"Come on, Pine Tree, keep up!"
"I'd be more motivated if you'd just tell me where you're leading me," Dipper shot back, stumbling over another root. He swatted a fairy away from his face, empathetic to the startled cry the action received.
Bill Cipher simply shot the teen another grin, his pointed teeth slotted together in a less than comforting manner. "But that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?"
Dipper snorted, quickly looking at a nearby tree to avoid blushing at the demon's smirk. Why did he have to create such an attractive vessel? Smooth caramel skin, wavy golden hair that kissed the nape of his neck, lean muscles that had easily picked him up numerous times, toned legs currently hidden beneath a pair of dark wash jeans…
"Pine Tree!" Bill snapped his fingers inches from his nose. Based on the amusement dancing in golden eyes, Dipper assumed the blond knew what he'd been daydreaming about. "You're falling behind again. Are you alright?"
Dipper pouted. "I'm fine. It's just harder to watch my step with all of these leaves on the ground."
It wasn't a total lie. Autumn had returned to Gravity Falls, bringing with it crisp winds that tore at Dipper's auburn scarf and fluttering leaves that were varying shades of red, orange, and yellow. He could still recall his first autumn in the town…
After begging, pleading, and a couple of tantrums, Dipper and Mabel had convinced their parents to allow them to spend the school year in Gravity Falls.
"Let's just see how the year goes," his father had cautioned. "Any differences in your grades or major incidents and you're coming back home! If you make it through the year, we'll talk about making this a permanent thing."
Their mother had been heartbroken at first, but they'd managed to turn it into a something positive; it was a chance for them to broaden their horizons further and get a taste of independence. They'd return for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break, and call often.
With the promises made and deal set, the twins were free to stay with their great uncles and newfound friends. Mabel had been eager to get registered in Gravity Falls Middle School, grabbing Stanley's arm and tugging him to the car. Stanford had wasted no time in acquainting Dipper with all of his bunkers and hiding places, giving him permission to enter and take whatever he pleased whenever he wanted.
"They're great places to work in when you want to be alone," he'd stated with a wink. Dipper simply nodded in response, offering his grunkle a small smile.
Roughly a week into the school year, the younger twin found himself taking his grunkle up on his offer. Mabel had invited Candy, Grenda, and Pacifica over for a "study/slumber party," and he knew that he was screwed when she pulled Calling All Boys: Teen Edition out of their closet, claiming that they "had to use it because [she] was finally a teenager!"
Slipping out of the backdoor just as the girls arrived at the front, Dipper raced into the woods. He tugged his blood orange and white letterman jacket closer, the fall wind ripping through the thin fabric of his shirt. Despite it already being a week, their parents had yet to send all of their clothes, so he was stuck with his summer attire. Mabel had offered to knit him a sweater, but he'd declined, not wanting to trouble her when their clothes were supposed to arrive any day.
He reached one of the "trees" that hid a bunker entrance, flipping a panel open and punching the code in. The bark of the trunk slid up, revealing a small opening. Glancing around to ensure his isolation, Dipper slipped into the elevator.
This was one of Ford's study bunkers, void of creatures or experimental weapons. It mainly housed his research, and was one of the places that he'd go to consult with Bill during the halcyon days of their deal. After defeating him and his "Weirdmageddon," they'd purged the place of all relics and triangular objects.
Dipper breathed a sigh at the silence greeting him, unpacking his textbook and notes. He loved being around everyone from the Shack, but sometimes it was nice to just have a bit of peace and quiet. He plopped into the rolling chair and flipped his math book open, gnawing on the eraser of his pencil as he reviewed the lesson.
About twenty minutes into his problems, he heard the elevator ding up above. Was Ford coming down for something? Did he need him? Dipper placed his pencil into the textbook, marking his page, and shut it, turning to face the entrance.
"Great Uncle Ford, did you need something?" he called as the elevator door slid up. He couldn't have anticipated who was on the other side.
"AH!" Dipper was startled out of his memories, suddenly hovering above ground. His arms instinctively reached out for leverage, meeting a firm chest and shoulders. His body shook with Bill's laughter.
"Geez kid, you're really out of it today, aren't you?" the demon laughed, smiling down at him.
Calming down from the initial shock, Dipper realized that he was lying bridal-style in Bill's arms. His cheeks broke into a furious blush, and he lowered his head, hoping that his cap would hide the color. "Can you put me down?"
"I can," Bill teased. "But I'd rather just carry you. At this rate, we won't make it in time!"
"In time for what?" Dipper asked exasperatedly. His response was Bill continuing the trek deeper into the woods. He tried to relax, wrapping his arms loosely around the blond's neck. He caught the corners of Bill's mouth lift in a small smile when he did.
They continued on in relative silence, Bill beginning to whistle a tune after a while. Soothed by the melody, Dipper allowed his mind to wander back to that eventful day…
"What are you doing here?" Dipper spat at the figure standing in the doorway. His hand flew into his bag, fingers wrapping around the energy gun that Stanford had given him.
The figure was about three inches taller than he was, with a slender frame. A top hat added about four inches to his height. Wavy golden tresses framed a round, tan face, overgrown bangs falling into one eye while the other shone gold and cat-like at him. He wore a white dress shirt and yellow suit vest, black slacks hugging his hips and accenting his long legs. Black leather gloves leaned on a black cane, the outfit punctuated by a simple black bowtie.
Dipper mightn't have recognized the stranger, save for the predatory smirk stretching his pink lips. "Miss me, Pine Tree? Admit it, you missed me!"
"Hardly," Dipper grumbled. "It's only been a week!"
"And yet you're here greeting me with open arms!" Bill cooed, waltzing closer to the teen.
Dipper slid his chair back a few feet, whipping the gun out like Ford had shown him to. "Stay back, Bill! I know you're still weak, and I'm not afraid to use this!"
The demon held his hands up, smile faltering slightly. "Easy with that thing, kid. I'm not here to harm ya!"
"Then what are you doing here?" he demanded, keeping his hand steady.
Bill sighed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I need a place to stay. After the whole 'failure to conquer your world' thing, they won't let me back home. I'm too weak to jump to any other dimension – in fact, I exhausted the rest of my magic conjuring this human form to blend in. I can recharge, but it'll take a while outside of my own realm."
Dipper considered the demon's plea, though his face betrayed nothing. Bill seemed sincere in his tale; heck, his "human" appearance had fangs and pointed ears! But he'd been deceived one too many times already, and was obviously reluctant to trust him. It could be beneficial to have a powerless demon at his disposal for research purposes… Then again, how could he be sure that he was as powerless as he claimed to be?
Without a second thought, Dipper shot the gun at the tip of Bill's foot, wincing slightly when the demon cried out as his toe was hit.
"What the hell was that for?" he demanded, involuntary tears pooling in his eyes.
"Just checking to see if you were lying about your power," Dipper explained unremorsefully.
"Well, do you have your answer? Or do you want to shoot my fucking eye out, too?" He was on the ground now, clutching his foot and rocking back and forth.
Dipper's hard expression cracked, and he slapped a hand over his face. "Shit, I'm sorry," he apologized, running to retrieve some ice from the small freezer in the corner. "I honestly expected you to at least dodge it."
'"It's alright," Bill mumbled, looking away. "I probably deserve way worse than this."
"Probably?" Dipper scoffed quietly, picking up an icepack and a rag. He brought them both to Bill, coaxing him out of the cocoon he had balled himself into. "Here, let me see it."
Bill slowly unfurled himself, allowing Dipper to tug his boot off and examine the wound. At this vantage point, Dipper realized that Bill's vessel was practically his age, give or take a year. The wince that he received when he tried to pull the sock off reminded him of when Mabel had fallen and scraped her knee a couple of days ago. She'd given him the same expression when he went to disinfect the area with alcohol.
"Pine Tree, I know I've done wrong," Bill confessed, biting his lip and drawing blood when Dipper finally managed to remove the sock.
The brunet raised a brow at the demon's sudden revelation, though he didn't stop his work. Fortunately, there was no blood. In fact, the body that Bill had created seemed to hold some healing properties, as the blistered area was already beginning to seal itself. He handed the icepack to Bill, placing the rag over it so that it wouldn't be too cold to hold. Bill accepted the aid gratefully, sighing as he began to work it around his toes.
"You were saying?" Dipper prompted, intrigued by what the blond had to say.
Bill nodded, face serious again. "I know that I don't deserve your trust. I know I shouldn't have even approached you, especially so soon after it happened, but I really need help and you're the only one that I can trust."
That struck a chord with Dipper. Trust was a very difficult thing to build – he knew that firsthand. So to hear from a demon that you were the only one that he could trust? How was he supposed to react to that?
"I-If you're just saying this to mess with me-"
"I swear, Pine Tree, I'm not!" Bill declared, eyes wide and… fearful? That couldn't be right! "I messed up, I'm in a heap of trouble, and there's no one else that I can go to! Dipper, please!"
Now he was using his name! What more was there to say to that?
"Let's say I were to trust you. What's your plan?" Dipper asked skeptically.
"I come live with you guys! You could introduce me as 'William,' a new student in your class with nowhere to stay. In time I'll reveal myself to the rest of your family, but for now I think it would be best for both of us if I laid low."
"Can't argue with that," Dipper agreed. "If Ford didn't use these bunkers anymore, I'd let you stay here, but I guess your plan will have to suffice."
Bill's watery eyes lit up. "So is that a 'yes'?"
"Can you still make deals?"
"As long as the terms don't require magic, sure."
"Good. Let's discuss the terms and conditions of your stay…"
"'No deals with any other members of the Shack, no magic in or near the Shack, no messing with Shooting Star, kindly reject her advances if there are any, don't get in either of the Stans' way, no pranks, no inviting friends over, no burning the journals, no disturbing anyone, I must go to school with you and Shooting Star, and I must listen to any other rules you lay down in the future. You may edit these terms at any time. In exchange, I get a place to stay and companionship.' Did I miss anything, Pine Tree?"
Dipper shook his head, a lazy smile coming to his face after hearing Bill recite the remainder of his flashback aloud. Being carried had lulled him into a blissful daze. He was surprised at how comfortable Bill's chest and arms were.
"Don't fall asleep just yet, kid, we're almost there!" Bill warned, shaking the boy slightly.
The demon had been with them for four years now. His secret had been revealed about a year into their arrangement, during which no one had really blown up having seen how docile Bill had become around Dipper. Nothing had changed; in fact, Bill had been virtually accepted into the family. Even Ford managed to forgive the demon for his past transgressions, telling Dipper later on to document any and all of his findings in his journal.
He and Bill had become especially close over the past year. They'd been paired as lab partners in chemistry, which Dipper initially regretted because Bill would just carelessly throw things into the beaker hoping for an explosion. They'd also been assigned multiple group projects with Mabel and Pacifica, which typically resulted in them doing the research and the girls working on the presentation.
Outside of school, Bill often accompanied Dipper on monster hunts and quests to retrieve some magic item for Ford. Having regained much of his magic, Bill would use it to provide aid anytime Dipper's gadgets and wits failed him. Surprisingly, he rarely ever pranked anyone or taken advantage of his powers, especially not when Dipper was around.
"I think he's got a thing for you, bro bro~" Mabel had teased one summer day when Stan had pulled Bill to help him run tours.
The idea had blood rushing to Dipper's cheeks. "Oh please," he tried to play it off coolly. "Whatever gave you that idea?"
Just then, Bill came rushing into the room, a wad of money clutched in one hand. "Check it out! I just made a hundred bucks in tips! That's good, right?" He pulled Dipper up into a very giddy embrace, jumping around with excitement.
"That's great, Bill!" Dipper congratulated, patting the demon's head encouragingly. "Keep up the good work!"
Bill pulled back and saluted, a goofy grin on his face. "Aye aye, Captain!" He skipped out of the room and back downstairs just as Stan began calling for him to lead another tour.
Dipper turned back to Mabel with a flushed expression, spluttering for a response.
"Say no more, Dip." Mabel stopped him with a knowing smirk. "I know you like him, too."
"Hey, we're here!" Dipper felt his body shake slightly as Bill stirred him from his doze.
"Sorry," he mumbled, yawning and rubbing his eyes. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."
Bill gave him a soft smile, reaching down to sweep a few stray bangs from his eyes. "Don't worry about it. You seemed pretty tired. Besides, you're pretty cute when you sleep."
The brunet blushed, eyes darting anywhere but the golden orbs studying his face. Bill chuckled at his response, lowering him to the ground.
Dipper stood shakily, clinging to Bill's shoulder for support as he stretched his legs, the demon responding with a firm hand on his waist. After a moment, he straightened, hands on his hips as he looked to Bill expectantly. "Alright, where's this 'surprise' you've been hyping up?"
The blond placed his hands on Dipper's shoulders, spinning him around and coming to stand at his side. "Take a look, Pine Tree."
They were standing in front of a small grotto just near the edge of a cliff overlooking the town. A transparent waterfall ran down the face of a wall engrained with sparkling stones. Clear water pooled around it, framed by large bench-like gemstones. Just past it, the setting sun shone an array of oranges and pinks, the light reflecting off of the stones.
Dipper felt his jaw drop at the sight. All that was missing was a unicorn whinnying beneath a rainbow; though, from what Mabel told him about unicorns, that may not have been ideal.
Bill gauged the brunet's reaction anxiously, lacing his fingers with Dipper's cautiously. When the teen jumped at the contact, the demon withdrew his hand dejectedly. "Sorry," he mumbled, worrying at his lip.
Dipper turned to Bill, shaking his head. "No! I mean, it's not that, I just wasn't expecting it!" He slipped his hand into the blond's to solidify his point, giving a gentle squeeze that he hoped was reassuring.
Bill's eyes widened, studying their interlaced fingers curiously. "You know, I've always wondered why humans seemed to crave so much contact with each other," he mused, turning their hands and squeezing experimentally. He flashed Dipper a content smile. "Now I know why."
Dipper couldn't help but return it with a goofy smile. "Yeah. This is… really nice."
Bill's cheeks suddenly broke into a furious blush. "Oh, that reminds me!" He tugged Dipper closer to the pond with their locked hands, sitting the brunet down on a particularly large stone. "Wait here!"
He raced off in the direction of the waterfall, scrambling up the grassy side to the top. He briefly disappeared from view before running back toward the edge and leaping into the water.
Dipper cowered away from the splash, laughing when Bill's head resurfaced and he began treading water back toward him. He was momentarily brought back to the week, (yes, week ), that he and Mabel had taught the demon how to swim last summer.
"Was that what you brought me over here to see?" he chuckled, helping the soggy blond out of the water.
Bill's yellow sweater and dark jeans clung to him, water dripping from the mop of hair falling into his face. When he emerged, he whipped his head like a dog, tapping into his magic to dry himself off.
"Man, it's a lot colder now than it was a month ago!" he remarked, fluffing his hair with one hand. The other held a polished mahogany box, some cursive text engraved in the top. Bill plopped down next to Dipper, presenting the box with a hopeful smile.
Dipper's mocha eyes widened at the gift. "What's this?"
"Just open it, kid!"
Dipper took the box into his hands, unclasping the front and lifting it gingerly. The inside was lined with red velvet, a thin gold chain curled at its center. He picked it up carefully, regarding the jewelry in awe. The necklace itself consisted of three thinner chains braided together. Dangling from it was a gold equilateral triangle. He passed his thumb over the piece with a soft smile, turning to the teen beside him for an explanation.
Bill's face was redder than he'd ever seen. He didn't seem to know what to do with his hands, twiddling his thumbs anxiously in his lap. When he caught Dipper's gaze, he shyly looked away, biting his lip. "It's um… It's for you. I have one, too, with a pine tree on it!" He pulled a similar chain from his pocket for the brunet to see. "It's, uh… I've seen couples do stuff like this on TV and I was hoping… you know, we could wear them, if you want… if you wanted to… I've had a, 'crush' I think Shooting Star calls it, on you for a while and I just… Ah, shit, Dipper Pines, will you go out with me?"
Dipper was taken back by the sudden confession and proposal, eyes wide and mouth agape for the second time that evening. He remained frozen in shock as the gears in his brain whirred, heart pumping in his throat.
Bill seemed to take the silence as rejection, shuffling awkwardly and moving to slip the necklace back into his pocket. Catching the action, Dipper grabbed his hand, drawing Bill's attention. With his free hand, the brunet slipped the necklace over his hat and settled it around his neck with a bright smile.
Bill practically sprung up from his seat in excitement, moving to adjust the necklace around Dipper's neck. He used magic to secure and tighten it, then sat in front of Dipper for him to do the same.
When he finished, Bill stood, offering a hand to Dipper. The brunet hadn't even noticed when it became so dark. He took Bill's hand, weaving their fingers together with a smile. Something about the way that their hands fit together just felt so right.
They began the long walk home, fireflies lighting their path, whether by choice or because of Bill, Dipper didn't know or care. He didn't feel anxious about being out in the woods after dark with the demon by his side. It was the most relaxed he'd ever been, and he wouldn't trade the feeling for anything.
When the finally arrived back home, everyone was turning in for bed. They walked in to find Mabel sprawled across the couch, Waddles curled up at her feet, a fashion magazine laying open and upside-down on her chest. Dipper had hoped to keep quiet, but the front door liked to be testy during cooler weather, and they had to slam it to properly shut it.
Mabel shot up at the noise, the magazine slipping onto the floor, Waddles squealing at the sudden movement. "Dipper? Bill?" She called, rubbing at her eyes with the heel of her palm.
"Yeah, it's us," Dipper replied softly, pulling his jacket off and draping it over her shoulders. "Where're the Stans?"
"They turned in early," Mabel yawned. "Told them I'd wait up for you guys." She studied the two carefully, catching the necklace glinting at her from Dipper's chest. She stood, hooking a finger under his and Bill's, examining them with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Nice craftsmanship, Bill," she complimented with a sly smirk. She placed her hands on her hips, chin up to look bigger. "Now, tell me the truth: What really happened in those woods? You were gone for a long time."
Dipper's blush reached his ears, and he buried his face in his hands with a groan. "Mabel, please don't."
Bill chuckled, patting the elder twin on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Shooting Star, nothing happened."
"Mmhmm," she mumbled skeptically, swatting Bill's hand away. "Listen here, buddy. Now that you're dating my bro bro, we're going to have a talk. Dip, you don't have to be here for this; go to bed."
Bill's gold eyes widened, and he shot Dipper a terrified look. "B-But, I didn't even get to kiss him!"
Mabel rolled her eyes. "You share a room with him!" At Bill's pout, however, she conceded. "Fine, you can see him off to bed, but after that it's you and me."
Bill nodded eagerly, scooping Dipper up into his arms and racing toward the stairs before either twin could react. He kicked the attic door open, depositing Dipper on his bed. A moment of awkward silence ensued, neither knowing how to go about their next move.
"I'll guess I'll leave you to get ready for bed," Bill mumbled, heading back toward the door. Just before exiting, though, he turned back and placed a shy kiss on Dipper's forehead.
Dipper chuckled, grabbing the front of Bill's sweater and pulling him down so that their faces were level. "You call that a goodnight kiss?" he teased, cocking his head to the side.
Bill's cheeks reddened, his mouth opening and closing.
Dipper shook his head at him, placing a chaste kiss on soft pink lips. "Don't let Mabel roast you alive; you owe me a date."
A/N: Part 1 of (hopefully) 7 somewhat connected one-shots! x3