Chapter 8: Fireworks
Dipper had asked for space so that's exactly what he'd given him. For the next few days, Bill hardly left his room except to root around the pantry for snacks and to shower and use the toilet. He didn't bother coming to dinner and no one invited him either. They were all still acting standoffish around him and it lead to him feeling ostracized and unwanted. A heavy weight settled in his chest and caused an all-consuming sadness to overwhelm him. He now understood the concept of depression and he absolutely hated the way he was feeling.
Perhaps accepting the Pines family's help that night was a big mistake.
He was laying on his side in the darkness when a knock came at the door. The creaking hinges echoed loudly as someone poked their head inside; he hadn't bothered to lock it because no one was interested in speaking with him anyway.
Bill couldn't see who it was because his back was turned to the door, but he honestly didn't care. "What is it?" he muttered, wishing they'd just leave him alone.
"Hey, can we talk?"
Dipper's voice struck him straight in the gut. As much as he would've loved to see that beautiful face again, Bill made no move to turn towards the boy. Instead, he continued to stare blankly at the wall and wished more than ever that he could fade out of existence.
He both felt and heard the bed depress as Dipper sat across from him. "Bill?" The brunette touched his shoulder but Bill flinched and scooted away.
"You wanted space so I'm giving it to you." It was a fruitless effort, trying to hide the hurt in his voice but he still attempted it anyway. "You pushed me away so I'm staying away." He curled further into the blanket he lay beneath and felt tears burning as they welled at the corner of his eyes.
Guilt overwhelmed Dipper as Bill's body began to shake with silent sobs. He hated himself for making Bill feel so broken and confused, even though Dipper had felt the exact same way not long ago. He'd had time to think and was able to come to terms with his feelings, but at the cost of Bill's own happiness. The situation flat out sucked and he prayed they would be able to move past it.
"I know, but I -"
What do you want, Dipper?" Bill sat up and faced him and even in the absence of light, Dipper could see the shiny trails running from his eyes, glinting in the moonlight. "You can't just lead me on and then throw me away!" He was shouting now and Dipper didn't stop him because he honestly deserved to be yelled at. "Why is everyone still avoiding me? What did I do to make all of you hate me so much?!"
"Bill, we don't all hate you."
He let out a sarcastic snort at that. "Hah, you could've fooled me."
"Bill, please," Dipper beseeched, reaching out for the man's arms. Bill didn't know why, but he let the boy touch him and decided to allow him to say his piece. "It's… I can't fully explain it. But my family didn't like the person you used to be. I won't lie; the things you did before, they were pretty fucking horrible. But they're in the past now - you're like a brand new person and I'm trying to make them see that." A sigh tumbled past his lips as he poured his heart out. "Mabel always says everyone deserves a second chance. I always thought she was just being overly trusting of people but I understand it now." He paused to wipe away the tears escaping from Bill's dulled eyes. The bright golden color Dipper saw in his dreams was gone and he'd never stop feeling like a piece of shit for putting him through this kind of hell. "I've had time to think and I've made some conclusions. I really, really hope you can forgive me, but I'll understand if you can't. I just want you to know that I still want you - if you want me too, that is."
Bill's hard glare softened as Dipper spilled his guts. All of the anger, resentment, and sorrow he'd experienced slowly ebbed away and his chest cavity was replaced with a mild ache. Dipper slid a hand up Bill's arm to settle against his shoulder.
"I think I'm in love with you, Bill."
The words punched the air out of both of them and suddenly it felt like neither could breathe. There was no taking it back now that he'd said it, but Dipper didn't want to. He needed Bill to know that he'd chosen him; he'd choose him over and over again if it came down to it. The irony that he'd fallen in love with his sworn enemy was something Dipper had acknowledged and managed to put aside. Someone he should've hated with every fiber of his being had turned into someone he couldn't live his life without.
Just as Dipper had broken his heart with a few words, he'd made it whole again. The cracks were still there - they'd never fully heal. But Bill couldn't deny that he had also fallen for the brunette and if it meant he'd end up heartbroken again someday, well then, he was willing to take that risk and deal with the consequences when they came. He wrapped his arms around Dipper's neck and pulled him close.
"I love you too."
They were kissing and it felt like they'd never missed a beat. Dipper's plush petals felt like they were molded to fit against Bill's lips and it made his entire body shiver. He'd missed him, missed this, so much - even just having Dipper in close proximity caused his heart to swell to twice its size.
The blonde pulled back and cupped Dipper's face in his palms. There was one thing he had left to say before they went too far. "Just swear to me you'll never push me away, Dipper. I don't ever want to feel like this again."
"I promise, Bill," Dipper said, fingers tangling in the black curls at the base of his neck. "I hate myself for hurting you. I'm such a fucking idiot. I never want to give any of this up." More sweet kisses chased his words and he knew that tonight they'd finally crossed the line they'd been dancing around for so long. He felt like a sinner coming clean about the secrets of his past and having forgiveness granted upon him; waves of pure bliss settled over Dipper and left him feeling peaceful.
After a moment, he spoke again. "Soos and Melody are getting married in a few days and I wanted to ask if you'd be my date for the wedding. In secret of course - I'm still not ready for the world to know."
"Yes," Bill said. "Yes, Dipper." He wrapped the brunette in a tight embrace and Dipper felt his heart thud dully against his chest. He breathed in Bill's scent and felt the oxytocin running through his body. He could stay like this forever, cradling Bill in his arms. He'd fallen so hard for this man, lust giving way to love. He'd never experienced anything like it before and maybe never would again.
The entire town of Gravity Falls was milling around like busy little worker ants. Today was July 4th, and that meant the afternoon would be spent celebrating Independence Day with loved ones and eating lots of delicious food.
The Pines family had already gotten a headstart on the holiday festivities. Stan donned a festive apron and dubbed himself "Grillmaster" for the day. He'd also be taking up the role of "Launchmaster" later that night when it was dark enough to shoot illegally-obtained projectiles into the air. Ford had formulated a chemical that when added to the fireworks' mixture of potassium nitrate would allow them to appear brighter and more vibrant than usual - finally putting his scientific prowess to good use, as Stan teased him earlier. Everyone was in good spirits and looking forward to what the day would bring.
As she stepped into the sunlight, Mabel slid on a pair of red star-shaped sunglasses to complete her look. She was decked out in patriotic colors from head to toe, from her striped headband all the way down to the navy blue flip flops that showed off her red and white toenail polish.
"Happy 4th of July, Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford!" She trapped each of them with a hug, narrowly missing catching her long hair on fire on Stan's gas grill. "Whoopsy, that could've been a real downer," she laughed as she noticed her mistake and stepped backwards. Ford probably would've shot her with the fire extinguisher he'd dragged out for the fireworks display later, but Mabel really didn't want to get coated with chemical residue and have to go inside to clean up and risk missing out on the fun.
She turned to inspect the clearing. Last night, she'd cajoled Dipper and Bill into helping her set up decorations and games in the yard. Cornhole, ring toss and lawn Twister to name a few. Tree branches were lined with streamers and paper lanterns all in festive hues emulating the American flag. Patriotic bunting lined the porch railings and gave the Shack's wooden facade a pop of color. She grinned and allowed herself to feel proud of the work they had done.
Several folding tables placed near Stan's grill intended to act as a makeshift buffet at dinner time. Once everyone was gathered together, all of the dishes would be brought out and the feasting could begin. Two picnic tables shoved tight against each other would act as one giant dining surface. The red and white gingham tablecloths were weighted down with rocks Mabel had found in the woods. Her personal craft had been painting and glitterifying them to make them look more like premium party decorations and less like they'd been laying near a stream for the past decade.
Finally, they'd positioned lawn chairs in a neat row for viewing the fireworks display later that night. Grunkle Stan always found ways to circumvent the government and this time he'd managed to get his hands on a massive cart of fireworks. Most of them were outlawed in twenty-nine of the fifty states, but when Dipper pointed it out, Stan just shrugged and proclaimed, "So? Laws have never stopped me before!"
An old pick-up kicked up rocks as it entered the parking lot. Soos and Melody arrived carrying several casserole dishes and glass bowls covered with plastic wrap. "Hellloooo, everyone," she sang out.
"Where do ya want us to put all these amazing foods we made?" Soos asked.
"Kitchen," Stan called over his shoulder. He was currently fighting with the plastic packaging on a packet of hot dogs, trying to tear it open using his teeth. Ford stepped in and grabbed the package from Stanley's hands and produced a pair of scissors from his jacket. "Thanks," Stan grunted and began laying the meat out to cook.
"Here, honey," Melody said. She handed Soos a bowl of potato salad mixed with mayonnaise and bacon bits. "Stick this in the fridge until later, okay?"
"Sure thing, babe." He kissed her cheek and went inside to put the food away. Melody set the items that didn't need to be refrigerated on the folding tables and went to work sorting them. She laid out hummus and veggies next to bowls of potato chips and pretzels and made a separate section for desserts. Mabel had already placed her firecracker cupcakes (complete with hollowed out centers filled with Pop Rocks) onto the table so Melody slid a plate of her homemade chocolate chip cookies beside them.
"Ooh those look amazing." Stan grabbed one of the sweets and shoved it in his mouth, the dough and chocolate softening as he chewed. He smiled as he flipped the hot dogs over. Three of his four favorite 'F' words were all in one place: family, friends, and food. Today truly was a great day.
Inside of the Mystery Shack, Bill and Dipper took their time getting ready. While the rest of the family was attending to preparations on the lawn, they took the opportunity to dress themselves while exchanging kisses and soft touches.
"What's all of the fuss about today?" Bill asked, pulling on a pair of Dipper's jeans. He no longer needed to cinch a belt around them - staying with the Pines family, he'd gained a few pounds and now filled out the clothing nicely. His ribs were no longer visible and he actually looked healthy now.
Dipper smiled as he watched the blonde. "We're celebrating the birth of America."
Bill wasn't sure how it was physically possible for a country to be born, but he went along with it anyway; Dipper was intelligent and he trusted his words wholeheartedly.
"It's basically just a big picnic and there'll be lots of new foods for you to try."
Bill's stomach clenched at the mention of food. They hadn't eaten breakfast this morning and he'd skipped dinner last night, so to say he was ravished was the understatement of the year.
His boyfriend loved to eat and it was probably his favorite hobby.
Boyfriend. The word echoed in Dipper's mind and he felt a swell of pride. Bill had agreed to be his boyfriend and it was nice to finally make their relationship somewhat official, even if they were the only ones who knew about it.
Dipper glanced at the two of them in the mirror. They were dressed in reds and blues but nowhere to the extent Mabel was. She always went overboard and didn't care if it was too much. That morning, Dipper had even talked her out of attaching lit sparklers to her headband. Her heart often overruled her logic and he made a point of explaining that she'd be recreating the Burning Man effigy but with her own flesh instead of wood.
Fire and Mabel did not mix.
Bill slunk up behind Dipper and wrapped his arms around him as they eyed their reflections. There was a minute height difference between them but not enough to be blatantly obvious. Dipper was an inch or two shorter but he honestly didn't mind. Actually he almost found pleasure in it. Bill's warm breath came at his ear and made his knees turn to jelly. "I love you so much, sweetheart."
Dipper spun around so that they were face to face. "Bill…" He took that gorgeous face in his hands and locked eyes with him. Somehow the blonde made him feel like a lovestruck middle school girl who devolved into a puddle whenever her crush walked by. His heart pounded and his brain short circuited whenever he came around. It felt like Dipper was the protagonist of a sappy 80's romance film but in the best sort of way.
The brim of the baseball cap he'd been wearing bumped against Bill's forehead as they kissed, causing it to fall to the floor. It was forgotten as they melted into each other, lips moving together slowly and carefully. It was unlike all of the previous kisses they'd shared - those had been desperate and sexually charged. This time it as fueled by love.
The blonde stroked soothing circles into Dipper's lower back, causing the younger to moan softly. The tender touches caused hot tingles to radiate all over his body as goosebumps formed. His hands slid from Bill's cheeks to the back of his neck and he couldn't stop himself from wrapping tattooed arms around him and pulling the man closer.
Dipper tilted his head as the kiss deepened, wet caresses intensifying as they flicked their tongues together. The deep intimacy of it all caused embers to flare deep in their tummies. The idea that it was Bill Cipher he was kissing excited Dipper to no end.
Eventually the need for air turned urgent. Dipper pulled away with a thin strand of saliva connecting his lips to Bill's. The older man traced Dipper's kiss-swollen mouth, breaking the bridge between them. His thumb lingered on the boy's lower lip and he pulled it down seductively. "I'd love to see what else you can do with that pretty mouth of yours."
"Hmm, maybe I'll show you later." With a wink, he bent down to retrieve his hat and affix it atop the dark mass of curls. As much as both wanted to keep going, Dipper knew that the others would come looking for them if they stalled much longer.
They exited Bill's room and were passing by the kitchen when Dipper noticed Soos depositing food into the fridge for later. Melody was now inside cutting strawberries and watermelon and arranging them around a circular tray.
"Go ahead outside," Dipper whispered. "I just want to talk to Soos and Melody quick and then I'll be out."
Bill nodded and walked away as Dipper entered the kitchen. "Hey guys, do you have a second?"
"Yeah, of course," Melody said, continuing to prepare her fruit tray. She opened a carton of blueberries and rinsed them off in the sink.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm bringing Bill as my plus one."
"Bill who?" Soos asked, closing the fridge door and turning to face him. Dipper realized in that moment that Grunkle Stan had failed to mention exactly who their special houseguest was.
"The blonde guy that's been hanging around? That's Bill Cipher."
"Wait, wait, wait," Soos said, "wait. That's Bill? The evil floaty triangle demon?"
A chill ran down Melody's spine and she clutched the knife tightly in her fist. While she hadn't been present for Weirdmageddon, Soos had told her all kinds of terrifying stories. "Dipper, I don't think that's such a good idea…"
"I won't let him hurt anyone. I promise. It's… complicated, but Grunkle Ford determined that he's pretty much harmless now."
Soos and Melody exchanged worried glances.
"He'll be on his best behavior."
"I'm honestly not crazy about the idea, but if you're sure he won't ruin the ceremony, then… I guess it's all right…"
"Melody, are you sure?"
"No, but Dipper seems to be. I won't say no, but if he tries to cause any trouble…"
"I know, I know." Stan and Ford would probably subdue Bill and hold him at gunpoint if Melody didn't beat them to it. Like any bride to be, she wanted the day to be absolutely perfect and go off without a hitch. He honestly couldn't blame her one bit. "Everything will be fine."
"Food time!" Stan announced, both hands full as he carried plates of grilled meats over to the buffet table. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers was enticing as it wafted through the air.
Mabel was right behind Stan, eager to dig in. "All of this looks so good!" She plopped a large spoonful of Melody's potato salad onto her plate, followed by mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. By the time she was finished, Mabel was carrying three plates piled high with a variety of foods.
She took a seat at the picnic table and arranged her feast on the red and white gingham tablecloth: meats, then side dishes, and finally, desserts.
Dipper watched as Mabel shoveled food into her face. His sister was one of those people who could finish off an entire buffet by herself and never gain much weight. She'd certainly been blessed in the metabolism department. "Let's go up," he said. Bill had been sitting next to him at the picnic table and didn't need to be told twice that it was time to eat.
He'd opted for the burger - of course - and also needed additional plates the same as Mabel had.
Out of the corner of his eye, Dipper caught Melody pulling Stan and Ford aside and he knew right away that it had to do with Bill. The three spoke in hushed tones and there was a lot of nodding happening. Melody only appeared slightly less concerned than she had looked before speaking to them and Dipper knew she was still worried about having Bill at her wedding.
He turned his attention back to the spread in front of him and chose from the selection. They sat on the bench across from Mabel who was chewing her cob of corn like a beaver gnawing wood. Soon after, Melody and the Grunkles joined them and the entire family settled in for a meal together.
Soos and Melody sat side by side, giggling as they ate. There were only ten days left until she'd become Mrs. Ramirez. She couldn't wait to spend the rest of their lives together. Soos would make a wonderful father someday. He'd always be there for his kids unlike his own father. She felt bad for him for it, but soon enough he'd have Melody's dad to act as a father figure - her family had taken Soos in as one of their own and it made her heart swell with elation. They congratulated Melody on finding such a great guy - he may not have been a Harvard graduate or male model, but he treated her like she'd personally hung the moon and stars in the sky. It was plain to see just how much he adored her.
Stan faked a gagging sound as he stabbed at the pasta on his plate. "Trying to eat over here, you two."
"Aw, leave 'em alone Grunkle Stan. Just cause you're a bitter, lonely old man doesn't mean they should be miserable too," Mabel winked.
"Hey, I am not old," he pointed his fork at her accusingly and Dipper laughed because out of all the derogatory things Mabel had said, he'd chosen to focus on the comment about his age.
"Stanley's right," Ford added. He clapped a hand on his brother's shoulder. "He's not old. He's ancient."
"You're older than I am!" Stan protested, slamming the end of his fork against the table. "If I'm ancient, then you're prehistoric."
"That doesn't make sense. Both of those terms mean the same thing."
"You don't make sense, Ford," Stan rebutted, stuffing his mouth with food. His older brother thought he was so smart, but Stan could dish out the insults too. "Your face is so wrinkled you could stick it under a steam roller and it'd still look like a fucking prune."
"I like your hair, Stanley. How'd you get it to grow out of your nose like that?"
The friendly roast-fest between the two continued for another good three minutes as everyone else laughed uproariously. Mabel was shaking as she filmed the mock-argument on her phone and uploaded it straight to Facebook and Instagram with a single caption: #GrunkleFight!
It was getting dark out and the fireworks show was due to begin in about an hour. In the meantime, Mabel suggested they all play a game of lawn Twister to both literally and physically bring them all closer together.
Two moves in, and Stan was regretting his decision to play. His face was pressed directly into Soos's sweaty armpit and his calves were cramping up. He recalled bitterly that it had been way more fun when he was thirty years younger and surrounded with hot girls twining their bodies around him like vines.
"Okay, Mabel," Ford said. He flicked the spinner and watched as it landed on left foot, red. He gave the instruction and watched as his niece struggled to cross her legs in an 'x' pattern, her right foot already braced on a green circle. Somehow she managed to crunch herself into a pretzel and let out a victorious laugh.
"Ugh, can we hurry this up?!" Stan was sweating and pissed off. This had stopped being fun ten minutes ago.
"It isn't your turn, Stanley," Ford chided. He gave the board another spin and focused on Soos. "Right hand, green."
"Haha, that's easy," the man said - his hand had already been on a green spot, so he simply lifted it and put it back down in the same place.
"Now it's your turn, Stanley. Right foot, yellow."
"What?! That's impossible!" The move meant he'd have to somehow stretch over Mabel and Soos without losing his balance.
"I don't make the rules," Ford shrugged.
"Yes you do! You're controlling the goddamn spinner!"
Ford tried his hardest not to snicker at his brother's frustration. Instead he remained calm as he asked, "are you going to take your turn or not?"
Stan grumbled curses under his breath as he tried to shift his partially-numb leg to the correct dot. It was difficult enough to begin with, but factoring his age in on top of that made it feel like he was trying to climb Mount Everest using a toothpick and some dental floss.
It was a valiant effort, but ultimately a fruitless one. His back buckled and he hit the ground chest first, Soos and Mabel falling on top of him and knocking the wind from his lungs.
Mabel pointed and laughed at the old man. "Hah, you lose, Grunkle Stan!"
He bit back the urge to tell her he'd already lost just by agreeing to play with them. "Looks like it, pumpkin." The words came out punctuated with grunts as he tried to army crawl out from beneath the pile of dead weight pressing on his spine. At this point, they'd technically all lost since everyone's bodies had given out. Soos and Mabel took pity on the elder and lifted him to his feet. His leg was still numb to the point of feeling staticy pinpricks so he had to remain still for a moment before all feeling returned to his appendage.
"Melody, Bill, and Dipper, it's your turn," Ford said with a sweeping gesture to the ground that was spray-painted with colorful circles.
Bill understood the object of the game just from observing the others. The last one to remain upright, no matter how much their muscles ached and spasmed, was the winner.
As they settled in to play, Ford read off the first moves. Dipper quickly found himself enjoying the game way more than he should have. The close contact with Bill was definitely enjoyable and best of all, he didn't have to hide it this time. Brushing against him, arms tangling and sweat rolling down his temple, all under the guise of a friendly game of Twister.
Five moves in, Dipper's head was essentially attached to Bill's crotch, and as much as it hurt to stay propped up like this, he couldn't find it in himself to complain. It was all extremely sexual in his mind but everyone else besides himself and Bill found it to be innocent fun.
He jotted down a mental note to try this again with Bill in private, sans clothing.
If it weren't for Melody arched perpendicularly across his back, Dipper would've forgotten that she was playing too.
He bent and grunted as Ford told him to place his right hand on blue. The entire game became more awkward as he reached backwards, nearly elbowing Melody in the face. "Sorry, sorry!" He snaked his arm beneath her neck and completed his turn.
Bill's whole body was cramping the longer they played. It was painful but somehow still worth it to have Dipper spread on top of him like butter on toast. He may or may not have purposely allowed his arms to give out just to make the brunette fall into his lap.
Despite this, Melody wobbled but managed to stay upright and Mabel dubbed her the Queen of Twister. Even though she'd won, Bill and Dipper couldn't help but feel like they'd won the game too.
Fireworks bloomed and glittered across the sky. The deafening cracks emulated thunder and rocked the entire valley. Craning one's neck in any direction would allow them to see fireworks no matter where they looked The entire town was getting in on the action, but Stan knew their chemically modified rockets would put the others to shame.
"Yo, be careful!" Soos called out, his hands cupped around his mouth to amplify the sound.
The elder waved his hand dismissively as he set up a line of smaller, less impressive fireworks and began lighting the fuses. "Yeah, yeah, this ain't my first rodeo." Ford sat nearby with his fire extinguisher in arm's length just in case something went horribly wrong. Stan had a tendency to get cocky with things like this and as much as Ford picked on him for it, he would never forgive himself for letting his baby brother get hurt.
The tiny rockets crackled and burst in the air but Stan was only just getting started. He had a few tricks up his sleeve - mainly a gargantuan cube-shaped firework called the Big Daddy - saved for the finale.
The family sat in their lawn chairs, heads tilted slightly back so they could watch the display. Mabel was already filming the scene on her phone but it could never hold a candle to the real deal.
Fireworks from a nearby picnic were sent spiraling into the air, but they were puny and pathetic compared to Stan's. "Fuck you, how's this for patriotic?!" He shouted as he released three fireworks at once. Each bursted in the sky and revealed they were shaped like red, white, and blue stars. The colors were vibrant and oversaturated which made them all the more beautiful.
"Oooh, do more Grunkle Stan!" Mabel urged.
"Of course, sweetie." Stan fired a few more of the smaller projectiles until he was all out and had to move onto the medium-sized rockets.
Dipper scanned the row of faces and saw that they were all preoccupied by the fantastic display Grunkle Stan was putting on. Contented, he leaned over into Bill's personal space and stole a kiss. It was much too brief for either of their liking, but even that quick gesture was insanely risky. He wished that no one else was around and that it could be just the two of them kissing as multi-colored sparkles rained down overhead.
Stan's show lasted a good fifteen minutes and definitely humiliated everyone else who thought their fireworks were somewhat good.
"These are better than Disney!" Mabel exclaimed, her eyes impossibly wide and her smile even wider. Dipper had to agree with her on that. Whatever Ford had done to alter the chemical makeup had been extremely successful.
The finale was capped off with the Big Daddy rocket which turned out to be more like an atom bomb as it lit up the entire sky like a violent burst of lightning. Everyone within a two mile vicinity went momentarily deaf as the ground shook like an earthquake clocking in at an eight on the Richter scale. The intense explosion caused car alarms to begin blaring all over town.
It made sense now why Stan had smuggled it across the Oregon border at three in the morning.
"Whoo-hoo! That's what I'm talkin' about baby!" He screamed as everyone's ears rang and their hearing returned to normal. The family echoed his cheers, clapping and whistling to show their appreciation.
Stan had certainly outdone himself this year and gone out with a bang.
Once all of the food was cleaned up and the leftovers neatly stacked away, everyone retreated to bed. Dipper climbed beneath his covers and waited until Mabel was snoring before creeping back downstairs. He knew Bill would be awake and waiting at the rendezvous point they agreed on earlier.
Dipper knocked a repetitive tune against the frame of the bathroom door and Bill pulled him inside. He made sure the door was latched behind them before stripping and stepping into the bathtub.
Dipper eagerly peeled his clothing off and joined Bill in the shower. It was the first time they'd seen each other naked and the brunette felt himself shying away under Bill's gaze.
"It's okay, sweetie," Bill said. He stepped forward to touch Dipper as the warm spray of water cascaded over their skin.
The bathroom was already becoming hot and steamy and they'd barely been in two minutes. Dipper exhaled sighs as Bill's arms encircled him much like they'd done earlier that morning. Under those hands - the very ones that were stained with violence, chaos, and murder - Dipper felt... safe. He couldn't explain it, but he trusted Bill more than he ever should have.
Dipper reached for a bottle of shower gel he'd brought from home and squeezed a decent amount in his hands. He went to work spreading the vanilla-scented soap across the flat planes of Bill's chest and back and stroking up his biceps. He'd stopped caring long ago about what scents qualified as 'manly' and which didn't and just used whatever made his skin feel soft and clean.
Bill returned the favor, messaging Dipper with the sweet-smelling suds. They explored each other's bodies for the very first time, mapping every muscle and birthmark with the pads of their fingers.
When a soapy digit pressed against his rim, Dipper recoiled. Bill looked surprised as he asked what was wrong - it seemed like the next logical step but Dipper shook his head and bit down on his lip.
"I'm not comfortable with that yet," he admitted quietly. Dipper had watched enough porn to know that being fingered felt amazing, straight, gay, or anything else in between. But his fears were bubbling to the surface again at the idea of pain. He'd never had anything in that area before, despite fantasizing about it thousands of times.
But thoughts were different than actions and it still unnerved him.
"I can give you something else though." He settled into his knees in front of Bill until his face was crotch height. Dipper still felt bad about causing Bill to fall into a dark depression and now he only wanted to bring him pleasure.
As he reached for Bill's half-hard cock, Dipper suddenly had a brief moment of self doubt.
You don't know what you're doing! his mind screamed. And while that was true, Dipper wasn't stupid and knew how blowjobs worked.
He steeled himself and leaned forward, experimentally licking Bill's tip. The sharp gasp that was drawn from his boyfriend's lips encouraged him to keep going. He pressed his tongue into the slit where bitter fluid was beginning to pool and carefully coaxed it out. The taste was odd at first but he quickly got used to it and sucked the head into his mouth, sweeping over it with his flattened tongue.
Any initial apprehension Dipper had quickly faded away as he allowed his own instinct and Bill's hands to guide him. The man's fingers threaded themselves into his wet curls, not forcefully but enough to urge Dipper to continue.
He was about halfway down Bill's length, breathing heavily through his nose, when his gag reflex kicked in. Dipper had to retreat to avoid vomiting everywhere; even though the water would wash it away, he wasn't about to embarrass himself like that. With a deep breath, he tried again, sliding Bill back into his mouth and hollowing his cheeks. His hand stroked the small bit he was unable to swallow and he went to work, implementing a languid pace.
As unskilled as Dipper was, Bill found his efforts endearing. And whether amateur or professional, just seeing the younger man on his knees was making his stomach do flips. This was the first time he was receiving oral and the sensations were intense. He'd only ever touched himself, but that simply couldn't compare to a hot cavern and eager lips.
Dipper bobbed his head, increasing the initial pace he'd set. He was getting more comfortable with the weight of Bill's dick heavy against his tongue and ventured down to suck at his balls. He laved each in turn, pulling moans from deep inside the man's chest.
Dipper allowed his ego to be stroked with each word of praise that fell from Bill's lips. "Fuck, Dipper. I wish you could see yourself right now." Brown eyes cracked open and he looked up at Bill, wet droplets clinging to his eyelashes as he took the blonde's cock back into his mouth. Bill wasn't exactly an eyesore either, that sharp gaze drinking in every single ministration as warm water cascaded over their bodies in sheets.
Dipper's knees were starting to hurt from the harsh surface of the porcelain tub, but he was determined to see the job through. He sucked and slurped enthusiastically, still partially wondering if it was all a perfect daydream.
Bill's hands felt real as they tugged at his hair and the lightning that shot down Dipper's spine was real, too. The soft sounds Bill was making spurred him on. He pulled off of Bill's dick with a pop and licked broad stripes from base to tip. Eyes half lidded, he made sure to give Bill a show and flicked his tongue against the frenulum.
"Oh fuck, keep doing that and I'm gonna come." Bill was panting above him and it only made Dipper want to pull him apart even more. He repeated the action several times, smirking as he watched and felt the way it made Bill tremble.
He wrapped his lips back around his cock, the hedonistic pleasure not only reserved for Bill. Dipper was finding a lot of enjoyment in this and didn't want to stop. Undoing the blonde with his mouth and hands was something he only could've dreamt about weeks ago. Now here he was, on his knees before the man, reducing him to a shaking mess in the most sensual of ways.
He began moaning around the length in his mouth and the vibrations sent delightful jolts of pleasure crashing into Bill. He was cresting quickly and didn't give Dipper much warning before his mouth was flooded with the man's seed. He sucked him through his orgasm, listening to Bill's heavy panting as he rode out the aftershocks.
The blonde pulled out, leaving Dipper with a choice. He hesitated as cum trickled from the corner of his mouth, unsure if he should spit or swallow.
The decision was made for him as Bill lifted him to his feet and pushed his tongue inside Dipper's mouth. His own cock throbbed as Bill savored taste of his essence mixed with Dipper. It was hot and sloppy and overwhelmingly erotic.
And things were made even better when Bill grabbed his cock and began to jerk him off in quick movements. The easy glide of his hand was due in part to the shower but also because of the pre-cum that oozed from Dipper's slit.
"You're so good for me, baby boy," Bill purred in his ear. His breath was hot and raspy and did things to Dipper — namely causing him to grow harder with each slippery, wet stroke.
He groaned as Bill yanked his head back and began sucking hickies into his collarbone. Dipper was grateful he'd had enough sense to leave them in an easily-concealed area because right now his only thoughts were a chanted mantra of Bill's name and fuck, so good, moremoremoremoremore!
It didn't take much for him to spiral towards completion - not with Bill murmuring dirty praise in his ear and flicking his wrist just like that. Dipper fucked his fist and dropped his head against Bill's shoulder as the tightening in his stomach became unbearable. "Oh fuck, gonna come!" He bit down against Bill's shoulder to muffle his screams of pleasure as he released all over the blonde's hand. Bill continued stroking him through it all until he was hypersensitive and couldn't take it anymore.
They kissed lazily, blissed out after their dual orgasms. It was hard to move after such an intense orgasm, but eventually Bill turned the water off and helped Dipper out of the shower. Both wrapped themselves in large fluffy towels and began drying off.
A wave of cold air prickled his flesh as Dipper opened the bathroom door and slid out into the hallway. He waited for Bill to finish getting dressed. The older man flicked the light off and left the bathroom the same way they had found it before Dipper pressed one last kiss to his cheek.
The two walked in silence, lost in their thoughts. Dipper would love nothing more than post-coital cuddles but unfortunately he knew that wasn't going to happen tonight. Still, he was contented with the fact that the real fireworks had just taken place in the bathroom of the Mystery Shack.
Bill paused in front of his door. "Goodnight, Dipper. Sleep well."
There was no doubt about that. His eyes were already weighing down with sleep. "Night, Bill." He watched as the man smiled and slipped inside before returning to his own bed. Mabel was still snoring obnoxiously and he reached into the bedside table to fish out some earplugs. With the sound muffled considerably, Dipper tugged his comforter up to his neck and drifted off to sleep.
