back.”

Bill’s smile faltered for a split second but quickly reformed. He tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Reverted? I’m not sure what you mean. Maybe you’re seeing things, old man. It is pretty dark out here.”

But Ford wasn’t buying it. His hands clenched into fists, and he stepped closer, his voice low and seething. “I know what I saw. You’re not Billy... You’re Bill Cipher. You think you can just waltz in here, fool everyone, and manipulate my family?”

Bill’s grin shifted, becoming sharper, more predatory. “Oh come on, Ford. Why so serious? Maybe I am Bill, maybe I’m not. Does it really matter? I’ve been on my best behavior, haven’t I?”

Ford’s mind raced with memories of the nightmare he had faced years ago—the chaos and destruction Bill had nearly unleashed. And now, that same creature was cozying up to Dipper, manipulating him just like Ford had feared.

He took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure, but inside, he was panicking. “Dipper,” Ford muttered, more to himself than to Bill. His chest tightened. He had to protect Dipper. What has Bill been doing to him?

Bill chuckled softly, a sinister glint in his eyes as if he could sense Ford’s fear. “Oh, Dipper’s fine,” he said, waving his hand dismissively. “In fact, he’s more than fine. We’re pretty close now. And he’s not as naive as you think.” Bill’s voice dropped, becoming almost taunting. “He chose me, Ford.”

Ford’s blood ran cold at Bill’s words. He clenched his jaw, his mind racing. “You stay away from him,” he growled, stepping even closer, the protective edge in his voice unmistakable. “I don’t care what kind of game you’re playing, but if you hurt him—”

“Hurt him?” Bill interrupted, his tone dripping with amusement. “I wouldn’t dream of it. You’ve got it all wrong, Ford. I care about Pine Tree. I mean, sure, I might be a former chaos god, but even I can... change.”

Ford’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion deepening. Bill’s words didn’t make sense, not for a being as twisted and manipulative as him. “Change?” Ford scoffed. “You don’t change, Bill. You manipulate. You corrupt.”

Bill shrugged, leaning against a nearby tree, his expression casual yet calculating. “People can surprise you. Maybe even triangles.” He grinned. “But you’re right to be wary. I’m not your average house guest.”

Ford shook his head, unwilling to let Bill worm his way out of this. “You’re not staying here, Bill. I’ll figure out how to expose you for what you are.”

Bill straightened up, his grin fading slightly as he met Ford’s glare head-on. “Good luck with that, Six-Fingers. I’m playing by different rules now.” His tone was eerily calm, even as a sense of threat lingered beneath the surface.

Ford stood there, his heart heavy with dread. He couldn’t let Bill stay close to Dipper, not without warning him first. He’d have to tread carefully, though. If Dipper was truly attached to Bill, this wouldn’t be easy.

Bill’s grin returned as he saw the turmoil in Ford’s eyes. “Well, it’s been fun catching up, but I’ll let you stew in your paranoia. See you around, Ford.” With that, he gave a mocking wave and turned, strolling off into the woods with an air of smug confidence.

As soon as Bill was gone, Ford stood frozen, his mind racing. Dipper had to know the truth—but how would he convince him without causing even more harm?

Ford turned back toward the shack, his steps quickening with urgency. He couldn’t afford to wait any longer. The confrontation was coming, and he had to protect Dipper before it was too late.

Ford raced through the forest, heart pounding in his chest as he made his way back to the Mystery Shack. His mind was spinning. He couldn't believe what he'd just seen. Bill Cipher—here, in human form, playing nice all this time. Dipper was in danger. The whole family was in danger. He had to tell them—had to warn them before it was too late.

Bursting through the door of the Shack, Ford shouted, “Everyone! Get in here, now!” His voice echoed with urgency, startling Stan, who was lounging in his chair, and Soos, who had been fixing something nearby.

“What the heck, Ford?” Stan grumbled, standing up. “What’s got you so wound up?”

Soos looked over with a concerned expression. “Uh, dude? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

Ford ignored them both, turning toward the twins’ room and banging on the door. “Dipper! Mabel! You need to hear this!”

The door creaked open, and Dipper stepped out, Mabel close behind, both of them looking confused and worried by the intensity on Ford’s face. “What’s going on, Ford?” Dipper asked cautiously.

Ford took a deep breath, glancing at all of them before finally blurting it out. “It’s Bill. He’s back—he’s been here this whole time, disguised as that ‘Billy’ character!”

Mabel’s face drained of color. “W-What? Billy? No—he can’t be Bill!” Her voice trembled, her hands gripping her sweater. “He’s been… he’s been nice! He’s my friend.”

Stan’s eyes widened in shock, but his expression quickly hardened. “That little punk? I knew there was something off about him! You’re saying he’s Bill Cipher?” Stan spat, anger building.

Soos blinked, jaw dropping slightly. “Whoa. That’s, like… super bad, right?”

Ford nodded sharply. “I saw him tonight, in the forest. He reverted to his true form for just a second—a floating triangle. There’s no doubt about it. That demon has been right under our noses, pretending to be ‘Billy’.”

Mabel looked shaken, but it was Dipper’s reaction that caught everyone’s attention. He stood there, his face growing pale as guilt flashed across his features. “I… I already knew,” Dipper admitted, his voice soft.

Ford’s eyes widened. “You what?” He took a step toward Dipper, disbelief and anger clear in his tone.

Dipper swallowed hard, glancing at Mabel, Stan, and Soos, who all looked at him with varying levels of shock and confusion. “I’ve known for months,” he said quietly. “Billy is Bill. He told me when I first met him.”

Mabel gasped, taking a step back as her eyes filled with tears. “Dipper, you knew? And you didn’t tell me? You let me be friends with him?!”

Ford clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anger. “You’ve been hiding this from us for months? Dipper, do you have any idea what kind of danger you’ve put us all in? Bill Cipher is a manipulative monster! You’ve seen what he’s capable of.”

Dipper’s heart pounded in his chest. He felt the weight of the room pressing in on him, the judgment from everyone. But he couldn’t keep quiet now. “I know what he did before,” he said, his voice growing stronger. “I remember everything, Ford. But Bill hasn’t done anything harmful since he’s been back. He’s different. He told me he’s trying to change.”

Ford scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Trying to change? He’s a demon! He’s been manipulating you this whole time, Dipper. That’s what he does. You can’t trust a word he says!”

Stan, who had been silent up until now, crossed his arms, his face tight with anger. “Kid, I know you like to see the good in people, but Bill isn’t ‘people.’ He’s dangerous. He nearly wiped us all out once before. You can’t seriously believe he’s turned over a new leaf.”

Mabel, still stunned, whispered, “I thought Billy was my friend... How could you let me hang out with him, knowing who he really is?”

Dipper’s chest tightened with guilt, but he held his ground. “Because I wanted to give him a chance. I’ve been keeping an eye on him this whole time. If he’d done anything, I’d have stopped him. But he hasn’t. He’s been... normal. Even helpful sometimes.”

Ford took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger. “Dipper, you’re too close to this. Bill is playing you. He’s waiting for the right moment to strike, and you’re giving him exactly what he wants—your trust. He’s dangerous, and we need to deal with him before he hurts anyone.”

The room fell into tense silence. Dipper’s heart raced, his mind spinning as he looked at each of them. He knew how they felt, knew how dangerous Bill could be. But he also knew what he’d seen over the past months—Bill, while still obnoxious and arrogant, had shown moments of vulnerability, of real change. Dipper wasn’t sure what to believe anymore.

“I’m not saying we should just ignore what he did in the past,” Dipper said, his voice tight with emotion. “But people—*things*—can change, right? Bill hasn’t done anything since he came back. Maybe he’s telling the truth.”

Ford’s voice was low, his tone like ice. “And maybe you’re underestimating the greatest manipulator in the multiverse.”

The tension in the room was suffocating. Everyone was waiting for Dipper’s response, and he felt torn between his own beliefs and the trust he had in his family.

Dipper took a deep breath. “I’m not saying we should let our guard down. But I think we need to consider the possibility that Bill isn’t the same as before. I don’t want to rush into something we’llregret.”

Ford stared at him, disbelief and frustration clear on his face. “You’re playing with fire, Dipper. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Stan sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, if we’re gonna deal with him, we need a plan. Whether he’s changed or not, I’m not letting that demon walk around free without a leash.”

Mabel, still shaken, wiped her eyes and stood by Dipper’s side, though she still looked confused and hurt. “I just… I need time to process this. Billy—or Bill, whoever he is—I don’t know what to think.”

Soos nodded, trying to be the voice of calm. “Maybe we can all take a step back, dudes. Like, figure out a plan that doesn’t make things worse?”

Ford sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his worry. “We’ll figure something out. But mark my words—Bill Cipher is not to be trusted.”

Dipper sat on his bed, staring blankly at the wall of the shared room he and Mabel had always called their own. His mind was racing, thoughts a chaotic mess as he replayed the confrontation with Ford and the others over and over in his head. His chest felt tight with guilt and uncertainty. Bill was still out there, but the tension between him and his family was weighing even heavier on him.

The door creaked open, and Mabel stepped inside, her face hard to read. She stood in the doorway for a moment, clearly gathering herself before speaking.

"Dipper," she said, her voice quiet but trembling slightly, "we need to talk."

Dipper nodded, sitting up straighter on the bed. He had been expecting this. He could sense her emotions had been building since Ford’s revelation. "Yeah, I know. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just—”

“You lied to me!” Mabel cut him off, her voice suddenly sharp. Her eyes shimmered with emotion, and she took a step closer, arms crossed. “You let me hang out with him, let me think Billy was just some cool new guy, and the whole time you knew he was Bill Cipher! The guy who almost ruined everything!”

“I didn’t lie to you, Mabel!” Dipper protested, standing up now, his own frustration bubbling up. “I just… I didn’t tell you right away because I wanted to give him a chance. I didn’t think he was going to hurt anyone! He hasn’t!”

“You didn’t think?” Mabel’s voice cracked, and tears welled in her eyes. “Dipper, he’s a Bill! He tricked us before, and now you’re falling for it all over again! How could you trust him? How could you let me trust him?”

Dipper felt his heart clench at the pain in her voice, but he couldn’t back down. “Because he hasn’t done anything wrong this time, Mabel! I’ve been watching him. He’s been different. I thought maybe, just maybe, he really has changed. What was I supposed to do, lock him up and pretend he didn’t exist?”

“Yes!” Mabel shouted, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Or at least tell me! I had a right to know!”

“Mabel, I was trying to protect you!” Dipper’s voice rose now, defensive. “I didn’t want you to freak out. I didn’t want you to feel scared of him.”

“Well, you failed!” she shot back, her voice cracking as more tears spilled from her eyes. “You kept something huge from me, Dipper. We’re supposed to be a team! You always tell me stuff. You’re the one person I trust more than anyone in the world, and now… I don’t even know if I can trust you anymore.”

Dipper felt like he’d been punched in the gut. Her words cut deep, and for a moment, he couldn’t find anything to say. Mabel’s hands were trembling, and her breath hitched with suppressed sobs.

“Mabel…” Dipper’s voice softened. He took a step toward her, reaching out instinctively to comfort her, but she stepped back, shaking her head.

“I don’t want your apologies right now,” she whispered, her voice thick with tears. “I just… I can’t do this. I thought I could, but I can’t. It hurts too much. You hurt me, Dipper.”

Her words were like a knife twisting in his heart. “Mabel, please… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought I was doing the right thing. I don’t want you to feel like this.”

Mabel wiped her eyes angrily, her body trembling with emotion. “I need space. I need to be away from all of this—away from you and Billy and… just everything.”

Dipper’s face fell. “What are you saying?”

“I’m going to Pacifica’s for a while,” Mabel said, her voice firm despite the tears. “I need to clear my head. I need to be with someone I can trust right now.”

Dipper’s heart sank even further. He wanted to stop her, wanted to say something that would make everything okay again, but he knew there wasn’t anything he could say to fix this right now. “Mabel… I’m sorry,” was all he could manage, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mabel didn’t respond. She turned on her heel and walked toward the door, wiping away her tears as she went. Just before she left the room, she glanced back at Dipper, her expression a mixture of pain and disappointment. “I’ll be back later.”

And then she was gone, leaving Dipper alone in the room, the silence suffocating as the weight of what had just happened settled over him.

Dipper lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind was still spinning from the fight with Mabel, the hurt in her voice echoing in his head. He felt like he had messed up everything, and now his own sister didn’t trust him. The guilt was overwhelming, a tight knot in his chest making it hard to breathe.

Suddenly, a familiar flicker of yellow light caught his eye, and before he could react, Bill appeared in the room, floating just above the floor. He wore his usual human guise, but there was a concerned look on his face, which was rare for Bill.

“Pine Tree,” Bill said, softly, floating down to sit beside Dipper on the bed. “What’s got you all twisted up in knots? You look like someone kicked your puppy.”

Dipper sighed, not really in the mood to explain, but knowing Bill wasn’t going to leave him alone until he did. “I had a fight with Mabel,” he mumbled, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “I messed up, Bill. She’s mad at me… and I don’t know how to fix it.”

Bill’s eyes flickered with something Dipper couldn’t quite read, but then he leaned down and pulled Dipper into a hug. It wasn’t something Bill usually did, and Dipper was caught off guard by how natural it felt. Despite everything, the warmth of Bill’s arms around him was comforting.

“Well, you know, I’m not great with emotions, but hey, I’m here, aren’t I?” Bill said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “She’ll come around, Pine Tree. You just need to give her time.”

Before Dipper could respond, the door to the room burst open. Stan, who had been coming to check on Dipper after everything that had happened, froze in the doorway when he saw Bill holding his nephew. His face twisted into a look of pure alarm and rage.

“What the heck is going on here?” Stan shouted, rushing forward and grabbing Dipper by the arm, yanking him away from Bill. “Get away from him, you demon!”

Bill’s face shifted to indignation, his usual smirk replaced by a sharp glare. “Hey, old man, I was comforting him, not doing whatever creepy thing you’re imagining!”

“Yeah, right,” Stan growled, his grip tightening on Dipper as he pulled him protectively behind him. “You’re a demon. I’m sure you were doing something to him when I came in.”

Dipper, still dazed from being pulled away so quickly, stumbled but managed to steady himself. “Stan, stop! He wasn’t doing anything. I-I was upset about Mabel, and he was just… comforting me.”

Stan didn’t seem to be convinced. “Ford! Get in here!” he yelled over his shoulder.

In a matter of seconds, Ford rushed into the room, armed with one of his weapons, ready to deal with the situation. His eyes immediately locked on Bill, and his grip on the weapon tightened.

“Dipper, get away from him,” Ford commanded, his voice tense.

“No, wait!” Dipper stepped between Bill and his great-uncles, holding his hands out defensively. “He’s not doing anything! Bill’s weak, his powers are almost completely gone. He hasn’t hurt anyone!”

Stan and Ford exchanged skeptical glances, but Ford kept his weapon raised. “Dipper, you don’t understand. Bill is manipulative, dangerous. He could be tricking you.”

Dipper’s heart pounded in his chest. “I know that! But I’m not being tricked. He’s not the same as before. He’s been—” He hesitated, feeling the weight of his next words. “He’s been helping me. I’m not saying I trust him completely, but… he’s different now.”

Ford’s eyes narrowed, and he approached slowly, his eyes flickering between Dipper and Bill. “We can’t take that risk, Dipper. We have to be cautious.”

Stan pointed accusingly at Bill. “You’re telling me this guy, who almost destroyed the world, is just hanging around for fun? I don’t buy it.”

Dipper shook his head, desperate to make them understand. “I swear, he hasn’t done anything. He was just comforting me because I fought with Mabel.”

Ford’s eyes softened slightly, and he lowered his weapon, stepping closer to Dipper. “Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice softer now, filled with concern.

Dipper shook his head again. “No, I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. He didn’t do anything.”

Ford still looked uneasy, but he reached out and gently inspected Dipper, checking for any signs of injury. He even lifted Dipper’s arms and patted him down, his face tense with worry. But when he found nothing, his shoulders relaxed slightly.

“All right,” Ford finally said, stepping back. “But Bill needs to leave. We can’t take chances.”

Bill, still sitting on the edge of the bed, rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh, fine, fine. I get it. The paranoid family doesn’t trust me. Shocking.” He stood up, brushing himself off before glancing back at Dipper with a half-smile. “I’ll see you later, Pine Tree.”

He winked and disappeared in a flicker of light, leaving the room in tense silence.

Ford let out a breath and placed a hand on Dipper’s shoulder. “Dipper, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but this is dangerous. You can’t get close to him.”

Dipper nodded slowly, though the knot in his chest hadn’t disappeared. “I know, Ford. I’ll be careful.”

Stan grumbled something under his breath before stepping back toward the door. “Just don’t do anything stupid, kid.”

As Stan left the room, Ford gave Dipper one last concerned look before following. “Get some sleep, Dipper. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Dipper nodded again, watching as Ford closed the door softly behind him. He crawled back into bed, his heart still racing from the confrontation. He felt drained, emotionally and physically, but the one thing he couldn’t shake was the lingering warmth from Bill’s hug—something that, against all odds, had brought him a strange sense of comfort.

.

The next morning, Bill appeared at the Mystery Shack again, his usual smirk plastered on his face as he casually strolled inside. He had barely made it through the door when Mabel, who had been waiting, intercepted him. Her arms were crossed, her expression a mix of suspicion and frustration. She had been stewing ever since finding out that her brother had been hiding Bill’s true identity.

“Well, well, well,” Mabel said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “If it isn’t Billy, or should I say, Bill Cipher.”

Bill raised an eyebrow, not at all surprised by the confrontation. “Ah, Shooting Star! Still as quick as ever, I see.” He leaned against the doorframe, that ever-present smugness lingering. “What can I do for you?”

“Cut the act,” Mabel snapped. “Why are you really here? You don’t just change from trying to destroy everything to hanging out with my brother for fun. What’s your angle?”

Dipper appeared behind Mabel, looking uncomfortable but determined to stand by his sister’s side. He knew they needed answers. Ford and Stan were both nearby too, watching the situation unfold with cautious, piercing gazes.

Realizing there was no point in dodging the question any longer, Bill’s smirk faltered. He sighed, a rare sign of actual seriousness crossing his features. “Fine. You want the truth? Here it is.”

He stood up straighter, his expression becoming more thoughtful than usual, but there was still that glint of unpredictability in his eye. “Look, I’m not the all-powerful being I used to be. After the whole ‘weirdness apocalypse’ fiasco, I lost a lot of my power to get out of being trapped in stone. I’m still Bill, sure, but I’m not the reality-bending god I used to be. My abilities were… severely stripped back after I was defeated. I’m stuck without most of my power and I can’t do much about it.”

Ford narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. “Why should we believe you? You’re a trickster and a liar by nature.”

Bill shrugged. “True. But here’s the thing, old man—I don’t have to be lying. I don’t really care about the things you humans call guilt or morality. But, I’ve lost interest in my old plans. Destroying everything gets boring after a while, and what’s the point when you’ve got no power to do it anyway?”

“So what do you want now?” Mabel demanded, her eyes narrowing. “What’s your new ‘game,’ Bill?”

He chuckled lightly. “You’re not wrong. I do like games. But this time, the stakes are a little different.” His tone shifted, a hint of curiosity in his voice. “Humans are fascinating, you know that? You’ve got emotions—wild, messy things that drive you to do all sorts of things. It’s… intriguing. I’ve been spending time around Pine Tree because I want to understand what that’s like.”

“Emotions?” Mabel repeated, crossing her arms tighter. “You expect us to believe you’re hanging out with Dipper because you’re curious about feelings?”

Bill rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know how it sounds, but I’m not looking to conquer dimensions anymore. I want to learn. Human experiences, emotions, all of it. And I’ve figured out that the destructive chaos I was into before? Not really my style anymore.”

Ford exchanged a skeptical glance with Stan. “And we’re supposed to just… let you stay here? What’s stopping you from turning on us the second you get your powers back?”

Bill spread his hands, almost like he was offering himself up for judgment. “What powers? Look at me! I don’t even know if I’ll get them back!” he repeated, gesturing to his human form. “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t pull off the kind of stunts I used to. Sure, I’ve got a bit of chaos left in me, but nowhere near what I had before.”

The room was silent for a moment, everyone processing what Bill had said. Dipper glanced at Mabel, then at Ford and Stan, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew Bill better than anyone here, and despite everything, he believed him—or at least, believed that Bill had no immediate plans for destruction.

“Okay,” Stan finally said, breaking the silence. “So what’s the plan? Are we just supposed to let Bill stay here, hang out, and hope he doesn’t try to do anything?”

Ford stepped forward, his voice grave. “If he’s telling the truth about his diminished powers, that might buy us some time. But we can’t just trust him.”

“Of course not,” Stan grumbled, still glaring at Bill. “The second he steps out of line, we’re taking him down.”

Bill laughed lightly. “Aw, I love how you guys always assume the worst. Makes me feel right at home.”

Ford, ignoring Bill’s comment, turned to the rest of the group. “Here’s what I propose. Bill can stay in Gravity Falls, but only under strict conditions. He stays in his human form, and he doesn’t cause any trouble—no manipulation, no chaos, no games.”

“And we keep an eye on him,” Stan added firmly. “If he tries anything, we’re ready.”

Dipper nodded slowly. “That sounds fair. But… Bill, if you really want to stick around, you need to prove you’re not the same as before. You can’t just expect us to trust you right away.”

Bill gave a slow, exaggerated bow. “Oh, Pine Tree, trust me, I know. I’m not exactly Mr. Popular here. But fine, deal. I’ll keep the chaos to a minimum.”

Ford didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded in agreement. “We’ll monitor him closely. Any sign of trouble, and we take immediate action.”

Mabel, still looking unsure but sensing the tension lifting, finally let out a sigh. “Okay, but Bill, if you hurt Dipper or anyone here, you’ll regret it.”

Bill placed a hand over his heart, mock sincerity in his voice. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Shooting Star. I’m on my best behavior.”

And with that, the precarious deal was struck. Bill could stay, but he’d be under constant watch, and the second he showed any signs of reverting to his old self, the Pines family would be ready.

In the days that followed, the group tried to adjust to this new, bizarre reality of having Bill Cipher — or “Billy” as they sometimes still called him — as a part of their lives. It wasn’t easy.

Dipper, ever the optimist, held onto the hope that Bill had truly changed. He spent the most time with Bill, well, as much as he was able to, cautiously watching for any signs of manipulation but finding himself wanting to believe that the demon was genuine in his desire to experience human life. Bill’s odd sense of humor and cryptic advice often left Dipper second-guessing everything, but they also shared a strange camaraderie, one that Dipper hadn’t fully expected. He tried to keep the peace between Bill and the rest of the family, though it was exhausting at times.

Mabel, on the other hand, was torn. She liked Billy, the human persona who was funny, playful, and sometimes even helpful. But every time she looked at him, she couldn’t shake the thought that he was still Bill Cipher, the demon who had once tried to destroy her world. She didn’t want to admit it, but deep down, the whole situation made her feel uneasy. How could she let herself enjoy his company when she knew what he was capable of? She tried to keep her distance, but sometimes she’d catch herself laughing at one of his bizarre jokes, or asking him for advice when things with Pacifica got complicated. It confused her, and the conflict between her instincts and her feelings gnawed at her.

Ford was, as expected, always suspicious. He had made it clear from the beginning that he didn’t trust Bill — not one bit. Ford worked day and night in his lab, building new devices to monitor Bill’s energy levels, hoping to detect any fluctuations that might signal a return of his lost powers. He rarely let Bill out of his sight, studying him intently during every interaction, looking for any sign that Bill’s true motives were far darker than they appeared.

Stan, ever the gruff enforcer, took on the role of keeping Bill in check. He wasn’t as scientifically inclined as Ford, but he didn’t need to be. Stan was ready to throw Bill out on his face the moment he stepped out of line. “I’ll believe he’s changed when pigs fly,” Stan would mutter whenever Bill would wander in, making himself at home in the shack. But despite his bluster, Stan kept a sharp eye on Bill, ensuring he never got too comfortable.

Life had become a strange balancing act. The Pines family was constantly on edge, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while the presence of their former enemy lurked among them. Bill, of course, was fully aware of the tension he caused, and he played into it with his usual flair. He had a knack for inserting himself into the group’s daily activities, his chaotic energy always making things unpredictable.

During a particularly lazy afternoon, the group sat together in the living room. Bill was lounging on the couch, Dipper beside him, flipping through a book of cryptozoology. Mabel was nearby, attempting to craft something while keeping a cautious eye on Bill. Stan was reading a newspaper, and Ford was tinkering with one of his new devices in the corner.

“Pine Tree, you might want to check out the chapter on dream-based creatures,” Bill said, glancing over at Dipper. “Might give you some insight into your sleep troubles. Or, y’know, drive you insane. Either way, fun read!”

Dipper raised an eyebrow. “I’ll take that under advisement,” he said, a bit dryly, but he couldn’t help a small smile. Bill’s advice, however cryptic, sometimes turned out to be useful — in ways that didn’t always make sense until later.

Mabel glanced over. “So, uh, Billy… I know you don’t sleep but are you able to still, like, dream? Or is that not a thing for you?” she asked, trying to keep her tone casual despite her lingering discomfort.

Bill grinned at her. “Oh, I dream, Shooting Star. But let’s just say my dreams are… on another level. Cosmic, you might call them. Reality-warping, mind-bending, oh-so-fun visions of chaos. But these days?” He waved his hand dismissively. “They’re more like reruns. Not as much oomph in watching chaos without all that power.”

Mabel shivered slightly. “That’s… comforting,” she muttered, then went back to her crafting.

Ford watched the interaction closely, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll remind you, Cipher,” he said, his voice low, “that you’re under constant surveillance. One slip, and we won’t hesitate to act.”

Bill gave a mock salute. “Oh, I know, Sixer. Don’t worry your big ol’ brain about me. I’m just here for the human experience, after all. You can monitor me all you like.”

Despite the uneasy atmosphere, Bill continued to worm his way into the group’s routine. He wasn’t exactly a model citizen, but he hadn’t done anything dangerous, at least not yet. He’d offer strange pieces of advice to Dipper — often cryptic or half-maddening — but occasionally helpful in solving a problem. He’d tease Mabel about her past summer crushes, though there was a certain respect in how he didn’t cross the line. And even Stan, as much as he disliked Bill, found himself begrudgingly allowing Bill to stick around during poker nights, if only to keep him where they could see him.

Ford, though, remained ever suspicious. He spent countless hours pouring over his data, trying to predict if and when Bill’s power might return. Despite Bill’s claims of being weakened, Ford could never shake the feeling that they were all part of a long, elaborate game.

Bill, meanwhile, continued to ride the line between ally and enigma, keeping everyone just uneasy enough. He was a wild card — charming, unnerving, and impossible to fully predict. Whether he was truly harmless now, or simply biding his time, remained a question no one could yet answer.

.

One night, Dipper wandered out to the lake, seeking solitude. The moon cast a silvery glow on the water, and the soft rustling of the trees provided a rare sense of calm. It had been a while since he had any real alone time, away from the constant surveillance, the questions, the tension in the shack. He slipped off his shoes and socks, letting his feet dangle in the cool water, the ripples spreading outward in small, concentric circles. The cool air felt refreshing against his skin, and for a moment, he closed his eyes, breathing in the quiet night air.

“Pine Tree?” Bill’s familiar voice broke the silence, but Dipper didn’t turn to look. He didn’t have to. He knew that tone, the way Bill spoke his nickname, laced with something almost affectionate.

“Hey, Bill,” Dipper replied softly, not moving from his spot.

Bill appeared beside him, plopping down next to Dipper with an ease that made it seem like he belonged there. He placed a hand on Dipper’s shoulder, rubbing it gently in an attempt to soothe him. It was rare for Bill to be so quiet and calm, but in moments like this, Dipper could sense the subtle shift in him. Maybe it was his way of trying to be a partner in his own strange way.

“Man, feels like ages since we were actually alone,” Bill murmured, his voice softer than usual, lacking its usual sharp edge. “Did you come here to take a breather?”

Dipper didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he rested his head on Bill’s shoulder, the warmth from Bill’s body mixing with the cool air of the night. There was something comforting about the weight of Bill’s arm around him, something he hadn’t expected when they first got together. Bill wasn’t just a source of chaos anymore; he was a strange form of comfort, a presence Dipper had grown used to.

Bill didn’t speak either. He just wrapped his arm more securely around Dipper, holding him close, as if offering him silent reassurance. It was so unlike the old Bill — the chaotic demon who thrived on manipulation and destruction. This Bill, though still unpredictable, seemed to understand Dipper in ways that even his family didn’t.

After a while, Bill broke the silence again. “I get that your family’s trying to ‘protect’ you,” he said, making air quotes with his fingers. “Keeping an eye on me, keeping you away from me. But it’s gotta be taking a toll on you, right? You look… stressed or something. What do you humans call it? Anxiety? Tension?” He paused for a moment, then added, “You want me to do something about it? Maybe mess with their heads a little, make them chill out?”

Dipper let out a small laugh, one that was more tired than amused. “Yeah, I wish it were that easy. I get why they’re so on edge, though. I mean, it is you, Bill. They just don’t trust you, and I don’t think they ever will. But… I wish they’d ease up a little. I just want more time with you. Uninterrupted.”

Bill shifted slightly, his grip on Dipper tightening just a bit. Dipper could feel the weight of Bill’s gaze on him, even though he kept his eyes on the water. “I never thought my first relationship would be like this,” Dipper admitted, his voice quieter now.

Bill let out a low chuckle, but there was no mockery in it. “Yeah, you and me both, Pine Tree. Never thought I’d be in a ‘relationship’ at all. Especially not with a human.”

Dipper pressed his head harder into Bill’s shoulder, the reality of it all sinking in. It was weird, unconventional, and downright dangerous, but it was his reality now. Bill’s presence, as strange as it was, had become something Dipper needed — not in the way he needed his family or friends, but in a way that felt just as important. There was something in Bill’s chaos that made Dipper feel… seen, understood.

“Do you ever… think this could get better?” Dipper asked softly, almost hesitantly. He wasn’t sure why he asked. Maybe it was the late hour, or the vulnerability that came with being alone with Bill under the stars. “Like, do you think we’ll ever get past this point where my family isn’t constantly breathing down our necks?”

Bill tilted his head, pondering the question for a moment. “Who knows, Pine Tree. Humans are unpredictable. But…” He smirked, his voice dipping into that familiar mischievous tone. “I wouldn’t mind sticking around to see what happens. Maybe they’ll come around. Maybe they won’t. Either way, we’ll figure it out. Together.”

Dipper smiled faintly, feeling some of the weight lift off his shoulders, even if just a little. “Yeah. Together.”

Dipper slowly lifted his head from Bill’s shoulder and turned to meet his gaze, his heart racing in his chest. Bill still wore that casual, smug expression — though it was softer now, more subdued. There was something different in his eyes tonight, something Dipper couldn’t quite place. He hadn’t realized it before, but as Bill smiled slightly, his lips curling up just a bit, Dipper noticed the sharp points of Bill’s fangs. They weren’t overly prominent, but they were there, just peeking out when he grinned. It sent a shiver through him, reminding him that no matter how human Bill looked, he was still something otherworldly.

Dipper hesitated for a second, his thoughts swirling, unsure of what he was about to do. But then, he took a deep breath and leaned in. His lips gently pressed against Bill’s in a tentative, cautious kiss. It was soft, hesitant — a quiet exploration of something new. He didn’t know how Bill would react, but he felt like he needed to do it.

Bill stiffened for a moment, his body going rigid with surprise. His initial reaction was almost comical, his eyes widening in shock. But then, just as quickly, he relaxed, his body melting into Dipper’s. He let out a small, almost inaudible sigh before his hands moved, cautiously wrapping around Dipper. One hand rested on Dipper’s back, the other moved to the back of his head, fingers threading gently through his hair. There was something tentative in the way Bill touched him, as if he was unsure of his movements but willing to follow Dipper's lead.

The kiss deepened as Bill grew more confident, his lips pressing a bit more firmly against Dipper’s. Dipper felt the slight shift — Bill’s careful hesitation giving way to something more assured. It was still gentle, but now there was a warmth behind it, an emotion that Dipper couldn’t quite identify. His heart fluttered, his thoughts becoming a hazy blur as Bill’s touch grounded him in the moment.

Dipper’s hands found their way to Bill’s chest, resting there for support as the kiss lingered. Time seemed to stretch out, the quiet sounds of the forest and the lake fading into the background. It was just the two of them, caught in this strange, intimate moment that neither of them had expected.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing a little heavier. Dipper opened his eyes, searching Bill’s face for a reaction. Bill looked as if he was processing something deeply, his golden eyes blinking as if trying to make sense of what had just happened. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a look of genuine surprise and, oddly enough, contentment.

Bill let out a low chuckle, but it wasn’t his usual mocking laugh. It was softer, almost... uncertain. “Well, that felt... odd,” he admitted, his voice unusually quiet. He tilted his head, his gaze flickering over Dipper’s face as if trying to understand the new sensations running through him. “But... really nice. Yeah, that was nice.”

Dipper couldn’t help but smile, his nerves slowly settling. Bill’s reaction wasn’t what he expected — it was better. There was no teasing, no smug remarks. Just a strange, quiet honesty that made Dipper feel closer to him than ever before.

“Yeah,” Dipper whispered, his voice still shaky from the adrenaline. “It was.”

Bill’s fingers stayed where they were, gently resting on the back of Dipper’s head, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Dipper leaned back against him, the two of them sitting in a comfortable silence by the lake, their breathing eventually falling into sync.

Whatever this was between them, it was complicated, confusing, and probably dangerous. But at that moment, it felt right.

.

“Pine tree.”

Dipper blinked his eyes open slowly, his brain foggy from sleep. It was day. He squinted against the sunlight filtering through the trees and froze when he realized he wasn’t in his bed, but still at the lake. Worse yet, he was still wrapped up in Bill’s arms. He stiffened, the sudden reality of the situation crashing over him. He’d fallen asleep — in Bill’s arms.

“You fell asleep, Pine tree,” Bill said, his voice lazy, like he had all the time in the world. “And I think Shooting Star and Six Fingers are looking for you. I keep hearing them.” Dipper could hear the faint sound of voices calling out in the distance, though they were still far enough away. He groaned and closed his eyes, willing the world to just stop for a second.

“I really don’t want to deal with them,” Dipper muttered, feeling his face heat up with embarrassment. Falling asleep by the lake with Bill was one thing, but getting caught? That was something else entirely.

Bill chuckled, the sound low and amused. “Yeah, I bet. But you know they won’t let up. It’s only a matter of time before they stumble upon us.”

Dipper sighed deeply and laid back down, his head resting in the crook of Bill’s arm. He knew he should probably get up, face the music, but part of him wanted to stay there just a little longer. This — being with Bill like this — it felt weirdly comfortable, even if the rest of his family would flip out if they found them. Bill stayed sitting up, watching Dipper with a half-smile, not saying anything for once.

The peaceful moment, however, didn’t last.

“Dipper!”

The voice was close — too close. Dipper bolted upright just as Ford came into view, his eyes narrowing instantly as he took in the sight of Dipper sitting by the lake with Bill, still tangled up in his arms. His expression darkened, suspicion immediately flaring in his eyes.

“Dipper, what the hell is going on here?” Ford’s voice was sharp, his eyes darting between them before locking onto Bill with an intensity that made the air around them feel heavier. “Did you take him into the forest? What did you do to him?”

Dipper’s heart leapt into his throat. He opened his mouth to explain, but Bill was faster. With a dramatic sigh, Bill loosened his grip on Dipper and stood, stretching his arms above his head like this was the most casual situation in the world. “Relax, Six Fingers,” he said with a smirk. “I didn’t drag him out here or anything. I just saw Pine Tree wandering off last night, and I followed him. You know, making sure he didn’t get himself into trouble.”

Ford wasn’t convinced. His fists clenched at his sides, and the distrust radiating from him was palpable. “You expect me to believe you just followed him? You, Bill Cipher, who’s tried to destroy this world before? What exactly did you do to him while you were here?”

Bill raised his hands in mock surrender, his golden eyes flashing mischievously. “Whoa, easy there, Fordsy. I didn’t do anything to your precious little Pine Tree. He was already tired when I found him, so we talked for a bit, and then he conked out. I could’ve left him here, but I’m not as heartless as you think I am.” He glanced over at Dipper, a softer, almost affectionate look crossing his face. “He was fine, just needed some peace and quiet. Something you, Stan, and Shooting Star might want to talk to him about instead of blaming me for every little thing.”

Ford stepped closer, his eyes scanning Dipper, searching for any sign of injury, any excuse to confront Bill further. Dipper stood up, quickly brushing the dirt off his clothes, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew he had to calm Ford down before things escalated. “Ford, I swear, it’s fine,” Dipper said quickly, stepping between them. “I went to the lake on my own. Bill just... found me, I guess. He didn’t do anything. We just talked. And then, I fell asleep.”

Ford’s eyes narrowed, still suspicious, but he didn’t push Bill any further. Instead, his attention shifted to Dipper, concern mixing with his frustration. “Are you sure, Dipper? You know how dangerous Bill can be. You can’t just... trust him.”

“I know,” Dipper said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I’m fine. Really.”

Stan came up behind Ford, having just arrived, his face set in a grim frown. “What the heck’s going on here? I knew you were up to something, kid,” Stan said, glaring directly at Bill. “When I walked in on you the other night, I knew something was off.”

Dipper shook his head, stepping even closer to Bill as if to shield him from the rising tension. “Stan, I promise, Bill was just... comforting me.”

Bill, who had been oddly quiet during the exchange, rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He stood just behind Dipper, looking more annoyed than anything. “Look, old man,” Bill finally said, his voice dripping with mock exasperation. “I’m not interested in starting any drama. I’m just trying to get by in this boring human form. I don’t have my old powers, and I haven’t hurt your precious Pine Tree. So how about you chill out?”

Stan wasn’t having any of it. “Yeah, right. You’re still the same sneaky demon, and I’m not letting my guard down around you.”

Ford, however, took a step back, still watching Dipper with a mix of worry and frustration. He sighed. “We’ll talk more later, Dipper. For now... just get back to the shack. You need rest.” His eyes flicked to Bill, still wary, before turning back to Dipper. “And we’ll figure this out.”

Dipper nodded, feeling the weight of the moment, knowing things weren’t going to get easier any time soon. But for now, he needed to get some space, to think. Without another word, he started walking back toward the shack, Bill following silently behind, the tension between them all thick in the air.

When they got back to the Shack, Dipper felt the familiar heaviness of tension in the air. He knew that if he tried to talk to anyone right now, it would only lead to more questions, more accusations. He wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation. Instead, he quietly retreated to a small corner of the living room with his book, hoping to lose himself in the pages for a little while, even if the words weren’t sinking in.

There was a narrow space between where he sat and the wall, a tiny gap where Bill could just about fit. Not caring about keeping up appearances now, Bill casually sauntered over and slid in behind Dipper. Normally, around the others, Bill and Dipper tried not to show too much affection, knowing it would only draw more ire and concern from everyone. But now, with Ford and Stan busy in the kitchen and the room relatively quiet, Bill settled himself comfortably behind Dipper.

Bill rested his head on Dipper’s shoulder, his golden hair brushing against Dipper’s cheek. Without saying a word, Bill’s hands slipped around Dipper’s waist, holding him securely but gently. The simple act of being close to Bill calmed Dipper in ways he didn’t fully understand. It made everything feel... easier, less overwhelming, like they were the only two people in the world for a brief moment.

The quiet between them stretched on for a while, both of them content to just exist together. Dipper’s eyes drifted over the words in his book, though his focus was more on Bill’s steady breathing against his back. There was something almost peaceful about it — no tricks, no chaos, just... comfort.

But the silence didn’t last forever.

Mabel, who had been sitting across the room watching them for some time, finally got up and moved to sit next to the two. She hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure of what to say. She wrapped her arms around her knees, staring down at the floor before finally speaking.

“So...,” Mabel began, her voice soft but uncertain. “Did you really change?” She looked up at Bill, her eyes searching for something, some sort of sign that everything would be okay. “I mean, you’re Bill Cipher, the same guy who tried to take over the world. And now you’re... here. Acting all normal. How do we know this isn’t just some long game you’re playing?”

Bill’s grip on Dipper’s waist loosened a bit, his usual smug smile faltering for just a moment. He glanced at Dipper, almost as if to ask permission before he answered. Dipper gave him a small nod, signaling it was okay to talk.

With a sigh, Bill leaned his head back against the wall, eyes half-lidded as if he were bored by the question, though there was an underlying seriousness in his tone. “Look, Shooting Star, I’ve already said it before — I’m not the same all-powerful entity I used to be. Do I miss being able to snap my fingers and reshape reality? Sure. But I’ve got different... interests now.” He gave a small, almost wistful chuckle. “Believe it or not, this human thing? It’s actually kinda fascinating.”

Mabel’s brow furrowed, clearly not satisfied with the answer. “Fascinating? That’s it? So you’re just experimenting with us? That’s why you’re hanging around Dipper?”

“No,” Dipper cut in, turning to face Mabel. His voice was steady but firm, as if he had been preparing for this conversation. “It’s not like that, Mabel. I’ve known who he is for a while, and I’ve spent time with him because... because he’s different now.” He paused, searching for the right words. “I’m not saying he’s a completely changed person — or, well, demon — but I’ve seen parts of him that I don’t think anyone else has.”

Mabel stared at Dipper, her eyes wide with disbelief. “But Dipper, he’s Bill Cipher. How can you see anything good in him after everything that happened? After everything he did?”

Dipper sighed, closing his book and setting it aside. “I know. I know who he is, and I know what he’s done. But he’s not just that anymore. I’ve seen him when he’s vulnerable, when he’s... confused about how humans work, about how emotions work. He’s learning, Mabel. He’s not the same person who wanted to destroy everything.”

Bill raised an eyebrow at that, a wry grin forming on his face. “Gee, Pine Tree, didn’t know you thought of me so fondly.”

Mabel, still unconvinced, looked between them, her voice small but pained. “But what if you’re wrong? What if this is just a trick and he’s still playing you? What if you get hurt?”

Dipper turned fully to face Mabel, his eyes softening as he reached out to take her hand. “I know it’s hard to believe, Mabel. And I get why you’re scared. But I don’t think Bill’s tricking me. I’ve seen him when there’s no one else around, when there’s nothing for him to gain. He’s... trying. In his own weird way. And I’m giving him a chance because, deep down, I believe people — or demons — can change.”

Bill was quiet, uncharacteristically so, as he watched the exchange. Mabel chewed her bottom lip, clearly torn. “I just don’t want to lose you, Dipper,” she whispered. “I don’t want him to take you away.”

Dipper squeezed her hand gently. “You’re not going to lose me, Mabel. I’m still your brother. And I’m still the same Dipper. This is just... something I need to figure out.”

Mabel nodded slowly, though it was clear the doubt still lingered in her mind. “Okay,” she whispered. “But I’m still going to keep an eye on you two. Just in case.” She shot Bill a look, one that was equal parts suspicion and curiosity.

Bill smirked. “Wouldn’t expect anything less, Shooting Star.”

As the conversation wound down, the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension still hanging in the air. Mabel, after a few moments, leaned her head on Dipper’s shoulder. It wasn’t perfect, and the trust wasn’t there yet, but it was a start.

Later that night, as Dipper and Mabel were getting ready for bed, there was a gentle knock on the door. Dipper looked up, and sure enough, Bill slipped into the room without hesitation. Ever since last night, Dipper had noticed that Bill had been unusually close to him all day. Not that he minded, but it was like Bill was more... present. There was something different, a shift in the way Bill interacted with him — softer, maybe even a little more careful.

As Dipper finished pulling on his pajama shirt and climbed into bed, he wasn’t surprised when Bill followed, sliding in right beside him. He had gotten used to Bill's presence, and even though they usually kept their closeness under wraps, Mabel was right there. Dipper hesitated for a moment, glancing over at his sister, but to his surprise, Mabel just gave them a small, knowing smile. She didn’t say a word, but that smile was enough. It was her quiet way of showing that she was trying to accept this new reality, even if it still felt strange to her.

Dipper settled back against the pillows, and Bill wasted no time in wrapping his arms around him, pulling him close like he’d been waiting for this all day. The warmth of Bill's body was comforting, and the way Bill’s hands rested gently on Dipper’s back made him feel secure, grounded.

As the room grew quieter, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees outside, Dipper felt a shiver run down his spine when Bill began to trail soft kisses along the side of his neck. Bill’s lips were warm, and each kiss felt deliberate, as if he was savoring the moment. Dipper's breath hitched, and he instinctively rolled over to face Bill, their noses just barely brushing.

“You really like kisses, huh?” Dipper murmured, his voice low and teasing, though there was a warmth in his eyes.

Bill chuckled softly, his golden eyes glinting mischievously in the dim light. “I guess I do,” he replied, his tone smug but affectionate. “But come on, Pine Tree, admit it. You like it too. You wouldn’t be here, wrapped up in me, if you didn’t.”

Dipper’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he couldn’t deny the truth. He gave Bill a sheepish smile, then leaned in closer, resting his forehead against Bill’s. “Okay, fine. I do,” he admitted quietly. “I guess... I like this, being close to you. It’s just—” he paused, trying to find the right words. “It’s different, you know? But in a good way.”

Bill smirked, his fingers gently tracing along Dipper’s spine, sending another small shiver through him. “Different, huh? I’ll take that as a compliment. You’re not exactly used to being this close to a cosmic entity, are you?”

Dipper snorted softly, rolling his eyes. “Yeah, not exactly the relationship I imagined when I thought about dating.”

Bill raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. “Come on, Pine Tree, admit it — dating the most powerful demon in existence has its perks.” His tone was playful, but there was an underlying sincerity there, like he was testing the waters, gauging how Dipper felt about all of this.

Dipper looked at him for a long moment, his expression softening. “I don’t care about the power, Bill,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just... I care about you. I don’t know how else to say it.”

For a brief second, Bill’s playful demeanor faltered, replaced by something more genuine, more vulnerable. He blinked, almost as if he hadn’t expected Dipper to say something like that. But then, his smirk returned, though it was softer now. “You’re too good for me, Pine Tree,” he muttered, pressing another soft kiss to Dipper’s forehead.

Dipper chuckled, his heart warming at the gesture. “Maybe,” he teased back. “But you’re stuck with me now.”

They lay there for a while longer, wrapped up in each other. Bill’s fingers absentmindedly traced patterns along Dipper’s back, and Dipper closed his eyes, letting himself relax into the warmth and safety of Bill’s embrace. For the first time in a long while, it felt like things were settling, like they could have this moment without the world crashing down around them.

Eventually, Dipper felt the soft rhythm of Bill’s breathing slow, signaling that he was drifting off. Dipper glanced over at Mabel, who had long since turned away, curled up under her blankets. He smiled to himself, thankful for the small sign of acceptance she had given him earlier. Maybe things weren’t perfect, but they were getting there.

With a contented sigh, Dipper rested his head against Bill’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “Goodnight, Bill,” he whispered softly, knowing full well that the demon probably wouldn’t sleep much. But it didn’t matter. Bill was here, and for now, that was enough.

“Goodnight, Pine Tree,” Bill murmured in response, his voice barely audible, but there was a warmth in it that made Dipper feel safe. And as the night stretched on, Dipper allowed himself to drift into sleep, comforted by the steady presence of the demon he never thought he could trust, but who had somehow become the one he felt safest with.

.

In the morning, Dipper woke up feeling a little more resolved. The weight of everything — Bill, his family’s constant worry, the strain of trying to balance it all — had been pressing down on him for weeks. As much as he appreciated how much Stan and Ford cared, their constant supervision and suspicions were starting to wear him down. He needed to talk to them, to explain how all of this was affecting him.

After breakfast, Dipper found Stan and Ford in the living room. They were talking in low voices, likely about their latest surveillance plan for Bill, judging by Ford’s scribbles on a notepad. Dipper’s stomach churned with anxiety, but he knew he couldn’t keep avoiding the conversation. He took a deep breath and walked up to them, feeling Bill’s eyes on him from across the room but trying to push the distraction aside.

“Hey, can we talk?” Dipper asked, his voice firm but nervous.

Stan looked up first, raising an eyebrow, while Ford glanced over his notes before setting them down with a sigh. “What’s on your mind, kid?” Stan asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Dipper shuffled his feet before sitting down across from them, trying to gather his thoughts. “It’s about... everything,” he started slowly. “About Bill. About you guys constantly watching over me, breathing down my neck, like you’re waiting for something bad to happen.”

Ford’s brow furrowed, and Stan exchanged a glance with him. “We’re just trying to protect you, Dipper. You know what Bill’s capable of,” Ford said cautiously, his tone defensive.

“I know,” Dipper said, nodding. “But it’s not helping. If anything, it’s making things worse. I feel like I can’t breathe. I’m always on edge, and I’m starting to feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions. You guys want me to stay away from Bill, but I don’t want to. I can’t.”

Stan’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t interrupt, sensing there was more Dipper needed to get out.

“I know who Bill is. I know what he’s done,” Dipper continued, his voice growing steadier. “But I also know who he is now. He’s not the same as before. He’s... different.” He glanced briefly at Bill, who remained leaning against the far wall, arms crossed but unusually quiet. “I’m not saying he’s perfect, and yeah, I get why you don’t trust him. But I do. At least, I’m trying to.”

Ford leaned forward, his face etched with concern. “Dipper, it’s not that simple. Bill Cipher is dangerous. Just because he seems different now doesn’t erase everything he’s done. You can’t expect us to sit back and do nothing.”

Dipper sighed, rubbing his face in frustration. “I’m not asking you to do nothing. I’m just asking for some space. I need time to figure things out without you guys constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for something to go wrong. It’s stressing me out, and I need a break from it. I need time to actually be near Bill without feeling like I’m betraying you or making a mistake.”

Stan let out a long sigh, scratching the back of his neck. “Kid, we’re just trying to keep you safe. You know how I feel about that guy,” he said, nodding in Bill’s direction. “But... I get it. This whole situation’s been tough on you.”

Ford was less convinced, his expression still tight with worry. “Dipper, I’m concerned. What if Bill is just playing the long game, manipulating you without you realizing it?”

Dipper met Ford’s gaze head-on, determination in his eyes. “I’ll tell you if I think anything’s wrong. I’m not blind to who Bill is, and I promise I’ll be careful. But I need to handle this in my own way. You both have to trust me on this.”

There was a long silence as Ford and Stan exchanged another look, their concern palpable. Ford opened his mouth to argue again, but Stan held up a hand, stopping him.

“All right, kid,” Stan finally said, his tone reluctant but understanding. “We’ll back off. Give you some space. But,” he added firmly, “if you even think Bill’s up to something, you tell us immediately. No hesitating. Got it?”

Dipper nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “I will. I promise.”

Ford still looked conflicted, but after a moment, he sighed in resignation. “Fine,” he muttered. “But don’t think we’re going to stop keeping an eye on him entirely. We’ll give you more space, Dipper, but we’re not going to pretend everything’s okay.”

“That’s all I’m asking for,” Dipper said softly.

As the conversation came to a close, Bill finally spoke from the other side of the room, his voice carrying a teasing edge. “Wow, Pine Tree, didn’t know you’d defend me so passionately. I’m touched.”

Dipper rolled his eyes, though there was a small smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t push your luck, Bill.”

Stan shook his head, muttering under his breath as he walked out of the room. “This better not bite us in the ass...”

Ford lingered a moment longer, giving Dipper one last serious look. “Be careful, Dipper,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I will,” Dipper promised, and Ford finally left, though Dipper knew the tension wasn’t completely gone.

As the room emptied, Dipper leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the conversation settle. Bill sauntered over, smirking as he plopped down next to Dipper. “Well, that went better than expected. You actually got them to ease up. Impressive, Pine Tree.”

Dipper shot him a look. “Yeah, well, don’t make me regret it.”

Bill laughed, his eyes gleaming. “No promises.”

[acaplaya-musings]

12 Days Of Christmas writing prompts - Day 1

Title: Snow In Voludera Day 1 – First snow & Getting soaked Fandom: VoicePlay (specifically this is part of my Fantasy AU, and set a couple of months or so after The Dragon In The Castle and Striking A Chord) Warnings (if applicable): N/A Word Count: 3,128

(Story below the Keep Reading cut!)

.

“…SNOWING!!!!”

Geoff awoke to the sound of Cesar’s excited yelling, coming from out in the hallway. He blearily blinked his eyes open and saw that Kathy was waking up as well, wriggling a little bit as she lay in his arms.

“Seems like someone’s excited,” said Kathy quietly to Geoff.

“Can’t imagine why,” remarked Geoff drily, but then he smiled. “Good morning, by the way.”

Kathy smiled back and moved closer to kiss him, but she was interrupted by the bedroom door being flung open.

“GUYS!!! It’s snowing outside!” cried Cesar from the doorway.

Geoff turned his face to the direction of the doorway, but didn’t sit up. “Cesar, would you mind knocking first?” he asked.

���Sorry, sorry,” said Cesar, “but Geoff, it’s the first snow since you became human! Aren’t you excited?”

Geoff lifted his head up from the pillow. “I’m sure it’s much the same as all the snow I saw as a dragon: cold, white, and did I mention cold?”

Cesar rolled his eyes. “Well obviously you don’t know what you’ve been missing out on! And besides, there’s also the Winter Festival!”

“Winter Festival?” Geoff repeated. Then he held up a hand before Cesar could respond. “Wait, no, Cesar, could you tell us about it once we’ve actually gotten out of bed, please?”

“Okay, I’ll meet you down at the dining table. Don’t be long!” Cesar replied. And with that, he left.

Geoff slumped back down and sighed. “Guess there’s no chance of us getting breakfast in bed this morning, then?” he said.

Kathy laughed. “I’m afraid not,” she replied, smiling. “Another time, perhaps.” She gave Geoff a quick kiss, and then moved to get out of bed. “We better not keep Cesar waiting for too long!”

-----------------------------------------

Layne, Eli, and Cesar were all at the dining table already when Geoff and Kathy arrived downstairs.

“Breakfast will be ready in a couple of minutes,” said Cesar. “The sooner we finish eating, the sooner we can go outside!”

“Whoa, what’s the hurry?” Geoff asked. “And go ‘outside’ where exactly?”

Cesar shrugged. “Just the Castle grounds, probably. Layne, Eli, and I always spend some time enjoying the first snowfall of the season, and it’s always best to do so in the morning, before the sun gets too high in the sky!”

Geoff raised an eyebrow. “Enjoying? What much is there to ‘enjoy’?” he asked incredulously.

Cesar gaped at him. “Don’t you have any books in your library that even mention it at all?” Geoff shrugged nonchalantly. “Well anyway, it can be super fun, I promise! You can go sledding, and make snowmen, and perhaps even have a bit of competition between friends?”

Well, Geoff certainly did enjoy a bit of a challenge from time to time. He turned his attention to Layne and Eli, seeking their input.

"The cold really isn’t so bad once you’re wearing enough warm clothing,” said Eli, “and you don’t have to stay outside any longer than you’re okay with.”

Geoff smiled. “Alright fine, I might as well see what all the fuss is about,” he said. “Kath? You gonna join in as well?”

Kathy shook her head. “I think I’ll sit this one out if you don’t mind,” she replied, “but I’ll make sure there are hot drinks waiting for you all when you come back inside.”

------------------------------------------

After breakfast, Kathy helped Geoff get dressed in their bedroom.

“Am I wearing enough layers yet?” Geoff asked with mild sarcasm. “I can barely touch my hands to my sides!”

“Good, it means you’ll stay nice and warm,” Kathy replied, doing up the fastenings on Geoff’s overcoat.

“I’d also be nice and warm if I just stayed inside.” Geoff placed a gloved hand on Kathy’s cheek. “We could go to the library, cuddle up with a blanket and a good book…”

Kathy removed Geoff’s hand from her face and rolled her eyes fondly. “Maybe later this afternoon,” she replied. She threw a scarf around Geoff’s neck and used it to pull him down towards her so she could kiss him. “Go have fun with the others, I’ll be here when you return.”

-----------------------------------------

Cesar had donned a maroon hooded cloak, while Layne and Eli were in matching dusty blue coats with wool-lined hoods.

“Nice coats,” said Geoff, raising an eyebrow at the matching pair.

“Thanks!” said Eli. “They’re from The Palace, and they’re super warm.”

“Technically they’re just meant for knights,” said Layne, “but Eli wanted one too.”

“Well you did go on about how it was ‘the warmest coat you’ve ever worn’,” Eli replied, “and it certainly didn’t hurt to ask about it!”

Layne looked at Geoff. “When he says ‘ask about it’, he means claiming that he wouldn’t be able to do his magic effectively unless he was supplied with a certain winter garment or two to keep him adequately warm.”

“I mean it wasn’t a complete lie!”

“Hey, you two, snow outside, remember?” said Cesar, who was growing just a little bit impatient. Then, without waiting for a response, he pulled open one of the front doors and stepped outside, and Geoff, Eli, and Layne followed behind him.

As expected, it was most definitely cold out in the frosty winter air, and Geoff pushed his scarf further up his neck, wishing he was wearing something hooded as well. Still, the snowy landscape that greeted him was about as picturesque as anyone could ask for. The castle grounds wouldn’t properly be tended to until springtime, but any current state of disarray was barely noticeable thanks to the pristine layer of white that covered the lawns and garden beds, while also dusting the tops of bare trees and shrubs.

Cesar bounded ahead of the others, but turned and found a spot close to the castle’s walls, though a fair distance away from the doors. He waited until the others had caught up with him, and then clapped his hands together.

“Okay Geoff, it’s time to show you how to build a snowman!” he said.

“A snowman? Like a person made of snow?” Geoff asked, looking at Eli in case this was some sort of magic thing.

“Well they don’t really look very human-like,” said Eli with a smile, “but people decorate them, give them faces and arms and stuff, so I guess they’re kind of snow-people in their own way?”

“And snowmen are really easy to make!” said Cesar. “Here, I’ll show you the first part!”

Cesar began by forming a large, well-compacted snowball, roughly the size of his head. Then he began rolling it about in the snow, turning and tilting it this way and that, and Geoff watched as the snowball increased in size. By the time Cesar rolled it to a stop a couple of feet away from the stone brickwork, its diameter was about as long as Geoff’s arm.

“This is one of three snowballs that will make the snowman, each stacked on top of the last,” Cesar explained. “Do you wanna try making the next one, Geoff? It should be smaller than the first, not too much smaller, just enough that it’s noticeable when you stack it on top.”

“Sure, I’ll give it a try!” Geoff replied.

He made a large snowball first, like Cesar had done, and made sure it was packed firmly enough to stay together. Then he began rolling it around in the snow, though he didn’t have to roll his snowball as much as Cesar had.

“Is this good enough?” asked Geoff, halting his snowball a few steps away from Cesar’s.

“Perfect!” said Cesar. “You’re a natural at this! Now we gotta put that one on top of the first. It might be a bit heavy; you might have to bend your knees – sometimes it’d take two of us to- oh yeah I forgot: dragon strength.” Geoff had, of course, lifted the snowball as if it weighed no more than the smaller form it had started as, and easily carried it over to the larger snowball, to place it on top.

“Eli, do you wanna finish off the foundation for us?” asked Cesar.

“Already got it ready!” Eli replied.

Perhaps fittingly, another head-sized snowball was to be used as the ‘head’ for the snowman.

“Now time for the fun bit! Decorating!” said Cesar. “Layne! Go find a couple of branches and some small rocks!”

“On it!” Layne replied, and took off with brisk pace.

Cesar turned back to Geoff. “Different people use different things, but for the ‘traditional’ method-” Cesar reached into a large pouch inside his cloak “-you use coal for the eyes – don’t ask me why.” Cesar pulled out two small pieces of coal and stuck one on the front of the snowman’s head, then offered the second to Geoff, who took it and placed it across from the first piece. “Then either stones or buttons for, well, buttons. Like he’s wearing something, y’know?” Cesar retrieved three clothing buttons from his pouch and carefully pressed them in a line down the front of the middle snowball. “Then a carrot for the nose.” Cesar pulled out a carrot, one with the leafy green parts on top cut off, and offered it to Geoff. “Would you like to do the honours? Just put it so the pointy end is sticking straight out, but you don’t need to push it in too far. Yeah, perfect! Just like that!”

“A bold choice bringing that back again,” said Eli. Cesar pretended not to hear him.

“And now all that’s left is two tree branches for arms and some small stones to make the mouth, which Layne should be returning with any moment now!”

Layne was indeed just coming back into view, with a couple of branches tucked under one arm. His face lit up as he saw the mostly-decorated snowman, and his walking speed quickened.

“Now you’ve done it…” said Eli quietly.

Once in front of the snowman, Layne poked the branches into the snowman’s body for the arms, then dotted a smiling mouth on the face using the rocks he had collected. Once complete, an impish grin came across his face, and he plucked the carrot from the snowman, and sidled up to Eli.

“Hey Eli, remember this?” said Layne, putting on a silly voice while holding the carrot in front of his nose and wiggling it.

Eli rolled his eyes but there was a hint of a smile on his face. “Well even if I somehow managed to forget, I’m certainly being reminded now!” he said.

“Layne and J used to joke around a lot back when J still lived with us,” Cesar explained to Geoff. “Little bits of teasing, harmless pranks, that kind of thing-”

“Mostly harmless pranks,” added Eli.

“-But basically one year we were making a snowman together, and Layne started messing around with the carrot, and apparently it was such a random silly thing that J couldn’t really think of any clever comeback for it. It kind of drove J up the wall a little bit, actually!”

“And so, naturally, it became a recurring Thing,” said Eli, drily. “But after J left, I requested that Layne and Cesar to find other options for snowman noses, like a button or something like that. So why exactly do we have a carrot again, Cesar?”

Cesar shrugged, with a mostly-innocent grin. “I wanted to show Geoff the classic way of doing it, that’s all!” he said, going over to the snowman to see if it needed any extra snow between the three sections.

Layne, meanwhile, moved over to Geoff, still with the carrot held in front of his nose, and still with a wide, mischievous grin on his face.

“Hey there!” he said, in the same silly voice as before except more emphasised. “Would you like to play with Mister Snowman?”

Layne brought his ‘carrot-nose’ up close to Geoff’s face. Geoff smirked and opened his mouth towards the end of the carrot tip, but Layne snatched it away before Geoff could bite down on it.

“Hey! Mister Snowman needs that for his nose!” said Layne, still not losing the character voice.

Geoff raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Does he now?” he replied. “Well you better go give it back to him, then, hm?”

“…Yeah okay,” Layne replied, in his regular voice this time. He turned and went to go put the carrot back on the snowman, while Eli gave Geoff a quiet thumbs-up.

“Ooh, speaking of J, that reminds me!” said Cesar. “Now that there’s four of us again, we have enough for a proper 2-V-2 snowball fight!”

“A snowball fight, you say?” said Geoff. “Would this be the ‘bit of competition between friends’ that you mentioned earlier?”

Cesar nodded. “Sure is! But we’re gonna need a bit more open space than what we have here; come on!”

Cesar led the group down to an expanse of snow that hopefully in the springtime would become something like a lush green lawn.

“Okay Geoff, you can be on my team,” said Cesar, “which makes Layne and Eli the opposing team! The premise is simple; you just make snowballs – smaller than before, usually the palm of your hand is a good reference point – and then throw them at your opponent!”

“You throw them at people?” asked Geoff uncertainly. “Like, to hit them?”

“Yes, but don’t worry!” replied Cesar. “It’s just snow! It breaks apart on impact and it’s not gonna wound anybody!”

“Though with that being said,” interjected Eli, “if we’re doing it proper again, then we should take a moment to make some ‘defences’ first.”

“He means short walls of snow that you can duck behind,” Cesar clarified to Geoff. “And yeah of course!”

.

“So are there like rules to snowball fights? Some sort of goal?” Geoff asked, as Cesar built up a snow barrier.

Cesar shrugged. “Not really, it’s just a fun thing to do,” he replied. “Usually you just keep going until someone surrenders, or until you start running out of snow within your reach. You confident enough to make some snowballs quickly, ready to throw?”

Geoff scooped up some snow next to where he was crouching down, and shaped it into a ball. “How’s this?”

“Looks good to me!” Cesar replied. Then he called out to Layne and Eli, who were positioned about eight paces away. “You both ready over there?”

“We’re ready if you are!” came the response.

Cesar looked at Geoff and grinned, “Alright, when I call out ‘go’, that’s when we start, okay?” Then he yelled out: “Alright, when I say ‘go’! 3… 2… 1… GO!”

Four snowballs flew through the air at the same time. Two managed to collide with each other, one hit Eli and Layne’s snow wall, and the other almost hit Geoff had he not ducked out of the way. After that, Geoff fell into a sort of rhythm of making snowballs, throwing them, and trying to avoid any incoming ones. He wasn’t always successful at the dodging part, but nor were any of his friends, and it wasn’t long before Geoff managed to get a couple of good hits on both Eli and Layne.

“Stocking up on ammo are we?” said Geoff, noticing Cesar was focusing on making a small pile of snowballs behind their barrier wall.

“Sometimes it’s more efficient if one person just focuses on making the snowballs while the other person focuses on throwing them,” Cesar explained, handing Geoff a snowball. “Plus it��s good to have consistency in your snowballs: too small and they won’t travel very far, if they don’t fall apart in your hand first. But too big and they-” Cesar stopped talking as a realization came to him, and then his face lit up as his realization was followed by An Idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Uh, why have Geoff and Cesar suddenly both ducked behind their wall, completely out of sight?” asked Eli.

“Who knows,” said Layne, smirking. “Maybe Cesar’s advising Geoff that they both surrender!”

Layne started making another snowball, but stopped when he saw Eli’s eyes going wide as he stared in the direction of their opponents.

“Or maybe it was because they decided to do that.”

Layne followed his gaze, and also went wide-eyed when he saw Geoff holding a snowball about the size of his head (if not bigger), ready to throw it, while Cesar stood next to him, looking extremely smug.

“You can surrender now if you want to!” came Cesar’s voice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“HEY! No fair!” yelled Layne. “That’s cheating!”

“Is not!” Cesar called back. “Is it cheating if Geoff just happens to be extra strong?”

“Sounds like using special abilities to me!” shouted Eli. “And if that’s allowed…”

Eli looked down to the side, holding out a hand and saying something Geoff and Cesar couldn’t hear. Then they saw three snowballs levitate into the air and hover by Eli’s side.

Geoff and Cesar looked at each other, grinned, and then turned back to Layne and Eli, and then it was on.

Suddenly the previous snowball-throwing seemed more like a warm-up round. There were large snowballs, fast snowballs, and snowballs coming three-at-once, and Geoff couldn’t help but laugh from the craziness of it all.

Finally, though, the snow within arms reach was becoming thin, and the rate of snowballs from both directions was slowing.

“Alright… I think I’m ready to surrender,” said Geoff, sitting down behind the snow wall as he tried to catch his breath, though he was smiling still.

“Yeah, I think I am too,” said Cesar. He stood up and made a large sweeping motion with his hand over the snow wall. He sat back down next to Geoff. “Yeah, Layne and Eli are surrendering as well; they’re coming over now.” He grinned at Geoff. “Call it a draw, hey?”

“Gods, Geoff, you look practically soaked!” said Layne, as he walked over with Eli. “How many snowballs did you get hit with?”

“I wasn’t exactly keeping count,” Geoff replied, pushing some of his cold, wet hair away from his face. “Anyway, your coats are looking kinda damp as well!”

Eli chuckled. “Yeah you did pretty well – you both did,” he replied. “Also you might not notice the cold now, but you probably will in a few moments, so I say that we all head back inside to get warm, yeah?"

“I won’t say no to that!” said Geoff, while accepting Layne’s offered hand to help him back up on his feet again.

.

“So Geoff, would you say you’re having second thoughts about snow now?” asked Cesar as the group walked back towards the doors of the castle.

Geoff shrugged a shoulder casually and smiled. “Well, if people can change their minds about dragons, then there’s no reason why a dragon can’t change his mind about snow,” he replied.

“Did you mean ‘there’s snow reason’?”

“Layne!”

.

(Author's note: All of my Fantasy AU/Sunlight Castle Stories fics I write using this prompt list will become part of a single work on AO3, titled "The Dragon's Winter" (with one chapter for each fic/prompt fill). They'll be posted roughly 12-16 hours after they appear here on Tumblr, often with extra notes/commentary from me at the end)

[statementlou]

i’m sorry to bring this up again, but i wanted to ask how are you making sense of harry having his former girlfriend’s name tattooed on his thigh if you don’t think they were really together? i’m not a larrie and i follow you for your louis content, but i respect your opinions, so i guess i’m coming more from a place of curiosity rather than seeking reassurance. do you not even entertain for one second the idea that you might’ve been wrong about things? that harry was really in a relationship with olivia? that he might actually be attracted to women? that he might’ve been with louis once upon a time but not anymore? have you ever challenged your confirmation bias? again, i’m not trying to attack you, i really just want to understand where you stand. i hope u don’t take this the wrong way.

well first of all you bring up the very good point that there are actually multiple Qs at play and not just one, despite the fandom's (and my) attempts to simplify things. I personally am open to the possibility that Harry and Louis are no longer together- we don't have enough info to say for sure either way about that, and I am constantly recalibrating and considering and I'm going to be totally honest, getting flat out ANNOYED at how often I find myself being like oh damn they ARE still (or again) together ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Because it seems so improbable and illogical! You think I don't KNOW I sound fucking crazy?! Absolutely infuriating, and yet there are just all these little Things all the time. Plus ofc the fact that they both constantly wink wink larrie stuff to the fandom which could just be playing to the crowd... except then they both continually take it that little extra way that makes me go oh but... you really didn't NEED to go THERE that seems VERY pointed?? But also sometimes I go well. Okay, maybe not. Since they both seem super happy at this point, it doesn't stress me out to think they might have split, the way it would if they seemed miserable and were still churning out heartbreak songs, but it's schrodingers relationship and with all the savvy they've acquired around this stuff and all the balls they're keeping in the air wrt to fandom etc that's unlikely to change in favor of us knowing anything for sure for a very long time, if ever. But I do not doubt that they WERE together, it's simply not realistic. The evidence of it is overwhelming and imo undeniable when taken all together. And the thing is that knowing one thing with certainty (that they were together back when), having really looked at the things that happened during that time, does actually have a lot of bearing on the rest of it even if they aren't together anymore. Because knowing that and having seen the way fake relationships to make them seem straight were managed back then means that when I see the EXACT SAME things being done in the current day, like they are working from a fucking blueprint, no, I don't look at that and think it might be real. I know that Louis and Eleanor wasn't real in... whenever they allegedly got together lol, that story still isn't even quite straight, so why would I believe they were together in 2020? And if I know Louis has a tattoo for a fake girlfriend why would it change my mind about a million things I can see with my own eyes if Harry did the same (if indeed he even has who tf knows)? So despite what I said at the beginning, in the end it kind of does just come down to the one question people are always asking, are you a larrie? Because when you've actually been down the rabbit hole of details that ends up with you saying yes to that question, it's like acquiring a rosetta stone that unlocks the ability to read everything else, like putting on xray glasses, and I look at what is so obviously a publicity relationship (holivia) and whether H and L are still together has nothing to do with why I don't think it's real. Like could a celeb relationship be both used in typical ways for publicity and be or become real on some level (looking at you Liam, heyyy), sure, but for this question the fact that I have never seen Harry show the slightest sign of attraction to a woman in his whole life and he so clearly embraces and identifies so strongly with gay male culture in every possible way and never shuts up about how much he loves cock does play into my thinking; I simply do not think he is attracted to women, no, and I have yet to see him do anything that doesn't seem consistent with things a closeted pop star might chose to do. So in conclusion yes I have challenged my bias and decided I'm right lol! But for real- all the time I consider that they perhaps aren't together but that isn't really the point when it comes to believing they are gay.

[all-pacas]

hi for the "love your fandom" asks can you answer 16 and 17 pls and thank you !!

for house medical doctor :))))

16. a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

i guess this is immediately going to come off as vaguely Political but: i love how 99% of the show is like abortions for all! give people abortions! like this is truly a great Pro Choice show (incredible for the aptly named hate crimes md): women and pregnancy and abortion actually tends to be both well handled and taken seriously. i can think of just a whole bunch of examples:

sports medicine: the wife of the patient wants to abort because she wants to donate her liver to her husband and cannot while pregnant. she makes it clear this is a wanted pregnancy, but her husband's life matters more. he is against it; house however takes it for granted that if she wants to she should.

kids: the child (!) is pregnant. she has an abortion. it isn't even discussed like "should she maybe not" nope they get rid of that fetus real fast.

lucky thirteen: the patient is pregnant, and that might be making her sick. house is like ok let's get rid of it, but 13 argues they should check if the patient wants the baby or not. the patient does not.

babies and bathwater/fetal position: not truly abortion episodes; both concern very high risk pregnancies and the struggle to keep both mother and baby alive. in both, house comes down pretty strongly on "the mother's life is more important, let's deliver that baby now." in fetal position, cuddy takes on a role of "the mom wants to try and carry the pregnancy longer to maximize her baby's changes." in neither case is abortion or carrying to term vilified, both mothers are treated sympathetically. see! the show doesn't just want to kill babies!

one day one room: a rape victim is pregnant. initially, she is firmly anti-abortion. by the end of the episode, she comes around and has one. i'd argue this is the weakest example on my little list, because the episode doesn't really make clear if she's doubling down on religion out of trauma or what changed her mind. still, the idea that getting an abortion is considered a victory. the fact that it is discussed using those words. no convenient miscarriages here! they use the word! they get rid of those fetuses!

imagine a tv show nowadays just presenting "get an abortion" not just as a positive solution but as a basic one. of the cast, cameron is actually the only one to ever express pro-life views and even she doesn't interfere with the many abortions the show handles (and she's called out for being ridiculous by house). it's so good. it's so weirdly of its time. anyway house md says abortions for all. what was i talking about

17. the thing in canon that everyone loves and that you also love

is it a cop-out to say music? like, passing afternoon has been in my head for a decade as The sad song, the Only sad song, and it wasn't until i got into the show again and saw wilson's heart that i realized why. Delicate is another one that's been on my sad vibes playlist forever, i definitely heard it first on house. Happiness???? literally my entire sad song fanfic playlist is from this damn show. that's not even mentioning how incredible you can't always get what you want / as tears go by / rolling stones in general are. like man does this show have an incredible early 2000s soundtrack. absolutely flawless.

[yandere-sins]

Guard #400

a/n: It is time... for Pantalone ♥♥♥ I was actually really looking forward to this one lol, he just fits a little too well in this whole prison scheme (I guess all Harbingers do hahhaa). Also I won’t deny any longer just how badly I want to be railed by that guy. Just... just give him to me mhy, now, gimmi gimmi. If he ever does come out as a playable character I might just C6 him because damn. He’d demand it and I’d just be Sir, yes, Sir! Woof woof.

Fandom: Genshin Impact Pairings: Yandere!Guard!Pantalone x GN!AFAB!Reader Warnings: Yandere, Sexual Content (Dub-Con, Forced Exhibition, Slapping), Abuse of authority, Manipulation, Long Post

[Prison Project Introduction & How to request | Pinterest Moodboard]

"So? Have you made your decision?"

Pantalone slowly rose from his chair, uncapped his fountain pen, and placed it on the paper you recognized as the contract he had offered you before. Gesturing his hand to the document, he added, "The offer still stands, but I'm not sure for how long."

He was growing impatient. You could hear it even through his honeyed, service voice, unfitting of a man in his position. The few slow strides were so confident, as if the contract's content didn't concern him in the least, no matter how nasty and inhumane it was. He was a man that knew what he wanted. And even worse: He knew he was going to get it.

Circling around you, you felt his warmth in your back, a hand brushing from your hip up your side, resting on your waist as he stepped up next to you from behind. "Let me guess—no one else wanted to employ you? Poor thing."

His taunt felt like an ice-cold blade stabbing into your gut, twisting around in the form of a delighted chuckle. Pantalone hadn't been your first choice of employer. You thought the chief of finances of the prison you had been sent to wouldn't have interest in someone locked up for embezzlement. But your options of other jobs had been so few, most of them refusing you even before you asked for a position, that eventually you put your doubts aside, trying your luck with this man. However, the job he had for you was more punishment than going to prison not guilty already was. You just wanted to earn some money to make your life here more comfortable and save some for the hardships you'd face once you got out.

He wanted a sex slave.

As disturbing and straightforward as that. Things in this prison were anything but proper. Still, you never expected an officer in a leading position like the finance department to go this far. The first time you read the contract, you thought you were hallucinating, laughing it off as a bad joke. But seeing the everlasting, unreadable smile on Pantalone's lips, you realized he was serious about this—so you ran.

You wished you could have told anyone what had happened, even just vent it to a friend. But nothing and no one in this prison was friendly to you, the newbie. You could live with the mockery and bullying, being pushed around and called names. However, you were in no position to tell anyone what Pantalone had offered to you. There was nothing you could do to put his head back on straight. You were powerless.

Thus, after another round of unsuccessful applications, you were back, disgusted at yourself for even considering it.

"Isn't there anything... anything else I can do but this?" you asked uncomfortably, and you heard him take a deep breath by your side, annoyance radiating off of him. Your morality told you not to sink to his level, to not even consider it any further unless he offered you actual work right then and there. But your conscience was whispering into the back of your mind, with his voice, that this was as good as it would get, and you should take it as long as he still wanted you.

"Why? Do you think I won't compensate you well for this work?"

Hand slipping down, his fingers gripped your waist, pulling you into his chest, his lips next to your ear. "You need the money, remember? And I have lots of it. If you want to leave, you're free to go—now. But if you agree to stay, you'll get whatever you want from me, and I'll get my break from work. It's a win-win for everyone."

The smug smile plastered on his face could be heard in his voice as he made all of this seem so harmless. Fun, even. A business transaction like in the books with a twist. Your body for money, and maybe more. "Anything I want?" you muttered, thinking about the few things that would make your life easier here if you had them.

Pantalone's head dipped lower, and you subconsciously moved your head out of the way, baring your neck to him, which he appreciated with an agreeing hum. "Mhm, anything," Pantalone confirmed, halting in his tracks just before your pulse, enjoying the closeness of what was almost his (or so he thought). "Whatever you might desire from me."

The offer was horrendous. He was merely tricking you into becoming his sex slave with sweet words and promises. You had no reason to believe him. But if he spoke the truth, and was a man of his word, then... maybe...

"I want a cell for myself," you tested him.

"Mhm, sure," Pantalone hummed, planting a fluttering kiss on your neck that gave you goosebumps. A brush of his lips, like tipping his credit card to a machine for quick pay.

"And I want some of the money to be transferred to a bank account outside of jail for later."

His second hand reached up, driving from your collarbones to your jaw before wrapping around it, forcing your head back. "Anything else?" Pantalone asked, a sharp, biting undertone echoing through his voice, declaring his patience running low. There was so much you could demand and so little time to demand it. But he wanted something in return, and denying him any longer wasn't an option. This had to suffice if you wanted to stay on his good side. There was only one more thing you could ask for—mercy.

"Can you... Can you promise not to do something ridiculous or embarrassing to me?"

Raising an eyebrow, he watched you intently through hooded eyelids. There was a hint of distrust in his gaze, indicating that he didn't expect a rather personal request instead of more materialistic things. "That's what you concerned with?" Pantalone asked, and you nodded your head into his palm, feeling bashful.

"I will see what I can do. However, as that is an undefined request, we'll have to test out a few things before we know for sure."

You breathed out slowly, having held your breath as you waited for his answer. "Thank you," you whispered, lowering your gaze to the contract on the table. Pantalone released you, his touch lingering as long as possible on your body until you reached his desk, picking up the pen. In your best handwriting, you wrote down the things you discussed before placing your signature on the bottom line.

No second later, Pantalone's body collided with your back, one hand slipping around your front and between your legs, finger digging into the fabric of your pants and overall, sliding between your folds and up to your clit. You gasped, threatening to let the pen fall from your hand when he caught it with his free one. Leaning over your shoulder, he put his signature over yours. If that was supposed to be this way or an accident, you didn't know. But it looked awfully possessive of you as he hastily smeared his elegant signature all over yours.

With two fingertips, he played with your clit, the fabric giving barely enough coverage but all the more friction. You struggled a little against his touch but caught between his body and his arm, it only made you grind against Pantalone more, a husky grumble in your ear making you shudder.

Wasting no more time, Pantalone reached around to your front, unzipping the overall so he could sneak his hand under your shirt and up to your chest. The lousy bras you were given gave no resistance as he tore them off, letting them fall away and baring your breast to him. "No more bras," he mumbled, kissing along the nape of your neck as he fondled your chest, leather sliding over your nipples, flicking and twisting the little knob.

"And no more panties."

"Is that a command?" you gasped as you tried to keep your composure despite the clenching of your core and the treacherous slick running down your thighs.

"Call it a work instruction," Pantalone chuckled before drawing away, his hands leaving your throbbing nerves behind lonely as you staggered forward, catching yourself on the table. Everything in you screamed to hide and defend your body, but when you felt him grip the arms of your overall, you knew it wouldn't be the one to protect you any longer.

Reluctantly, you slid off the orange prison wear, letting it fall to the floor. Behind you, Pantalone let out a deep, hungry breath, and you didn't dare to turn around to see what expression he was making. Whether it was mockery or lust, you simply didn't want to see it. When he gripped you by the neck, you leaned forward, ass in the air, as Pantalone pressed his crotch to your backside, grinding the bulge in his pants into the softness of your rear.

He grew more and more assertive, forcing you on your tiptoes as he rested his body on top of yours, dry-humping into you with need. Heat was building between you two and inside you. Strange, considering you were still against all of this, and you two weren't at a stage where the stimulation was too much to bear. Maybe Pantalone's desire was slowly wearing off on you, the hot pants brushing against your earlobes, paired with his groans, tickling something deep inside your core.

Whatever it was, you knew you had to get this whole act over with quickly. You couldn't give him the satisfaction of watching you crumble and come undone because of him just like that. Even if it was just for feeling better about yourself and your decision, you had to prove to yourself that you could be strong and withstand all of this.

A herculean task.

Your trousers were already sliding off just from the grinding when Pantalone decided to ban them into pooling around your ankles instead. Standing in only your panties before him was humiliating, but you knew it wasn't enough for him yet. Until you were stark naked and very likely out of your mind embarrassed, he'd not stop. And he proved it to you by hooking his finger around your panties, tearing them off you, and making them unwearable, his work instruction becoming more and more reality.

Now, he had much easier access to you than you liked. Without any straining fabric in the way, your cunt got to experience the leathery touch of his gloves. Cold fingers caressed your heated folds, the nerves of your clit zapping electric shocks through you. But no matter how hard you flinched or tried to escape forward, Pantalone was always there to put you back in your place against him, never letting go.

By the time he was finished teasing you, you felt dizzy from the pleasure, barely hearing him unzip his own pants until you felt the curve of his cock resting against your throbbing cunt. Pantalone wet his cock in slow, agonizing slides through your slick folds until you were ready to welcome him, his tip settling perfectly against your entrance.

You both let out moans in unison as he sunk into you. However, when you thought he had already pushed completely inside you, Pantalone made yet another step forward, sheathing every inch in your pussy, your ass bumping against his hips. There was no one you could think of that ever filled you so deeply. Whose curve aligned perfectly with your insides, and who made you feel like you would lose it after only entering you.

"I chose well," Pantalone sighed in satisfaction, breath shuddering before he pulled out slowly, treasuring the feeling of your walls clinging on to him desperately. And without warning, he plunged back in, leaving you gasping as you were pounded against his desk. There was nothing you could do but endure the exciting tingle of pleasure, capturing your every body function and every thought.

Your mind wanted to be strong, and your body just really wanted to cum.

"Move," Pantalone gasped, pulling you up by the arm. His cock slipped out of you as he directed you around the table, leaving a mess dripping out as you mewled. Immediately, you put your hand over your mouth, trying to hide the sounds that threatened to escape, but Pantalone merely laughed, amused by your frugal tries to deny your feelings.

Getting around first, he plopped down on his chair heavily, not caring about the image he usually upheld so well. Legs spread and arms on either side of the armrests, he seemed more like a king commanding his subjects than a respectable boss. Though... with the kind of contract you two had, you weren't sure if he had ever been reputable in the first place.

His cock, erect and throbbing, awaited you with a slick sheen, and you felt your core clench in longing as your eyes fell on it, long and curved, a dangerous and greedy thing just like the man attached to it. "Get on top," Pantalone instructed, waving his hand for you impatiently.

Laying your palm in his, you slung your leg over his, trying to find a space to place your knees. Pantalone pulled you taut against him, one hand grabbing your side, elevating your body until you lost your footing, relying on his support. However, his gaze snapped from the space between your hips and the tip of his cock, a demanding glint in them that made you act without any words needing to be spoken between you two.

Reaching down, you brushed your fingertips over his length, his cock pulsing hard against your hand, demanding to be led back to your entrance so it may sink inside again. However, with how the position was, you assumed Pantalone wanted you to please him, causing you to grip his dick, pleasuring him with your hand first. If it helped him to cum faster, it would only be better for you, but his fingers at your side turned into claws, signaling he wasn't impressed by your teasing.

Reluctantly, you lowered your hips, sliding his tip through your folds until you reached your entrance. You prepared yourself with a deep breath, wanting to slide down in your own tempo, but Pantalone seemed to have a different idea, slamming your hips down and buckling his at the same time. Even with your eyes wide open, you couldn't see anything but lights flicker in your vision. Next thing you knew, you moaned loudly as Pantalone urged you up and down his cock like a fleshlight.

"Mhm-! Not so... Not so f-fast!" you slurred, a smug grin jerking the corners of his lips.

"You do it, then," he relented, letting go of your body. You flopped down like a loose sack of potatoes, panting heavily. Placing your hands on his shoulders, you used them to push yourself up, biting your lip to hold back the moan after you mumbled, "Okay..."

"Okay, what?" Pantalone asked, a slap ringing out as his hand came down on your ass. This surprise was nothing you could bite down, moaning loudly, and a second slap followed right away.

"Okay, Sir!" you corrected yourself, quickening the pace in hopes he'd find it harder to aim.

"That's right," Pantalone huffed, eyes fixed on your breast jiggling before his eyes. "I'll teach you how to be more respectful to the person you belong to. Got it?"

"Mhm--! Yes! Yes, Sir!"

You must have been out of your mind, moaning and rocking your hips on your boss's lap. You'd never done these things for money. Aside from the occasional sigh and groan, the hungry gleam in his eyes, and his fingers digging into your hips, Pantalone gave you no indications or words of his satisfaction. Regardless, there was no turning back now. Not when you could already feel your toes curl.

A knock on the door finally made you regain your conscience, snapping you out of your hazy humping. Your expression grew panicked, but the door was already opening without either of you asking the person to come in. "Sir, I have the weekly reports you wanted--"

You could hear the person's jaw drop as they looked up from the papers they were bringing, eyes landing on your bare ass, their gaze tingling on your skin as it drove upwards, trying to see who it belonged to. Your whole head felt ablaze after being caught in this unseemingly position, your pussy still dripping with all your juices even in this kind of situation.

"Not a good time right now," Pantalone said, waving his hand dismissingly but appearing unbothered otherwise.

"I- I was- There--" the person behind you stammered, and you simply wanted to die the longer you could feel them checking out your body. This was probably the worst case you could have imagined when you took the 'job'. Pantalone sighed, and you recognized his telling signs by now. If you learned anything, then that he wasn't a very patient man.

Gripping you from underneath your thighs, he lifted you up, bucking his hips into you, making you gasp loudly before letting you fall back first on top of his desk. After the initial shock and pain, you forced your eyes open again, staring straight into the eyes of the young guard who had greeted you upon coming in and acted as a secretary to Pantalone. It was infuriatingly embarrassing to be seen like this, disheveled and so close to your orgasm, especially when Pantalone put your legs around his hips, jerking them until you got the hint and wrapped them around him on your own before he plunged back deep inside you.

Covering you with his own body from the horrified and, at the same time, intrigued glances, he looked up at his secretary in annoyance. "Look at them again, and I'll gauge out your eyes. If you have any sense of self-preservation, leave. I am busy."

That finally released the young man from his state of shock. He stumbled over his own feet, muttering apologies to no one in particular and slamming the door behind him, which caused Pantalone to huff. Lowering his gaze back to you, you were still embarrassed beyond belief when he asked, "Was this sufficient?"

"No!" you yelled, immediately lowering your voice after noticing the irritated glint in his eyes after you screamed into his face. "This is terrible! They saw me... doing this... here..."

"I'll install a lock then," he promised calmly, pushing his irritation aside for you and rolling his hips. You let out a frustrated groan as your pleasure spiked again, and Pantalone put his lips to your throat, nibbling on your skin as he pounded into you. You could hardly decide which position had felt the best, but you knew you were done for. Pleasure-wise and your reputation.

"Sir," you whimpered. "I'll... I'll--"

"Cum," he muttered into your collarbone. "I don't mind you feeling pleasure because of me. Just make sure to finish the job."

Nodding meekly, you wrapped your arms around his shoulders, holding on to him tightly as Pantalone began pounding harder, his cock throbbing inside you, so close to bursting as well. He gripped the edge of the table tightly, his knuckles turning white as your toes curled, back arching, needily wanting to be closer to him even more so close before being pushed over the edge.

Cumming on this amazing cock wasn't hard, not when it seemed to check off the best spots like a veteran explorer of your body. All the harder was the orgasm. Your moans were no longer muffled. Tears shot in your eyes as you began to see stars again, your nails raking through the uniform jacket with the intent to destroy.

It was over way too fast.

After the height, you crashed too hard, tears overflowing as you realized you couldn't even keep a little bit of your dignity. Soon everyone would know what you were doing with the chief of finances. It wouldn't even be rumors that he was fucking you in his office for money. It would all be true. And what was even worse was Pantalone knowing he had won. He convinced you to play by his rules, obey his commands, and on top of it, made you cum even before himself.

You sobbed as he plowed through your orgasm, heavy breathing that felt like flames licking at you and the feeling of his cock pulsing inside you. Reaching over to grip you by your hair, Pantalone turned your head in front of his, moving forward to kiss you. "N-No!" Already feeling disgusted by yourself, you denied access by averting your face, his orgasm coming and going without him finding refuge and pleasure in a kiss.

When your eyes darted briefly to his face, you expected it to be filled with satisfaction or victorious madness, but instead, he stared at you coldly, bitterly. You hadn't realized this kiss would mean so much, but it seemed like you ruined his orgasm for him, which made you... happy.

Pulling out, you didn't even care that you'd have to clean up the mess he left behind to drip out of you. You sat up slowly, watching as your boss wiped his cock clean before discarding the stained leather gloves, throwing them on top of you. "Get off my desk," he commanded, and you strained your tense back, feeling the pain from being thrown on the wood roughly before. You managed to get down before Pantalone sat in his chair again, rolling back up to his desk with an irritated expression on his face.

"Go and get some wet wipes and clean this disgusting mess you made," Pantalone instructed, and you gulped, clearly hearing his anger through his voice, even though you found the blame unfair. Going around the desk, you picked up your clothes, quickly putting them on again.

"I'd love to send you there naked, you know. You probably enjoyed being seen more than you admitted."

Catching his eyes, you gulped, blurting out something you should have rather kept inside. "Are you really that mad because I didn't kiss you?"

You could feel the anger emanating from him as he stared at you, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fist. "S-Sorry," you muttered quickly, lowering your gaze and hurrying to zip up your overalls (all the way!) before running to the door. You dreaded having to look into the faces in the office space waiting just outside. Still, it was better than staying inside with the mad tyrant of the financial department. You had a feeling you'd not get away unharmed if you dared to test his patience any longer.

However, just as you wanted to turn the knob, a hand slammed into the door next to you. You jerked away but were grabbed by your upper arm and kept in place right beside him.

"I think you forgot who's in charge here. You need me, but you're just a diversion for me—a break from work. There are enough other gullible prisoners dying for a chance at what you have. Never forget I fucking own you. You signed the contract. You're mine to do with whatever I please. Don't you dare ever deny me again."

Pantalone didn't allow you to look into his eyes, but you were glad that he stood behind you so you didn't have to face him as he spat these words into your ear. Gulping, you nodded, his grip tightening around your arm for a moment before he let go, taking a step back.

"Kiss me," he said, voice as monotone as it sounded dangerous. It was his way of proving you really understood what he just said and your position. What you meant to him. That you were caving and submitting to him, or you knew he'd make your life miserable. It made you want to cry again, pathetic and captured in his scheme as you were, but you choked back the tears, turning around and stepping up to him.

Reaching up, you cupped his cheeks with shaky hands. Your gut revolted at even the thought of having to kiss this man, but you took a quick breath, calming yourself. It was just a kiss. What could go wrong? You already rode his dick and let him make you cum harder than anyone ever before, you shouldn't feel this ashamed with simple and insignificant affection in comparison.

And yet, watching his features soften as he leaned down, you were horrified to see the affection in his gaze just before your lips united. You wanted to end it quickly, but his arms wrapped around your midriff, pulling you close, unwilling to let go as he licked over your lips, slipping inside as you gasped. Pantalone didn't let you back away, involving you in a deep kiss, no matter how much you clawed your fingers into his arms, kissing you again and again until you were gasping for air.

But only when he was satisfied with tasting you did he finally let go, pushing you from him as if it meant nothing to him, turning and walking back to his desk. "The wipes?" he asked goadingly, patting the wood, discarding you just like that, high and dry.

"Of course..." you mumbled, confused about the sudden change in his wants. Just now, he had been angry about you not kissing him, and now he wanted nothing from you all of a sudden?

"Of course what?"

"Of course, Sir!" you corrected yourself, hurrying to leave the room, even with the horrified faces awaiting you on the other side.

Leaving behind one smug Pantalone, watching his toy running off to get the supplies so they could clean the desk before he'd make them dirty it once again. Over and over until your mind would be so broken, you'd not know anything other than the pleasure of his cock. Touching his fingers to his lips, he could still feel your plump softness caressing them, your taste lingering on the tip of his tongue.

Next time, you'd kiss him as he claimed you. And if his workday wasn't long enough, Pantalone was sure he could find a reason to take you home with him so you could warm his cock all night long. There was still so much he wanted to see—mostly you choking on his cock, crying, and begging him to make you cum. You were the best candidate he had in a while, and there was no better stress relief than a desperate little prisoner writhing beneath him. He might not be as patient as to wait days again for you to come around and fulfill all the things he wanted to do to you.

But he would, most definitely, get his fill for what he was paying.

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