Something Doesn't Feel Right

- Dipper's POV -

I entered the shack with an uneasy feeling. I walked past the rooms, climbed up the staircase and into the shared room. I closed the door quickly and walked over to the desk. I set the large bag down, turned, and walked over to my bed. I collapsed into the softness of the sheets. Too bad it's not so soft as the sheets at his place. I shivered before sitting up.

I... I don't know why I rushed out like that. It felt like I needed to escape the unpleasant feeling that begins to generate within me. And why would it appear right when I'm with him? No, it's not something naughty... It's just, it made me feel uneasy around him.

And what confuses me is that ... I don't understand it.

I don't want to assume anything ... I don't want to at all.

I turned my head over at the closed door, furrowing my brows. I sighed and leaned back on the wall of the room, gripping the sheets of my bed. Soon I wrapped my arms around myself.

... Do I do something about it? Do I ask for help or do I let it continue?

I stared down at my bed's blanket, placing my hands in my lap. It could be a misunderstanding and... it just came on so sudden. I'm sure he noticed how different I began to act after that one moment. I shook my head slightly and began to lie back down on my bed. Let's stop thinking about it and rest before Mabel comes in. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere that this room gave me, as well as the negative thoughts that begin to disappear. It did last for a few hours until I began to hear footsteps within the room. ''Oh, you're back. How did it go?'' The voice of my sister charmed in.

I opened my eyes and sat up. I looked over to her sitting on her bed with a folder in her hands. ''It was... good.''I answered quietly before feeling the uneasy vibe creeping in. Great.

She titled her head slightly at me, concern twisting on her face. ''You sure?''

''Yes, I'm positive.'' I said quickly, nodding my head.

She took one look at me before turning her gaze down at the folder. Soon the concern dropped as it was replaced by determination. ''Alright. So, while you were away with you know who, I think ... I have come up with the perfect first step of this case!'' She said, setting the folder right beside her on the bed.

''And that is?''

''Well, we did find one clue- which was Lee's older sister disappearing with this "guy" she was supposed to go out with. And the obvious bad sign of not letting anyone know their identity ...'' She paused in her statement, sighing with a hint of disappointment. ''I may not understand why those folks in the town don't want to help... But, they may have the clues to this! So. Why don't we ask the families?''

I slowly nodded my head, appreciating this idea she came up with. Although, we could have done this from the start. ''Seems like a good idea.''

''You think so?''

''Yeah, from what I know, you want to ask the closest people from those teens to know any key points to the evidence. So it's a good start.'' I explained.

''Ah...'' She said before jumping up on her feet in realization. ''Why didn't we do that from the start?!''

''Well, you and Pacifica wanted to see if you guys can find some clues. Fortunately, we did, however, we only came across one.'' I said. ''Hey, it's an okay beginner start.''

''"Beginner" Like you have done this before.'' She said sarcastically.

''Hmm... quite a few in my childhood, if only I could remember the details...'' I said, mumbling afterward. I swear I have a terrible memory.

''That doesn't quite explain the things you know most of.'' She said, narrowing her eyes.

''Hey, I may be a born detective at heart, I may not be.'' I said, shrugging. ''You may not understand it as I do. And I know you don't, but it's how our brains function.''

''I don't want to hear this.'' She said, her voice lingering with annoyance.

''Alright, I won't continue further. So I'll assume we're waiting a bit before going out?'' I asked.

''I don't want to wait. That's the laziness part of doing this case.'' She said.

''It's not called being lazy, it's-''

''Yeah, I know.'' She grunted, cutting me off. No, you don't. ''So come on, I don't want to wait on your slow butt.'' I sighed before getting up from my bed and followed my sister out the door. We headed downstairs, greeted our grunkles, and left the shack when we were prepared. Although, I feel like Mabel is rushing through this and not waiting a second to rest and plan out the future decisions we may make in the future. Does she think we can find them within a week?

Soon we were on the dirt path and on our way to town. Mabel had the folder in her arms, where it was filled with the missing teens' posters. Luckily it wasn't the one that I hid under my pillow. I still need to get it out from under there and place it in the desk's cabinet place. We soon hit the sidewalk, taking a step to ask some folks for directions. We trailed upon them as Mabel rushed up to the door before I could have even reacted. I stood by her side after she knocked on the door. The person answered the door but soon turned us away after Mabel asked the questions. We... ended up getting yelled at out of sudden anger from the man. I don't blame him. Soon we left the property and went on our next teens' family list. ''Well, that's too bad, we'll try again next time!'' She chirped. I hope we don't get reported for disturbing some folks.

We arrived at the next house and fortunately, this next person gave us some information on their missing teen. ''She was so excited like a child, going out somewhere for the first time on her own. She was smiling with joy... she... and... then her date took her. I don't want to believe that... but it just seems like the case...'' The lady stammered quietly, throwing hints of sadness in her voice. ''Please, let me know you found a lead or something... I just hope I'm throwing my hope in the right group of people.''

''We will tell you, Miss.'' Mabel said. The lady nodded her head before we went on our way.

''Another Date incident?'' Mabel muttered.

''What is this? A date kidnapper or something?'' I asked, probably to myself.

''If the kidnapper didn't want anyone to know about their identity, saying those words would be the perfect way to sneak past. I wonder how the police never saw this coming.'' She said quietly. ''But... date kidnapping? Never heard such a thing.''

''I heard a few but they're quickly caught right away. So what makes this different?'' I asked, confusion twisting on my face.

''I don't know. There are only two clues, the rest couldn't possibly be the same, right?''

Infact, Mabel was right, five out of fifteen missing teens' families refuse to answer but the rest answered honestly, and to our surprise, they gave us the same clue. Somewhat, this person went after some random teens at once, regardless of their popularity or how less attentive they were. So, what was this all for? To laugh at what they had in store for them? I shook my head, halting my steps. I looked ahead, spotting two familiar people walking in our direction. ''Pacifica!'' My sister called out, waving her hand in the air. The blonde spotted us and rushed over with her friend, who turned out to be Gideon. Well, it's been a while since I last saw him. ''Hey! How are you guys doing?'' Pacifica asked.

''Good!'' Mabel answered. ''I have some ... good news, I think.'' I just noticed the sky turned orange, letting me know that the sun was setting soon. I guess time passed without letting us know.

''And what is that?''

''We found more clues to the case!'' Mabel chirped. As I was watching the conversation unfold, I caught a glimpse of Gideon's facial expressions changing into a surprise look from a blank look. Soon it altered once he caught me looking. I gazed away, recalling what Candy felt on that day when her attempt at asking me out failed. Do I assume that he's the problem with this? I don't see that at all, although I do feel like I need to keep my distance away from him. I know I don't know anything, but I can always listen to my gut.

''Oh? Every clue...? Strange...'' Pacifica said.

''Yes it's confusing, but that's how it went. We are not clear on how they did it. But surely, they did them a month apart, right?'' Mabel said, looking nervous.

''It wouldn't make sense if the kidnapper did it within a month and then after each month. People may still be aware of it.'' Gideon pointed out. Although, there is a possibility that could happen, with risky steps I'm sure this kidnapper can do just that.

''True...'' Mabel muttered.

''Well, if that's the case, how will we identify this kidnapper if we don't know who they are?'' Pacifica asked.

''I don't know... everything seems... to be a bit difficult ...'' Mabel stammered quietly, with a hint of stress in her expressions.

''Maybe rest your mind for a bit. I bet you done a lot for this town!'' Gideon said with a smile, although it felt dead to me.

''Yeah, maybe that's what I need.'' My sister said, nodding her head.

''Well, if I come up with something, I'll text you about it.'' Pacifica said. ''For now, have the rest of your guys evening off!'' Soon she departed with Gideon and walked away from where we stood.

''This ... is harder than I thought. I thought finding the evidence would just be ... like done. I didn't expect it to go like this.'' Mabel said quietly.

''Finding of all of this can be tough and stress worthy, but don't forget we're not over with this. This case could take us weeks before we can find Candy and the rest with the rate of our knowledge. Especially when the kidnapper is quite smarter than us.'' I explained quietly. ''Just have to take breaks in between.''

''Yeah ... I should have thought of that... I'm just worried.'' She said, frowning.

''It'll be okay, Mabel. We'll find her, I promise.'' I said, a smile appearing on my face.

''... Alright. We will and we won't give up!'' She said, raising her fist into the air. I chuckled at her sudden confident pose. ''Wow, that felt good. Anyway, let's head back and get some rest ... and ... I never thought about this earlier. How will we work this through school?'' She asked before walking forward.

''We'll manage.'' I answered.

''I hope so.''

It was the next day as Mabel and I were walking towards the entrance of the school. School was over, however, this is just the beginning of this long case. ''I can't believe word gets out fast. I swear only a few heard about it and now the whole school knows about our decision making and decided to call us case losers?'' Mabel said, beginning the conversation.

'' "Case losers" Can't they come up with something better?'' I said, rolling my eyes in irritation.

''Don't try to encourage them, Dipper!'' She spat, giving me a surprised expression.

''I'm not. It's not like they're here to hear about it. They're too ignorant to take lessons from me anyway.'' I said, furrowing my brows.

''Regardless if that was your reason, I don't want to see you joining their side.|' She said.

''Now why would you think I'm joining on their side? I've been nicknamed so many times today.'' I said, narrowing my eyes at her.

''Well... you think differently and maybe, just maybe you might.'' She said, inching away from me.

''Don't doubt about what I said earlier or take it the wrong way.'' I said.

''You know... this is the reason why I've been feeling uneasy around you. Ever since you started making your excuses.'' She said, irritation rising in her voice and possibly skipped over on what I said.

''Don't start this again please.'' I said quietly, regretting the statement I made earlier.

''Then don't make that statement ever again.'' She said, pushing the door open for herself to exit. I managed to quickly slip through before the door closed on its own. I stared at it before looking at my sister. Annoyance already settles within me and right now, I want to lie in a peaceful environment. ''Do I have to be careful around how I choose my words around you now?'' I asked, walking over to her side.

''Yes! That's a great idea, Dipper! At least you're finally coming up with something smarter than the garbage you say.'' She chirped, which harmed apart of me inside. I soon appear hurt and hugged my binder closer to my chest. She turned away and halted at the end of the school's steps. Soon I saw someone walk up to her and greeted her with the usual couple stuff.

''Ah, it's been a while since I've seen your brother, Mabel.'' Mermando said. I leaned on the railing that was set in the middle of the steps quietly.

''Oh, that's right. It has been a while.'' I heard my sister say. I avoided looking at the two, keeping myself from tearing up.

''Although, I'd prefer to keep him out of the picture before he ruins another set of moods.'' He said, annoyance lingering in his voice already.

''Good idea, he already ruined mines. Let's go.'' Mabel said.

And soon, the two were gone. And sure enough, my eyes became blurry. Are the things I say really garbage? No, I shouldn't be thinking like that. However, it still stings my heart that she just said it like that. Without hesitation or regret. I hope... just hope she didn't mean it. I soon felt a familiar aura right next to me, but I didn't bother to turn my attention to them.

''What happened now?'' Kahlil asked, the worry stirring in his voice.

''... Just... sibling stuff... that's all.'' I answered quietly.

''You mind telling the details or is it that bad?'' He asked quietly.

''I... I don't want to think of it. I want to pretend it never happened. '' I answered, gripping my binder tightly.

''Alright.'' Silence grew in between us, for a long while until he spoke up again. ''Since you're upset, do you want to go on a Jungle adventure with me?''

Without a thought to think about the offer, I accepted it. We both headed over to our homes to set our things down before venturing out into the jungle together. With just seconds of entering the tall trees, I felt the heavyweight lifted off of me in an instant and once I knew it, I felt so much better. Soon I was in this paradise of relaxation resting upon me. I halted before looking up from the ground. ''You feeling better now?'' I jerked my head over at the voice; once more, forgetting that I was with Kahlil, who stood on a fallen tree.

''Yes. Much better than that foggy cloud that was stuck in my head.'' I answered with a chirp.

''That's good at least.'' He said before chuckling at my response. I quickly drop the smile, making my expressions blank.

''Aww, don't be like that. Let me see you smile for once.'' He said, soon a smirk followed after. I couldn't hold myself from smiling once more. Soon I let out a sigh, giving up in the slightest. ''See? It's not bad to be smiling here.''

''I know, sometimes I forget were the only ones out here.'' I said.

''So ... you get embarrassed?'' He said before letting out a snicker afterward due to my annoyed expression.

''It's... kind of a habit, alright?'' I said, looking down at the ground.

'' "Kind of." Alright. Although it's fine, sometimes the simplest things can become what we do constantly. However, being embarrassed in front of me when your smiling? An odd one if I say so myself.'' He said.

''... I guess.'' I muttered quietly.

''Now come, I don't want this jungle adventure to be a waste.'' He said before disappearing on the other side of the fallen tree. Mind you, this tree was massive. I rushed forward, gripping on the edges of the tree's bark, and climbed up until I was on top of it. I tilted my head a moment as a thought came to mind. ''I don't think you want anything to be a waste if you enter the jungle.'' I called out, slowly climbing down on the other side.

''Heh, I guess that's true. This place is where you let yourself be free.'' He called back, halting in his steps. ''Make sense on why I keep dreaming of this place.''

I touch down onto the ground and walked over to him. ''Well, you do like to be free of certain problems. And, if I'm correct on this, you like to relax and have fun with whatever you do, right?''

''Precisely. I see that you're starting to read me like a book.'' He said, smiling at me.

I halted my steps and smiled back at him. ''It's coming slowly as time passes.''

''Soon there'll be nothing left of it.'' He said with this sudden dead tone. He soon turned away from me and drop his smile. I tensed a bit before relaxing. That's not how this works, Kahlil. ''I don't think it works like that. You don't throw away things you favor and cherish, and to be honest, don't think it'll happen anytime soon.''

''I'll just think nothing of it.'' He muttered before turning back to me with a raised brow. ''Although ... you're willing to cherish me?''

I felt warmth in an instant within my cheeks, soon a smile appearing on my lips once more. Why do you always do this? ''Yes I would, why else would I love you?'' I watched the smile reappear on his face, soon turning into a smirk. ''That's adorable.''

I grunted and rolled my eyes. ''Don't call me that.'' I spat.

''Aww, why not? Is it a danger or does it make you blush even more?'' He asked, inching closer to me.

''I don't like being called adorable, alright?'' I spat once more, glaring at him. Although, part of me wasn't that serious.

''Well ... that's unfortunate, I might "accidentally" call you one then.'' He said in a teasing behavior.

''Great, I shouldn't tell you a part of me that "affects" me a lot. Because now, your going to play with me with it.'' I said.

''I can play with you in bed if you want.'' He smirked, winking at me. I soon turn red in an instant, turning away from the flirtatious blond.

''That is not what I meant, Kahlil!'' I said, almost shrieking.

''Then what do you mean?'' He asked.

''I meant you are going to tease me non-stop.'' I said, turning my head back to glare at him.

'' You know me all too well.'' He chuckled. ''You know I love to do it because of your reactions. You could have stopped reacting back to my statements and jokes. But you never did. I wonder why.''

''I don't know the answer to that.'' I said, turning my head away.

''You sureee? I'm sure that mind of yours can come up with an idea or reasoning of some sorts.''

''Maybe ... it ... maybe it's just a playful moment where it's not really serious and possibly I get to join along with whatever you come up with.'' I said, speaking my thoughts.

''Could be. I could see that follow through.'' He muttered quietly before taking a step forward. I followed behind, gazing up at the tall, giant trees. Silence welcomed us before I decided to speak up a few seconds afterward.

''Just so we're clear. I will never drop you for anyone else. Your persona is already enough for me.'' I said, gazing over at him. He slowly looked over at me, a smile appearing on his face. ''That's lovely to hear.'' I smiled warmly before looking back ahead.

We arrived at a huge camp, full of mythology creatures who call themselves manotaurs. I think we came across them before... I don't quite remember. But the way they talked about being "manly" and such triggered a memory to come back. They didn't mind us visiting, instead, they could care less. They were too busy being "manly" and such. What a bunch of weird creatures. We sat on a branch that was 8 feet above their heads. I'm still amazed by how tall they were. I wonder how many creatures besides the ones we come across in the past, we could discover. ''You discover. Unless I didn't know what creature wasn't here.'' Kahlil said.

''As I thought, what we can discover.'' I said, gazing at him.

''... Yeah.'' He muttered before looking away.

Although, exploring every part of this jungle will tire me out before I even begin. Maybe I'll save it for one day. Right now, I have a lot on my mind. And as soon as I recall what happened so far today, I already felt myself frowning at a memory. I stared down at the ground far above, placing my hands that were once relaxed in my lap. I shouldn't worry about it too much, but ... why does it hurt me so much? I don't understand this at all. Maybe I keep that thought that ... one day, maybe one day, Mabel will stop behaving as she is now. And every single time she does a negative decision, it ... sadness me even more ...? I don't know. I wish I never brought it up in my head.

''... Are you okay?'' I heard Kahlil ask. I soon drop the frown and looked over at him. I nodded. ''I am.''

''... Alright.'' He gazed away and watched the manotaurs. I turned away and sat in silence. Soon it was time to leave them and arrive in the next area. I kept my gaze down at the branches we crossed, making little head movements to whatever question he had. I swear, why did I have to think about that moment? It ruined the mood within me, and I don't think the relaxing mist in this jungle is helping anymore. I guess it only works whenever someone enters and reenters the jungle. I let out a sigh and stop my footing, halting in the slightest.

''Looks like you've been in your head lately. What's really going on?'' I heard Kahlil ask in a rather stern voice. I looked over at him, growing a bit tense when he gave a look of irritation. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out, almost as if I'm preventing myself, to tell the truth. I gazed away, avoiding to look at him now. ''You know what happens if you keep holding it in.''

''I know, I know. I just ... I just don't know why I'm holding it in. Maybe because I don't want anyone to get involved.'' I muttered quietly.

''And look where that ended up last time.'' I shut my mouth after he made that comment. look where that ended up last time, the statement itself repeated in my head, making me feel like ... it was my fault that I let it happen. That I never told anyone about anything that was happening in my life before. And if I continue down this path that I dug myself in, it might happen again. A nervous wave hit me before guilt overwhelms me.

''... I want to believe that my sister may change in the future, possibly soon. However, the way she behaves around me and a few others ... It just ... makes me disappointed in her. I don't want to be fully on point with that at all, and I don't want to turn my back on her after she called my statements garbage when I came up with a suggestion. And to her, it's the best idea I've ever come up with.'' I said, keeping my voice steady and making sure it wasn't fading into the deep ends. ''... I ... I don't know what to do. I just want to see if ... she'll learn or something.''

''She's not going to learn, Dipper. If she continues this behavior and does not realize her mistake, might as well not have any hope.'' Kahlil said.

''But that's ... that's the hard part of this. For the first time in my life, I never knew I had a sister and now, I'm doubting her abilities to the point where I might as well just ignore her and all of that? I don't want to do that.'' I said, turning my gaze to him.

''It's what I would do. If she was treating you badly, or ... anything that I don't know of, I wouldn't put faith in her shoes anymore.'' He said, shrugging.

I turned away and quietly stared at the leaves ahead of us. My thoughts are everywhere at this point. One is like, I want to give her another chance and another wants to ruin that idea and just give up on her. I don't know which to choose. I stood in my own silence, whereas, the other aura I felt, it didn't really feel like ... he wasn't taking all of this into account. Maybe I'm just assuming something stupid again. I should ... go for it and see what happens.

''... I will see what she will do if I respond differently than how I am. I don't know if it will change a lot, but... we'll see.'' I said at last. I heard no response come from him as I grew a bit guilty. Am I doing this right? I should be. It's my own decisions being inspired and supported by a backup one. I looked back at him, noticing he was standing away from me. Well, that would make sense of why he didn't hear me. Why is he over there though?

''Okay.'' I heard him say after several minutes. I frowned a bit, worry twisted on my face. I soon drop the act and walked over to him. ''... I can let you know how it goes if your interested.''

''... Sure, I would love to know what she reacts to whatever you come up with.'' He said in a dull tone. I turned away from the blond, getting a shiver run down my spine.

Is this ... a good idea?

End of Chapter 40