Thank you everyone who read the last chapter. I just thought it was time for Bill to remind everyone why Ford and everyone else was so afraid of Bill entering their dimension.

Thank you to my awesome reviewers: TheEvil4ssHole, I'mnotaguestanymore, Rivkae Winters, DiamondLuna2, Energy witch, Guest, Catwildes, Gu3t, Potions Failure, I Am SPOON, and Insert Name Here! As always, your reviews make my day! :)

BillFord drama ahead.


That Saturday Ford, Wendy, Bill, and Soos ventured into the woods to find a good tree. Wendy and Ford scouted for the best choice while Soos and Bill pelted each other with snowballs.

Bill grinned and held his hand out towards Soos. He grinned and pointed at the man leading their mission. Bill scooped up a huge helping of snow. He nodded at Soos and both tossed one at the back of Ford's head.

Ford spun around to see Bill and Soos doubled over in laughter. Bill fell forward in the snow and laughed harder, ignoring the piercing sting against his cheeks. Ford sighed and turned away.

"Serves you right," Ford commented with his back to Bill.

"Oh, Sixer, don't be like that," Bill said laughing. He jumped up and brushed snow from his jacket front. He ran over and took hold of Ford's arm.

Ford gave the blond a half smile. He noticed Soos smiling at them and pulled his arm away from Bill. The demon whined and crossed his arms with a pout.

"Stop being so childish," Ford chided and continued on.

Wendy called out that she found the perfect tree. Soos tied ropes to the top of the branches. He and Bill each took one end. The redhead pulled the hatchet attached to her belt, spun it once, then started hacking. Ford took hold of his ax and chopped on the other side. As the tree fell, Bill and Soos lowered it to the ground.

The tree landed, splashing snow on Soos and Bill. The two high fived.

Ford revealed a box from his jacket. He removed the top then placed it in the tree's wake. The other three stared at the collection of gold and red tinsel inside. Soos looked down at the box then back up at the author. The handyman shrugged then helped the other three lift the tree. It was carefully loaded in the bed of Soos' truck. The chords were applied and then the four headed back to the shack.

They entered to find Stan topping a Santa hat on all three heads of his fake taxidermy creature.

The tree was positioned over by the counter. Several pine needles littered the floor by the time they got it in place. Ford left the room while Soos began to add the lights.

Soos handed the cord to Bill. Bill finished applying the line of lights. Soos plugged the chord in and the two admired the red and green lights shining in the gift shop.

Ford walked in with a box of ornaments he found in the basement. Due to it possibly bringing back old memories, he invited Fiddleford over to help decorate the tree. So far the guest had not shown up, but now that he got on with his family, he wondered if he'd even be interested in showing up. After all he had put McGucket through, Ford wondered why he was so quick to forgive him. He looked over at Bill and realized he could be asking himself the same question.

Wendy stepped down from the ladder. The chain of fake icicles hung from the ceiling.

Stan stood in the center of the gift shop and stared at their work. "The place looks festive enough I can charge double for a holiday tour."

"I think you're missing the point of the holiday," Ford retorted.

Stan rolled his eyes. He wore a smug grin. "Don't care, still doin' it."

"Mr. Ford, did you ever celebrate Christmas in the portal?" Soos asked.

"Not exactly," Ford answered. "Some winter holidays, but different. Some unpleasant to watch." The dark look on his face dissuaded everyone but Bill from curiosity.

"That's right," the blond said while tapping his chin and looking at the ceiling. "On the third quadrant of the planet Fleddrig in the dimension of Yorminidge they..."

Ford placed his hand over Bill's mouth. "Never speak that custom again," the author ordered.

"Not sure if I want to know," Soos commented.

"Trust me you don't," Ford replied. He shook his head to try and rid the horrors of that ceremony.

Soos noticed the FedEx truck pulling into the driveway. He offered to take care of the business while Stan crouched down to hide on the other side of the counter.

A little over two minutes later Soos walked in with a large, brown box in his hand. He placed it down on the register counter. Stan stood and made his way to the front of the package. Written on the side were Dipper and Mabel's names.

He pulled a switchblade from his jacket and ripped down the center of the tape. The four flaps were folded open. On top of the smaller boxes was a card.

Stan opened the envelope to see a Christmas card with the twins and their parents smiling. The rest of the group peered over Stan's shoulder. Bill was surprised to see Mabel dressed in a red formal dress rather than her usual sweater. He chuckled at the sight of Dipper in dapper fashion.

The card was opened and Stan read out the typical card greeting signed by the entire family. On the sides each twin was allowed to write their own message.

Stan read Dipper's first: Merry Christmas, Grunkle Stan and Ford, Wendy, and Soos. I hope you're all doing well. Build a snow gremlin.

Bill pretended not to be offended that he wasn't included in the note. He hadn't expected him to.

He then read the message from Mabel: We don't have snow, but I heard all of you do. If I did I would make so many snowmen and snowwomen. And I'd make each of them a snowkitty. I hope you all like your presents. Each of you have a Mabel only creation. Lots of Christmas fun.

A box was handed to Ford, one to Bill, one to Wendy, and the last to Soos.

"They're not coming for Christmas break?" Bill asked.

"They're goin' to Jersey to visit their grandpa," Stan answered.

Ford's heart stung as he thought of his older brother he hadn't seen in over three decades. The poor guy probably thought he was dead.

"Stanley, we really ought to go visit him sometime," Ford said.

Stan smiled at Ford. "I was just thinkin' the same thing." He opted not to remind his brother he was banned from the state of New Jersey.

"Can we open them now?" Soos asked.

"Yes, can we?" Bill added.

"I don't see why not?" Stan replied and tore into his box.

The group opened their boxes to see they each had a scarf and mitten set handmade by the female twin. Dipper included a box or bag of each person's favorite snacks. Soos opened the bag of Burrito Bites and popped a few in his mouth.

Bill held the bag of M&Ms in his hand. He figured Mabel either talked her brother into buying them, or snuck them in on her own after all the presents were finished. At the very least he felt a strange warmth that the kids included him.

The box was almost tossed away when he noticed an extra item under the tissue paper. He placed the knits and candy on the counter. His fingers pushed away the crinkling white paper. A red stocking sat at the bottom with a note pinned to it.

The note read: Bill, I saw this and thought of you. -Mabel. PS: Don't be angry.

Bill lifted an eyebrow then took the stocking out of the box. It was red with a gingerbread man holding a rattle with a pacifier in his mouth. Beneath it read: Baby's First Christmas.

Wendy laughed when she saw the item in Bill's hand. Stan snatched it from his hand and also began to laugh.

"We're hanging this up," Stan cried.

He grabbed a tack from the plastic container and rushed to the wall where his, Soos', and Wendy's were nailed. He pressed the tack into the loop of Bill's new stocking.

"That's one down," Stan said when he admired his work. He laughed at the scowling demon then turned to his brother. "If you ain't got one in that box, I'm gonna get you one."

Earlier that day when Soos realized that neither Bill nor Ford had one, he insisted that one be purchased for each as soon as possible. Saving a dollar on a second stocking pleased the conman.

"I'll go through it when Fiddleford gets here," Ford replied. In all honesty he couldn't remember if their stockings were inside. He was surprised the Christmas decorations weren't thrown out when Stan took over the shack.

The crew snacked on popcorn while they waited for customers, while Stan worked on Christmas or winter themed attractions. They had been busy during the first few hours, but for the last four, the gift shop felt like a ghost town.

Headlights approached the shack. Heavy footsteps arrived followed by the door swinging open. Old Man McGucket greeted those within.

"Fiddle-Diddle!" Bill cheered.

"Triangle, yer lookin' good," Fiddleford replied.

Fiddleford took in the display. He smiled and commented on it bringing back memories of his early years. Ford felt guilty for being the reason he erased those memories in the first place.

"Thanks fer havin' me over, fellers," Fiddleford said and sat down in front of Ford.

Ford opened the Tupperware box that had been in storage for over thirty years. The combined scents of plastic, cinnamon, and pine escaped from the enclosed bin.

Bill handed their guest a cup of black tea with two spoonfuls of sugar stirred in. McGucket thanked him and took a huge gulp. He nodded and spoke his approval of the taste.

Bill squealed in delight then sat down beside Ford. He rested his chin on Ford's shoulder and put his hand atop the other man's. Ford shook him off and gave him a warning glare. Bill returned Ford's glare with one of his own. Remembering where he was, Ford removed the frown from his face and returned to his previous task.

The two former research partners searched through the Christmas ornaments while the others watched. For the most part they were generic baubles and a few common figurines: angels, candies, stockings, and Santa Claus.

"Is it bringing anything back?" Ford asked.

Fiddleford tilted his head to the side. He picked up a figurine of a dog in a Santa hat. He turned it over, inspecting every angle. He placed it back in the box then looked up at the ceiling decorated for the holiday.

"I do remember us dragging a fresh tree through that door," McGucket said pointing at the gift shop entrance.

"That was an experience," Ford said with a laugh.

"Those little men chased us all the way back," the engineer said before bursting into laughter.

Ford also recalled that night. The gnomes had chased them through the forest. Eventually they had reached the shack. A hoard of gnomes blocked the entrance. Realizing they were surrounded and outnumbered, they surrendered. The leader claimed the tree they hacked down was from their territory and demanded something in return. It cost them a good amount of tinsel, but in the end they were able to keep their tree.

Bill laughed as Ford finished the story. He laid down on his belly and propped himself up by folding his elbows on Ford's though.

"Do you mind?" Ford whispered.

Bill sat up and crossed his arms. He looked to see the old friends sharing moments from the past. The blond sighed and laid back with his arms under his head.

They continued to search through the decorations. Ford smiled when he came upon a set of stockings. One belonged to him. Stan snatched it, and with a quick examination claimed it was good enough for reuse. Ford shook his head then turned his gaze back to Fiddleford who held his own stocking.

Fiddleford chuckled. "I remem'er us tryin' to stuff these without gettin' caught."

"How did that work out?" Soos asked.

"For the most part it did," Ford answered. "But one night we kept running into each other. Eventually we both passed out with the presents on us."

That earned a laugh from the group.

Ford looked into the box. His smile faded when he picked up a third stocking. It was much smaller than the previous two. The fabric was red velvet. In the center he stared upon the triangle with a single eye inside the shape. Ford's heart raced as he remembered painting Bill on his stocking. The gold words "Bill" were written at the top where the white fur was sewn on.

"And I remem'er that," Fiddleford said pressing his finger against the stocking. Ford retracted it from his grasp, afraid that a single touch would bring all of Bill's power back.

"It's Bill," Wendy said seeing the design made with fabric paint thirty-two years ago.

Bill sat up at the mention of his name. He noticed the stocking in Ford's hand and smiled. Again he leaned his chin on Ford's shoulder. The author shuddered at the added weight. He turned to see Bill pointing at the stocking.

"Oh yeah," Bill said. "I was here for two Christmases."

He tapped the side of Ford's head. Again Ford pushed him off.

"I don't know if he could even eat, but Stanford stuffed his stockin' with candy an' other sweets," Fiddleford said.

Ford felt heat rising in his neck and cheeks. He looked away so the rest of the group didn't notice-especially Bill.

"Come to think of it," Fiddleford said, not catching the tension. He stroked at his chin. "You always left him offerin's."

Ford took a deep breath. He knew his face was red as the stocking in his hand. The memories of leaving sweets in front of Bill's statues surfaced. At the time he only wanted to show his love and gratitude, now it filled him with bitterness and embarrassment.

"Maybe that's why you like candy so much," Soos said to Bill.

"Could be," Bill replied. He put his arm around Ford's waist and pressed his face against his hair. "He used to spoil me with it."

"He still does," Stan teased.

Everyone except for Ford laughed at that comment.

Wendy noticed how uncomfortable the conversation made Ford. She mentioned they should get started on the tree before closing time. Ford was quick to agree with her statement. He, Bill, and McGucket moved to their feet.

Fiddleford walked towards the tree, carrying the box of ornaments.

Soos turned on the radio and switched it to a channel that played holiday music all day until Christmas was over. The group quietly added the Christmas trinkets to the tree.

Ford hung a candycane ornament on the side of the tree. It was one of the gifts Fiddleford had put in his stocking the first Christmas they spent in the shack. They had only had a total of three Christmases there until Fiddleford married and moved out. Ford had filled the void knowing that Bill was still with him.

Ford started when he felt a hand slip into his. He yanked his hand away from Bill's and glared at the blond.

"Cut it out," he quietly ordered.

Bill pouted. Ford pushed by him. Bill grabbed a hold of Ford's wrist. The author snapped around with a glare.

"What did I do now?" Bill asked louder than Ford would've liked.

Ford pulled his arm free. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't show affection in front of our guests."

Bill's eyes narrowed.

The others in the room stared. Ford cringed as his face reddened further.

Ford replied in a hushed voice, "This isn't appropriate. We're not teenagers."

Stan moved closer.

"You didn't mind before," Bill argued.

"When we're in private," Ford whispered.

"Are you embarrassed by me?" Bill questioned.

Again Ford winced at how loud Bill chose to speak.

After a few seconds of silence Ford finally said, "Yes."

Bill crossed his arms and pouted. He exited the gift shop for the part of the house off limits to the customers.

Stan only shook his head.

Fiddleford approached Ford. The author's face flushed when he realized his old friend had witnessed the entire exchange.

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Fids," Ford said.

Fiddleford only smiled. "What're ya apologizin' for?" he asked.

"If he made you-any of you-uncomfortable," Ford replied.

McGucket shrugged. "Love's nothin' to be 'shamed of," he said.

Again Ford felt his face heating up.

"Yeah, there's no use tryin' to hide it anymore," Stan added. "We all know."

"Stanley," Ford argued.

"Yeah, it's kinda obvious, dawg," Soos replied.

"That's...that's not the point," Ford said. He suddenly found the tree much more interesting.

From behind the other four exchanged glances. Soos stared in the direction Bill left. He returned his attention to the person who had insulted him, and the only one who could make things right.

Ford heard footsteps approaching. The other body stopped directly beside him. The author turned to see his old friend smiling up at him.

"You always loved him, Stanford," Fiddleford said.

Ford found himself at a loss for words.

Fiddleford continued, "I may not remem'er much, but I do know that look you always had in yer eyes when talkin' or thinkin' 'bout him."

The other man's words shocked Ford. He recalled how nervous Fiddleford was after an encounter with Bill. In hindsight he wished he had listened to his assistant's advice earlier. It would have saved them from much grief.

The look on Fiddleford's face was not one of bitterness, hatred, or regret. He had forgiven Bill of all he had done in the past.

Nonetheless Ford refused to give into something so foolish.

"That was back when I was young and naive," said Ford. "I'll admit, I loved him at one point, but...it's in the past."

"Is it?" Stan pressed. Ford's eyes met with the firm look in his brother's. "I recall havin' to force someone to leave the hospital."

"That..." Ford began.

"And how you kicked down the door to get to him," Soos added.

"And all those other times you protected him," Wendy stated.

"Not to mention how jealous you were to see him with that skank," Stan teased.

"I was not jealous," Ford defended.

Everyone looked at him with disbelief in their eyes.

Fiddleford patted Ford on the shoulder and said, "Let me tell ya, Stanford, don't let a good thing go."

"Yeah, so stop bein' an idiot, you idiot," Stan ordered and whacked his twin over the head.

Ford rubbed the aching area as he headed into the kitchen where Bill waited. He frowned at the demon sitting at the table nursing a cup of hot chocolate. He watched Bill dip his spoon in the whipped cream. The blond let out a sigh and pushed the sweet drink away from him.

The blond looked over to see the source of his sorrow standing in the doorway. He averted his gaze, landing itself on the chocolately beverage he wished he felt like tasting.

"Bill," Ford began.

"What are we, Sixer?" Bill asked and sat up with his back against the chair. "Are we friends, lovers, what?"

Ford stayed silent.

"You care for me, right?" Bill asked.

"Of course I do," Ford answered.

"Then why are you so ashamed of others knowing?" Bill asked.

"It's inappropriate," Ford answered.

"Do you want to be with me or not?" Bill asked. He stood. The chair legs skidded across the floor.

Ford shook his head. "I trusted you with my heart once. I...I can't just give it blindly. Not again."

"How many times will I need to apologize for that?" Bill asked.

"Until I can wholly trust you again," Ford answered. He paused then added, "In the meantime, can you cut down on the affection in front of others?"

"No," Bill replied. He walked back into the threshold that separated the gift shop from the rest of the house. Bill crossed his arms and stared directly at the man. "Prove to me what we are now."

The other four turned. Soos was the first to notice and he turned to see Ford standing only a few feet away from Bill. He suddenly became nervous for the author.

Ford was confused until he looked up. His cheeks reddened. He lowered his line of vision until his eyes met with Bill's.

Fiddleford commanded everyone to look away and at least pretend to give the two of them their private moment.

"Bill, I'm not..." Ford said.

"Prove it," Bill demanded.

Ford's hands shook. He glanced over to see everyone acting as if they were more interested in dressing the tree. He looked back at Bill who stood with his hands on his hips.

Bill's lips parted. Ford bit down on his own bottom lip. He knew how delicious Bill's mouth was, but he wouldn't, he couldn't.

"I'm not going to do this," Ford said.

Bill lowered his head.

A blue bauble smacked against the side of Ford's head. He turned to see Stan glaring at him.

"Stop being an idiot," he mouthed and shook his head before returning to hanging ornaments on the tree.

Ford slowly approached Bill. The blond smiled. Ford felt his stomach jump. He tilted Bill's face up then claimed his lips. Bill moaned and deepened the kiss. Ford started. Soon the embarrassment was replaced with passion.

Bill put his hands around Ford's back to bring him closer. Ford mirrored the move. Bill lifted a hand to tangle his fingers in Ford's fluffy mane. They finally parted.

Looking half drunk Bill said, "Was that so hard, Sixer?"

With a smile Ford shook his head.

On the other side of the room the other four smiled. They resumed working when Bill and Ford walked away from the mistletoe, hands interlocked.

Stan pulled out the topper-a simple golden star. He placed it in his brother's hands.

"Wanna do the honors, Poindexter?" he asked.

Ford smiled and hung the star atop the Christmas tree. He stepped back and all six admired their work.

It was then Wendy noticed the clock.

"Woo-hoo, closing time!" the redhead cheered. She hurried for the supply closet to grab her coat.

"Big plans tonight?" Soos asked.

"Oh yeah, the gang's goin' ice skating," Wendy answered.

"Oh, that sounds like fun," Bill said. He turned to Ford. "Can we go too?"

"Can you even skate?" Ford asked.

"Nope," Bill replied with a laugh.

"Ford and I used to go skating all the time back in Jersey," Stan said. He smiled at the nostalgia. "One sport he was good at." Stan laughed at his own joke which no one else found funny.

"Now you have to go, Mr. Ford," Soos said.

"Come on, it'll be fun," said Wendy.

"What else you got to do?" Stan asked. His brother opened his mouth, but Stan put up a finger. "If you say research or anything nerdy I'm gonna punch ya."

"Very well," Ford agreed.

Everyone cheered and Stan readied to shut down the shack.


I had so much trouble writing the drama in this chapter. I know I rewrote Bill and Ford's argument and the other's reaction/intervention at least four times. I'm still not sure if I'm happy with it. Is it in character? Does everything fit? I don't know. I might end up rewriting it a few more times.

I feel that Ford doesn't like PDA. He still doesn't fully trust Bill, despite the fact that he loves him. He just doesn't want his heart broken again. Throw in that he thinks PDA is inappropriate against Bill who strikes me as someone who likes to touch and show affection would lead to clashing when others are present.

While writing the other four trying to convince Ford to go after Bill kept making me think of Meg and the Muses from Hercules during the "I Won't Say I'm In Love" scene.

Anyway, the ice skating chapter is next.