Dipper dreaded having to open his eyes this morning. Normally, he would have been up hours ago, probably exploring the forest with the journal, playing with Mabel in the backyard, or helping to execute another insane play concocted by Sta-.
Stan.
Stan Pines, if that's even his real name. What was he even supposed to call him anymore, certainly not Grunkle, he wasn't even sure if they were related. Ugh, thinking about last night gave him a headache but the memories flooded back.
"What…Who is that?" Dipper rubbed his temple as the bright blue light flashed in his eyes. It was hard to see but he could make out a tall, dark figure emerging from the portal. He was covered from head to toe and black clothing, and he reached down to pick up Journal number 1. If he blinked, Dipper would have missed the six fingers grabbing the book.
"The author of the journals. My brother." Dipper looked over at his Stan, whose eyes were fixed on the man in front of him. The stranger took off the goggles and scarf covering his face, revealing what could only be described as Stan's twin. Mabel gasped quietly and Soos just stood there speechless. Dipper continued staring at the man in front of him as the portal slowly started to deactivate, the pulsing noise turned into a humming sound and finally stopped. The room was silent as all four of them continued to look in awe at the man. The tension in the air was finally broken as Stanford stood up and walked toward his brother. He said something but Dipper could only hear the name "Stanley" before his brother fell unconscious into his arms. Stanford stood there for a few minutes and Dipper thought he could hear some slight sniffles before Stan cleared his throat and started making his way outside the basement.
"Wait, where are you going?" Dipper asked. He couldn't seriously leave like this, not with everything that happened. His words fell on deaf ears though, as Grunkle Stan walked right past his nephew. "Stan. Stan! Wha…what, where are you-"
"Grunkle Stan…where are you going?" A small voice came from across the room. Mabel was staring at her uncle, tear threatening to stream down her face. "Are…are we still going to stay here? At the Shack?" She looked down to the ground, nervously twirling her hair. Stan gave a deep sigh and turned to the girl.
"I'm going upstairs, I need you to stay with Soos until I say otherwise. Don't talk with anyone if they ask you about this and try to lay low. Do you understand?" His voice changed to a more serious tone as he stared at his niece. She nodded her head as he continued to drag his brother.
"Wait! What about me? Why can't you just tell us what's going on! Why can't you just tell me the truth!" Stan stopped in his tracks still not making eye contact with boy. It was a few seconds before he said anything.
"Because I can't trust you right now." And with that he walked away.
Dipper finally forced his eyes open and turned around in his bed. He was the only one in the room and he assumed that the others were eating breakfast. It was then that a particularly loud growl erupted from his stomach, and it was then that Dipper realized that he hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning. He laid in his bed until he couldn't take it anymore and decided to get some food. It was not going to be a good day.