Dream Dip

Ever since Dipper learned his parent's greatest secret, his whole life has changed. Suddenly he has no idea who he is, where he came from, or even who his family is. Even worse, now that he knows the truth, he doesn't know how to act around his ex-twin Mabelle. Then the dreams started. To his horror, Dipper finds himself increasingly attracted to a girl whom he had thought to be his sister his whole life. The dreams become nigh unbearable. After experiencing the Dreamscape for himself when rescuing his Great Uncle Stan from Bill the Eye, he knows that dreams have a power of their own. Desperate to escape the sweet torture of these delicious fantasies, he seeks help from the Number Three Book. In it he reads of a magic Dream-catcher, said to "turn nightmares to light". DipperXMabelle, TECHNICALLY NOT PINECEST

Author's Note (PLEASE READ): I definitely took some liberties here. In this story Mabel's name is Mabelle (Pronounced mah-Bell) because I said so. Also, this story kind of makes her out to be perfect, due to Dipper's rose-colored vision. This story disregards the season finale Gideon Rises, so (SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!) Dipper still has the book and Stan didn't do all that craziness.

Rated T for: suggestive content, bad eating habits, and teenage angst

Chapter 1: The Mystery Shack

A casual tune fills the air in the showroom of the Mystery Shack. There we find a crowd of eager tourists, raring to learn what amazing and unusual delights lie in store.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am about to reveal to you a creature that exists only in the oldest of legends," a dry, gravelly voice announces to the stupefied crowd. "A creature so powerful, it is said to be beyond time itself!" The crowd coos in excitement as a broad-shouldered old man in a fitted tuxedo gestures to a sheet covered object. "After centuries, one brave man managed to subdue this awesome beast!" At this he stands tall and puffs out his chest. "ME! Mr. Mystery!" He grins triumphantly at the crowd's curious murmuring. "I give you..." He yanks down the cloth. "The Giraphin!" The crowd cheers and quickly begin snapping pictures.

Excited exclamations and gasps of wonder fill the showroom of The Mystery Shack when its owner Stan Pines reveals the creature: A large beast with the long neck and front legs of a giraffe and the tail of a dolphin, with large feathered wings spanning seven feet each. It raises its skinny neck toward the crowd, blinks once, and leans close to a small child. The crowd holds their breath, and the child shrieks, grabbing onto his father's leg. The Giraphin huffs at the boy and snaps at him, knocking the popcorn he'd been happily munching to the ground. The monster ignores the crowd in favor of the popcorn, to the now pouting child's chagrin. The crowd laughs and giggles over the cute scene.

"BAAHAHA! Isn't that ADORABLE? Only at the MYSTERY SHACK, PEOPLE!" The host loudly proclaims. Ever the salesmen, he's quick to add, "Take your picture with it for a hundred bucks!" The crowd bursts with movement, practically throwing money at the old man. He cackles obnoxiously and removes his Mason hat, holding it out to collect the bills.

"Pft, only at the Mystery Shack can you get ripped off that badly," a teenage boy snorts. He can see Soos hiding, working the strings. He absentmindedly pulls his pine tree hat down over his eyes and continues sweeping, lest his foul-tempered Uncle see him resting and give him some unthinkably horrible job. It's been four years since his first summer here, and it hasn't changed a bit.

The Mystery Shack is one of the world's secret wonders. A rickety old house turned tourist trap, the Shack is full of hidden rooms, crazy experiments, magic creatures, and a secret that threatens the entire world.

Not to mention the oddest group of people known to Gravity Falls. Firstly there's his own Great Uncle Stan, more often known as Mr. Mystery, owner and host of said Shack. Stanford Pines is an old, sour con-artist with a questionable history and even more questionable hygiene. He's a broad-shouldered old man with a full head of gray hair, big brown eyes, and big red nose. Money hungry, selfish, and cruel, he rules the shop with an iron gut, his only soft spot being his young niece and nephew.

"Yeah," a red-haired girl snickers behind the cash register. She pulls her face out this month's Alternative Thinking for Teens magazine and snorts at Mr. Pines' cunning display of con-manship. "Say what you will about the old fart, but I've never seen any one rip a guy off like Mr. Pines." She relaxes back into her chair with a pop of her bubblegum. Wendy is the only daughter of Manly Dan, the manliest man in town. Being the only girl in a house of five, she'd picked up a habit or two and can be a bit of a tomboy. However, even her obsession with flannel cannot distract from her good looks. Her long, silky mane of fiery hair and adorably freckled cheeks are famous around Gravity Falls.

"Seriously, dude." Suddenly a very large, out of shape blond man with serious dental issues pops up from behind the counter. "Mr. Pines is one righteous dude when it comes to tricking people out of money!" He agrees happily, shoving more Burrito Bites into his mouth. Wendy gives him a wary look.

"Dude," she groans and scoots her chair away, "how long have you been down there?" He stares blankly at her and shrugs.

"Iuno. But I found these chips down here. They're like ten years old, dude!" Soos laughs and pops one in his mouth. "Mm. Moldy." Wendy turns to the teen and gives him a pleading look. He shrugs with an indulgent smile. That's just Soos. He's faster than he looks, will eat almost anything, and always comes through in the nick of time. Considered something of a Mystery Shack mascot, he'd never be seen without his classic Question Mark t-shirt and hat.

"Hey, Dip, wanna chip?" The man-child holds the bag out to Dipper, who smiles nervously and shakes his head. "Heh heh, that rhymed. Dip. Mmm, dip is just what I need to make these chips PERFECT, dude!"

"I don't know, Soos," Dipper lays the broom against the counter and grabs a chair, placing it beside Wendy. He faces it backwards and sinks into it, resting his arms on the back. "That dip's gonna need to be pretty good to make those chips edible." Now seventeen years old, Dipper Pines is used to Soos' weirdness. In fact, he's gotten pretty used to the insanity of Gravity Falls in general, after solving a mystery or ten. Dipper is what one might call the 'brains of the outfit'. Together with Soos, Wendy, and Grunkle Stan, the Mystery Twins have cracked most all the secrets to Gravity Falls. Still, there were a few left, and that mysterious page... An incomplete blueprint riddled with unknown symbols...? But what does it matter. The Mystery Twins are no more, anyway.

"Maybe your chips could use some Dip," Wendy snorts and shoves a hard elbow into Dipper's stomach, pulling him out of his darkening thoughts. No longer the skinny child he was when they'd met, the teen only laughs and waves her arm away. Soos gasps.

"Dude! You probably taste delicious!" He proclaims and stretches a Burrito Bite toward him. "Perfect for chips and dip!"

"Soos, NO!" Dipper shouts and jumps away.

"Come back here, delicious dip!" Soos chases after him, brandishing his chip like a sword. Wendy cackles as the duo run around the Shack, knocking over Yeti-fur wallets, eyeball key-chains, and pixie dust candy.

"Ohh, man," the red-head gasps for breath, still snickering. "So wrong, but soooo funny."

"Stop it, Soos!"

"Just one dip, dude!"

"C'mon, Soos!" Wendy cheers. "Think of your perfect chips!" She pumps her fists and chants, "Soos! Soos! Soos!"

"Wendy!" Dipper shouts and gracefully leaps over the counter. "Stop encouraging him!" He demands, hiding behind her. She covers her mouth to hide her laughter. Soos is trying to squeeze behind the counter when they all hear the clicking of heels coming from hallway.

"Helloooo, friends and family!"A young girl greets them jubilantly, a techno-pop beat announcing her arrival. She and her boom-box toting pig strike a pose. "Itz'a me! Mabelle!" The girl grins, pointing to herself. Waddles the pig is behind her, dressed sharply in a red sweater with a single rose on the front. The young lady hops down the final step, and she and her dapper pig do a little jig. "Tada!" She sings. The teen spins, her dress billowing around her. "How do I look?"

She's beautiful. Puberty had been kind to her, and the day she removed her braces she quickly became known as a rare beauty in Gravity Falls, rivaled only in name by her arch-enemy Pacifica Northwest. Mabelle Pines' long auburn hair falls in great sloping waves down her back, silkier even than it looks. Her bright blue eyes shine like stars, set off by her sky blue summer dress. Many things had changed, though her fashion sense remained largely the same. The dress is simple and obviously a creation of her own, with straps made of white flowers that cover her bare back line a vine. Down to her knees the soft, sky colored fabric drapes her frame. Her skirt sways with every movement and the large red bow she ties around her waist can't but accentuate her sizable bust and the gentle curve of her waist. The red bow catches Dipper's eye, tied behind her and resting on the small of her back. She bought that bow for him, he realizes. Well, maybe not for him, but he'd told her once that she looked good in red, when she'd been wearing the bow in her hair. The next day she'd gone out and bought this one. She looked so good in it too... He blushes and quickly looks up at her face. Her lips remind him of the bow, so full and red, her lips were always so red. Just as her cheeks had never lost their rosy childhood glow. He remembers her footsteps and looks to find her wearing beige heels that blend against her skin. She so rarely wears heels. Her legs look amazing, smooth and baby soft and they disappear under her dress like a hidden promise. It's at this time that he realizes he's been staring at Mabelle far too intensely for a twin brother. He blushes, checks and is relieved to find that Stan, Soos, and Wendy have been occupying her with compliments.

"-iously, Mabelle, you look awesome!" Wendy is saying and Mabelle smiles, blushing. "That guy doesn't stand a chance," the red head smirks. She and Mabelle share a laugh.

"Hahaha! YEAH!" They shout and high-five.

"Totally, dude," Soos agrees, using the hand not shoveling Burrito Bites in his mouth to give her a thumbs up. "You could be, like, a princess or something." He gasps suddenly, jaw wide open in surprise. "Wouldn't it be awesome if you could, like, make me a knight, and then I could have like a sword, and fight bad guys and stuff?!" Mabelle grins.

"Why certainly, noble hero," She agrees with a regal air. "We'll begin the ceremony at dawn!" Soos pumps his fist.

"Yes!"

"Heh heh, yeah," Grunkle Stan walks over chuckling. He leans against the counter, flipping through the bills he collected from those idiots- er, precious customers. "Poor sucker'z gonna be wrapped around ya tiny fingers, kid," he jokes in his raspy city-slick accent. "You should bring the chump around; I'm sure he wouldn't mind spending some cash on ya." At the multiple questioning glances he receives, Stan rubs the back of his neck with a nervous laugh. "I mean, heh, uh-" He walks up to Mabel and pats her shoulder. "You're a real beauty, kiddo," he says with a rare smile. Mabelle beams at him and wraps her arms around his middle.

"Awwwwh, thanks Grunkle Stan," she squeals, squeezing him. His smile turns into a grimace and he tries in vain to pull her off him.

"Kid," he wheezes, squirming fruitlessly as his face turns blue. "Let go'a me!" Mabelle giggles and rubs her face against his arm. "I can't- breathe-!"

While his friends laugh at his uncle and sister's antics, Dipper's mood grows more and more sour. He had almost forgotten. Of course he wasn't the only one to notice the blossoming of Mabelle. His ex-sister was going on a date tonight, with some idiot jock from the football team. Mitch Lash was his name, some blond jerk with no brain and even less of a future. Dipper couldn't understand what she saw in him; he wasn't even her type. All he ever had to talk about was sports and himself, not to mention he was a complete moron! And the one thing Dipper could not stand for, he was less than gentlemanly in his behavior toward Mabelle- tuning her out when she talks, not pulling out her seat, or even offering her his jacket when she gets cold! Not that he'd been stalking Mabelle on her dates, of course. He was just... taking precautions to make sure his sister's honor would not be besmirched, is all. But hell, who is he say Mitch wasn't the guy for Mabelle? What, like she'd be into guys like him? With his crazy conspiracies and lack of social graces? He may not be the puny kid he was during his first summer here, but he was still the same awkward conspiracy-obsessed troublemaker he'd always been. And let's not forget the fact that she thought he was her twin brother. She'd never be interested in a guy like him. While Mabelle had eased out of childhood unscathed, things had never come easily to Dipper.

After the first summer in Gravity Falls, Oregon, Dipper Pines knew he'd have to be stronger to face the bigger mysteries of this not-so-sleepy town. He'd taken to running, found it helped to clear his mind, and he'd spent some time studying martial arts. To his delight, he grew to be 5'11, quite tall for his age and a full 6 inches taller than Mabelle, a fact he endlessly enjoys teasing his... ex-sister about. Alpha Twin indeed. His gray eyes are wide but sharp, unlike his sister's round azure orbs, and how could he not have noticed that? Both of his- Mabelle's parents have blue eyes. While her face is narrow and soft, his chin was square, and his skin was of a more tan complexion. He still wears his cargo shorts, a tan camouflage style and down past his knees. A plain black t-shirt stretches across his rather broad chest, and his green hooded sweater vest is left unzipped. As always, his pine tree hat covered his unkempt russet curls. Knowing the hazardous terrain of Gravity Falls, he'd swapped his typical Chuck Taylor's out for tan Timberland boots, perfect for their adventures. And instead of joining him, Mabelle was wearing heals. "-u even listening to me?" It's just not right! The thought of that absolute jackass looking at her in those heels, in that dress, thinking about her out of it... "Dipper..." It just got him so steamed! She should be exploring Gravity Falls with him! "Hello..." Maybe Mabelle had simply outgrown their adventures. "Dipper." Maybe she'd outgrown Dipper.

"Dipper!" The teen shook his head and looked up toward the source of the disturbance. The gang was staring at him like he'd grown another head. He frowned, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"What?" He finally asks, breaking the silence. Mabelle laughs and casually waves off his odd behavior. She takes a step towards him.

"You've just been grounded from your space mission, Captain Airhead. Come down to Earth!" She commands and knocks on his forehead. "Womp! Womp!" He quickly, gently forces her hand away and takes a step back. She looks almost hurt for a moment but just rolls her eyes. "Someone's got a case of the Grumpy Grumps," she complains, pouting. Dipper shrugs but says nothing. She sighs and steps away. "Well," she breathes and does a quick spin, "whaddya think?"

I think you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

But he can't tell her that.

"Where's your sweater? Showing off for your playboy boyfriend?" He regrets it immediately. The room is filled with shocked gasps, then falls deathly silent as the wide-eyed Soos, Wendy, and Stan slowly back away. Mabelle's palm covers her open mouth when she gasps. Then her eyes narrow and her hands pose on her hips.

"Excuse me?" She asks lowly. Dipper knows he was out of line, but he can't tell her how he really feels without it being weird and horrifying. Besides, at this point he's so worked up with jealousy and desire that he kind of wants to spoil her date.

"I'm just saying," he shrugs and leans against the wall, hands still in his pockets. "We both know the kind of girls Mitch usually goes for. Maybe you're trying to look the part." The crowd 'ooooooh's at the low blow, eagerly drinking in the drama unfolding before them.

Mabelle crosses her arms and frowns. "What exactly are you getting at?" She dares him.

"I'm only suggesting that perhaps Mitch isn't as interested in you as he is in what's under your sweater." It was like a slap to the face for Mabelle. Her eyes are huge. She bites her wobbling lip, and Dipper knows he's gone too far. She pulls her sweater out from behind her back. It's red, matching her pig, and the beautifully detailed rose on the front matches her earrings, drawing attention to the sweet redness of her still wobbling lip. Dipper feels awful.

"Mabelle," Dipper croons and takes a step toward her, his hand reaching for her. She backs away, delicate brows drawn furiously together.

"No!" She pushes her hand out at him and shouts, "Force field!" His hand drops as he realizes she won't let him touch her. She stares at him with her sad blue eyes and Dipper feels like the biggest jerk in the world, even worse than Mabelle's scheming date. Suddenly she turns, the skirt of her dress spinning around her, and she dashes up the stairs yelling. "You STINKY POOP-FACED SALAMANDER!" Her pig waddles after her, briefly stopping to squeal angrily at Dipper. A few moments later the gang hears a loud slam and they're left in silence, all staring at Dipper with meaningful looks. After a beat, Dipper growls at them.

"What?" He shouts, shoving his hands back into his pocket and looking away with a scoff. Stan frowns at nephew, looking as if he isn't sure where to start. Wendy quickly steps back behind the counter where Dipper leans against the wall. She puts her hands on her hips, looking stern.

"Geez, Dipper," she frowns at him, "could you be any more of a jerk?" She's really disappointed in him. Dipper is usually such a gentleman.

"Yeah, dude," Soos takes a seat on the counter, ignoring it as it creaks in protest. "What gives?" He asks and pops another Bite into his mouth. Stan says nothing and continues to silently count his money. Wendy and Soos are staring at him expectantly, and Stan, well, Dipper supposed he had his own ideas about the whole thing. He sighs. Well. They were going to find out eventually, he might as well tell them now. He gave them a long look and Wendy raises her brows.

"Well?" She prompted, crossing her arms. Dipper sighed and sat down in his chair.

"You guys might wanna take a seat for this one," he suggests, and both Wendy and Soos sit, Wendy in her chair, and Soos cross-legged on this floor. They gaze at him, eyes wide, curious about his unusually somber attitude. He takes a deep breath, remarking to himself that he'd been sighing more today than ever before. "I guess I'll just come right out and say it," he begins. Soos leans forward and Wendy is on the edge of her seat. Dipper eyes Stan, who is not looking a little too hard. He sighs one last time, and his coworkers both ball up their fists, shaking them with anticipation. "Mabelle isn't my sister."

There. It's finally out there.

This is the first time he'd actually admitted it out loud.

Wendy's jaw drops to the floor. Soos' eyes open wide and he gasps out a curiously confused, "Waaaaah?" Stan grimaces but remains silent. Dipper smiles sadly, knowing this is his way of trying not to put pressure on Dipper, to let him speak freely. Mr. Mystery wasn't always the most tactful guy, especially when dealing with delicate situations like this.

"Wait, so- wait, what?!" Wendy shrieks. Dipper looks down, kicking a fallen key-chain across the room.

"Yeah," he continues in a tired voice, eyes low, "My... guardians told me last year. Showed me the adoption papers. Apparently my real parents left me on their doorstep soon after Mabelle got back from the hospital." Guess they didn't want a kid with FREAK written all over his forehead. "Guess Mabelle's parents figured since they already had one..." He shrugs. "Whatever."

"Dude," Soos stands and raises his hands to his cheeks in wonder. "Everything is different now." Dipper barks out a crazed laugh.

"You're telling me, brother," he agrees, his smirk lacking it's usual luster. Wendy puts her fists to the sides of her face, then thrusts them out palms open.

"KA BOOOSH!" She whispers, mind blown. Dipper chuckles softly. "Okay," Wendy continues, "my brain just needs to reboot for a sec." She closes her eyes and rests her fingertips against her forehead. After a moment, she takes a deep breath and her chocolate eyes pop open, filled with determination. "Okay, dude," she starts, "first of all, don't think for a second that your parents are just Mabelle's parents." She puts a firm hand on his shoulder and squeezes. "Even if you don't share their blood, you share their spirit and memories. They raised you in love as their own son, and that won't ever change." She smiles, her gentle doe eyes misty. Dipper smiles. He really needed to hear that.

"Thanks, Wendy," he breathes and places a hand over the one on his shoulder. They share friendly looks for a moment before Wendy moves her hand, crossing her arms over her chest once more.

"Doesn't explain why you're being such a jerk to Mabelle, though," she glares at him. Dipper cheeks turn a subtle pink and he scratches the back of his neck nervously.

"Uh, yeah, I was just, uh," he sighs and drops back down into his seat. "I was a real dirt-bag to her, wasn't I?" Wendy scoffs.

"Uh, yeah," she agrees.

"Heh heh, yeah," Soos casually adds, spittle and bits of Bites spewing from his mouth, "it's almost like you were trying to ruin her date 'cuz you were jealous or something." He raises a chip to his mouth but pauses when he notices the silence and blank stares he's receiving. He blinks owlishly and slowly stuffs the Bites in his mouth anyway. Dipper sighs and prepares himself to do the one thing a man should never have to do: talk about his feelings.

"I guess I've just been a little stressed lately," he shrugs and makes a hand gesture. "Y'know, with all the... yeah." The young man huffs an empty laugh, scratching his arm. "And... Mabelle is so grown up now." A little too grown up for him to be entirely comfortable with. "Lately there's always a trail of guys following her around," he growls and Wendy laughs. He gives her a dry look and she slaps a hand over her mouth, using the other to motion for him to keep going. "She has new friends," he continues. "She's been going to all these parties and events, and... Now that I know the truth, I just... I dunno," he looks away, pulling his hat down over his eyes. "I just feel like I'm losing her." Wendy gives him a sympathetic look.

"Keh," Grunkle Stan scoffs, folding his bills and storing them in his pocket. "Oh yeah," he growls in that scratchy voice of his. He looks at the ceiling and raises his open palms. "I'm sure lil' Shooting Star would love to go cruisin' with her grouchy schmuck brother." Dipper glares at his sarcasm. Stan shakes his head with a laugh and walks off with a parting remark: "You gotta lot to learn about women, kid."

"Mr. Pines is right, dude," Soos stands and tosses the empty bag of Burrito Bites carelessly behind him. "If you're really upset about the whole 'you're adopted and your ex-twin forgot about ya' thing-" At this, Wendy's palm smacks her forehead. Soos continues, "maybe you should, y'know, ask her to hang out or whatever." Dipper pulls his hat further down his face and slouches in his seat, but says nothing.

"Soos!" Stan yells from somewhere in the shack. "The damn gnomes broke in again!" Soos stands and salutes the duo.

"I have been summoned," he announces solemnly. "Soos, awaaaay!" He zips off toward the back rooms of the shack.

There is silence then. Dipper is thinking, and Wendy can respect that. Over the years they had become the best of friends. They'd tried dating once. Wendy would have been crazy not to. Dipper was truly one-of-a-kind: smart, noble, gentlemanly, handsome (though he'd forever deny it), and his growing muscles were nothing to scoff at, but Wendy couldn't help feeling that it was just too weird dating someone so much younger than her, especially since she was so young herself. Dipper had respected that, and the two had been closer than ever. Wendy was now twenty, attending the Gravity Falls community college. She and Dipper had always kept in contact, even when Dipper would return home for the school year. It was because of this bond of friendship that Wendy knew he wasn't telling them the whole truth, and so the duo sat in silence as she waited for Dipper to speak.

"It's... not just the whole 'I'm adopted and my ex-twin forgot about me' thing," he admits, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. Wendy huffs with a roll of her eyes.

"Remind me to talk to Soos about tact one of these days," she jokes and he finally looks up with a soft smirk.

"Heh, yeah, but his heart's in the right place. Besides," he glances at the door that separates the shop from the rest of the shack, "at least he's not tip-toeing around it like..." Wendy hums in acknowledgment.

"Alright," she turns her chair around to face him, resting her arms on the back of the chair so she can give him her full attention. "Lay it on me, man," she coaxes. She notes how Dipper rubs his arm and won't meet her gaze.

"It's uh," he laughs nervously and pulls at his collar. "It's kinda, really... really, really personal. I mean, really personal." He glances at Wendy, who smiles back unabashed. He takes a deep breath. "Okay, here goes," he exhales. "I guess, uh, a few months after my... parents told me about... y'know, the whole thing, I, uh, started having these... dreams."

"Ooooh, okay," she chirps, relieved. She thought it was going to be something way worse. Dipper raises a brow at her. She sounded so happy, but she probably wouldn't feel the same if he told her what the dreams w- "So what were the dreams about?" She prompts. He cringes and sucks in a breath through his teeth.

"They're about..." He closes his eyes. "Mabelle." A moment or two passes in silence, and Dipper hesitantly opens one eye. Wendy is staring at him blankly. Dipper slowly relaxes in his seat. Another moment of silence passes. Finally he couldn't take it any more. "Well?"

"Oh, were you done?" She asks blandly. Dipper glares at her and she laughs. "Okay, okay, but seriously. I kind of figured they'd be Mabelle-related. I'm going to need a little more detail, though." Dipper doesn't want to say it. He really doesn't. Because if he says it, then that makes it real. If it's all in his head, then it doesn't count, right? Right? That- that's how it works, isn't it? "Dipper, if you don't tell me right now," Wendy suddenly pulls a NYARF gun from behind her back and aims it directly at his forehead. "I'll have no choice but to use deadly force," she threatens. Dipper rubs his neck laughing softly, grateful for her levity. He can feel some of the tension ebbing away. He's just gonna say it, he decides.

"I've been having... intimate dreams about her," he admits finally and claps his hands. "Boom! There it is, haha," he laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his red and irritated neck. Wendy is clearly surprised. Her mouth is slightly parted and her eyes are blank. After a few beats of silence Dipper continues, and before he knew it the words were pouring out. "I'd never thought about her... that way before." That's technically not a lie. While his old Mabelle-themed dreams had never been quite so... explicit, they were still very intimate in their own way. "It wasn't until after I found out that I..." He shook his head. "I tried to stop them, Wendy," Dipper pleaded, ashamed. "I'm no stranger to the Dreamscape. I tried controlling them. I read up on lucid dreaming." He slumps in his seat, hiding his face in his hands. "I tried reading textbooks before bed," he continues despairingly, "I tried meditation, incense." He snorts,"I even tried not sleeping. So why won't they stop?" He begs the question. "Wendy, why won't they stop?"

"Do you want them to?"It's the first thing out of her mouth since Dipper confessed. He slowly lowers his hands and faces her. She still looks shocked but not disgusted, so that's good. She poses a valid question, but it opens up a whole new can of worms that Dipper would rather not get into. The truth is he's not sure how to answer her question.

Of course he wanted them to stop! How could he dare think about his precious sister that way? His shooting star- silly, innocent, sweet little Mabelle, who nursed him when he was sick and cried on his shoulder when she was scared. How could he objectify her that way? He was her brother! He was meant to protect her- from harm, from fear, and especially from jerks that would desire her treasure. Jerks like him, apparently. Did he want the dreams to stop? Of course he did. Except he didn't, in a way? The dreams were good. Tortuously good, and each morning he'd wake up to guilt, shame, and sticky boxers. Dreaming about her every night wasn't good for his health, kept him from getting a good night's sleep. It was creepy, dishonorable, and frankly, nowhere near as satisfying as the real deal would be. To actually touch her, kiss her... To press their bodies together and take her-

Oh no, he did not just think that.

He was her brother, he shouldn't be thinking anything like that!

Except... He wasn't her brother any more.

"I," he begins and Wendy's eyes lock onto his expectantly. "Yes, I want them to stop..." He answers, finally. Wendy raises a brow at him.

"But..?" She prompts. He looks away and she smirks, making a smug noise. "Oh, I see," she hums, nodding. She raises one palm up with a shrug of her shoulder, quite certain of herself. "You feel guilty and wrong for thinking about her that way, but you feel even worse because it isn't as satisfying as the real thing would be, and it's like the dreams are flaunting it at you." What the hell? Did she just read his mind? "No I didn't read your mind, dork. I just know you. Plus I'm awesome, so," she grins at his stupefied expression.

"How can you be so blasé about this?" He demands, incredulous. "You thought we were twins until twenty minutes ago!" Wendy shrugs, brushing long scarlet strands out of her face.

"Well you're not, so I guess it doesn't really matter. Now that I think about it..." She hums and taps her finger against her chin. "It kinda makes sense. I mean, aside from the hair, you guys don't even really look alike. You did when you were younger but..." She pauses and appraises him from head to toe, sparking the teen's cheeks. "If you ask me," she smiles and bumps his shoulder with her fist, "you two were made for each other." Dipper stares blankly at her and a slow smile creeps across his face.

"You think so?" He breathes. She nods and Dipper feels a weight fall off his shoulders. He feels so light that he could fly, finally free from this burden. Heh, guess the girls were right about all that 'feelings' stuff. The pair sit in silence. They both have a lot of information to digest. There's the sudden clicking of heels coming from hallway. Dipper and Wendy share a meaningful glance. Wendy rose a slim brow at him, and gestured toward the hallway as if to say, 'Well, what are you waiting for?'

Dipper raises his chin and balls up both his fists, lips compressed to form a hard line. Wendy recognizes that look. That's the look he gets when he's determined to win, and a determined Dipper is a force to be reckoned with. She crosses her arms with a smirk and nods at him. 'Respect, dude,' she thinks.

"Alrighty, guys! My date's here," Mabelle announces happily and steps into the showroom. Dipper is once again struck by her beauty and notes that she's wearing her sweater. His sister doesn't notice his appraisal as she looks around for Stan and Soos. "Where'd the guys go?" She addresses Wendy. The young woman's eyes slide to Dipper briefly, but she looks away, shrugging.

"Guess those creepy gnomes broke into your room again," she informs her. Mabelle's throws up her arms.

"Ugh, I hate those guys!" She whines. "They keep taking my left socks and other personal garments!" Dipper's steel eyes narrow. Other personal garments? She'd never said anything about this before. Maybe it's time he paid those grubby little trolls a visit.

"They've been stealing your clothes?" Dipper grills his ex-twin. "Why didn't you tell me?" Mabelle glares at him and turns her head away. Dipper's face falls and Wendy gives him a sad look behind his back. Mabelle's silent treatment was like taking away the sun- like seeing stars but being unable to bask in their light.

"Sooooooo," Wendy interjects, breaking the awkward silence. "You gonna introduce the guy or what?" Mabelle glares at the wall and crosses her arms.

"I would," she explains, "but I don't think he'd be comfortable here." Dipper looks away, rubbing his arm. "Anyway," the teenage girl sighs, "can you tell Grunkle Stan I'm leaving and that I'll be back by curfew?" Wendy gives her a thumbs up.

"No problem, dude," she agrees. Mabelle smiles and returns her thumb.

"Thanks, girl pants!" The belle chirps, and slings her rose-shaped purse over her head. "I'll see you later. Wish me luck!" She giggles and walks out the door, without so much as a glance toward Dipper. He watches her go, looking a bit sick. She's really mad, and it's all his fault. He couldn't believe he'd implied that she... and with Mitch, of all people. He really was a schmuck. He had to apologize, now. Determination fixed on his face, he rushes out the door after her. Wendy nods, glad he made the right choice, and finally sticks her nose back into her magazine.

"Wait! Mabelle!" Dipper calls out to her. Mitch's car is parked on the far end of the drive way, and he's waving Mabelle over.

"Come on, babe! Let's get outta here!" He yells and pumps his fist. "WHOOOOO!" Mabelle turns her lip up for a moment before turning to face Dipper as he runs up to her. She crosses her arms and frowns at him impassively.

"Mabelle," Dipper starts, rubbing his neck. "I, I just wanted to say that..." He sighs. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I was..." A pause. "...Just worried about you," he finishes slowly, "and it all came out wrong, but... That's no excuse for my behavior," he admits. After a moment, he grabs her hand. He keeps his eyes on their locked fingers and doesn't notice as Mabelle's wide eyes light up and her cheeks burn. "Mitch is a very lucky guy. Make sure he treats you like it," he urges her. He finally looks up and stares into her deep blues. "You look beautiful," Dipper murmurs softly. He smirks and and squeezes her soft hand. Mabelle looks dumbstruck. It's evening, and the setting sun casts a glow on Dipper's skin, highlighting the contours of his jaw, the curve of his neck, and the cut of his muscles. His hair looks smooth and soft, and his slate eyes are as bright as the sun itself. And that little lopsided smile of his was just... so...

"Sexy," Mabelle whispers. Dipper raises a brow.

"What?"

"What, what? I mean, I-I, uh," she stutters, flushed cheeks growing even warmer. Dipper smiles at her gently and runs a thumb over the back of her hand. Mabelle squeaks.

HOOOOOONK! HONK! HONK! "Babe, come on! We've got a date with destiny, let's go! WHOOOOO!" Dipper glares at Mitch without remorse, and Mabelle sighs. She punches Dipper's shoulder and smiles at him.

"I accept your apology, Dipping Sauce," she leans in and gives him a quick hug. "I have to jet-set now." She turns away. Soon after, she and Mitch drive off into the evening, leaving Dipper standing in front of the Shack alone and looking like his world had just come to an end. He kicked a rock laying at his feet, satisfied when he heard it smack into a tree.

"Oy, that was painful," a gravely voice groans and there's a sudden hard slap against his back.

"Augh!" Dipper shouts and spins around quickly, arms up to defend himself from... a fat, nearly naked old man's butt? The forest echoes with a scream of horror. "GYAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

End Chapter 1: The Mystery Shack

I should totally be working on Time and Great Ruin, but hey, the muse wants what the muse wants.

If you'd like more, please review!