As the warm sun of the early June crept over the horizon, its soft rays touched the nose of Dipper Pines, rousing him from his slumber. With a long yawn, he rubbed his eyes, stretched his limbs, and gazed out of the bus window. Tall pine trees surrounded the road on either side, and the very sight brought a wide grin to Dipper's face.

"Mabel, hey Mabes," the young man shook his sister, who lay unceremoniously across the back row of seats, a magazine over her eyes and her mouth wide open showing a trail of drool that had snuck out some hours earlier.

"Buh, mmm, huh," the twin mumbled as she left her dreams. While the brunette got herself together for the day, Dipper made his way for the front of the vehicle. In all their years of travelling to Gravity Falls, they were the only ones who were ever on the morning bus at the start of Summer vacation.

"Nice nap?" asked the driver. Dipper nodded while he stared out the front, just before the old sign titled 'Gravity Falls' came into sight. The sound of laughter rang up from the rear as Mabel announced; "We're back baby!"

The vehicle pulled up the station on the edge of town, and the Pines twins thanked the driver before collecting their bags. After their third year coming the Oregon for the Summer, neither Dipper nor Mabel really needed to pack anything, since the Mystery Shack was practically their second home. Even though their old friend Soos was there as the official owner, he left all the bedrooms available for the Pines family.

"Y'know, even after five years of weirdness, I wouldn't change this place for every last grain of Smile-Dip," Mabel sighed happily.

"I know, even though your track record is shaky," Dipper replied recalling the three times his twin threatened the apocalypse instead of going back home. But after no incident last year, Dipper believed she'd come to terms with leaving the town to return for holidays. "Now then, shall we take the express way or the scenic route?"

"Scenic. After last year, I won't go express ever again!" Mabel announced.

"You rode a wyvern to the Mystery Shack during rush hour, impressed dozens of people who spend hundreds in cash; and you won't do it again because you missed free donuts at Greasy's Diner!?" her brother asked astounded.

The brunette nodded strong and began walking into town dragging her luggage behind her. Dipper shook his head with a smile; his sister was something else. Throwing his backpack on, he set out to follow, stopping briefly upon hearing a whine from the trees. A large reptilian head lay low in the bushes, the rest of its large body concealed in the thicket.

"Not this time, sorry," Dipper told the wyvern then jogged after Mabel.

Shortly after entering the more active part of town, the twins were greeted every few steps by the locals whom they had come to know over the years. Everyone from the video rental store clerk to the only biker gang in Gravity Falls waved at them as they passed.

Stopping shortly from towns edge Mabel went into the convenience store to pick up some "supplies." Dipper knew she secretly bought stuff for Soos as thanks for something he didn't know about. Soos covered for him loads of times, and vice versa; so he figured it was a big favour.

While he let his mind wander, he failed to notice a sapphire car drive up beside him. Only when the driver lowered their window and pinched his arm did the young man flinch as turn quickly. His shock turned to happy surprise when a sunglasses wearer, ruby haired Wendy Corduroy grinned up at him.

"Hey there stranger," she giggled from her vehicle. "Where's your big sister?" teased the older girl.

Dipper laugher and threw a thumb over his shoulder; "If you're looking for my older sister, she's making purchases. And you're one to talk, last I checked; you weren't so tall last time we came here on holidays."

The young woman scoffed and opened the door. First came the brown boots, then tight jeans, and finally a flannel shirt with its sleeves rolled back. It was definitely Wendy alright. Dipper couldn't help but smile as she got right up in front of him and looked him over. The young man desperately tried to conceal his laughter, knowing that finally he was just taller than the lumberjill.

"Well I'll be damned," Wendy's usual relaxed tone spoke out; "Guess the mark on your head finally fits the body its stuck on?"

That was it, Dipper couldn't hold it in; he burst out laughing, and Wendy couldn't help but join in. Quickly a brunette carrying a bag of snacks shot out of the store looking around.

"Who's having fun without me!" she yelled excitedly. "Wendy!" Mabel called out, and making like a rocket, sped towards her old friend, exploding into a bear hug.

"Sup Mabel? Why didn't you call to say you were here?" asked the lumberjill.

"We literally arrived fifteen minutes ago," Mabel answered, which Dipper affirmed with a nod.

"Well do you dorks want a lift to the Shack? I was heading up there to collect Melody," Wendy explained. "Soos is planning a trip away for their anniversary, and I've been gifted the job of distracting her for the day; all expenses paid." That last part brought a devilish grin to her face.

"Sure, thanks Wen! Dipper, brother, be a dear and put my bags in the trunk," Mabel said clapping her hands twice before dashing around her red-headed friend to claim shotgun.

Wendy chuckled and expected Dipper to put up a fight, but he just shot a quick grin at her and proceeded to pack the luggage into the car. As she climbed into the driver seat, Wendy looked to Mabel and asked if something happened to Dipper recently.

"Oh, yeah, you see…Dipper was," she began, only to stop when the back door opened and her bother climbed in. "I'll tell you later," the brunette whispered. Curious, but content for now, Wendy hit the gas and sped out of town, driving down the old trail the Mystery Shack, the very same path she cycled when she was younger.

"So," Wendy started, "what are your plans for the next few weeks?"

"I've got plans to meet up with my girls tomorrow for some time away," Mabel chimed. "Marius has given Grenda his yacht for the next two weeks, but since she can't drive it yet; the damn thing is sitting in Gravity Falls lake, waiting to be airlifted out when we're done."

Wendy let a long whistle fly; "Money can do crazy things, man." After a minute of silence, she cleared her throat and looked in the rear-view mirror. "How 'bout you Dipper? Any weird adventures planned that I could tag along on if I'm bored?" She watched carefully as he answered her, never turning his gaze from the passing trees.

"Not particularly, I mean; if they happen, they happen. I haven't thought about adventures yet, but maybe in a while. I'll probably check around, get some rest. I started drawing more seriously, so I may just go out some day to work on that," he replied.

Wendy couldn't tell if he was depressed or just really tired. When Mabel pitched in, she was certain that something was wrong and Dipper was trying to hide it; the change in his enthusiasm since getting into the car was startling.

"How about you go visit Pacifica? You guys always do nerd stuff when you're together," the brunette asked her twin.

"N-no, that's alright; she's usually busy and Pacifica always comes to us when she wants," he replied a little scatted. After quickly regaining his composure, Dipper quickly changed the subject. "What about you Wendy, what are your plans, do you have any?"

The lumberjill took a moment to browse her mind before replying with a simple; "Nope." The group soon arrived at their destination, where they were greeted by their old friend Soos.

"Dudes! Welcome back. I'd love to chat with you guys but I've got some stuff I gotta do first," the large man explained in his ever-friendly tone.

"It's cool man, Wendy told us during the drive; do what you gotta do, and we can catch up later," Dipper replied with a thumbs-up. His friend gave him a grin, waved at Mabel while she gathered her belongings, then returned inside the Mystery Shack calling for his wife.

"Alright Dip, I'll head off now with Melody," Wendy said, giving the younger man a nudge. "How about you and me meet at my place tomorrow for a bad movie marathon, like usual?"

Dipper stiffened up for a second then relaxed and answered. "Sorry, I think I'll be sorting some stuff out before Mabel goes on her "trip" with Candy and Grenda," he apologised. The red-head knew something was wrong; Dipper had always dropped everything for movie night, not that she was upset. Wendy made a quick decision there and then just as Melody came out to greet them.

"Hey guys, nice trip?" the woman asked, all smiles.

"You bet! The bus got a makeover this year: leather seats baby," Mabel answered, rubbing her cheeks in satisfaction, which got a laugh out of everyone. "So anyway, you're off with Wendy for the afternoon, right?"

Before Melody could answer, the lumberjill cut in; "Actually Mabel, I was thinking you could join us, y'know since we won't see you while you're with C. & G." The brunette replayed the sentence in her mind twice over before reading between the lines.

"Oh, sure, I'd…love to," she finally managed. "Just let me drop my bag up to the room and I'll be right down," and with that said, ran into the residence.

After a light minute of casual questions directed at Dipper, the other Pines twin re-joined Melody, letting the pair and Wendy depart for a few hours of fun and gossip. Dipper had no qualms, he wanted some time alone, and Soos needed to finish his bookings for whatever plans he had for his anniversary.

The young man picked up his backpack, not bothering to throw it over his shoulder, and made his way to his room. Since Soos had the study for work, the room where Dipper and Mabel's incident with 'Experiment 78' was now the room his sister used since they no longer slept in the same room. Climbing the stairs to the usual attic room, Dipper retreated into the corners of the house for an hour, letting his troubles dissolve like a sugar cube in a pot of coffee. He would leave later, a walk would do him some good, but for now; quiet was perfect.

"Either of you had breakfast yet?" Wendy asked as she pulled up into the parking space right beside Greasy's Diner. Both Melody and Mabel shook their heads, so the group entered inside where Lazy Susan greeted them, and seeing the Mabel was part of the group grew excited that the Pines twins were back for another Summer.

Once the trio were sitting in a booth, deciding on what to have, Melody left for the restroom giving Wendy her chance to resume her chat with Mabel about Dipper's odd behaviour. Not knowing how long she had, Mabel gave the shortest version she could for now.

"Y'know how Dipper used to be…challenged with relationships?" the brunette asked. "Well, he got better over the years; went on dates, the usual stuff. But once we were back last Autumn this girl came to him: Rachel. She hung out with Dipper for weeks, he helped her with her studies, even though they were in completely different courses, and things were good for months."

Wendy was locked onto the conversation, soaking in every letter so she would know how to get her friend out of his rut.

"Anyway, Dipper had officially been going out with her for about six months, even during the short breaks from college. I have to admit, I was even starting to like her, until the finals results arrived. Dipper helped her achieve enough points to get what she wanted, but what nobody saw coming was what she did next," Mabel spoke, her brow furrowing and knuckles cracking as she clenched her fists. "That monster ditched him in front of the college cafeteria, saying that he had "fulfilled his use, and she didn't need him anymore," ugh!"

Wendy shot back in her seat, shocked that someone would ever consider doing such a thing to Dipper; he was always happy to help someone who needed it, why hurt him for no reason? "So, that was about three weeks ago. I take it he's still sore and just wants to be alone?" the lumberjill inquired.

Mabel nodded and waggled a finger off to the side, signalling her friend that Melody was returning and it was time to change topic. Wendy understood and moved her gaze to the menu just as the woman reached the booth. "I think I'll have the pancakes," she announced, while simultaneously planning to get Dipper out and boost his spirits a bit.

Having finally decided to leave the attic room, Dipper could hear Soos on the phone confirming reservations, so he just waved to his friend as he left the Shack. A short walk into town later, and the young man was browsing around mall, not really looking for anything but rather to sate his appetite for distraction. He was almost relaxed when a voice called out to him from the entrance to the technology store.

"Dipper Pines, when did you arrive into town? Not here to stir up trouble, are you?" the calm voice of Pacifica Northwest asked, as the slender blonde approached.

"Hey Paz, I actually arrived about an hour and a half ago," Dipper replied, turning around to place a knick-knack back on the shelf. "What're you up to? Last Summer you were occupied with a big project, did it deliver?"

Pacifica smiled, honest joy radiating from her face; "Yep! After my investments into McGucket tech, I now have as much money as I had all those years ago, only, you know: legally and honest this time." She laughed softly; time had taught Pacifica a harsh lesson about real life, and Dipper often worried that in her pursuit to restore wealth to her name, her body would suffer. He couldn't tell if she was naturally skinny, or in desperate need of a balanced diet.

"Tell you this though; I've got one meeting in an hour and I don't know how long I will be so, how about tomorrow we go out for dinner and catch up?" she asked, a pink tinge to her cheeks.

"I don't know Paz," Dipper began, but once he looked at her crestfallen face he sighed and spoke up; "Let me re-organise some things and I'll call you. If I can't, there's always another day." Pacifica looked pleased with the response, and asked Dipper to wish her luck in her meeting; which he did.

Groaning quietly, the young man made his way for the exit. He knew he was being unreasonable, and logically made no sense; but the heart never did make sense, a broken one even less so. Making his way outside the young man began feeling that fate was against him today, a thought enforced when Mabel's friend Candy bumped into him as he left for the main road.

"Dipper? No way, when did you get hear?" she asked. He was getting real sick of answering that question so many times before lunch, but repressing his petty feelings, he explained his situation like before. Dipper informed her of Mabel's plans and the yacht, and how his twin would call Candy later. The polite young woman thanked Dipper, and mentioned something about a technology show in over a week. Unfortunately, Dipper was just trying to get back to the Mystery Shack, it had been a long morning. Wishing her fun on the yacht, he turned tail and left, oblivious that he also left Candy worried about his behaviour; the guy was easy to read.

Late afternoon arrived, and Wendy, Mabel and Melody returned to the Mystery Shack. According to Soos, Dipper had been in his room for the last four hours. When the man knocked on the door, his young friend told him everything was fine and that he was drawing. As Soos and Melody left, the happy husband turned around, tossing the keys to the Mystery Shack to Mabel with a wink.

"See you soon!" was all Mabel called out as the couple departed for the surprise Soos had planned. Turning back to the Shack, the brunette sighed; "Wendy, if you want to stay you can, but I don't know how active Dipper will be."

Agreeing to join her, Wendy followed Mabel inside and lay across the sofa waiting patiently for anything to happen. For a short while there was a quiet murmur coming from upstairs, which she presumed was the twins talking. When Mabel came downstairs she told Wendy to check for anything good on the TV, and she would get dinner started. Soon the smell of steaks wafted through the house, and since Mabel was tired, the meat was accompanied by oven fries and instant gravy, the good one that Stan kept just for steak.

"Here you go Wendy," Mabel said, handing over a plate. "Did you find anything good?"

"Not really. Unless you want to watch science shows or documentaries?" the lumberjill replied, sticking a forkful of fries into her mouth.

"Anything about cats?" Mabel asked while she enjoyed her meal. With a quick flick of the remote, the pair watched the African lion for an hour as it ruled the plains in its pride. Soon after her meal Mabel bid Wendy goodnight, saying she needed to be up early in the morning for the last checks before her trip. The red-head nodded and said she would leave, but upon opening the door was faced with torrential rain which made the road back to town deadly, even for an experienced driver.

"Any chance I can crash her for the night?" the lumberjill asked. All too happy to comply, Mabel dug out one of her long night gowns and passed them to her friend. Wendy took a moment to thank the stars that her friend always had ridiculously proportioned clothes. After a final "goodnight," the girls split ways for bed; Mabel to her room, and Wendy to the sofa.

Some minutes passed while Wendy faded into her dreams, only to be pulled out at the last minute when the sound of footsteps tapped quietly down the stairs. Not moving from her spot, the lumberjill went completely unnoticed as Dipper made for the kitchen. She watched him take out a plate of food from the refrigerator and start to eat it cold. He was quiet, almost ghost like in his movements. Suddenly he dropped his cutlery onto his plate and leaned back, covering his eyes with his left hand.

"Ugh, damn it," he muttered, wiping his tears. He had to get over himself, being a recluse wouldn't help him, nor would ignoring his friends. He stared back at the meal, not wanting to finish it, pushing it away from him. A light knocking on wood drew his attention to Wendy as she stood in the doorframe. "Oh, Wendy; I didn't know you were here," he spoke, his voice breaking sadly at the end.

The red-head moved over to him and leaned her back to table. He was looking up at her, trying to disguise his sadness, but red eyes and pale skin betrayed him. Deciding it was time to talk with him, Wendy pulled up a seat. "Dipper, do you want to talk out what's been troubling you?"

The young man averted his eyes, and sat quietly. It was very unlike Dipper to act so, and he knew if there was anyone who he could talk to other than Stan, it was Wendy. Giving in, he told the red-head a more detailed version of the story Mabel had, explaining how he was the one asked out, and how Rachel had proposed they be a couple. After he finished recounting the painful experience, the young man felt a weight lifted from his body. Wendy even managed to get him chuckling and soon suggested they watch some TV. At peace for the first time in weeks, he accepted the invitation.

As they sat together under a blanket, finishing the last scenes of 'Thunder Cows from Saturn,' Wendy felt her friend's head fall against her, his exhaustion finally catching him after all his stress was taken. The lumberjill leaned back letting Dipper use her torso as a pillow while she stroked his hair. "Rest well Dip, tomorrow's another day," and tilting her head back, drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile out on Gravity Falls lake, as the rain grew stronger and lightning crashed through the heavens; a blue rift tears open on Skuttlebutt Island. Two of the time paradox prevention officers step out, one stern, the other very afraid.

"What's happening? Why are the readings bouncing around this wildly?" the scared officer asked.

"Because it's out of our hands now," the other replied, pressing buttons on his wrist, creating a new rift. "We have to leave it to him, or else the consequences would be irreversible. We can only pray things work out, may the sands of time protect us." Concluding his speech, the officer placed a device on the ground which hummed a soft green light. Quickly he ushered his colleague through the time rift and closed the way.

As thunder boomed and the sky lit up, a bolt of green lighting struck the device in the earth. Standing in the ashes was a figure, wearing flip-flops, grey jeans, a loose green t-shirt covered by an open lab-coat, and large sunglasses.

"Well now, what oh what do we have going on here?" he asked himself.

Hey folks, welcome to the show! As I promised, here is another story which I've thought out and you all voted for in the polls. I'd like to thank you for joining me with this new story, and I hope you all enjoy it.

And a big hooray for over 25K views on my other story!

TGGDSD.