A/N: Here's chapter two for your reading pleasure.


The night was restless. Wirt spent hours on the brink of sleep. A tree branch hit his window and he covered his face with the blanket like a child hiding from the monster in his closet. He was exhausted.

The branch kept striking the glass. Wirt curled into himself.

There wasn't even a tree in the yard.

'There is only the forest.'

"No," he whispered back. The blanket felt suffocating, it was too hot to sleep under the cover. Wirt kicked it off and rolled over to look out the window. Greg stared back at him.

He sat up, breath halting in his throat. Greg was well in his teens, this Greg was seven.

There were leaves in his lungs; he couldn't breathe.

Greg tapped on the window.

A leaf forced its way out of Wirt's mouth, there were tree branches growing from under the bed.

Greg tapped on the window.

When Wirt turned to face him, he caught on fire. The flame danced, the boy with it.

He was lying on the floor. Sunlight danced on the floorboards. It had to be at least noon. Wirt pushed himself up. There was no Greg on the window, no tree in the yard.

That hadn't been like any nightmare he had had before. He hadn't known he had been dreaming. He still wasn't sure he had been dreaming.

There was no avoiding it; he needed to find Dipper and ask what Bill had seen in his head. Dipper had mentioned running a tourist trap and a quick Internet search revealed that there was only one in town: The Mystery Shack. The website was new, with information on opening hours and dates, and a link to a web store. It sold "mystery" items, things with question marks, spooky bubble heads, snow globes. Along with the usual tourist junk, there was books about the paranormal, many of them the same ones he had seen at the library.

He looked up the address, checked a map and was on his way.

The Mystery Shack wasn't hard to find, being the sole building along a dirt road in the middle of the forest. He parked his car up front.

Going back to the library was always an option. He didn't have to do this. But there was no guarantee he would find anything on his own, and seeing how most of the sources were provided by Dipper, if he couldn't trust him, and by extension Bill, Wirt couldn't trust the books, either.

Taking leaps of faith wasn't his thing but he had taken a huge one by moving to the Falls. What's one more? Wirt had stalled long enough. Coming here had felt like the obvious solution moments ago, there was no reason to go back on that decision. He got out, locked the car, and headed for the front door.

There was no answer when he first knocked, so worried that he had been too careful, he tried again, harder. Nothing. He shifted his weight. Dipper had said that he ran the place, not that he lived there, so maybe...

The door opened. Dipper squinted at him, rubbing his eye and muttering something incoherent. He looked like he had just got out of bed.

Wirt cleared his throat, nervous. "Good morning. We, uh, we met yesterday, at the library. I'm sorry if I woke you."

Dipper looked more alert. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Long night, there was a thing, in the woods," he started to ramble but seemed to gather his thoughts. He glanced down along Wirt. It didn't feel like getting checked out, more like inspected.

"Man, I'm glad to see you in one piece and sane. You seriously had me worried, running off like that."

What was meant to be a laugh came out as something much more pathetic. "I don't know about the sane part."

"Oh." Dipper frowned. "Well, come on in. I'll go put on some pants and make us coffee."

Wirt followed directions to the kitchen, looking around. The house was a strange mix-and-match of old, fixed and replaced. The coffee maker and the fridge were shiny and chrome but the kitchen table looked like it was put together from many tables, with its mismatching legs and chairs. Parts of the wallpaper were replaced with different patterned patches. The floor looked redone.

He didn't have to wait long. Dipper pounded down the stairs and started the coffee. Both were unsure what to do or say next.

"So," Dipper ventured, "What happened after you left yesterday?"

"What makes you think something happened?" Wirt went on the defensive. Now that he was here, he would rather not rehash the events of his nightmare. Just the thought made him ill.

Dipper shrugged. "You're here. Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really," Wirt admitted. He felt stupid coming here, all of a sudden. He should just leave.

No.

"I need to know what Bill found in my head."

Dipper shifted on his spot against the counter. "I can ask him for you." He ran a hand through his hair, looking away. "But Wirt, if you want my help, you're gonna have to talk to me." When his eyes landed back on Wirt again, they were harder, contemplating. Wirt fidgeted in his chair. "Or, I could call Bill, you can ask him yourself and he can take a look at your head. It's completely up to you."

Neither of those options sounded good but they would get him answers faster than what he was about the suggest. "Or I could leave and continue my research on my own."

Dipper raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "You're free to do that, but if you thought that's the best option, you wouldn't be here."

They stared each other down until the coffee was ready. Dipper turned to get two mugs. "How do you take your coffee?"

"With milk and sugar."

Dipper brought the drinks over and sat down next to Wirt. Both sipped in silence. Wirt decided to be the one to break it this time.

"I had another nightmare last night." He glanced at Dipper who was looking at his over the rim of the mug. "It was horrifying, I thought this couldn't get any worse but..." He couldn't continue. Greg was still tapping on the window. How much did Dipper know? Had he communicated with Bill?

"So what are you looking for?"

"I guess I just want answers? I want to know what's happening." If he was going crazy. Wirt took another drink. He wasn't much of a coffee person but the drink hit the spot. He felt more alert and secure in his footing on reality. Idly, he wondered how much of that had to do with having someone to talk to.

Dipper looked lost in thought.

"It gave me a headache," Wirt stated. "After Bill had... read my mind," it felt weird to say, "my head started hurting. Is that normal?" He was asking if demonic mind manipulation caused headaches over coffee. This was his life now.

Dipper tapped on his mug as he thought. "Sometimes people get possession fatigue," he said. "They faint or feel tired after the spirit or demon leaves them. Headaches aren't the norm but it happens." He took a sip and turned more towards Wirt. "Though, what Bill did was very surface level. I didn't think it'd have any side effects."

Wirt had trouble swallowing. He stared at the cooling liquid without seeing it.

"Look at me for a bit, man," Dipper interrupted his non-thought. When Wirt turned to face him, his eyes were narrowed, searching. "May I?" he asked and despite Wirt not knowing what he wanted, he nodded his consent. Dipper placed a hand on Wirt's forehead to lift Wirt's eyelid with his thumb. He leaned close. Wirt felt Dipper's breath on his cheek, and his stupid, traitorous face flushed. Now was not the time.

Dipper moved to the other eye. Wirt concentrated hard on not leaning into his hand. It was difficult, not seeking physical comfort after realizing how much he craved it.

"Well," Dipper let go and leaned back. "Your pupils are a bit dilated but I don't see any signs of damage." He smiled. "I'm pretty familiar with Bill related headaches and it's my professional opinion that what you had wasn't one."

Wirt wasn't sure if Dipper was being merciful or genuinely oblivious because he was sure his cheeks were glowing pink. He took a drink from his cold coffee, more to hide than anything. From the corner of his eye, he saw Dipper's smile turn shy.

"I uh, I was wondering," Dipper paused for breath. He rolled his mug between his hands, focusing on that instead of Wirt. "Have you had lunch yet? I mean, I'm pretty sure it's lunch time and I haven't eaten anything yet so if you haven't either, we could go eat something, somewhere. Together."

Wirt emerged from behind his mug. Was he being asked out right now? He had always been bad at telling whether someone was friendly or flirty.

"It'd give you some time to think about what you want to do?" Dipper continued, even more nervous since Wirt hadn't said anything. He should get on that.

"Right, yes. I'd like that," Wirt said. "Both lunch and time to think, I mean."

"Great!" Dipper bounced up to take both of their mugs to the sink. He had gone from nervous to excited fast enough to give Wirt emotional whiplash.

"We can take my car," he offered.

Wirt decided that he would feel more comfortable in public, surrounded by people, so he drove them to the mall. It wasn't that he didn't trust Dipper; he was vary of the demon that came as part of the baggage. Though, Bill hadn't hurt him. And Dipper was on friendly terms with the demon? Wirt had never got the extent of their involvement. Was it a sort of business arrangement?

"You're over thinking it, Pilgrim."

He stopped in his tracks. They were in the middle of a crowded mall. There were witnesses. Wirt closed his eyes and took a deep breath before facing Bill. No freaking out this time.

"Hello, Bill. I thought I'd be spending time with Dipper today?" His voice didn't shake. Good.

Bill grinned but it was more amused than malicious. "There are contingencies that stop me from taking over when he doesn't want me to. Technically."

"Technically," Wirt repeated, deadpan.

"Loopholes, Pilgrim, there are always fun loopholes." Bill grabbed his arm and started dragging him towards the nearest food vendor. "Anyway! Weren't you here for lunch? I love eating like a person!"

"Don't touch me." Wirt yanked his arm free. He glared, Bill smiled.

"You didn't mind when Pine Tree did it." The demon put his hands on his loan body's cheeks and fluttered his lashes. "You were all for his hands on you."

Wirt couldn't fight the blush or the nervous stammer. "T-that wasn't- I didn't- That was completely different!" He felt like an embarrassed teenager. "He asked permission, for one."

"May I drag you to that snazzy looking sandwich joint?"

"You may not."

"Well, that didn't go at all like I hoped it might."

Wirt threw his arms up in frustration. They were getting some stares; he didn't care. "You know what? I'm feeling much more like fries." Uncaring if the demon followed or not, he turned to march towards a booth advertising hamburgers and fries.

"That stuff with your head isn't just going to go away, you know," Bill called after him. When Wirt stopped and turned, the demon was examining his nails. "I wasn't kidding when I said it was a mess. It's going to get worse with time." Yellow eyes moved from his hands to Wirt. "That dream you had last night is only the beginning. You thought that was bad?" He grinned. "Oh boy, you're in for a real treat."

The sounds of bustling people around Wirt faded. He stood frozen in place, and all he could hear was his own heartbeat. "What, what did you find?"

Bill started walking over to the sandwich place. "Let's discuss it while we eat. I'll pay."

This wasn't a fight he could win; Bill had him. Wirt would just have to tolerate free food and company if he wanted to find out what was going on. He spent their time in line side eying his companion. They ordered, Bill paid, probably with Dipper's money. The demon tried to lead them to a corner table but Wirt was adamant that they sat where everyone could see them. The tables at the front were uncomfortably small. Wirt had to admit he wouldn't mind so much if he was with Dipper but as it stood, he was less enthusiastic.

He watched Bill shove sandwich in his face for a while before picking on his own. They had ordered the same thing. Or had Bill ordered for both of them? Wirt hadn't been paying attention.

"Come on, Pilgrim, don't be like that. What did I ever do to you, anyway?" Bill had finished his food and was contemplating his drink.

Wirt tore off a piece of bread. He didn't flick it at the demon like he wanted to. He was more mature than that. "You invaded my mind," he said. It was the most obvious answer. How did Bill not understand that wasn't right?

"Invaded," Bill scoffed. "Please. That was a gentle probe at worst. I was extra careful because Pine Tree asked me to be."

That gave Wirt pause. "You do what he says?"

"I don't take orders," Bill said. "But I can be persuaded." He winked.

Wirt almost choked on his soda. He coughed and hit himself on the chest a couple times. Bill laughed. After his airways cleared, he spent a moment in silence with his sandwich. He would not ask. There were some things he didn't need to know.

"So what did you find when you gently probed me?"

He realized his mistake when Bill smirked, about to say something. "Please don't go there."

The demon snickered but didn't comment. "I know Pine Tree told you it was surface level."

Wirt gave the affirmative.

"Whatever's in there is buried deep, so I don't have the full picture yet. But," Bill held up a finger. "If you let me in to poke around and examine the nightmare, I can find out more."

"So you barged in on Dipper and me to tell me you don't know anything and to make my life difficult?"

"Wow, you really think the worst of me, don't you? I'm flattered," Bill beamed. He looked so genuinely pleased that Wirt couldn't hold on to his annoyance. Everything was backwards and sideways when it came to Bill.

"I do know that you've something extra up there."

Wirt went still. Whatever humor he had found in the situation vanished, along with his appetite. He pushed the rest of the sandwich way. "Something extra," he repeated, slowly. Bill took the rest of his food and started munching on it.

"Yup. It's rare, but expect vivid nightmares and indecisiveness. Also, expect me to visit your nightmares, soon."

Wirt nodded. This was way beyond what he could handle by himself.

"I'll take that as permission. It should keep Pine Tree off my back." Bill finished eating and stole the last of Wirt's soda. "You owe me one now bye!"

Dipper caught himself before he face planted on the table. The soda in his hand spilled on their tray. He cursed and took a punch of napkins to prevent any further damage. Wirt barely noticed. He had something in his head. It was both a shock and a relief.

At least he wasn't going insane.

If Bill and Dipper could identify it, maybe they would be able to get rid of it. He could focus on writing again, go visit Greg. He missed his brother.

"Wirt?"

Dipper's voice broke him off his musings. He fixed a smile on his face, handing Dipper another napkin. There was some soda on his face.

"Bill is certainly," Wirt paused to choose his words, "an experience."

Dipper laughed, eyes fond, and Wirt once again caught himself wondering what the nature of their relationship was.

"He is that."

They left the mall soon after. Wirt insisted he drive Dipper back to the Shack. This time there was idle chitchat during the drive. Dipper kept sending Wirt worried glances but Wirt assured him that he was fine. He had promised himself he wouldn't freak out, and he had kept that promise. For the most part. His investigation was going somewhere; ultimately that had to be a good thing. He wanted answers, answers were on the way. The favor he owed Bill worried him but next to his other worries, it felt like such a small thing.

When they arrived at the Shack, he walked Dipper to the door. It felt like the polite thing to do.

"I guess this is where we part," Wirt said when he noticed Dipper hesitate.

"Yeah," Dipper rubbed the back of his neck and smiled, a bit sheepish. "So, that didn't go at all like I hoped it might."

Wirt looked down, shuffled his feet. "How did you hope it might go?" Probably without demonic possession, eating his own food, that sort of thing.

"I uh, had hoped to actually talk to you? To get to know you a bit better," Dipper said, uncertain. "You're an interesting guy, and Bill says you're 'difficult', which coming from him is practically high praise, so..."

Wirt didn't know how to feel about Bill liking him, but Dipper finding him interesting made warmth swell inside and travel to his cheeks. "Oh, um. In that case we should give this 'go somewhere and eat something', thing a second try."

Dipper's face looked flushed when he hid it behind the bill of his cap. "That sounds great." He sounded pleased. Wirt couldn't believe how cute he found the other man in that moment. It had been a while since he last noticed anyone.

"Alright, so, I'll be seeing Bill in my nightmares but I should give you my phone number." Wirt dug out a pen and a piece of paper, and scribbled on it. Not his best handwriting but Dipper smiled as he took the note so Wirt deemed it a success.