This chapter is for Yosni, who wanted the twins to have a shopping day with Bill. I was originally going to have them go to the mall, but then I remembered that the mall was destroyed during Weirdmageddon. So instead they're going to a Wal-Mart/K-Mart/Target like store. I might have them visit the mall much later in the story after it's been repaired.
This chapter has a tiny bit of BillFord, but will mainly have friendship bonding with Bill and Mabel. There is also a serious moment in the second half (I felt this was the time and place for that piece [more flashbacks to Weirdmageddon]), but it's mostly lighthearted stuff.
That evening Bill finished his nightly routine then exited the bathroom to see Ford standing outside his bedroom door. The blond slumped, hands in the pockets of the pajama pants Ford loaned him.
Bill stepped through the threshold of the room that was practically his prison cell. He turned to see Ford staring with a blank look on his face.
"Is this really necessary?" Bill asked.
"You have no one to blame but yourself," answered Ford.
Bill lowered his eyes to the floor then sauntered inside. Surprised, but yet pleased this time Bill chose not to challenge him with struggling or screaming.
Ford clamped a hand on Bill's shoulder. Blond hair bounced as the latter turned to face the former.
"Be grateful, for the alternative could've been much worse for you," Ford said. He turned his back on the blond and shut off the overhead light. "Good night."
"Night," Bill replied.
He watched as the door closed behind him, trapping him in darkness. As expected the lock clicked. He listened to Ford's heavy boots thump against the wood planks as he trailed away from the room.
With nothing else to do and the annoyance of human fatigue growing over him Bill made his way over to the bed, thankful he still retained his ability to see in the dark. Lazily he flipped back the blankets, climbed beneath the comforter, and slipped underneath the soft cotton sheet. The right side of his face caressed the pillow. Golden eyes stared at the door while he wondered how many more nights he'd be forced to reside in the shack.
Bill closed his eyes. He hugged the pillow and begged for sleep to quickly escort him to a dreamland where he'd be free to resume his original form and for a few short hours relive happier days.
The next morning Bill woke to the sound of knocking. He sat up and stretched his arms above his head. He gave a long yawn then brought one arm to his lap while the other picked crust from his eye. He glared at the door wondering which member of the Pines family pulled him from his pleasant dream of being back in the Nightmare Realm where he tortured the Stan twins until they begged for mercy, only to not fulfill their wishes.
The wooden door muffled Ford's voice. Bill groaned, of course it had to be Stanford Pines who ruined subconscious merriment. Bill threw himself back on the pillow with his arms above his head and stared up at the ceiling. The morning rays crept through the window.
Bill sat up for the first time paying attention to the window. He took a quick glimpse at the door where he heard the doorknob rattle and the key inserted into the lock. His gaze fell back on the window-how had something so large evaded his attention for the past forty eight hours?
The door opened to reveal Ford sporting a pair of gray pants and his favorite red sweater. Within seconds he caught what had captured Bill's attention.
Ford crossed his arms. "It won't do you any good," he said pulling Bill from his trance. Ford nodded at the window. "I already put a charm on it too, so no matter how hard you try, it won't budge."
"You're too smart for your own good," Bill groaned.
"Well, you don't give me much choice," Ford replied. "It's time to rise. The bathroom is yours."
At the mention of a bathroom Bill suddenly realized his immediate need for the toilet. Afterwards he'd be expected to shower, another human task he found tedious.
Once dressed in a pair of jeans, red t-shirt, and a pair of comfortable socks, he made his way into the living room where the twins sat together in the lazy chair, eating cereal in front of the TV.
Mabel greeted him then returned her attention to the cartoon. Dipper pretended not to even see him. Bill made his way to the chair and leaned over, curious to what caught Pinetree and Shooting Star's attention. Dipper sputtered at the cold beads of water that dripped on his shoulder. The brunet glared up at the culprit whose damp locks rained on the unexpected victim.
A sudden knock at the door pulled them from the cartoon as now three pairs of eyes landed on the source of the sound. Mabel hopped off the chair and hurried to greet the guest. The two males winced at the shrill squeals originated in the other room, cluing them in that Mabel's friends dropped by for an unannounced visit.
Mabel led the other two girls into the living room while they discussed the hunk of the week. Suddenly Candy and Grenda stopped, mouths and eyes wide, as they gaped at the handsome stranger standing behind the chair.
"Mabel, who's the cutie pie?" Grenda asked, subtelty not being her strong suit.
Dipper rolled his eyes.
Candy stepped beside Bill, startling the demon. "His hair looks like waves of gold," she said.
Grenda grabbed hold of Bill's hand. "His skin's so soft," she cooed. Brown eyes met gold ones. "My hands get all dry and cracked. What's your secret?"
Bill pried his hand away from the child's strong grip then backed himself against the wall.
Mabel, noticing Bill's discomfort, stepped forward. "Girls, this is Bill," she introduced. Bill managed a timid wave at the mention of his name. "He's my Grunkle Ford's friend."
"That old man is friends with this gorgeous angel?" Grenda asked.
Bill laughed nervously.
"Oh my gosh," Dipper groaned and threw up his arms, the bowl of cereal plummeted to the floor.
"Don't be jealous, Dipper," Candy giggled.
Bill smirked at the boy whose face now burned red.
"Yeah, Pinetree, don't be jealous," he teased and ruffled Dipper's hair.
Dipper grabbed Bill's hand with both of his and threw it aside, his face now redder, but not due to embarrassment.
Mabel pulled Candy and Grenda away from Bill.
"What brings you out here today?" she asked them.
"We're sorry we won't be here for your birthday," Candy answered.
"So we decided to throw you a party tonight instead!" Grenda exclaimed.
"Really?" Mabel asked, her eyes lit up. "Oh my gosh, you guys!" She pulled her two best friends into an embrace. "Where?"
"Right here!" the two girls shouted together.
"Wha? Huh?" Mabel cried. She pulled away from the grinning girls. "Here? As in here-here?" She pointed to the floor.
Candy and Grenda nodded in unison.
"Uh, Mabel," Dipper said. He put both hands on his sister's shoulders. "You know Grunkle Stan won't allow that."
"Won't allow what?" the very man they mentioned asked as he stepped through the doorway with a mug of hot coffee in hand.
"Guys, you probably shoulda talked it over with Grunkle Stan first," Dipper whispered behind his hand.
"Alright, spill, what's going on?" Stan asked with his free hand on his hip.
Mabel looked over at her friends and then back to Stan.
Mabel grabbed her great-uncle's free wrist off his hip. "Please, Grunkle Stan, can we please have the party here tonight?" She glanced over in her brother's direction. "Dipper won't raise any zombies, he promises." She cupped her hands together underneath her chin and brought out the puppy dog eyes. "Please, please, pretty please?"
"Yeesh, fine," Stan groaned. "Just stop that pitiful begging already."
"Thank you, Grunkle Stan!" Mabel exclaimed and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, thank you!"
Candy and Grenda also hugged Stan. He sighed then patted Mabel on the head.
Mabel gasped. "We have to buy party supplies!" She turned her attention back to Stan and gave him a wide smile.
"Fine," Stan agreed with a heavy sigh before the girl could even ask. "Just give me ten minutes to get dressed."
"Wow," Bill commented from the side where he and Dipper stood, having watched the whole exchange. Gold eyes stared down at the male twin. "Your sister sure knows how to get what she wants."
"It's one of her talents," Dipper commented. He hurried to the door to put on his tennis shoes, knowing full well that he would be asked to tag along to the store. After all, it was his birthday party too.
"I'm thinking balloons in every color of the rainbow," Mabel said. "A ten layer cake, an ice cream bar with a thousand toppings. Oh, and a chocolate fountain we can drink from."
"Sounds scrumptious," said Candy.
Mabel gasped. "Hey, Bill should come too!" she shouted.
"YES!" Candy and Grenda yelled in unison.
Ford walked towards the living room to grab Bill for his next set of tests. However the excited noise originating from the gift shop grew his curiosity and caused the author to make a detour.
Dipper emerged from his room in time to hear Mabel's most recent decision. He moved close to his sister and whispered so only she could hear, "You know he's not allowed to leave the shack."
Mabel pouted then pointed when she saw her other uncle. "There's Grunkle Ford!" she exclaimed. On her way over she grasped Bill's wrist and she dragged him over to the other man. "Grunkle Ford," Mabel began. She placed her hands on either side of his face. "We're going shopping. Can Bill go with us? Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please?" She gripped onto Ford's collar. "It's only for a couple of hours. Grunkle Stan will be with us to. Please? Pretty please?"
Ford chuckled. He looked over at Bill then back to his great-niece. "I suppose a few hours won't hurt," he said.
Ford stood up straight then reached into his jacket pocket to reveal a leather wallet. He fished around and pulled out a few twenties then handed them to the blond. "While you're out, buy yourself some new clothes." Ford had a limited number of outfits as it was, and providing Bill with his own set meant it would lessen laundry.
"I'll hook you up with the best styles!" Mabel cheered.
"Sweetie, there's only sixty dollars there," Ford replied.
"Well, you're lucky I'm good at finding discounts," Mabel returned.
Mabel walked away from the two.
Ford placed his hand on Bill's shoulder. He adjusted his glasses then said, "You stay with them and behave yourself. Don't think I won't come looking for you if you try to run off."
"Get over yourself," Bill groaned with a roll of his eyes.
Ford grabbed Bill by the collar and pulled him close. "I'm serious, Cipher," the old man growled. "You step one toe out of line and I guarantee it'll be the last time you leave this house for a very long time." He roughly released his hold on the blond.
Bill stumbled as he caught his balance. He smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt and glared at Ford, a look which Ford automatically mirrored. Bill clicked his tongue then headed for his bedroom.
Bill searched under the bed then by the closet door to find the desired item missing. He put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot as his eyes scanned the room. He lit up at the sight of the black dress shoes that apparated on his body along with the fancy suit the day he turned human. The shoes had been lazily discarded when he readied himself for bed the night before. Bill slipped his feet into the shoes then frowned at a realization.
Several minutes passed without Bill's return. Mabel looked over at the others filled with excitement for the upcoming party. Her gaze switched to the direction of the guest's room. Dipper saw his sister head towards the spare room then stop just outside the door; as a subconscious precaution he followed closely behind.
Mabel knocked to receive no answer. Since she hadn't been barred from entering, she took that as an invitation and opened the door. The twins slowly made their way back into the room that brought back awkward memories for them both.
Bill sat on the floor, against the bed, pouting. His head slumped forward and his hands rested in between his knees, his gaze on his shoes.
"Bill, what's wrong?" Mabel asked. She wondered if perhaps he was opposed to shopping and suddenly felt guilty for being so pushy without even asking his input.
Bill sighed. He nodded at the items protecting his feet. "My shoes are broken," he stated.
Mabel knelt down by Bill's feet. From what she could see his shoes were in pristine condition, perhaps a bit dirty from his trek through the forest yesterday, but no holes or tears.
"They look fine to me," Mabel said wondering if maybe they were too snug, or if he had possibly obtained blisters and thought it was the shoe itself causing him pain.
"The laces," he said softly. "They're untied."
Dipper snorted. Mabel laughed into her hand.
"So, why not just tie them back?" she asked.
Bill replied, "I don't know how." He shifted and tilted his head to the side.
Mabel bit down on her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"You poor thing," she said and leaned over to tie the left shoe first. In ten seconds with swift moves Bill couldn't even follow the shoelaces were in a perfect bow. Mabel then moved onto the right one.
"How pathetic," Dipper muttered.
"You should be the last to talk," Mabel scolded. "You didn't learn to tie your shoes 'til you were nine."
"Mabel!" Dipper cried, his voice cracking.
Bill laughed. He looked over his shoes, good as new. He thanked the female twin then accepted her hand to help him to his feet.
"Ready to go?" Mabel asked.
Bill nodded. She took hold of his and Dipper's hands then ran out the room.
"Shotgun!" Dipper called as he reached for the handle of the passenger door.
"Dipper," said Mabel. "Bill gets the front seat, he's a grown up."
Dipper was about to protest when Bill looked into the passenger side window. Stan glared at him from the driver's seat and he backed away.
"I-it's okay," Bill stammered. "Pinetree can have it."
Dipper was taken back by the demon's sudden moment of generosity. With pursed lips he opened the door and climbed into the seat next to Stan.
Bill climbed in the back in between Mabel and Candy. Grenda sat on the other side of Candy, the two of them sharing a seatbelt. Though the backseat was cramped, none of the girls complained. Dipper only hoped they made it to the store and back before being pulled over.
It took longer than expected to get to the Gravity Falls Supercenter due to all of the recent construction. Bill grimaced at the sight of every damaged building. He waited for one of the Pines to say something nasty to him for being the cause of such catastrophe. To his surprise (and probably thanks in large parts to the two extra guests), no one muttered a word, showed any discomfort, or even sent him a glare.
The vehicle stopped at a red light giving Bill a good look in the very direction of where the Fearamid once hovered for the four days he ruled Gravity Falls as king. Right before his stupid mistake that cost him his reign, his body, and ultimately his freedom.
The light turned green and Stan floored it. The heads of the four in the backseat all bumped against the headrests. Bill winced for a second then looked out the window on Mabel's side and watched the now vacant location of his former palace roll out of view.
Stan turned the car into the super center parking lot. The elderly man put the car in park and ordered the five passengers out.
"You're not coming with us, Mr. Pines?" Grenda asked.
"Apparently shoplifting two grand worth of merchandise can get you banned or something," Stan said with a shrug. He leaned his chair back and closed his eyes. "Wake me when you're done shopping."
"Hey, Blondie!" Stan called. Bill stopped and looked over his shoulder. With his eyes still closed he said, "I hear any screams and bans be damned, I'm gonna strangle ya like Stanford shoulda in the first place."
Bill stood still and silent.
"Hey, Bill, you coming or not?" Mabel called from where she and the other teenagers stood a little ways away.
"Be right there, Shooting Star," Bill replied. He looked back at Stan who had rolled up the window. From the other side he knew the old man glared in his direction and would make good on his promise.
The five made their way to the entrance. Bill jumped back when the automatic doors split creating an opening. He stood in between the glass doors, examining how the machine worked. Mabel grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. The two caught up with the rest of the group.
Dipper pushed the shopping cart while Candy and Grenda stood on either side of him. Mabel walked two paces behind Dipper, and Bill looked around at all the displays. He knew of megastores, and had accessed one while in the mind of Stanford, but being inside one for the first time in his own corporal form made quite a different experience.
Dipper caught sight of the party supplies sign and pushed the buggy in the direction of said items. The girls jumped around as they examined each choice. Dipper rolled his eyes and decided to keep out of their path. Most of time Mabel let him at least have a say in their theme, but more often than not she made the final decision.
Bill watched the girls discuss between kitten and unicorn cup and plate sets. He turned to see a stand set up outside the aisle. A kind-looking old man stood behind the booth wearing a large smile. Whatever he cooked in the portable microwave smelled interesting, much better than the slop they tried to feed him at the Mystery Shack.
Bill looked back over to where Dipper tried to convince his sister to pick something more gender neutral for their party. He figured that stepping over one aisle wouldn't exactly qualify as running off. He was still in ear-shot of the Pines and their friends. Still, perhaps he wondered if he should mention his momentary departure. Mabel had Dipper in a headlock and rubbed a fist in his cheek, while Candy and Grenda laughed.
Bill shook his head. Surely they wouldn't miss him for a minute or two.
The demon made his way over to the stand. The salesman, whose nametag read: Gary, smiled at the customer.
"Want to try one, son?" Gary asked.
He motioned to small bagels topped with cheese and diced pepperonis. The product's box on the table read: Bagel Bites. Bill hesitated when he saw the melted cheese glisten from the grease and the store's overhead lighting. However, the smell enticed him.
Eventually he gave into his nose's pleas and plucked one one of the bagels from the tray. One sniff and his stomach reminded him that he forgot to eat breakfast. Bill shut his eyes and sunk his teeth into the warm dough. The delectable taste danced on his tongue.
"That's good," Bill commented then scarfed down the rest of the snack.
The old man chuckled. "Go 'head, have another," he offered.
Bill jumped at the offer. He picked up the bagel and took a large bite. He savored the flavor, and for the first time understood why humans enjoyed mealtime.
"There you are," Mabel said as she and the other kids turned the corner. "We thought you wandered off."
"You could get lost in a place like this," said Candy.
"And we can't have that," added Grenda. "Ooh, bagel bites!" she cried and snatched a couple from the tray.
"I couldn't help it," Bill explained. He pointed to the stand beside him. "These things are just so good. And...and I was hungry." He patted his stomach which was far from satisfied, but at least the snack would hold him over until lunch.
"Oh, that's right, I didn't let you eat before dragging you out here," Mabel said. "I'm sorry."
Gary handed Mabel a package from the freezer next to him.
"Dipper, these would be perfect for the party," Mabel stated.
Dipper agreed and Mabel asked for a second one just to be on the safe side.
After much deliberation (or teasing and physically assaulting one another in Dipper and Mabel's case), the two finally decided on Ducktective themed party decorations; in a way it sort of fit their summer.
Their cart filled with party decorations, party favors, and many types of food, they unknowingly reached the toy section.
Dipper flinched when he realized where they stood. Mabel let out a squeal and pressed her fists into her cheeks. She took off down the aisle leaving the others to run after. They watched the brunette hug each and every stuffed animal on the shelf. Mabel pet the back of one particular dog which sprung to life upon touching the sensor. The toy puppy barked and panted and its tiny legs moved inside its restraints in the box. Seeing their friend light up Candy and Grenda decided to go halves on the expensive toy for Mabel's birthday present as long as she acted surprised when she opened it at the party.
Bill noticed a toy on the shelf that read: Try me. He pressed the button and grinned as the electronic monkey wiggled and sang. He walked down the aisle pressing each button, smiling at the music and funny phrases emitted by each.
After Dipper finally had enough of his shopping buddies' antics, he announced that he was going to pick out sodas for the party (one of the few things still on their shopping list). Candy and Grenda decided to use that time to pick out a present for Dipper. With Mabel being their best friend, they felt that it was only fair to get something for her precious brother.
Mabel turned to the demon. "We need to go find you a new wardrobe."
Bill followed the brunette who led the way to men's fashion.
Mabel and Bill searched through racks of clothing. Mabel guessed that Bill was either a small or medium based on the fact that he was smaller than Ford. With six pairs of pants and eleven shirts piled in his arms, Mabel ushered him to the fitting room.
Bill shut the door and began to undress. He put on a pair of black skinny jeans, a white dress shirt and an argyle sweater vest. He examined himself in the mirror. The pants fit him correctly, proving that he was a size small. He felt the combination worked, still he needed a second opinion.
Bill opened the door and stepped out into the viewing area to get a better look in the three mirrors. Mabel sat on the bench, waiting to give her opinion on the various clothing options. She gave him a thumbs up, which signaled to Bill that those three were a must have.
As Bill stepped back into the tiny private room he glanced up at his reflection only to be hit with a realization. He ran his fingers over the sweater vest that reminded him too much of how Ford dressed in his thirties. He ripped the knitted vest over his head and threw it to the floor. He examined his reflection a third time, more satisfied with the look.
He tried on a green polo shirt along with blue jeans. Mabel felt that the style was not him to which Bill agreed. The cycle repeated until they decided on six outfits.
Of the choices, Bill's saved his favorite for last: a pair of dark blue jeans and a red and black checkered shirt. He tried the outfit on one last time and looked himself over in the mirror. He examined his face and the smile fell into a frown.
Mabel agreed that the outfit was perfect. She noticed that Bill looked less than content.
"If you don't like it, you don't have to get it," Mabel said.
Bill shook his head. "No, I like this one the best," Bill stated.
"Then why do you look so sad?" Mabel asked as she swung her feet on the waiting area bench.
Bill glared at his reflection. He recalled his beautiful triangle form, and even more the power associated with that form.
"That face. This body," he replied. "I used to be awesome." His frown deepened. "Now I'm nothing but a hideous fleshsack."
Mabel jumped down off the bench and stood beside the humanized demon.
"Well I think you're a beautiful fleshsack," she said.
Bill stared down at the human girl. He suddenly felt his lips curve up and he began to laugh. Mabel laughed along with him.
"Do you think Sixer will think so?" Bill asked. The second he asked he felt his cheeks burn. He glanced over at the reflection of Mabel hoping she hadn't caught his question.
"Don't worry, Bill-Bill," Mabel said with a wave of her hand. "I'm sure Grunkle Ford doesn't hate you."
Bill let out a sigh of relief. Bill himself was unsure why he even wondered what the author thought of his physical appearance. To him he was just a test subject, and an unwanted pet that he acquired in order to end the apocalypse. Bill's anger returned as he imagined the person responsible for his downfall. A quick glance at his pinky finger he vowed once free he'd make Ford pay.
Bill stepped back into the dressing room to change back into his original clothes. He piled the ones he wished to purchase on the seat and left the others in a messy heap. His eyes caught the sweater vest that lie on the floor. For a few seconds more he stared while memories of the Ford who trusted and worshiped him surfaced. With a snarl he kicked the sweater underneath the seat. Bill picked up the pile of clothes, and made his way back to where Mabel waited.
"I think these will do," Bill stated.
Dipper looked over the basket he and Mabel had filled with loads of junk food: several types of chips, popcorn, assorted candy, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, hot wings (in two different flavors), jellybeans, twizzler sticks, goldfish crackers, pretzels, and of course cookie dough (a favorite of his and Mabel). Surely Stan would flip at the cost of the unhealthy feast, but it wasn't everyday a set of twins celebrated their thirteenth year.
It felt odd making a selection on his own, but he didn't need his sister to help him pick out soda. Although he had to admit standing in the empty aisle by himself felt rather lonely. After a few minutes of surveying the options Dipper selected seven different kinds of soda (two of each) and piled them into the buggy.
While he didn't have Mabel's influence he contemplated selecting a vegetable tray just so he wouldn't have to hear Ford's lecture on why including fruits and veggies in one's diet was important.
The brunet glanced up to see a familiar face walk by the aisle. Dipper abandoned his cart and hurried after the fleeting figure. The girl stopped and turned, having felt someone following her. Dipper skidded to a stop, halting mere inches from colliding into her.
"Watch where you're going, Pines," the blonde barked with a hand on her hip.
Dipper felt his cheeks light up as he suddenly realized his uncouth behavior.
"Sorry, I didn't mean," Dipper began. "I mean I saw you and-and I just, you know." He rubbed the back of his head. "Wanted to know how you're doing?" He looked over at the girl whose look of annoyance transformed into sincere surprise. "You, uh, are doing okay? Right?"
Pacifica shifted nervously. She looked back at her two friends and asked them to give her some privacy. Claudia and Nora exchanged glances, but respected their friend's wishes.
Pacifica waited until they moved to the next aisle and said, "It's a shame someone like me shopping somewhere like here." She crossed her arms. "But until the mall and the marketplace are repaired, we have no choice."
She looked over at Dipper who still wore an expression of concern.
"I should probably thank you and your uncle for protecting me during that weirdmageddon, or whatever," Pacifica said, not making eye contact with the boy.
Dipper reached into his vest pocket and produced something that made the blonde gasp. Her lucky diamond bracelet on a gold chain dangled in front of her face.
"You...you still have it?" the girl asked in a hushed voice.
"I uh, promised I'd bring it back, so, uh...here it is," Dipper said with a nervous laugh.
"But I didn't think you'd actually," Pacifica began. She stopped and exhaled through her nose. She snatched the bracelet from the boy's hand.
Dipper, Mabel, Wendy, and Soos had snuck back into the Mystery Shack after escaping Mabel's prison bubble. Word spread fast that the Mystery Shack was the one place safe from Bill and his lackeys. Years long grudges vanished as Stan welcomed shelter to the few who managed to avoid capture. With a shotgun in hand Stan stood by the door waiting for the moment the demons found a way through Ford's barrier.
The doorknob rattled and Stan pointed the gun. Dominant eye open he aimed just as the door opened to reveal his family. Stan's heart swelled and he dropped the weapon, a severe rattle at the realization he nearly shot his great-nephew. Mabel and Dipper rushed forward, both embracing their great-uncle. A moment later Soos joined in with the affection.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you kids," Stan said, his eyes moist. He pretended to wipe sweat from his face and used his sleeve as a tissue. "I thought for sure I'd die of a heart attack before those monsters even made it here."
He counted the group: one, two, three, four...wait, one was missing. "Where's Ford?" he asked.
Dipper hung his head. "Bill captured him," the boy admitted.
Stan's heart dropped. "I just got him back," the elderly man muttered.
"Grunkle Stan," Dipper interrupted his uncle's thoughts. "I'm going back for him."
"Out of the question," Stan argued.
"But-"
"No!" shouted Stan. He gripped Dipper's shoulders. "I'm not going to lose you too."
"Grunkle Stan, I have to do something," Dipper protested. Stan's face was firm, but so was Dipper's. Dipper clenched his fists. "If you taught me anything this summer, Grunkle Stan, it's that family is worth fighting for." Tears pooled at Dipper's eyes. "You did everything in your power to bring him back, and to protect me and Mabel."
Tears leaked from Dipper's eyes. Stan no longer held back his own emotions. Many within the shack were wept and feared the worst. Most of them had witnessed loved ones face horrible fates, unsure if they were even still alive. Even with a powerful spell on the place, it was only a matter of time until Bill found a way around it.
"It's time for me to do the same," Dipper stated.
Stan nodded. It was what he had prepared Dipper for all summer. He didn't want to let the boy go out into danger and possibly face death, yet, he had never been more proud of his great-nephew than that very moment.
"I have something for you," Stan said. He stepped into the other room for a moment.
"Are you really leaving?" a feminine voice asked from behind.
Dipper turned to see a crowed of refugees, but he recognized the voice instantly. One of the survivors stepped forward and stopped three feet away from him.
Pacifica Northwest. Usually so proper and poised, her clothes now tattered from escaping destruction and living four days without luxury. Smeared mascara showed she had been crying for some time. Despite the dirt and ragged appearance, she was well nourished and standing strong. Her mentality was a different story. The girl was not too fond of her father, but having seen one's father's face literally rearranged would fill anyone with a lifetime of nightmares. Not to mention Pacifica had also witnessed her mother kidnapped by an eyebat and flown off screaming to join the rest of Bill's captives.
"I have no choice," Dipper explained. "My great-uncle Ford, and the rest of the town...I have to."
Pacifica sniffled. She wiped away falling tears with her arm. "Does it have to be you?" she asked.
"I'm the only one besides my great-uncle Ford who knows enough about Bill to stand a chance," Dipper answered. He glanced over his shoulder. "Well, me, Mabel, and Soos."
She unfastened a gold bracelet with diamond charms from her wrist.
"This is my good-luck charm," Pacifica explained. She looked at Dipper. "It's the reason I'm still here." She shut her eyes and another set of tears fell as she recalled what happened to her mother. She inhaled deeply and her expression changed to one of seriousness. She held the bracelet out to the boy. "I'm letting you borrow it."
Dipper's eyes widened. "Pacifica, I can't..."
"It'll keep you safe," Pacifica pressed. She swallowed spit then continued, "I'm just letting you borrow it, just so you know. You have to bring it back."
She dropped the bracelet into Dipper's hands. He cupped his fingers over the cold metal.
Pacifica crossed her arms. "I will never forgive you if you don't return it," she said. A lump formed in her throat. She released a sob. "So...so..." she wrapped her arms around Dipper. "You better come back."
Dipper stood startled for a few seconds. Once the shock wore off he returned her hug. The stress of the past four days had taken its toll on the twelve-year-old girl. He let her cry on his shoulder until Stan returned with the item he had saved for the occasion. Dipper clasped the bracelet around his own wrist.
"What's this?" Dipper asked as Stan slapped three folders in his hands.
"Ford's journals," Stan answered. "I told you to only use them for self-defense." He gave the boy a smirk. "I can't think of a better time."
"I brought it back just like I promised," Dipper said with a smile.
The blonde decorated her wrist with her favorite piece of jewelry once more.
"It's not like I was super worried or anything," Pacifica said with her hands on her hips.
Dipper smiled with a nod.
"Um..." Dipper began. "Mabel and I are having our thirteenth birthday party tonight...at the Mystery Shack." His face burned crimson. "If-if y-you'd like to come." Dipper rubbed his arm. "You're more than um...welcome."
"I'll think about it," Pacifica said. She turned away from the other.
Dipper rubbed the back of his head as he felt heat rising in his face.
"I saw that," Mabel said nearly making Dipper jump out of his skin.
"Saw what?" Dipper asked hurriedly. "Why are you sneaking up on people?"
"Don't try to change the subject," Mabel teased.
"I just...I invited a friend to a party."
"Whatever you say, Bro-Bro."
Bill placed the clothes in the cart.
"That's a lot of food," the blond commented.
"Are you sure Grunkle Stan is going to let us get this all?" Dipper asked.
Mabel grinned. "He didn't give me a limit," she cheered and pulled Stan's credit card from her sweater pocket. "Now if you boys are ready, I'll go find Candy and Grenda," Mabel said.
The other two nodded. It had been a fun shopping trip, but it was time to head home and set up for the party.
This chapter ended up being longer than the last. Totally unintentional. I just had a lot I wanted to fit in here before the birthday party in the next chapter.
This chapter was also not supposed to have any of the seriousness the last chapter did, but I felt that little flashback scene fit best at this point, so it wasn't entirely lighthearted. Sorry.
