Wow, already thirty eight chapters. I never thought this story would have come this far (don't worry there's still a lot to go).
Many thanks to my readers. A shout out to the reviewers of the previous chapter: Imnotaguestanymore, Insert Name Here, TheEvil4ssHole, and DiamondLuna2.
There is a steamy kissing/romance scene in this chapter. I'd say it falls under PG-13/T, but if you think otherwise, please let me know. I'll either delete a few details or make this story M (most likely the first).
A week passed. Bill and Ford rarely spoke to each other save when they passed in the house, or at mealtimes. Even then the most they said to one another was a polite greeting and nothing more.
Ford kept himself busy in the laboratory attempting to recreate the healing potion. Several captured mice were the mutilated and given a sample of the potion to see if he had perfected it. Thirteen tries later and each result came up negative.
The Monday before Thanksgiving Stan divided up chores and had all three of his employees scrub and scour the entirety of the shack. Wendy temporarily resented each of her friends (except Thompson) who weren't forced to spend their school holidays at a place of employment.
When the clock hit five, Wendy grabbed her things and rushed out the door. Stan waved goodbye, without ever looking at his teenage worker.
Bill was finishing up the third and final bathroom. That morning he had quickly scrubbed the gift shop floor, cleaned out the fridge, cleaned all the kitchen surfaces, appliances, and scrubbed that floor.
Stan was surprised when Bill accepted the menial tasks assigned to him without complaint. The demon's behavior was suspicious, but he wasn't going to question a good thing. With the twins arriving in a couple of days and the heavy turnout on the approaching Black Friday, a little extra willingness to work was needed.
Soos hung around. He fidgeted with his hands cluing the older man in that the younger wanted to ask a favor.
"What is it Soos?" Stan asked as he finished stocking the last shelf.
"I was wondering, Mr. Pines," Soos began. "If um...my grandma and I could spend Thanksgiving with your family."
Stan stopped his work and turned to face the handyman.
Soos nervously laughed and put a hand behind his head while looking down at the floor. "Of course, if you'd rath-"
Stan sighed. "No, it's fine," he said.
"Really?" Soos asked.
"The kids'll wanna spend it with you," Stan replied. He frowned at the younger man. "But your grandma better bake a couple pies."
Soos laughed. "Will do, Mr. Pines. She knows how much you love her baking."
"It's for the kids," Stan retorted.
"Thank you, Mr. Pines," Soos said and put an arm around his boss.
"Hey!" Stan shouted and threw his arm off. "Don't be gettin' sappy on me." He pointed a finger at Soos. "You better be ready to work on Friday."
Soos agreed then left the shack.
Bill emerged into the gift shop to announce he had finished the long list of chores Stan had for him. Stan beckoned him to follow to the linen closet. Fresh sheets and comforters were piled into the smaller man's arms. Bill almost stumbled at the added weight.
"Dress the beds for the kids," he instructed.
"Fez, it's closing time," Bill whined.
"Not for you, it ain't," Stan replied and smacked Bill aside the head. "And while you're up there, give that room a good scrubbing."
Bill sighed but submitted to his boss' orders.
Stan turned around at the sound of the vending machine opening. Ford stepped out then promptly shut the facade of a door behind him. He scratched at his head and the bags under his eyes proved that he had been skipping sleep.
"Yeesh, Ford, you look like death," Stan commented.
Ford glared at his brother, but chose not to get into an argument with him. He didn't have the energy to spare.
He poured a cup of coffee then placed it in the microwave. He noticed that all the coffee stains that he was certain had been there since the seventies was scrubbed away.
"I'm too tired to cook, pizza okay with you?" Stan asked.
Ford nodded. The microwave beeped. He pulled out the mug and blew the liquid before letting it fall down his throat.
Stan picked up the phone and dialed the number to the only place that delivered all the way out to the Mystery Shack. Ford took a seat at the table. He knew he needed to get back to work, but his body begged for rest.
"Poindexter, you need to get some sleep," Stan said.
Ford looked up at his twin. "I'll rest once I figure out this-"
"And then you'll be working on something new," Stan interrupted. His clicked his tongue. "Dipper's gonna wanna spend quality time with his uncle, not a zombie."
Ford smiled. "I want to spend as much time with them as I can," he replied. He took a long gulp of his hot beverage. "Which is why I need to perfect this as soon as possible."
"What is it this time? Head transplants?" Stan asked.
Ford snorted. "That sounds like something you'd display out there," he said and pointed to the attraction part of the house.
Stan gave a mock laugh.
Ford managed a smile. "No, it's a healing potion," he explained. "It will hopefully limit our hospital stays."
"In that case you better work faster," Stan responded.
Bill finished his task and made his way down the stairs. He yawned when he reached the kitchen. The other two stared at him. Ford noticed that his hands were red from all the cleaning he had done.
"Dinner will be here soon," Stan announced.
Bill nodded. He pulled out a can of soda then handed it to Ford. The scientist sighed and opened the can for the smaller man. Bill muttered a thanks and downed half the drink in one go. A few droplets dripped down his chin when he took his last swallow.
It had been a little over a week since he and Bill shared their first kiss. The others in the house were starting to take notice. However, both involved refused to speak on the details leading Stan to assume the worst.
Bill sat down across from Ford and fiddled with his near empty can. Ford looked away from Bill and pulled out the journal from his coat. Stan chuckled nervously then excused himself to go wait on the porch for the pizza man.
The author flipped to one of the newer pages that contained his recently written entry on the healing potion. He found it ironic that Alicia included all of her research except the formula for that crucial medicine.
Ford looked up at Bill. The latter flicked the sides of the aluminum can. He brought his lips to the opening and sucked up the bit that had pooled against the edge. He called the other man's name. Bill looked up from his drink to see Ford's eyes out of the journal.
Ford removed his glasses to pinch at his nose. He cleaned the lenses on his jacket the placed them back on his face.
"Did you by chance see the formula for this potion in one of the journals you read?" Ford asked.
Bill started. He quickly caught his breath. "What are you saying? You read them all after me."
Ford sighed. "I was only hoping I overlooked something."
"Oh, of course," Bill replied. He managed a fake smile then added, "I'm kinda tired, your brother had me working hard today."
"So I've heard," Ford said. He looked away from the smaller man.
Bill moved to his feet. He announced that he was going to get cleaned up before dinner and headed towards his room. Ford nodded then returned his attention to the journal.
He pulled out a slip of paper that contained all the failed combinations thus far. He knew all the ingredients, only not how much of each was needed. He wondered if in order to perfect the potion a chant needed to be recited, or magical blood added, or something else he would never know because the creator was dead. Ford gripped at his hair.
Bill grabbed a set of clean clothes then headed to the bathroom. He stripped of the wet and sweaty ones then turned on the shower. He stepped into the tub and let the steamy water wash over him.
Shaky fingers reached for the shampoo bottle. Mabel was kind enough to leave her product behind since he liked it. The empty squirt reminded him that he would require a new bottle before long. Perhaps Mabel would be in a generous mood again on the last day of her stay.
Grime and dust pooled at the drain. Bill felt a little bad for lying about the potion. He came across the recipe in one of the journals he kept secret from Ford. The very notebook was stuffed inside the messenger bag in his room. It was too late for him to suddenly discover the missing notebook now that Ford had studied them all at least three times.
Bill feared that Ford would sneak into his room one night and check the bag. It made him shudder at what Ford would do when and if he discovered that he had been keeping secrets. The only two options left were to burn the extra notebooks or stash them in Chelsea's apartment.
The water rinsed away the soap. Bill shut off the shower. He smiled to himself. There was no reason for Ford not to trust him now.
After dinner Ford asked Bill to accompany him to the laboratory. He knew that Bill contained very little of his once infinite knowledge, but it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion.
When they got to the lab Ford instructed Bill to take a seat at the desk while he brought out the newest attempt at the potion. He handed the vial to Bill who looked it over and nodded at its color matching the original.
Bill was handed a sheet of paper that showed how every potion attempt was tested on two mice-to rule out any flukes. Thus far none of them came close to curing the injury.
"I wish I could get in touch with Elkim," said Ford. "To find out if I need to cast a spell."
Bill shook his head. "Not with a potion," he revealed. "Though it'll help if you use magical energy."
"Which I don't have," Ford lamented.
"Sure you do," Bill replied. He gave the other man a smile, despite the burning in his chest. "You were able to work those crystals."
"I told you that was pure coincidence," Ford argued.
"Was it?" Bill retorted.
Ford caught the bitterness in Bill's voice, but chose not to address it at the moment. Stan mentioned earlier that Bill had been acting strange.
"It's not necessary, but will help," Bill stated.
"There's some good news," Ford said. He returned to the issue at hand. "The problem is I don't have any more mice to try it out on. Maybe I can try another rodent-type creature. I wish I had kept that lava rat."
He heard Bill hiss and swiftly turned. He nearly dropped the journal at the sight of Bill slicing his forearm with a fairly new pair of scissors.
Ford grabbed Bill's wrist with the weapon and pried the sharp object out of his hand. He tossed the scissors against the wall. Blood dripped freely down Bill's arm.
The blond grinned up at the gray-haired man. Bill picked the potion up off the desk.
With a smirk he said, "I can be your test subject."
Before Ford could argue Bill pulled off the lid and tilted it back. He took a long swallow of the potion then handed the rest to Ford. The scientist prayed that the medicine would have no negative side effects.
Bill clutched at his stomach then leaned his head against the back of the chair.
Ford placed the vial in the test tube rack then hurried for the first aid kit. He returned and went to work on Bill's wound. The cloth quickly stained red. From what he could see the cut was not deep enough to require stitches. However, Ford hurriedly applied the dressing that stopped the bleeding for the time being.
The bloody cloths were tossed into the trash can and then Ford washed his hands. He moved back over to Bill and glared at the other man for attempting such a foolish action.
"If that potion works, be warned I will slap you," Ford threatened.
Bill only laughed. "I don't mind being the lab rat."
"Well I do," Ford retorted. The second he spoke the words he felt his cheeks burn red.
Bill opened his eyes and smirked at Ford. "I thought you didn't care about me."
"I never said that," Ford clarified. "I said that...what we did was a mistake." He knew the entirety of his face was a deep shade of crimson. It was humiliating blushing like a schoolboy when he was only years away from a senior discount.
The smaller man leaned forward. His golden curls drooped over his face. Ford made a mental note to take Bill for a haircut for the way those tresses laid so delicately over his forehead made him too difficult to resist.
Bill grinned. He took Ford's hand in his.
"Do you really mean that, Sixer?" he asked.
Ford pulled away. "I do," he said. He cleared his throat and quickly moved away from Bill. "And you did too."
Bill shrugged. "I suppose I did," he said.
Holding onto the armrests, Bill moved to his feet. He walked a few steps then stumbled. Ford turned and quickly caught him before he banged his head on the desk.
Bill opened his eyes when he heard Ford calling his name. His head spun, yet he managed a small smile.
"I forgot to eat lunch," he confessed.
Ford sighed. With one hand under Bill's arm and the other around his waist he guided Bill to the bed. Bill snuggled against the pillow. It reminded him too much of his second day at the shack.
"Get some rest," Ford said. "When you wake we'll take a look at your arm and see if..." He trailed off when he realized Bill had a hold of his wrist.
Ford yanked his arm away. Bill was too fatigued to fight.
"Sixer," he said softly.
Ford made the mistake of looking at him. In that state Bill was so vulnerable. His eyes begged him not to leave. He needed someone to comfort him, someone to care for him.
"Stay," Bill asked.
Ford knew it would be yet another mistake to give in. He wondered what Bill had to gain from indulging his fantasies.
He pushed those thoughts away. Bill only wanted a friend who would take care of him in a weakened state. It was the same thing Ford would have wished in the cave were his life not relying on immediate medical attention.
Ford sat down on the bed next to Bill. Bill scooted over and rested his cheek on Ford's thigh. Ford felt his heartbeat increase. He looked around nervously for any excuse to leave. His own desires cancelled out any rationality. For once his heart was winning over his brain, and he didn't like it.
Subconsciously, Ford stroked Bill's hair. The demon moaned at the touch. With his eyes shut he smiled wide causing Ford's blush to deepen.
Bill tried to sit up, but Ford pushed him down on the pillow. His lips slightly parted. Ford swallowed. He tried to look away, but it felt like something kept him frozen in place. Bill was too helpless. He needed him.
A six-fingered hand cupped the side of Bill's face. He leaned into the palm and closed his eyes. Without wanting to, Ford moved closer to Bill.
Bill lifted his face. Ford's other hand stroked his other cheek. Bill opened his mouth further and granted the other man permission.
Ford's lips collided with Bill's. Bill wrapped his arms around Ford and pulled him closer. Ford lay atop Bill. His hands explored Bill's curly mess of hair. Bill gripped at Ford's arms. He slipped his hands into the front of the jacket and assisted Ford with removing it. The trenchcoat was tossed to the floor.
Bill inserted his tongue into Ford's mouth. Ford moaned as he gently caressed Bill's arms and chest. Bill broke the kiss and rubbed his cheek against Ford's. His kissed the side of Ford's neck. His kisses lowered until they reached the human's collarbone.
Ford's brain scolded him that he would regret his decision in the morning. In fact he knew he would kick himself for it once they finished. Bill was the enemy. Even if they were friends, the fact remained that he wouldn't allow himself to fall for the demon's charm again. He had blindly loved him in the past and it led to nothing but pain.
Bill's nails scratched Ford's side. He groaned and felt his sweater being lifted. He swatted at Bill's hands, but continued to kiss his lifelong foe-the man who had become his friend again and rightfully regained his trust. Instead Bill gripped at Ford's hips.
No, he shouldn't have given him his trust again so soon. Last time he had used him. Bill was still in a relationship with that woman.
"Stop," Ford panted.
Bill continued to kiss him. Ford pushed back against the demon's lips. He pushed Bill back down on the bed and interlocked their hands. Bill wrapped his legs around Ford's waist. He turned them so that he was on top. Bill leaned down and harshly claimed Ford's bottom lip between his. He moved and gently nipped Ford's chin with his teeth. He moved again and kissed the human's adam's apple.
"Bill, stop," he begged. Though he made no effort to stop. How long he yearned to make his idol his lover.
Bill ceased kissing and simply held Ford close to him. He leaned his head on the human's chest. Ford kissed him on the forehead. Bill looked up allowing Ford to steal his lips once more. Bill's mouth was intoxicating.
The best part of it was while they kissed, Ford was disable from speaking those three words that would've put the demon back in control.
Ford's eyes shot open. "No, this needs to stop now," he declared. He yanked himself out of Bill's grasp and hopped off the bed.
Bill turned on his side then slowly moved himself into a half sitting, half laying position. He wiped away the saliva from the side of his mouth.
Ford mirrored his action. The human labored for air. His shoulders rose and fell heavily with each deep breath. His body was heated and his face flushed.
"I don't know why I did that," Ford tried to explain. "But it will not happen again."
Bill knew it was an order rather than an apology.
"It was good," Bill said.
"Yes, it was," Ford replied. He felt the ghost of Bill's lips on his. "I won't deny it. And I won't deny I didn't dream about it when I was younger." He took a deep breath then said, "No more." He said softer, "No more."
Ford picked up his coat off the floor and put it back on.
Bill nodded. He kicked his legs over the side of the bed and moved to his feet. He felt more tired than before.
"Very well," Bill agreed. He rubbed at his eyes. "After all, I do have a girlfriend."
Ford sighed sharply.
"Don't use her to get back at me," Ford ordered.
Bill turned and glared at the author.
"It isn't fair," Ford added.
"Since when have I cared about fair?" Bill asked. He paused then added, "Since when have you?"
Ford was left speechless. Bill hurried to the elevator. Stan would have something else assigned to him tomorrow.
Besides, he needed to have a clear head to complete his goal. Dipper would be in town within the next forty eight hours.
"He never came to collect it," Chelsea explained and handed the book to Bill. She pushed her hair behind her ear. "He selected the wrong one."
Bill laughed. "How silly." He rested one arm on the check out desk and leaned against it.
Chelsea chuckled. Her eyes brightened. "Oh! And since you're the only one in ten years whose been interested in that book, you can keep it."
"Are you sure you're not doin' this just 'cause you like me?" he asked with a wink.
Chelsea's cheeks flushed. "Of course not," she replied. "It was going to be donated next month anyway."
Bill leaned over the counter and pressed his lips against hers. An older woman let her distaste for their public display of affection be vocalized. The two turned to see her scowling.
The two laughed as the elderly patron moved along with her nose in the air.
"Usually I get so lonely this time a year," Chelsea mentioned.
"Oh? How come?" Bill asked.
Chelsea sighed. "I never have anyone to spend Thanksgiving with." She took Bill's hand in hers. "But this year I do."
"Family comin' in town?" Bill asked.
Chelsea wrinkled her nose. "My family disowned me," she said. She shook her head and put on a smile. "Nevermind that. I'll have you with me."
"Um, Chelsea, I can't," Bill explained. The woman glared at him. "My boss' family is coming up, and I'm expected to be there."
"I don't understand," Chelsea hissed. "You'd rather spend your time with your boss and his family than your girlfriend?"
She clenched her fists by her side. Bill picked up the book and put it away in his messenger bag before she suddenly decided to take it away from him a second time.
"I don't understand why you let him control your free time," Chelsea snapped.
Bill rubbed the back of his head. "Look, it's complicated."
"Let me guess. You'll be spending Christmas and Valentine's Day at that shack too," Chelsea spat.
"Probably, I do live there," Bill answered.
Chelsea narrowed her eyes. "What?" she growled through clenched teeth.
"Look, Chips, I need to be honest with you," Bill said.
The woman crossed her arms and awaited an explanation. Bill laughed nervously, not sure how much information he should give. He wondered how much Pyronica had told her, or even if she knew of the other demon's occasional possession.
Bill sighed then came up with a half truth. "I don't have any money." Chelsea's eyes widened at the news. "My boss is nice enough to give me a place to stay." He rubbed his head. "In a way I'm considered family too."
"Why didn't you say so?" Chelsea asked.
Her anger was replaced with a look of sympathy. Bill wanted to slap her for looking at him in that manner.
"In that case I'll come over to your place on Thanksgiving," Chelsea proclaimed.
"Chips, this is a family event," Bill tried.
She smiled at her boyfriend. "I should get to know your family if I eventually will be too."
Bill was forced to end the conversation when another patron who needed to check out a few books stepped behind him. Bill looked over at his girlfriend who eagerly helped the other man.
If Ford didn't kill him, Stan would. Bill sighed and headed for the door. On the way home he wondered if he should let the others know beforehand, or just let them be surprised when the uninvited guest showed up on Thursday.
The day finally arrived. On the door of the Mystery Shack Stan hung a note announcing the shop would be closed for Wednesday and Thursday.
The whole family stood at the bus stop waiting for the twins to arrive. Soos paced in excitement. Wendy leaned against a tree, ready to see her little friends again. Bill never believed he would be so nervous; he partly wondered if they would even be happy to see him, or just pretend so as not to ruin the moment.
The bus came into view. It slowly came to a stop. Not two seconds after the doors opened Mabel hopped off and hugged her great uncles. Dipper followed behind. He smiled at the redhead who greeted him with a pound.
Mabel saw Bill standing off to the side. She rushed over and wrapped him in a hug, nearly knocking him to the ground. Bill was shocked, but he patted her on the head.
Little time was given for them as the thirteen-year-old girl caught sight of her beloved pig. She squealed and ran over to Waddles. She picked him up and rubbed her face against his.
Mabel chattered on to Soos as the group made their way back to the shack. It was a short walk, but with Mabel talking it seemed much longer. Stan pretended to not be listening, but looked back at the kids and smiled.
"How's school going?" Ford asked Dipper.
"Boring," Dipper replied. A part of him wished he had taken his uncle's offer to study under him. "I did make a friend who's also interested in ghost hunting."
"They play nerdy games and watch nerdy movies all night," Mabel added.
Ford laughed. "Sounds like you're having fun."
Dipper nodded. "Though I really missed this place."
"There's no other place like Gravity Falls," Soos added. "I can't imagine living anywhere else."
"I see you gotta girlfriend," Mabel teased and poked Bill in the ribs.
"You'll get to meet her tomorrow," Soos said.
"Really?" Mabel exclaimed.
"Yeah, she kinda invited herself over," Bill replied.
Ford grimaced at the reminder. He wasn't to thrilled about having to host her, but he wasn't going to leave someone high and dry on Thanksgiving.
They reached the shack. Mabel took a big whiff when she entered and sighed at the delightful smell of wood and coffee that had been a staple during their summer visit.
"You two get settled in," Stan ordered to the kids.
Mabel cheered and ran up the stairs with her suitcase in hand. Waddles stayed close by her side.
"Pinetree, you need help with your bags?" Bill asked with a smile.
Dipper narrowed his eyes. "No, I can manage," he answered.
"How about a drink?" he asked. "You must be thirsty after a long trip."
"I'm fine," Dipper replied.
"If you need anything just ask," Bill offered.
Dipper nodded, yet slowly backed away.
He looked over his shoulder as he walked to the staircase that led to the attic bedroom. While ascending the stairs he kept his gaze on Bill who continued to smile at him.
Dipper reached the bedroom to see Mabel already putting her stuff in the closet. Waddles sat on her bed eating the leftover crackers Mabel packed for the bus ride.
The girl turned to see a puzzling look on her brother's face.
"What's wrong, Dipping Sauce?" Mabel asked.
Dipper placed his suitcase on the bed. He turned to his sister.
"I've seen some strange things in this town, but nothing weirder than what just happened downstairs," Dipper commented. He shook his head then went to unpack the few items he brought to last the four day stay.
Well, the twins are back for a short stay. This will be one fun Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to writing it.