Ford stared down at the journal lying in his hands. Not the journal, not any of them. He wasn't stupid enough to recreate those journals. But a new one, yes. Ford sometimes wondered where his genius had gone in these passing years. Ford re-read what he had written mere minutes ago and erased it all. He was using a pencil this time, because he wanted this book to be perfect. The epitome of his knowledge. Unlike Stanly, he knew he wouldn't live forever. He wanted something for Dipper to continue his studies from, when he chose. Footsteps echoed down from the stairs and Ford slapped his book shut and locked it. You can never be too careful.

"Workin' on yer precious book again?" It was almost not a question. Almost, like Stanly wanted to believe he had actually given up on it.

"What else?" Ford answered, knowing it no use to lie since the man had expert lock picking skills.

"I told you ta give it up! Those kids don't need all your demons and daemons and devils. They don't need your research to pollute their minds."

"It's important! Someday, people will beg Dipper to tell them the things he's discovered! He'll be loved and respected as a scientist!"

"What if he doesn't want to be a scientist? What if he decides to be an author or a stay at home dad?"

"I never figured you to be the progressive one," Ford answered dryly, then got up and walked out, despite having been in his study. A walk seemed to be the best thing for his hot head to cool off right now.

He walked down a familiar trail, in the dark forest that bordered Gravity Falls. The night air was refreshing, but at the same time frustrating. The smell was sweet, but Ford couldn't seem to get more than a single, fragile whiff at a time.

"Having fun, Sixer?" Ford started, thinking Bill had followed him, but as he whipped around he saw it was only Wendy, the lazy red-head from the Mystery Shack. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Of course you didn't," Ford said grumpily, staring to stalk off into the night again. Why she had chosen that nickname was beyond him.

"I heard you and Stan arguing, and I wouldn't usually take the time to give you advice, but I know what it's like as a kid to have a parent absent and Dipper doesn't need that right now. He's gone through enough with his immediate family abandoning him. Go make up with Stan. It's for the best."

"Do you like Dipper?" Despite getting told how to deal with his issues by a seventeen year old girl, that was strangely all the scientist could focus on.

"No!" A blush rose to her cheeks and Ford knew she was lying. Poor kid.

He started walking again, but she just proceed to follow him, pestering him until he finally gave up.

"Fine! Just go away."

"Not until I see you apologize to Stan!"

"Fine," Ford realized he sounded like a whiny toddler, but at this point he just wanted to be alone. He turned around and promptly headed back to Mystery Shack, Wendy in tow. She was grinning. When they arrived in the front yard, Ford began to call out to his twin, but Wendy put a surprisingly strong hand over his mouth.

"We go inside," she explained, pulling him into the lobby/giftshop area of the Shack and releasing him.

"Stanly!" Ford shouted, succeeding this time.

"Yeah?!" Came a yell from the TV room. Ford walked into the room with a purpose, turned off the TV, and mumbled something close an apology. "Wha?"

"I'm sorry," It was barely audible over the soft patter of rain that was beginning to grow louder with each second, but Stanly nodded coldly in acknowledgement.

"So am I," came an equally quiet answer, said just after the other twin left the room. It was more sincere than you'd think.

Dipper was sitting in the living room, watching TV and pretending not to care that Bill, who was sitting next to him, hadn't once looked at the screen. He was studying Dipper's teenage face, looking at the near non-exsistant cracks and wrinkles, probably thinking how it was always the same. Bill stared at him harder and Dipper had to force himself not to blush. He still wasn't used to the fact that Bill didn't enjoy TV or movies or the fact that Bill didn't seem interested in anything but Dipper. He stared at him all day, looking at his reactions and actions. Bill was always around him, always there for him. Bill did nothing but support him. Dipper figured this was because of his earlier absence. It was nice though. Long walks in the woods, just the two of them or watching long movies, really quiet, once everyone else was asleep. Unsurprisingly, there wasn't much watching done.

Bill ran his hands through Dipper's fluffy chestnut hair and kissed him. It was strong and passionate, but not too strong or too passionate. It was perfect. Dipper wrapped his hands around Bill's back and pulled him close, breaking away from their kiss. On TV, a re-run of Ducktective played, under the excuse of catching Bill up on the first season. Bill didn't care that much and Dipper had already seen it more times than he cared to admit, so neither of them minded missing the most emotional scene of the whole episode. Bill traced Dipper's birthmark, then kissed it softly. Dipper lifted his head from Bill's chest where it had been buried and kissed Bill again. This time there was tongue. They stayed entwined like that for a few moments, as long as both of them could go without choking. When they did pull away, both had red cheeks and Dipper's heart was beating faster than necessary.

"I love you," Dipper breathed, his face inches from Bill's, their foreheads touching.

"That's good, because you're the only hope for me," Bill breathed back, their inhales and exhales synchronized and filled with an odd excitement.

"You know, all was golden in the sky when I met you. It was an eternal sunset phase, just waiting for us to ride off into it."

"I hate to disappoint, but you know our ending won't be that easy."

"I know, but that's why we have friends in holy spaces, isn't it?"

"Of course," Bill answered, ending their conversation by shoving his lips back onto Dipper's. After they pulled away, they held each other like their lives depended on it. They were pretty sure it did. They stayed up all night holding each other. They could've fallen asleep, but neither wanted too, because neither wanted to loosen their grip or take their eyes of the other. Needless to say, both were tired the next morning.

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry again for the long time in between updates, but I've been swamped. But! I need to know something. Please get in touch with me somehow (if you are a regular reader of this fic) and tell me how you want the story to end. I really don't have any good ideas, so I thought I'd ask you guys. Keep in mind, this doesn't mean the story will end anytime soon, I just want to have something in mind.

Thanks!