*A/N: So this is the first fanfiction I've written. It's already been up on AO3 for awhile and I got requests to also add it to this site. I was a reader on this site a loong time ago, but publishing stories on here is definitely different from AO3 lol ^^; Anyway, this story is actually kind of on a hiatus. I currently have up to chapter 7 done, but I'll post those on here later (or if you're impatient you can find it on AO3 yourself lol). I can tell you this story will definitely be finished one day... how long that takes is a different question. I'll tell you right now my motivation was high when I first started writing this. Just a word of advice, if you like a story, comment on it. It can be small (though something more in-depth makes you the most wonderful person ever). I think a big hurdle for me was the lack of attention I got when I first published this on AO3, when I would see so many other writers getting attention. Maybe it's just that my story isn't good. But that's just my two cents. In any case, I hope you like my story and like I said, the updating will be irregular but it'll have a complete ending :)
Dipper Pines
Online
DP Hey, how've you been?
MP Fine I suppose. I won't be coming back under the best of circumstances, but I'm glad I'll get to see you and Grunkle Stan after so long. It'll be a nice breath of fresh air.
DP Don't work yourself too hard. When will you be coming?
MP I'll be driving over there this Thursday. Hopefully we'll have some time to catch up before I have to get in gear with this case.
DP We're having movie night right when you get here. You can't say no.
MP I'm being threatened already. I'm hurt Dipper. I'm picking the movie though. It's only fair.
DP You're going to make us sit through another awful romantic comedy, aren't you? Those things take years off my lifespan, you know.
MP You're so dramatic that it makes me even less likely to change my mind
DP Just please don't let it involve some horrible rendition of hot werewolves or vampires.
MP I can't make any promises~! Now I think I'm gonna sign off. I really need to get some packing done before turning in for the night.
DP Ok, g'night.
MP Night, bro bro!
DP Don't think we're getting a little old for the nicknames?
MP Never
DP Heh, didn't think so. I have a few errands to run tomorrow so I might not be able to make it on skype until late. In case we don't get a chance to chat, then I guess I'll be seeing you Thursday.
MP Okie dokie!
Mabel Pines
Offline
A Volkswagen Beetle sporting a reddish-pink hue settled into the driveway, its croaking engine dying down as the keys were pulled from the ignition. A head of wavy locks poked its head outside the door, eyes sparkling with delight. She couldn't happier to find her five-minutes younger twin and bestest friends waiting for her on the porch. Squealing, she ran up to hug Candy and Grenda, their cries startling the nearby birds into flight. Dipper looked over at her, a gentle smile crossing his face. Taking in her clothes, he could see still nothing had changed over the past year. Black tank top underneath with a dark blue sweater hanging unevenly from one shoulder, a light blue skirt matching her headband, and black tights along with flats. Just her style.
"I'm being left hanging here," he murmured, attempting to sound pouty. Mabel giggled and shifted to give her brother a big bear hug.
"I'm so happy to see you guys. Never realized 'til now how much I had missed this old shack."
Shuffling footsteps sounded behind them, Grunkle Stan standing there with a mug of coffee and a maroon robe over his classic tank top and boxers combo.
"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel said, charging at him next.
"Hey pumpkin, how you been?" Stan asked.
"Oh you know, this and that, the current case I'm following. Though that's nothing Mabel Juice⢠can't fix," she said with a wide grin.
"Glad to know you're still kicking. Come on Dipper, help take her stuff up to the attic."
"Right away," Dipper said with a mock salute, but there was no ill attitude behind it. Opening the beetle's trunk, he pulled out the large purple suitcase and the few stray bags. Flinging all those over his shoulder while keeping the luggage lifted above the ground, he made his way into the shack.
"Wow, Dipper's not such a wimp anymore!" Mabel said in feigned surprise.
"Mabel, you know I've been going to the gym since college," his voice called down the steps from the attic.
"The bureau always arranges a place for you to stay when you're going around investigating, don't they?" Stan asked.
"Yep! But I told them I had a relative in town I could stay with. A thousand times better here than at some motel."
"So, are you headed to the station tomorrow?"
"Yeah, to check the files and evidence, all that jazz, but for tonight we all know what's gonna go down," Mabel said, her hand reaching into her purse. Pulling out what was clearly a DVD case, she showed off the case to everyone.
Candy and Grenda immediately erupted into excited clapping and giggling.
"I've been wanting to see that one for forever!" Grenda shouted in a booming voice.
Dipper peered in close to read the title, "After the Midnight Ball? I have no idea what it's about but it already sounds god awful," he groaned in exasperation.
"Too bad! Don't worry dipdop, I promise you'll pick the next movie. Cool?"
Running inside with her two besties, Dipper and Stan followed suit. Everyone settled themselves in the living room as Mabel set up the movie. Then, picking up the remote, she plopped herself down next to her twin with a wide grin.
"Glad to be back?" he whispered as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"You have no idea. We've always gone to visit mom and dad in California, but I haven't been back here since starting college."
"I know. Finally, the mystery twins reunite in Gravity Falls," he said with a quiet chuckle.
"Ok, shh, it's starting," she hushed, poking his shoulder. Just as the last preview was finishing up, the movie menu cropped up. Scrambling to press play, everyone watched quietly as the logos began appearing. But Dipper was only half paying attention, also looking over at Mabel beside him from the corner of his eye. He wore a smile on his face, his eyes keeping watch in silence. He then quickly looked back to the screen lighting up the dark room, wanting to get lost in a quiet time spent around friends and family.
