Hello Fanfiction Friends! A quick disclaimer before we continue with this fanfic. First thank you again! I never dreamed this little project would grow so big! I hope to continue as long as you will keep me! I am hoping we can have another shift however, as I stated before I am hoping to continue this as a more slice of life fanfiction with more focus on daily life and events that the Pines Family will encounter through the years. I don't plan on delving into the supernatural of this show as often. No offense, but to me my favorite part of this series are the relationships between our leads. I feel like this show has a wonderful strength in having its relatable characters have relatable relationships, and that's what I want to focus on. So enjoy CHAPTER 10 (WOW) and remember to keep those beautiful reviews coming in!
As time went on the sad days grew fewer and fewer, and were replaced with laughter, love, and happiness. Pacifica made a complete 180 after her parents started spending more time with her. The Northwests built themselves a new home, which was still extravagant by Gravity Falls standards, but also smaller than their previous mega mansion. Dipper and Mabel made great progress at school. With Dipper showing great skill in class and band, while Mabel shown in the school drama and art clubs. They both had great friends too, Mabel, Grenda, and Candy were still BFF'S (they even let Pacifica join them from time to time). Dipper made new friends in band, and Wendy and her friends were always more than happy to include him and Mabel in their fun. Grunkle Stan couldn't be prouder pf them. Looking at them now you would never have guessed they had been through such a traumatic ordeal. They still had a long way to go though. The first year without their parents would be the toughest, and the first major landmark was coming up. The twins' Birthday.
Grunkle Stan was pacing around one night talking to Soos (Soos had really stepped up since everything had happened, he was great for Stan to talk to, because he agreed with everything Stan said). "I dunno Soos, I want to make the kids 13th Birthday really special, but I don't know how I can make this birthday work without their parents," Soos thought for a moment before speaking up, "You know Mr. Pines, I know how it feels to hurt on your birthday. I think the best thing you can do is talk to the kids, and see what they want. It is their big day afterall," "You're a wise man/child Soos," Stan said. "I'll talk with them tonight,"
That night at Dinner the kids were telling Stan about school. They had all three improved in their communication, and most every night at dinner they would speak about the good and bad of their respective days. "So kids, you got a big day coming up….to think soon I'll have to deal with a shack full of teenagers…..and a Soos," Stan said laughing. "Got anything special you want to do for your birthday….sky's the limit you only turn 13 once…yep youth is fleeting," He said wistfully.
The twins looked at each other using their twin telepathy before speaking "Well Grunkle Stan we were hoping for just a kind of quiet day around here, just with people close to us like you Soos and Wendy," Dipper said. "Candy and Grenda too!" Mabel added.
"You guys sure you don't want something bigger? You deserve it. You've both been working hard at school and doing better than I could have imagined. I would really like to plan something nice for you guys," Stan said sincerely. The kids shook their heads no, and then asked to be excused for the night. Stan allowed it, but he admitted he was a bit confused, if he had been offered something like this as a kid he would have jumped right on it. "They probably just don't want to trouble me, sweet kids…." Stan thought to himself. Well he decided then and there that he would show the twins how much he cared. He would throw them the surprise party they didn't know they wanted yet.
The next few days Stan worked extremely hard getting everything ready. He invited the entire town, hired top notch catering, and even a professional DJ (Soos had mad skills, but this was a super special occasion). He got a large birthday cake, and bought more gifts than he probably should have. He was truly determined to make this the best birthday the kids ever had.
On the day of the twins birthday Stan woke them at the crack of dawn "HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU KNUCKLEHEADS!" he exclaimed giving them each affectionate noogies. The twins seemed to be doing well they spent the morning opening gifts, eating junk food for breakfast, and just enjoying the company of their uncle. Around noon Stan ordered the kids to their room to get into nicer clothes. The kids assumed that Stan was just going to take them out for a birthday dinner, so they complied. Stan got everything ready in the backyard, and ordered everyone to hide. He then called the twins back down. He ordered them to close their eyes as he led them outside. When they opened their eyes the backyard erupted into a cheer of "SURPRISE!"
The twins stood there stunned for a few moments, before Mabel broke down into tears and ran back up to her room. Dipper stood there a moment more just shaking his head frantically before running after his sister. The crowd didn't know how to respond, so they just looked around confused. "Why those ungrateful little….." Stan started off before Soos stepped in "Hold on Mr. Pines, did the twins ask for a huge party?" "Well no….but I could tell that was what they….." Stan protested. "Maybe they can't handle a big celebration right now. Think of it sir this is their first birthday without their parents. That's got to be hard, and sometimes when things are hard you just need feel like spending days like this with the people who mean the most to you, not celebrating with an entire town," Soos said. He clearly spoke from experience. Stan thought for a moment than placed a hand on Soos' shoulder. "Soos I want you to know even without a dad around you have grown into a wise man, alright folks you heard Soos get outa here. I need some time alone with my niece and nephew," The crowd did as they were told, and left.
"You want me to stick around Mr. Pines?" Soos asked. "If it's ok with you Soos I think I need to be alone with the kids for the rest of the day," Soos complied and left with the crowd. Stan headed into the house. He walked to a hall closet and grabbed two smaller boxes "guess now is as good a time as ever to give these to them," He headed up the stairs towards Mabels room. He knew when the kids were upset they would sit together in Mabels room, which was the larger room (Stan had to keep all the girls sweaters somewhere). He quietly knocked, and when the kids gave a quiet signal for them to enter he did.
"Hey kids….well I guess you aren't legally kids anymore….but if it's ok I think I'll still call you kids, can't have you guys growing up too fast," Stan said trying to lighten the mood. When the kids didn't respond he sighed sadly, "I'm sorry about what happened down there, I should have taken what you guys wanted into account. Today was your day not mine….I should have respected your wishes," Mabel leaded on Stan letting him know he was forgiven without words, "It's ok Grunkle Stan, We appreciate what you have done for us, and we are happy here, honest we are. It's just….hard….we miss them you know?" Dipper said, his voice cracking. He couldn't cry though. He was a 13 year old boy. He had to act like it. Stan put a hand on Dipper's shoulder, "Of course you miss them. You're always going to miss them. Like I said you two have made amazing progress these past few months, and I am so proud of you. I gotta realize if I expect you guys to listen to me, and follow my rules. I gotta listen to you guys, and help you through this the way you think is best, I'm sorry I didn't do that today. I know it won't make up for it, but I have something I want to give you guys," He said presenting the boxes.
The twins looked at the boxes as he handed them the boxes, "When the movers brought the stuff from your old house. I found some things that used to belong to your parents. I figured I would distribute them to you guys at the right times, and I figure now is as good a time as any to give you the first set of gifts." Stan explained. Mabel opened hers first, it was a beautiful necklace that used to belong to her mother. It had a simple chain with a heart on it. Mabel immediately hugged her Uncle in gratitude, and headed over to her dresser, and cut out a picture of the four of them at the beach, and placed it in the locket, and placed it around her neck. "It looks beautiful on you sweetie," Stan commented. Mabel smiled holding it tightly before tucking it under her sweater.
Dipper then opened the one addressed to him, and inside he found his father's trusty compass. His dad would always take it with him when they used to go camping, "Wow….Thank you Grunkle Stan," He said simply trying to choke back tears. Stan embraced both of them, "You squirts are really growing up….So any idea on what you want to do for the rest of your birthday? I promise whatever you want we'll do," The twins looked at each other again, and this time Mabel spoke up, "Grunkle Stan….could we maybe pack a picnic and eat on the lake….with our parents?" and that's exactly what they did.