"Hey Bill."
Dipper said from the safety of Bill's arms.
"Yeah pine tree?"
"Why are you so great?"
"I'm a chaos god."
"No, why are you so great to me?"
Bill kissed Dipper's birthmark and ran a hand through the boy's curls while pulling him closer.
"You know why."
"Say it anyway. I like hearing you say it."
"It's because I love you pine tree."
"I love you too Bill."
Bill smiled down at his boyfriend and continued to soothingly run his finger through Dipper's hair.
"Go to sleep pine tree. I'll make sure you have good dreams."

Dipper nodded and hugged Bill closer, snuggling into his chest. With Bill's arms around him he felt safe and loved. Nothing could touch him unless Bill allowed it and he knew Bill wouldn't allow anything near him. As Bill has said, nothing is allowed to touch his pine tree.

Dipper fell asleep in Bill's arms, safe and happy. Being a being of pure energy that just happened to have taken on a human appearance Bill didn't need to sleep. Sometimes he still did to rest his energies but it was very light.

If anything happened during the night Bill would be awake in an instant ready to defend Dipper. Nothing and no one was allowed to touch what was his. Anything that did payed the consequences. Bill was not a forgiving demon to those that hurt his pine tree.

There were some rules put in place by Dipper to keep Bill more under control so he wouldn't be murderous at inappropriate times. Like towards his family. Bill was mostly tolerating towards them. He was able to detect that they were trustworthy and thus safe for Dipper.

Also that when they appear to have "hurt" Dipper (i.e. make him upset) that it was accidental and Bill should focus on helping Dipper feel better instead of being angry. However, there is an exception, Ford. Sometimes Bill gets a little aggressive around Ford.

Their past leaves them with bad blood. Ford doesn't help the situation with his open and vocal disapproval of Dipper and Bill's relationship. Bill has identified Ford as a threat and, while after much persuasion Bill has agreed to not hurt him physically or psychologically, Bill's still got a sharp tongue and is not afraid to slap Ford's hand away or physically remove Dipper from his presence.

About half way through the night the door opened and Bill was immediately awake. It was just Ford. If he can't sleep or he wakes in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep he comes and checks on Dipper. He's not really a threat in these cases not that this information made Bill relax.

Bill held Dipper a little tighter in a protective gesture as his eyes met Ford's. They stared, more like glared, at each other for a long moment while Dipper snoozed peacefully, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room.

Ford's eyes moved from Bill to Dipper, studying him from a distance. He knows not to get too close when Bill's on the defensive. Dipper was curled up comfortably to Bill looking like he was having pleasant dreams.

Bill wanted to curl over Dipper to block him from Ford but he's learned from experience that action could easily be seen as suspicious in this context. So, he restrains himself. He doesn't want to wake Dipper up anyway.

Ford finally nods and with one last testy look at Bill, he left the room closing the door behind him. Bill didn't relax again for a good little while but he eventually calmed down. When Dipper woke up the next morning Bill was already awake as usual.

"Morning Bill."
"Good morning pine tree."
Dipper tried to wiggle out of Bill's arms so he could stretch without much luck.
"Bill let go, I want to get up."

Bill kissed him then released him. Dipper got up and stretched then went to go get changed. Once that was taken care of both Dipper and Bill went down stairs. Bill doesn't really leave anymore so the family is pretty used to him by now.

Dipper went and sat in the kitchen with some cereal. Bill sat next to him as always. Since he's a dream demon he doesn't usually eat human food but he watches Dipper. He's like a guard dog and Dipper doesn't really mind.

Bill wasn't always so protective. No, for the longest time he was only seen around the shack just enough to establish who he was. Most of Dipper and Bill's time together was spent outside the shack away from the judging eyes of the family.

They liked the outside anyway. Then one-day Dipper came back from being in the woods for longer than usual. He was a wreck, beat up and shaking, but he wouldn't talk to anyone. He just went to his room and wouldn't respond to anyone.

Naturally, Ford and Stan thought it was somehow Bill's fault. Mabel had gotten Dipper to respond enough to tell her it's not Bill's fault and, though still on edge about the whole thing, decided to believe Dipper. So the next day when Bill showed up covered in blood Stan and Ford tried to keep him out.

Bill looked agitated was predictably having none of that. He easily pushed through and swiftly made it to Dipper. The family made it up in time to see Dipper clinging to Bill while the demon comforted him. All they heard Bill tell Dipper was that he took care of it, whatever it was.

Dipper got better thanks to Bill and ever since then Bill's been protective. The Dipper before the mysterious incident probably wouldn't have liked it but the current Dipper did. Current Dipper was all about this. It's like he's scared to be alone.

After breakfast Dipper watched some TV. Bill was with him. Bill's always with him. He sat in Bill's lap and Bill ran his fingers through Dipper's hair and peppered little kisses on him. Overall Bill's attention was making it very hard to concentrate on the TV.

"Bill,"
Dipper laughed.
"I'm trying to watch TV."
"And I'm trying to distract you."
"Come on."
"Remember the deal. I get all the affection I want and I want affection."
"Fine."

Dipper adjusted his position so he could kiss Bill. The demon kissed back and quickly slid his tongue into Dipper's mouth. One hand gently pushed at the back of the boy's head to make the kiss deeper as he tilted his head slightly to get a better angle.

When the kiss ended Bill tilted his head to expose his neck indicating he wanted Dipper to kiss there. Dipper hesitated because it was usually Bill kissing him not the other way around. He decided to try his best anyway and started trailing soft kisses over the skin.

Bill's hands wandered over Dipper mischievously yet being careful with his touches, not going below the human's waistband. He wanted Dipper to feel good but not necessarily be turned on. At the moment anyway. They can do that later.

As nice as the kisses are Bill would rather be the kisser. So he uses one hand to pull Dipper back to his lips, letting there be a pleasant pressing of lips before snaking his tongue in the boy's mouth again. Dipper let out a small pleased sound.

"Hot Belgian waffles!"
Stan stopped suddenly when he saw the two boys kissing in his recliner.
"Can you two please not do that here?"
Dipper broke from Bill, startled.
"S-sorry Grunkle Stan."
"No use stuttering, kid. Now Get out of my chair I have a show to watch."

Dipper got up and Bill followed. He put his arm around Dipper and kissed his cheek. As they walked off to find another place to cuddle the TV announced that "The Duchesse Approves" will begin playing in a moment.

After that they found peace outside on the couch on the porch. Dipper lay on top of Bill, he wasn't that heavy, and they talked while Bill rubbed his back. Dipper was happy. Bill's here and he'd not that close to the woods. He's safe.

"Hey pine tree, it's been a week. It's about time we do that thing again."
Bill said. This made Dipper freeze. Bill rubbed his back and stroked his hair in a soothing manner, saying soft comforting words until Dipper relaxed again.
"Do we have to?"
"Yes. You're not going to get better if we don't. I know it's scary but I'm here, I won't leave you, I'll protect you and we can stop on your call."
"But last time"
"We went over board last time, that's why I waited a week, but I promise it won't happen again."
Dipper took a breath.
"Ok."
"Good boy. Now do you want to do it here or in your room?"
"Here. I might back out if we move."

The two switch positions so they're sitting up. Bill gives Dipper a quick kiss and hug before putting his hands on the sides of Dipper's head. Dipper tenses, knowing what's coming. He doesn't like it but it has to happen.

"Shh, shh, it's ok, it's ok. Calm down, just breath. Being tense won't do you any favors."
Dipper focused on his breathing until the tension left his body.
"There we go. I'm going to start now, ok?"

Dipper nodded. The palms of Bill's hands glowed Blue and Bill started looking around in Dipper's head. There it is. There's the memory he was looking for. He brought it to the front of Dipper's mind. Dipper squeaked and shut his eyes tight. Claws, teeth, he remembers it like it just happened.

"Bill"
"Shh, shh, shh, and… it's gone. There, that wasn't too hard."
"I- I guess not."
"Think you can do another?"
"Y-yeah."

Bill repeated the proses. Dipper whimpered, trying not to give in to fear. Bill is deleting the memories of what happened in the woods but that means remembering them for a brief period of time. For those few moments Dipper feels like he's reliving the whole thing. Reliving almost dying.

"See, you're doing so well."
Bill said after repeating the proses several more times.
"We're almost done. Think you can do just a little more?"
"Just a little?"
Bill kissed Dipper on the forehead.
"Just a little. Then we can stop."
"Ok."

Bill started again. Suddenly Ford came outside and saw. He was alarmed by what Bill was doing. He thought Bill was hurting Dipper if the pained look on the boy's face was anything to go by. He can't allow this. He knew Bill was trouble.

"Bill, what are you doing to Dipper?!"

Ford grabbed Dipper, pulling him away before Bill could dispel the memory leaving it fresh in Dipper's mind. Suddenly Ford's arms around him made him feel like he's being attacked again. Bill quick pried the struggling Dipper from Ford's grip.

He pulled Dipper to him and put his hands back in place, finishing the job and deleting the memory. He held Dipper and made gentle cooing and shushing sounds until Dipper was calmed down and clinging to him in his lap. Bill sent Ford an icy glare that made the old man visibly shiver.

"Come on pine tree, let's go back to your room and you can take a nap. I have a 'conversation' to have with your great uncle."
"O-ok Bill."

To be honest Dipper usually takes a nap after these sessions anyway. Bill got up carrying Dipper in his arms. The boy gave a small squeak in surprise but quickly settled back down. It's not the first time Bill's carried him someplace.

Bill carried Dipper inside, casting a hostile glance at Ford as he passed. He wasn't done with him yet. When Bill got up to the attic he placed Dipper on the bed. Dipper sat up quickly. Bill kissed him then made him lay back down.

"You sleep and I'm going to talk to Ford. I'll be back real soon."
Dipper hesitated but nodded.
"Don't hurt each other."
"I'm just going to get him to not interrupt sessions so hopefully it won't come to that."

Bill then put Dipper to sleep. Now, Bill wouldn't normally leave Dipper alone while he sleeps but he has to speak with Ford. He won't be gone long. He put Dipper to sleep with magic too so the boy won't be waking up any time soon. Bill left to find Ford. He was still on the porch. Perfect.

"Sixer!"
Ford turned around to face a pissed Bill.
"Bill."
"What do you think you were doing?"
"What do you mean what was I doing? What were you doing?"
"I was helping pine tree."
"All I saw was a terrified 18-year-old. Forgive me for trying to protect my grandnephew."
"Yeah, like you can protect him better than me."
"At least I'm trustworthy."
"Pine tree can trust me."
"Yeah, and Mabel doesn't have a pet pig."
Bill and Ford argued loudly on the porch.
"This isn't about me. It's about you. You acted rashly and hurt my pine tree."
"I hurt him? You were the one making him scared."
"It's part of the memory deleting proses! I have to bring the memory to the front of his mind to delete it so he has to remember it for a few seconds."
Ford was speechless for a moment.
"You're deleting his memories?"
He was mad.
"Of course I am. How else is he going to get better?"
"Are you sure you're not just making him worse?"
"Are you kidding? He's improved a lot since we started. If you haven't noticed he's a lot less skittish and he doesn't wake up in the middle of the night because of nightmares anymore among other things."
Bill shot back.
"He's getting better thanks to me. You've done nothing."
"Done nothing? I've kept an eye on you to make sure you don't over step your bounds and hurt Dipper like you were doing."
"I wasn't hurting-"

The porch door flew open and Mabel and Stan ran out. Well, Mabel ran Stan just walked quickly. He was only there because he didn't want Mabel dealing with Bill alone. He had been set on letting the argument run it's course like usual. They heard sounds of the fight from inside and came to (hopefully) get things resolved without damage. Truthfully they'd probably have an easier time bathing a cat.

"Guys stop fighting!"
Mabel pleaded.
"I'm normally into fights but this seems a bit excessive."
Stan agreed. Bill scowled, not pleased.
"Stay out of this. You're not involved."
"Come on Bill. Dipper wouldn't want you to fight."
Mabel pointed out trying to dispel the fight with reason.
"Dipper's asleep and I'm doing what I need to do to protect him."
"Protecting Dipper involves fighting Ford?"
Stan asked.
"Fordsy here needs to lean not to interfere with things he doesn't understand. He hurt my pine tree. No one hurts my things and gets away with it."

Bill balled his fists and blue fire consumed them. Mabel and Stan smartly took a step back. Sometimes it's easy to forget Bill's a demon when he hasn't used any of his powers for a while. When he does though everyone is reminded just how dangerous he can be.

"B-bill, I know you feel protective but hurting Ford going a little far?"
Bill turned his head to look at Mabel.
"I wasn't planning on hurting-"

Ford took this chance to swing a right hook at Bill. Bill, showing just how fast he actually was, grabbed Ford's swinging arm by the wrist before it could land a hit. Ford couldn't feel the fire but he could feel Bill's grip tighten so much the area was sure to bruise badly.

Bill looked back at Ford who was attempting to yank his arm back without much luck. No one can really can't match up to demon strength. Bill looked at Ford and held his gaze with an intense stare. Stan was pulling Mabel farther away from the scene.

"Oh so that's how you want to handle things. Fine, we'll play this you're way then."
When Ford didn't respond Bill tightened his grip even more.
"Stopping me will do more harm than good. So you aren't allowed to stop the sessions anymore. Do you understand?"
Ford didn't respond again. Bill gritted his teeth.
"If you don't agree soon I will break your wrist."
As if to prove his point his grip on Ford's wrist got tighter still. Ford was visibly in pain.
"Agree already you dumb smart guy."
Mabel yelled but Ford stubbornly held his ground.
"No Bill, do your worst. I'm not letting you erase my nephew's memories and mess with his head. That's his intellectual property and- Agh!"

Ford's speech was broken off into a pained cry as there was a crack. His wrist was now broken. Bill viewed Ford for a tense moment then let go of his wrist. He'd warned him this would happen. Looks like Ford wasn't going to break so Bill will have to find other ways around the problem.

"Since you won't cooperate I'll just have to take precautions from now on."

Bill then left and went back inside. Mabel ran over and looked at Ford's already bruising wrist. Yeah, that looked bad. Bill had been pretty peaceful for a while now so it was about time something happened. It's too bad Dipper wasn't here.

If he was (or if Ford had just let Bill win this once) this could all have been avoided. Ford seemed to be the only one who hasn't realized Bill would never hurt Dipper. Or maybe he has realized it but just can't accept it.

"Let's get you to the hospital."
"I have adequate medical supplies in the basement. I can-"
"You're going to the hospital."