Chapter 9
The apartment was deadly silent, that is, besides the loud snores coming from the very own Mabel Pines herself.
The early morning sunrise had made its way into the closed blinds, the darkened clouds now replaced with clear skies, and the smell of freshly made toast filled the air. Bill sat on a chair, elbows leaned against the kitchen table and a grilled cheese sandwich in his hands. His eyes continued to shift from the sleeping girl on the couch only a few feet away to the slightly opened window in the kitchen, closely looking for anything even remotely considered strange.
After all, he hadn't been able to get much sleep, just thinking that Gideon Gleeful's guards could easily kick the door down and murder him within minutes. He was beginning to get worried, but not for the obvious reason, however; as the thoughts of Gideon Gleeful also contained thoughts of Mabel Pines, and to say that was terrifying, was an understatement.
The day Mabel had decided to leave, Bill had felt an uncomfortable feeling he couldn't truly described. He'd gone to do the usual, which was take a shower, eat breakfast and so on, but the apartment felt too empty the longer he spent in it.
He had tried to distract himself with television, even going out and buying a new disposable phone to contact his old clients with, but nothing seemed to distract his mind from the thought of the stupid girl being out there on her own.
Poor Pine tree, he had thought to himself, having to look after that idiot girl.
It wasn't until she showed up at his doorstep, panting back and forth and one leg raised up awkwardly, that he truly realized just how… worried he'd really been. He had tried to deny it to himself, reminding himself that he had murdered hundreds of people in cold blood, but the feeling was still there.
He cared about the silly Pines girl, and even thinking about Gideon taking her, caused worry to fill his insides for the first time since he was a kid.
Bill didn't want to feel that way anymore; what he would do to make that feeling go away.
''Good morning, Bill'' a cheerful voice cried out, as Mabel made her way towards him while stretching her arms. Her blouse has slightly risen up, revealing her toned stomach.
Bill looked away, mumbling a good morning before taking another bite of his sandwich. Mabel grabbed a bowl and a box of cheerios, rapidly making herself a quick cereal and taking a seat next to him. She smiled, her caramel waves all over the place. ''I had the weirdest dream''
''Is that so?'' he said in the most uncaring voice he could summon.
She nodded, excitedly. ''Yeah. There were these huge two dogs and there were rainbows everywhere and the dogs let me lick their paws. And then there was this flying shark with arms who-''
Bill stopped listening after that, trying his best to only focus on his sandwich.
''Anyway, did you dream anything?''
He snorted. ''I don't dream, shooting star''
''What? Everyone dreams, it's like part of humanity!''
''Then I suppose I'm not human'' he replied, casually. ''How's your ankle doing?''
''A lot better, the medicine really helped. The pain's gone for the most part'' her voice became softer, losing much of its enthusiasm. ''Hey, Bill. Do you think Dipper's okay?''
''Pine tree? Like I care''
''It's just it's not like Dipper to not come back to the mansion'' she giggled, but Bill noticed the stiffness behind it. ''And we don't exactly have any friends he could be with''
''Don't you rich hang out among your own?'' he asked, watching her gaze falling down to her bowl.
''Yeah, and that's the problem. I mean, Dipper and I had friends when we were younger, but after dad became the CEO, our parents didn't want us to hang out with them anymore because they ''weren't like us'' '' Mabel lifted her fingers up in quotation. ''The kids we were allowed to hang out with were all full of themselves or didn't want anything to do with us. Mom had to practically force us to talk to them''
Bill rose an eyebrow, folding his arms over his chest. ''You're telling me you don't have any friends?''
''Nope,'' she grinned, but it didn't fully reach her eyes. ''It's okay, though. Dipper and I have always had each other''
''Pathetic'' Bill rolled his eyes, but even then he couldn't help but feel somewhat empathetic towards the girl. He himself didn't have any real friends, and he knew how it felt like to feel alone at times.
''You're my friend now, Bill'' Mabel beamed. ''don't worry, now we have each other too''
''You think I need friends? I've been on my own for the longest, I don't need anyone but myself''
''Oh, shush'' he stood up, taking his plate over to the sink as she followed. ''So what are we doing today? You're not working, right? I was thinking we could go see if Dipper's back-''
''You think that's really the brightest idea? The guards know you were there, the mansion's going to be heavily guarded now'' He heard the sound of car tires, and almost instantly he knew there was something wrong.
''I know, but you're careful and you always find a way to-''
''Stop talking'' he placed his hand over Mabel's mouth, his eyes widening at the sound of Gideon's loud screams from outside the apartment. He felt Mabel whimper under his hand, as she her entire body instantly stiffed. Grabbing her arm, Bill rushed into his bedroom and opened his closet, pulling out his large bag.
Grabbing a hand gun and loading it, he handed it to a nervous looking Mabel. ''Here. Lock the door, and if anyone who isn't me comes in, shoot them. Got it?''
Putting his own gun into the waistband of his pants, he could hear the shakiness in Mabel's voice. ''Why's Gideon here? Is he going to hurt you?''
He grabbed her shoulders, pushing her deep into his hung up clothes. ''Just stand in here and don't make any noise'' the sound of heavy knocking could be heard from the front door, only causing Mabel to gasp. Locking the door and closing it, he walked towards the front door and opened it, cautiously.
Standing there was a midget Gideon, with two buffed guards at his sides. Gideon was smiling, but it was one that Bill knew all too well. ''Hello, Cipher. Long time, no see''
''Lil' Gideon and his two play buddies'' Bill smirked. ''What brings you around?''
''It sure took you long to answer the door. Can't help but wonder why''
''I was sleeping, you know what the job does that to you''
''I've been trying to call you, but it goes straight to voice mail''
He shrugged. '' Sorry, bud, had to get a new phone''
Gideon glared at him, his pale, chubby face momentarily turning red. ''yes, of course. Why don't you let us in, Cipher? We have a lot to discuss''
''Sorry, buddy, I'm on my way out again to work. What is it you want to talk about? Another theatre manager you wanna get rid of?''
''Why don't we meet at the Sunshine café at noon'' Bill noted the way the sixteen year old's lips were twitching up. ''I wouldn't want to hold you back from anyone''
''Sure thing, kid'' Bill winked, smirking even wider. ''Anything else?''
There was a cold chuckle. ''Not for now''
''Well if that's all, I really should be getting ready'' He tipped down his invisible hat. ''Until later, Lil' Gideon''
And with that, he closed the door. Bill watched closely as Gideon growled, before snapping his fingers and walking off with his guards. They jumped into a black car, and rode off, much to his relief. Walking back to his bedroom, Bill took a deep breath.
''Okay shooting star, you can come out''
Not a sound to be heard.
''Mabel, it's me. I promise you're okay''
An anxious looking Mabel stepped out from the closet, hand shaking with the gun still gripped. Bill grabbed ahold of her wrist, gently pulling the gun away from her. ''What the hell just happened?''
''It seems Gideon followed you and came to see if you were here'' Bill gritted his teeth, placing the gun on top of his drawer. ''The fat bastard thought I would let him in. He's even dumber than I thought''
''What does he want?'' she hugged herself with her arms, lower lip slightly trembling. ''I swear I didn't think he'd actually followed me''
''You couldn't had known, he's a sly walking marshmallow'' Bill thought to himself. ''But if I'm right, he'll take the opportunity to send his guards to look through the apartment while I'm away-''
''-What?-''
''-so the only thing left to do is'' Bill smirked, shaking his head. ''Of course''
''Bill, what's happening?'' Mabel asked, clearly confused.
His lips turned up into a small grin. ''Pack your stuff, Shooting star. We're leaving this place''
''Wait what?'' she grabbed ahold of his shirt, pulling on it much to his annoyance. ''Bill, where are we going?''
''You'll see, now go on'' Bill sighed. ''I have a phone call to make''
The mansion was just outside the city of Piedmont, a few miles near the city of Oakmore. It was largely built, with acres of land surrounding it and large steel fountains welcoming visitors right behind the gates. A large, blue fountain was located a few yards from the heavy doors and the entire place closely resembled a castle.
Mabel thought her mansion was huge, but now looking at the towering building, whoever owned this surpassed them. Grabbing onto her backpack, she stepped out of Bill's car, walking over to the fountain. It was much taller than their families, and surely was a lot more beautiful to look at than the stupid one they had.
''This place is beautiful'' she smiled, turning to look at Bill, who already had been staring at her. ''I can't believe I've never been here before''
''Let's just say the girl who lives here doesn't want to be acquainted with people of her own kind'' he walked to her side, flicking her cheek. ''Now, come on, she's waiting for us''
They walked up many (may she add, literally breath taking) stairs, before knocking on the door. A guard in a suit opened the door, letting them in to reveal the entire first floor covered in at least ten other guards. A large chandelier hung in the center of it all, with white couches filling up the wood- brown living room and large staircases leading to another floor.
There was not a single picture or painting to be seen of the person who lived there, unlike Mabel's home that consisted of a large painting of their family.
Mabel hid behind Bill, still staring in awe around the great mansion. Clearly this had to be a powerful woman to be able to afford something so luxurious.
''Bill Cipher'' a female voice cried out, as a blonde teenage girl around her age appeared from another room. She was beautiful, with big dark eyes, rosy cheeks and glossy lips. Her dirty blonde hair fell just below her waist, and she had bell shaped bangs that shaped her thin pale face. She wore a short lavender dress with a purple jacket over it, a periwinkle belt and nude colored boots.
The moment their eyes met, the girl instantly glared at Mabel, to which only made her feel even more insecure.
''It's been a long time. Didn't think I'd ever see you again''
''After what I did for you, I came to reclaim my favor.'' Bill chuckled, in a way that was way too smug for Mabel's comfort. ''You look stunning, Pacifica''
''No need to flatter me, Cipher'' the so called Pacifica girl folded her arms over her chest, staring over at Mabel. ''Who's the girl?''
''The one you're taking in''
''Yeah, that's what you said on the phone, but I want to know why'' She snickered. ''For all I know I'm taking in a stray dog''
''I'm not a stray'' Mabel said, conjuring up a smile. Taking a few steps forward, she extended her hand. ''Hi, I'm Mabel''
Pacifica stared down at her hand, before looking over at her in disgust. ''Mabel? That's an old lady's name''
''I'll take that as a compliment!'' she beamed.
Pacifica only rolled her eyes. ''What's the story, Cipher? I don't think you're doing this without it benefiting you somehow''
''My, you really do have faith in me'' Bill smirked, shrugging his shoulders. ''She's Mabel Pines, you probably heard about her on the news. Long story short, she's got a psychopath after her and I can't let him get to her. That's all you need to know''
The blonde laughed, wiping away fake tears. ''A psychopath? What kind of a stupid girl gets a psychopath after her?''
Mabel giggled, her eyes turning to look at Bill. ''I guess I do''
''Well, I suppose I do owe you one'' she snapped her fingers, and within seconds, two maids wearing black dresses and a white apron were at her side. ''You two, show these two to their rooms. Oh, and keep your eyes on the girl, we don't want her stealing anything''
And with a simple wave, Pacifica disappeared into another room.
One of the maids, a sweet looking one with dark hair and glasses, smiled warmly at them. ''This way, please''
Walking up the stairs, Mabel grabbed ahold of Bill's sleeve. ''Hey, we're not intruding or anything, right?''
''Of course we are, shooting star'' Bill smirked. ''You don't want Gideon to get to you, do you?''
She gulped, shaking her head.
The larger woman opened the door to a bedroom, speaking up to reveal her alto voice. ''This is your room, Miss Mabel. We made sure it's comfortable for you''
Mabel walked in, staring at the large room with wide eyes. A pink and purple cover covered the king sized bed, along with what seemed to be mountains of pillows, and large furniture and paintings covered the rest of it all. She noted how there was no balcony, only one large window towards the opposite side of where she stood.
She squealed, much to the surprise of the maids. ''Wow, this is great. Thanks, guys!''
''I need to speak with her in privately'' Bill said, staring down at his feet while leaning his back against the wall. ''Go along now''
''Sir, do you want us to show you where your bedroom is?''
''No need, I'll find it when I return, now beat it''
Mabel sighed at him, before smiling over the two stiff maids. ''Thank you, um-''
''Candy'' the woman with glasses and black hair spoke.
''Grenda'' the larger girl with the deep voice spoke.
Mabel grinned. ''- Candy and Grenda. I'll you later!''
They both nodded happily, before closing the door. Bill walked over to her bed, laying on it and placing both his arms behind his head. Mabel did the same, staring up at the ceiling that seemed far too high for either of them to ever reach.
''I'm going to meet with Gideon today'' Bill said, gaze still fixed above him. ''If I don't make it back before midnight, you tell Pacifica to take you back to your mansion and you don't leave your parents' sight, do you understand?''
''Wait, what? But that's not going to happen right, I mean, you're really careful and you're a hitman and smart and-'' she turned on her side, her body facing him. ''Nothing's going to happen right?''
''Most likely not, but I can never be too careful.'' He took a deep breath. ''You stupid girl, look at all the trouble you've caused me. Making me go against one of my loyal customers and having to recall a favor from a snobby girl''
He turned his body to face her this time, his face only inches from her, and Mabel could feel her cheeks slightly burn. ''I haven't felt so much adrenaline in a while''
''Killing people isn't enough thrill?'' she murmured.
He chuckled. ''You're enough excitement for me''
His finger came closer to her, and she closed her eyes expecting to feel a flicker on her forehead. Instead, his fingers gently brushed over her skin, as he moved a strand of hair away from her face.
''Are you scared of me?''
''No. Are you scared of me''
He laughed softly. ''I'm shaking in terror''
He rapidly sat up, much to Mabel's disappointment, and cleared his throat. ''I have to get going. Do me a favor, and don't die while I'm gone''
She nodded, as he rose to his feet. ''I'll do my best''
Staring down at her one more time, Bill's lips almost moved up into a smile as he left the room and closed the door with a loud thud. Mabel smiled to herself, just thinking to how close they had been. It brought a small weird feeling to her stomach, and she could feel her heart beat racing.
But it was probably nothing to worry about, right?
The café was crowded, with a wide number of people taking up many of the tables while laughing and talking. He sat there, at a table for two with his arms folded and lips pressed tightly together.
Bill grabbed the empty chair across from him, taking a seat with a leer on his lips and scanning over the menu. He could feel Gideon's eyes burning through him, but he tried his best to ignore it. ''Gleeful, what are we having today? I was thinking a couple of quesadillas''
''No need, I've ordered us both coffee'' he remarked, casually glancing around.
Bill did the same, watching a waitress passing by. ''So what did you want to talk about? Needing my services again''
Gideon snickered, maliciously. ''Well you can't exactly use your own services against yourself, can you?''
''What's with the attitude, kid? Mommy lost your pacifier?''
He was about to respond, when a brunette waitress came with two coffee mugs at hand. ''your coffees. Call me over if you need anything''
Waiting until she was at a fair distance, Gideon became to breathe heavily. ''Tell me, Cipher, why are you so stubborn as to keep the girl a secret? You could do so much with her''
Bill could feel his jaw tighten at the same time his fingers gripped his coffee mug. ''A girl? You know I'm not looking for anyone right now''
Gideon hit his chubby fists on the table, causing a number of eyes to stare their way, but neither of them could really find it in themselves to care. Bill's eyes were directly fixed on Gideon's, who had a glint of insanity. ''I'll make you a deal. You give me Mabel Pines, and I'll make you so rich, you'll never have to work another day of your life''
''Mabel Pines? Well, that sounds oddly familiar''
''Stop playing stupid,'' Gideon's voice grew dangerously low, which only added to Bill's amused smirk. ''I know you know where she is. She's mine, Cipher! I saw her first, so I want her''
''Lil' Gideon'' Bill leaned closer to the sixteen year old, pointing towards his forehead. ''don't you know all that anger causes you to get lines on your forehead? I'd take some yoga if I were you'' Rising from his chair, Bill let out a laugh before lowering his head down towards Gideon's face. ''Oh, and don't talk about her like she's yours''
With that, he begun to walk away, but not before hearing Gideon calling out to him one last time.
''I got people searching your apartment right now! They probably already have her!''
Bill noticed the way his triumph smile rapidly faded, as Bill displayed his. ''You didn't think the game would be so simple, did you?''
~trainingwheelstrainingwheelstrainingwheelstrainingwheelstrainingwheelstrainingwheelstrainingwheels~
''She came back for you, you know''
That was the first thing Dipper heard the moment he walked into his bedroom. His mother, bottle in hand, sat on his bed with her eyes fixed on the floor. It looked like she hadn't slept at all, with dark circles under her eyes and untamed blonde hair. She wore a red and white pattern dress that looked far too crinkled for his father's liking.
Dipper's eyes widened in surprise, taking a step closer to her. ''Mom''
''I know you were with your uncles, Martin, I'm not that stupid'' her voice was wavering, probably from the alcohol. ''The guards saw your sister yesterday, throwing rocks at your window. She ran away before they could catch her, but you know, they still saw her''
Dipper gradually walked over to her, sitting next to her and grabbing the bottle from her hand. His mother didn't even seem to care, as she looked too weak to even fight back. ''She came back?''
''She didn't come back for us, she came back for you'' she laughed, loudly. ''Who could blame her? I'd want to get away from this hell hole too''
''And nobody knows where she went?''
''Nope, those useless bastards couldn't catch a seventeen year old'' His mom grabbed ahold of one of his pillows, pulling it close to her chest. ''don't tell your father, but I miss that girl''
That stunned Dipper, and he wasn't even sure how to even hide his surprise. ''Wait, what?''
''But it's okay, because she's alive. I was a little scared she was hurt or something, isn't that crazy?''
''Mom, you do care about Mabel'' it was meant as a question, but came off as a statement.
She only ruffled his hair, rising to her feet while stumbling and grabbing the bottle from his hand. ''Your father told me to tell you to dress nicely today. Try not to look so sad this time, okay?''
Dipper couldn't believe it, watching as she left his bedroom with the most stunned look. He hadn't heard his mother say one nice thing to Mabel in these past years, let alone, admit that she missed her and hoped she was okay.
He smiled to himself, as he laid down on his bed with his gaze up at the ceiling. At least he knew two things; His mother still cared at least a tiny bit for them, and his sister had come back for him after all.
