It was much later into the afternoon when Wirt stopped. He panted, feeling his lungs constrict for air. He whined deep in his throat and dug his fingers in his hair, tearing at his scalp, even as his left arm throbbed in protest.
"What was that?! Wh-what was..."
he shook his head. "No. No, Wirtham. You-you can do this. It was-it was just a set back."
He knew he had a perfect opportunity to lure Dipper away before making it to The Shack. But he just...couldn't!
He saw the blood running down his lip and instead he decided he wanted to heal him. He never used that ability, at least not often as it took certain tolls on him.
It was obvious now, Beau was right. He did like Dipper. Even if it was just enough to want to know more, to give mercy in return for his kindness.
As for what had just occurred, he hadn't expected Dipper's blood to taste tart but sweet on his tongue. A shiver went down his spine as he thought what would've happened if he'd not moved, if he kissed Dipper afterwards instead of bolting like a coward, not wanting to face what he'd done. He felt his face heat at the thought.
He wanted to hear that laugh, see that grin, witness that ire in his gaze, melt down his barrier and see how long that process would take him. What would be the snags? What would push his progress forward and what would pull him back?
But Beau had given him an order to hunt and the last time he refused, it didn't end well, for anyone except Beau himself. The teen inside him whispered. 'He never gave a time frame to the hunt.'
Wirt's eyes widened. That's true. Maybe Beau will forget and he won't have to!
'Wishful thinking, Wirtham.'
Then he realized the lengths, the dangers, it seemed he was going through to NOT hunt Dipper. He just met the guy! He knew the reasons for not doing so were shallow, which included curiosity and attraction.
He sighed. He had to get Greg. He looked at his phone seeing the time.
Wirt hurried towards the carnival, hoping the girls and Greg were there. He really had to convince Beau to get Greg a phone. At least with just their numbers or something.
His arm throbbed painfully, he had to re-sling it or else it wouldn't heal any faster.
He spotted them as they were leaving. The girls had some treats and it seemed Greg had another stuffed animal.
"Greg!" He hollered, waving his hand.
Greg turned, grinning ear to ear. "Wirt! We thought you guys left."
Wirt nodded. "I-uh- dropped Dipper off. I had-uh, remembered Greg and I had some-somewhere to be." His words stumbled.
"Oh, okay. Where are you guys headed?"
Mabel asked, curious as always.
Wirt went to reply when he noticed the moon and his eyes widened. He and Greg had a monthly shindig to get to! He'd completely forgotten with everything going on.
Usually each month they'd pick a day the moon was largest and along with some other Supernaturals, some who weren't on land often, they'd all get together and have snacks and sing and have drinks (some more adult than others). There were even some Supernaturals close to Greg's age so he had some friends.
He grabbed Greg's hand and pulled him close.
"Sorry! We have a shindig to get to!"
Greg brightened at that, he having forgotten as well. "Yeah! Hey, Wirt, can they come too? Can they? I want them to meet our friends."
Wirt frowned. "I don't think so, Greg. You know it's...exclusive."
"Well I've been to a lot of exclusive parties when I was younger, so, what's the occasion?" Paz asked, popping some gum with her hand on her hip.
"Yeah, where's the party? Party master Mabel has to know. It's not one without the greatest party people this side of the country!" Mabel exclaimed, locking elbows with Paz.
Wirt felt agitated at their questions. Nosy, the lot of them. He sighed, trying to push Greg towards the woods.
"It's not for-"
"But Wirt! They know about Supernaturals. So they wouldn't have to hide." Greg held Wirt's wrist, looking up with puppy eyes.
Wirt's eyes widened but it was too late to shush Greg. He facepalmed but immediately clenched his arm to his chest, having forgotten that was the broken one. And he left his sling back at Dipper's.
Mabel ran up, in Wirt's face. "You guy's we're gonna party with creatures?! And NOT invite us?! Oh man! We should get Dipper too! We'll pick him up on the way. Come on, come on!"
Mabel began pushing them towards The Shack and Wirt was in too much pain, trying not to make any noise, to stop her.
He only hoped their friends wouldn't mind the extra guests.
Paz was mostly silent during their walk, though she did put her own opinion here and there, asking what the dress code was.
It was a casual event, nothing "fancy", most the creatures would be "naked" in a way, like the unicorns and the like. Mabel groaned hearing there'd be Unicorns.
"You don't have to come. In fact, stay!" Wirt protested as they came upon the building. He really didn't want to deal with Humans being there. It wasn't safe and instead of enjoying his night he was going to have to babysit. It didn't help that they were brushing him off.
Greg was even doing it, though he knew that was because he was excited.
They did, in fact, "psh" him and wave him off, Paz saying he was just upset they were crashing the party, or he was being a loser. He could tell by her tone there wasn't any heat to it, even if there was, he'd heard worse.
When they entered, Dipper was writing in a notebook and had a pen hanging from his mouth. His hat was off and Wirt could see the hair curling on the back of his neck. He could already feel his embarrassed blush returning.
"Yo, Dip-Dip! You wanna go to a creature party?" Mabel asked as she set down their winnings.
He startled and looked over, almost annoyed at being interrupted. Wirt caught the pause he did as they locked eyes and the pen almost fell from Dipper's lips, a blush coloring even the back of his neck.
He hadn't been expecting Wirt to return so soon it seemed, though to be fair, neither did Wirt.
He looked back to his sister and Wirt took the moment to find his sling and fix his arm.
"What do you mean, a creature party? How did you even-"
Mabel put her hands to his mouth. "Ah, ah, ah, no questions. Let's go, be spontaneous Dipper!" She pouted her lip which seemed to work as Dipper sighed, making sure his stuff was put up, but taking a notepad with.
Paz laughed so hard at them she wheezed. Greg smiled, striking up a conversation with Mabel as they left a note for the Grunkles and headed off.
Since Wirt was the one who knew where, he was in front, leading them. He turned his head, not quite looking at them but enough where he could speak.
"Be careful. I have ear plugs if you need any. I'd recommend it once the music begins later on. Be wary of what you eat and drink, not all of it is for Human consumption."
He turned his head back to in front of him and internally chuckled as the other three teens tried asking questions as they stumbled, missing some fallen logs in their haste.
Truthfully he was exhausted. Neither him nor Greg got well rested the night before and he knew this shindig could go for hours.
The wind seemed to howl and air began to chill though the moon stayed just as bright and large.
He stopped at a bundle of trees, Greg right next to him already humming.
"I should've known this is where you'd lure us to kill us! It's a trap!" Mabel laughed, though Wirt could hear the nervousness in her tone.
He couldn't blame them and frankly, if he didn't decide he was growing to like them, she wouldn't be too off the mark.
He took out his key ring and began to fiddle with it.
"If I wanted to kill you all, I assure you it wouldn't be like this. For one, I would've welcomed you to come instead of you all inviting yourselves."
"Don't be a petty bitch, Wirt. Also, Greg invited us, so no, we didn't invite ourselves. And oh, please. You couldn't kill us 1-on-3 even if you tried." Paz snarked back.
Wirt bit his tongue at the retort hanging off it. He took out the right key and placed in inside the trunk in front of him. The tree looked like all the others, and it was. The lock was just impervious to Humans.
Once he turned it, just beyond the trees in front of them, the shindig came into view.
There were giant logs for sitting, tables made from mushrooms and wood, and the area was near the Gravity Falls lake, so the aquatic creatures could lounge there as well as a giant bonfire lighting the area. On a nest of seaweed and vines, sat the array of food and drinks, a bartender behind the wooded area of the drink station to act as the marker for the adult drinks and drinks from the homes of certain creature folk.
Gathering the most of moonlight sat a stage area surrounded by glowing flowers and mushrooms of assorted colors.
Since the bonfire was big enough, they didn't need any added light aside from what the stage farthest away from it, absorbed.
A small band was playing, some fairies and smaller creatures as the MultiBear played saxophone and a few others.
Wirt glanced to his group, seeing Greg run off, seeing some of his friends, as the other three gawked in amazement.
As another upbeat song started up, Mabel laughed and pulled Paz out to the designated dance area. Wirt could already see some creatures looking at them oddly.
Humans were little to never seen in these gatherings.
He felt a warm hand on his lower back and turned his head, seeing Dipper's jaw practically on the ground. He thought that odd, if Dipper's seen creatures.
"This is so amazing, Wirt. I've never even seen some of these creatures before so...it's actually hard for me to not take notes right now."
Wirt chuckled. "Yes, that'd be rude. Just remember, be wary of food and drink. Some is for other creatures and could be deadly to Humans. You can just, I don't know, enjoy the experience? Maybe remember some things, but, enjoy it?" He shrugged, wincing at the tug on his bad arm.
Dipper hummed. "I guess. Wanna join me?"
Wirt wasn't sure if Dipper even realized he stepped closer to him. Wirt was also curious as to why Dipper wasn't questioning him about earlier.
From the corner of his eye, Wirt spotted a familiar face. She was a Siren and he had to warn her about their Human guests.
"Maybe in a bit. I have to chat with someone."
Dipper nodded, slowly removing his hand from Wirt's back, and walked off. Wirt let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
He waved and walked over to the Siren. She was heavier set, with grayish skin and silver hair cut short.
"Hey, Manita. I was just letting you know, there's some Humans here. I tried stopping them, but...yeah." He but his lip nervously.
The Siren thought. "Well, that's a problem. Humans are most susceptible to our voices so we can't sing unless they use ear plugs. Our other friends here were looking forward to it since it was a new song."
Wirt made a noise in the back of his throat. He didn't mean for that to happen. He went to apologize, but she stopped him.
"Oh, I know! You've sang plenty here! You don't know the new song but I bet you can sing something else? Oh...your arm." She pointed to the sling.
He shrugged.
"It'll heal in a week or two depending on how much I use it. Got any of the medicated seaweed I can wrap around it?"
She nodded, then left underwater for a moment.
With her understanding, Wirt knew he couldn't refuse her offer. Siren songs were VERY strong to Humans. They obviously weren't here to find food that night so it would've been rude and dangerous to make them work when there was that risk of any of the people he brought to react badly to a song.
He huffed. What song could he sing that he didn't have to move too much to? It had to be entertaining but close enough to a Siren song. Ugh.
He was so lost in thought Manita came out and was able to wrap his arm before placing it back in the sling.
"Okay, you're up. Everyone's calmed down and wants entertainment."
Panic gripped him. He hadn't had time!
"Uh-but-I'm not sure-like your voices are lovely so-"
A Gnome had pushed him near the stage as he tried-and failed- to explain to Manita he didn't have a song in mind yet.
He saw Greg was with a group of little ones, waving at him, most likely telling them his brother was up there.
Mabel and Paz had one look of confusion and excitement while the other had a look of skepticism.
He took a deep breath, still unsure until his eyes caught Dipper's. The caramels so soft and pulling him. Wirt blushed and turned to the pianist, an invisible person, who had put clothes on so you could "see" them.
"Play C minor." He used his own fingers to play a few notes, letting the other take over once he got it.
Wirt took a deep breath and when he looked amongst the crowd and saw Dipper's eyes lock with his again and Wirt felt his breath hitch.
The lyrics tumbled from his mouth:
"Where have all the good men gone and where are all the Gods?
Where's the street wise Hercules to fight the rising odds?"
He paused, gauging reactions. No had booed him yet. His eyes hooded,
"Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night, I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need..."
His mind conjured the memory of Dipper helping him, even though he was still a stranger. His insistence to assist and help.
He looked to Dipper, feeling a coil pressing into his chest.
Wirt grinned as the music picked up and other band members got into the beat.
"I need a hero!
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight!"
He moved his hips and held the mic on the stand. Just because he couldn't move an arm, didn't mean he couldn't move the rest of himself.
"I need a hero!
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure and it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life,
larger than life..."
His mind cut to pictures of different scenarios involving Dipper and his life.
It was ridiculous and he knew it! But...something screamed to him about this Human. It was a ridiculous fantasy! Nothing more. Dipper was just a Human. One he was meant to hunt!
"Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach there's someone reaching back for me
Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat,"
His voice got louder, more passionate and frustrated.
"It's gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet!"
Wirt stomped his foot, the music like bass in his ears, mimicking his heart.
"Up where the mountains meet the heavens above!
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I could swear that there's someone somewhere watching me
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood,"
He could feel Dipper's eyes boring holes into him. Wirt felt hot, like he'd been running miles. It'd been so long, since he felt warmth.
"I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood!
Like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my...
Blood~!
I need a hero!"
The music halted as did Wirt. He was panting and he felt his body buzzing. Wirt had realized, the song was so much more true than he initially thought when he began blurting it out.
He looked up when he heard applause. Apparently everyone liked it. He grinned and bowed.
Walking off, he heard Greg yelling, "That's my brother, Wirt!", with excitement.
Manita and some others approached him immediately, chatting away.
When he was finally able to get back to the Humans he came with, they were looking tired and the sky was becoming lighter.
He laughed as he approached them.
"Let's get us all home."
The other three nodded and Greg came up as well. He too looked exhausted beyond belief. He knew if he picked him up, he'd fall asleep quickly.
As they left through the trees, Wirt waved to their friends and locked the view from others.
Halfway through he picked Greg up in his arms and the kid indeed snuggled into his shoulder and passed out.
Wirt was beginning to think the whole walk would be in silence.
"Didn't know you could sing." He heard Paz say before she yawned.
He didn't even glance at her, too focused on the path ahead. "Music is a big deal in my family."
He stopped at the front, allowing them to go inside. By that time it was nearing dawn. Wirt fought the urge to yawn himself.
Dipper hesitated on walking in. Wirt tilted his head and Dipper got close.
Wirt's heart jumped to his throat, sending a jolt of energy through his veins.
"I'll have to hold off asking about that healing factor, but...I just wanted to say, thank you. For letting us come even though you didn't want us to. We all had fun. And...uh-well-I-uh, liked your singing."
By the end, Wirt was grinning ear to ear. "I'm glad. But yes, I didn't like you all brushed me off. But like the elephant in the room, as they say, we'll discuss it later. We might not be by for a few days, though, so forgive us. We have chores and we need to catch up on sleep. Especially the little guy here."
Dipper gave a sleepy nod, waving his land lazily, saying a goodbye through drooping eyes. Wirt felt his heart swell. He found the look endearing and he knew his mind would keep it locked away for his dreams.
Wirt nodded back in lue of a wave, his good arm supporting Greg and the other pinned to his chest by Greg's body.
Speaking of, the kid let out a nasally snore.
It was early morning by the time they returned home. He set Greg down, making sure his shoes were removed but not bothering with his clothes.
He really was glad they could make Greg happy. It'd been a long time since he'd seen Greg smiling genuinely so much.
He saw Greg turn, letting out a hum. Wirt frowned, his eyes landing on the the thin line of light gold that flickered and black veins spreading against Greg's back, against his spine and under the shirt that rode up when he moved.
He bit his lip hard, trying to think of a plan.
Getting up, he left the room. He was beyond delirious with sleep deprivation but he only knew of two ways to get back to The Unknown. One of those, he wanted to avoid. So, sighing, he actually had just then noticed Beau's truck gone. He'd have to wait.
He could do that, all he'd have to do is just get some much needed sleep before he asked Beau for the lantern. Hopefully Beau would be in an agreeable mood. If not, well, Wirt knew that'd mean hunting excessively until Beau deemed his hunting worthy of the lantern.
His body felt heavy and sluggish as he dragged himself to one of the chairs. Usually he'd sleep with Greg, but he wanted to be near when Beau returned.
He rested his head against the cool glass and light a cigarette, allowing his mind to drift and his fantasies flit through.