"YOU PROPOSED?!"
"YOU WERE MARRIED BEFORE?!"
"YOU COULD'VE BEEN OUR GRAUNTY?!"
Ten minutes away from the Mystery Shack was the two-story home of the Pines residence. The place itself had a huge lot and a backyard to host parties and such. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, attic and balcony, and a kitchen with unique appliances. Right now, everyone was in the living room to hear the news of Eda and Stan's engagement, besides Candy and Leon since they had to get home after the Burp-quake. However, they had to tell them about how they've met in Vegas.
"Huh. I've never expected that reaction to come sooner." Eda said with a calm expression.
"YOU COULD'VE BEEN OUR GRAUNTY?!" Mabel repeated as her eyes were shining.
"Yeah...except that she can't make magic around here until things settle down. Still, I wouldn't mind scamming a few people with this lovely lady."
The Owl Lady blushed with a soft giggle. "Oh, Stanley. It would just be too easy! But I don't mind."
"I can't believe you, our crazy-schemed grunkle, would actually try to settle down." Tyrone stated. "Never knew you and her could connect so easily."
"Things just happened, I guess." Eda replied.
"After going our separate ways, I was hoping to see her again after the Owl Beast incident. To be honest: I've seen a lot weirder things than that." Stan said. "I mean, I've basically seen stranger things before I started setting foot in Gravity Falls."
"What made you two get to know more about each other?" Pacifica asked.
Eda started to speak. "It was quite simple when you're on the run…"
Flashback
Eda: Knowing that I would be hunted down by the guards and the Emperor in Boiling Isles, I created a portal to take me somewhere so I could be into hiding, I was young at the time and I didn't know what I was getting into. Lucky for me, I had to deliver the art of thievery when it comes to making it into the human realm. I managed to salvage enough money for a place to crash in until I can find something else. It wasn't even hard to find a job near a flea market when some kind stranger helped me out and gave me details about the job. It was easy money and I had enough to last me for days. Sadly, he passed away and gave his business to me. Eventually, I shut it down a few months later and honor the man by placing a special flower by his gravestone; never letting the little flame become extinguished.
I took myself a bus that landed me in Vegas as I was standing on riches and opportunities. The place was everything so shiny and fancy that I just might have fun doing it. At first it was confusing to learn about gambling, but I started observing and took mental notes on winning it. I've been killing it and I loved Vegas with a passion. I even found a nice place to get comfort in for a bit and it was going so well. On my fifth day in Vegas, I decided to make one more hit on Blackjack and I'll be done. As I was going to the next booth, that was when my life would truly be perfect. That's when I've met my love: Stanley Pines.
Stan: During my time on the road after my folks kicked me out, I needed to relax somewhere and rob someplace blind to have some money in me. I've been going to countries so far away that I nearly got caught doing so. I decided to go to the one place where my con skills will be put to the test: Vegas! It was my own personal haven and I could make it here without missing a single beat!
I've been going from casino to casino and claiming my riches! Luckily I hid my cash inside the car for safekeeping. It was an old van and highly douby anyone would steal it. Just one more Blackjack table and I was done for the night. Scamming those guys were a success and I was rich! I was king of the world! But...everything changed when I turned around and went face to face with someone that made my heart feel different.
Although I've met Eda, she went by the name Marilyn for secret reasons. She told me that she was impressed on how I suckered the booth and won some chips. I didn't get a chance to explain it because I noticed a few guys looking for me. Apparently, I suckered this big time crime boss and he was out to get me!
Eda: Knowing how he was in trouble, I helped him out and led him somewhere that those idiots couldn't find us: The chapel. We hid there until they were gone and I was looking at him with curiosity. I didn't know much about him at first, but he seems like a great guy to get along with. After he took a deep breath, Stan introduced himself and I did the same.
Suddenly, the goons and their boss came inside and demanded Stanley to give him his money back. I know he could handle himself but I didn't want him to get hurt! So...I had no choice but to activate a spell on them. As they were close, the crime boss and his goons were turned into birds and flew away out of the chapel. Stan saw everything and looked at me with a shocked expression. He even spotted my ears and white mane. I thought he was about to run away, but he stayed and ask who I really am.
Stan: We were back into her hotel room and explained herself to me that she was actually named Edalyn and she was a witch from some unknown place called 'Boiling Isles'. I thought I was crazy at first, but after seeing everything and not drinking, it was real. To be honest: she wasn't that bad! Beautiful skin, flowing mane, nice eyes, and *chuckles* pointy ears when her expressions are cute to describe!
Eda was blushing from the compliment as Lilith and the girls were giggling softly. "Stanley…" She said while looking down with a pout.
Stan: Anyway, we decided to take a break from Vegas and went out to explore some cities! Eda helped out puttting my winnings in a safe place and we went out to enjoy life. I showed her around from exotic beaches to the late-night street festivals. I also showed her a few tricks to scam a few people with fake items. It was actually...fun. It was the best fun I've ever had in a long time.
Eda: Same here for me. Stanley was a good person than my other ex-boyfriends. He was sweet, sincere, greedy, and very clever with himself. And before we knew it...we were in love. I've been away from Boiling Isles for some time, but I've really enjoyed Stan's company. He made me feel loved and happy that I wanted to share every moment with him.
Stan: And that when we headed back to Vegas after a whole year and have some fun again. We won some games and were rich more. After it was getting close to sundown, we went back to Edalyn's old hotel room and counted our winnings. I gave her 60% of my cut because I owed her for making my life happy. And it was going to get better when I decided to head to a certain jewelry store for something to prove my love for Edalyn Clawthorne.
I made reservations to this nice restaurant near the fountain with water jets coming out. The mood was pleasant and I was loving it more when she was wearing a lovely purple dress for the occasion. For once, I was cleaned up well and ordered a suit to make the night better. And it was when I shook her and the other witnesses around me as I proposed to her. Usually I would wait for maybe two or three years, but I thought the time was right.
Eda: I didn't care anymore as I was crying happily from that. I accepted his proposal and kissed him as people were cheering for us. Although I had my disguise on, I was feeling much more better to know that I have someone to love by my side.
"Awww! That was so sweet!" Mabel gushed.
"It seems that you both really loved each other, huh?" Pacifica asked with a smile.
Stan answered, "This woman changed my life once she accepted my proposal. I wanted to tell my folks about it, but I knew they would never come to their own son's wedding."
"But we made the best for it and decided to go on and get married without no problems. We found a nice chapel to go to and we were officially husband and wife." Eda said as she held her fiance's hand. "And I truly felt happy."
"But what happened?" Dipper asked.
"Yeah. Something must've happened to separate you two if you were enjoying the married life." Tyrone added.
Upon hearing that, Eda suddenly felt sad and looked away. "Something got in the way of our happiness…"
Eda: It was our second day as a married couple and I needed to relax after discussing on a spot to have our honeymoon vacation. I made myself a bath and added some bath bombs to help me out. I was enjoying th warm water and played some music from the other room. It was peaceful. So peacefu that I took a nap in the tub. But sadly, that was the last thing I remembered.
Stan: I came back to the hotel room to check up on Edalyn and tell her the spot for our vacation. Suddenly, I heard a crash and thought she might be in trouble. As it turns out, things were worse when I was looking that this owl-like creature that stared at me with those black eyes. I was thinking it was blind, but its hearing was strong enough to sense me moving away. I had to survive and thought I was a goner. But then, I found some strange bottle with orange stuff inside and thought it could be useful. As the beast was coming at me, I opened the bottle and splashed the liquid at it.
I thought it would've done something, but it made things different as it tasted the stuff and choking. Suddenly, the beast was losing its feathers and shrinking to the size of a human. I was then shocked to see what, or who, the owl beast was and it revealed itself to be Edalyn! Everything wasn't making sense to what happened, but I needed to see if she was okay.
Eda: But...I wasn't okay. I was awake to see the horror I've done. I thought it wouldn't happened again...but it did. I looked at my hands and dread that Stan saw what I was and never wanted to see. He did. And his face was full of shock and he looked a little banged up. Because of me. Tears were welling up and I grabbed something to cover myself since I was taking a bath. I ran. I ran away from that place and I needed to get away from Stan as much as possible so he doesn't get hurt because of me and that curse. And from that one night, and signing a few papers, I've lost everything.
End Flashback
Silence was inside the room as Eda and Stan finished their story. Everyone was shocked to hear what happened between them. Ford frowned a little for his brother and the teens were unable to say anything to cheer them up. Lilith, however, was broken inside to know that because of her for cursing her own sister that Eda truly lost true love. This made her feel terrible inside to know that it was her fault for ruining her sister's life.
"There's...also more to it after she left." Stan said in a soft tone.
Ford looked at his brother and asked, "What do you mean, Stanley?"
Stan took a deep breath and exhaled sharply before answering, "After we left the restaurant tonight, Eda told me...the night she was that owl beast...we lost our child."
The girls gasped as Dipper and Tyrone shouted, "What?!"
"Stan…" Ford muttered softly.
"I...I was six weeks pregnant." Eda spoke up as tears were flowing down her face. She moved her hand to her belly to feel what used to be life inside. "I wanted to surprise Stan before we planned our trip. The stress, the anger, the curse. It was enough to hurt something that wanted me to be a mother. I was happy. I wanted to know what it's like to care for a child. But…I just…"
Eda soon paused as she heard sobbing close to her. She turned to see Lilith covering her face and tears were freely coming down. She heard enough and broke down to know that she screwed up everything for her sister.
"Lily, are you okay?! What's wrong?!" Ford asked with concern.
Lilith sniffled and answered, "I'm...I-I'm a terrible person! I really am!"
"Why would you say that? You're not-" Ford was then cut off.
"I am, Stanford! I blamed myself for what has happened to Eda! All this time...I was only thinking about myself and proving to be a better witch in the family. But I've been pissed that Edalyn was doing so much more than me that I got mad and jealous! Jealous that I put that stupid curse on her and ruined her life! I thought she was being a criminal, but...I was wrong! I didn't mean to make her suffer; all to just join a fucking Coven! I-I just wanted to cure Edalyn and have her be with me. I'm the monster...not my sister…" Lilith finished as she cried.
Everyone was speechless to what Lilith had said and knew she felt terrible for what she had done to Eda in the past. They couldn't argue about the statement as they knew, except Pacifica, what it's like to be jealous over a sibling rivalry. It could've been worse when they almost lost each other because of a certain demon. Stan and Ford felt the same way when they had their share of fights before and after the portal incident. Maybe this was a way to find closure and bury the hatchet of it.
Suddenly, Eda got up from her spot to walk over to Lilith. At first, everyone thought she would scold and yell at her sister for doing everything terrible to her. But instead, she bent down and faced her older sister.
"Lilith?" Eda could hear her sister stop her crying for the moment to look up to her. Lilith thought her sister was mad or disappointed. Eda was looking at her with concern and comfort that the Owl Lady placed her hands on her cheeks to make sure she was looking at her.
"Edalyn?" Lilith said quietly.
"Don't call yourself a monster for what you did in the past." Eda said sternly as she continued. "Things weren't always pleasant for the both of us when our parents wanted to play favorites on both of us. We found ways to best one another to who's the better sister and it was ending up for one of us to earn a spot at that damned Coven. That day when you gave me that curse, I was hurt and became a freak of nature that no one would ever go near me. So many things happened to me that had you involved and I was mad about it. I was livid for what you've done: Hunting me down, forcing me to join the Coven that I didn't want to be part of, lied to your student and betrayed her trust, got me kicked out of Hexside, putting that curse on me to suffer for decades, and...you almost killed Luz in front of my eyes when I tried to save her. That Blight girl was in love with her. Imagine what would happen if you succeeded in killing her future girlfriend. She would've done much worse to you without trying. I wanted to do the same to you after I've lost my unborn child and my happiness with Stanley Pines."
Lilith looked down in sorrow to know that every word her sister said was true. She lived a perfect life while Eda was living a criminal lifestyle because of her. She couldn't blame her; everyone knew Lilith was the terrible older sibling and crossed certain lines because of it. Lilith wants nothing but to hear her sister basically disown her. But instead…
"However, it wasn't your fault."
Lilith looked at her sister in shock and spotted tears flowing down. What was she saying? That it wasn't Lilith's fault for the curse? "Edalyn...what are you-"
Eda cut her off and explained. "Our parents should've accepted us for who we were and we never should've let our rivalry cause certain events to happen. We could've talked about it and helped each other out, but look at what happened to us. From the moment you wanted to repent for your past actions, you've proven that by taking out Belos and saving Luz. Although you've been shunned by the people of Boiling Isles, you were given a chance to help around and earn their forgiveness. Even your former student decided to give you one more chance and accept you to earn her trust back. Hell, Bumps gave you a small teaching job to repay the moment I was kicked out of Hexside. But in a strange way...if you haven't given me that curse...I wouldn't have met Stanley."
"But…" Lilith started to talk as her tears ceased. "Your baby…"
"I know...but imagine how it would be if it suffered the curse as well or…" Eda shook the feeling as she smiled with care to her sister. "But I know you didn't mean it. Things happen. But you've done so much for Boiling Isles that you've proven yourself to be forgiven. It made me so proud to see how far you've come to be the new Lilith Clawthorne I wanted to see. Someone who is free, happy, and has a kind heart. I'm just glad to have my older sister back with me again. So, Lilith Clawthorne, thank you for being a better person...and I forgive you."
It was at that moment, Lilith felt her heart beating with so much emotion that she was hoping for the day that Eda would truly forgive her. It was a long time coming and she was putting up a gentle smile with tears coming down again. "Y-You...Y-You really...mean it?"
Eda nodded her head and gave her older sister a hug with her own tears coming down. "I love you, Lily."
Lilith hugged back and replied, "I love you too, Eda."
The Pines family couldn't help but smile at the Clawthorne sisters for finally having closure and connecting again after years of hatred and regret to one another. Pacifica couldn't help but feel Eda's pain as she felt a twinge of hurt to know how it will be hard to not have a child of her own in the world due to past torture. But she was happy to see them really bonding again as they let go of each other.
"Feel better?" Eda asked softly.
Lilith nodded and replied, "I am, Edalyn. Thanks."
Eda soon turned to her fiance and said, "Sorry you had to see that, honey. Just needed to get some stuff off our chest."
"It's fine." Stan replied. "It's best to let it out and learn how to forgive others. Maybe this family needs to talk about that soon, but not tonight. I'm just glad to have you with me."
Eda smiled and hugged her fiance with ease as Lilith felt a soft touch on her shoulder. She turned to see Ford and smiled to see how a huge weight was finally lifted and she can become a better person now.
It was now late as it was time for Eda and Lilith to head back to Boiling Isles. They were saying their goodbyes to the tens until Mabel pulled the sisters close for a hug.
"Thanks for coming over to our world! Please come back soon." Mabel said as she let go of them.
Eda chuckled while ruffling the girl's hair and replied, "It's no problem, kid. Besides, I might need someone organizing the wedding and setting up everything to make it nice."
Mabel saluted and said, "Anything for my future Graunty!"
Eda giggled and suddenly felt something inside her mane. Once digging inside, she pulled out a smartphone and looked to see who's calling. She would thank Luz later for teaching her how to use human devices. "Oh, it's Camila! Finish up for me, Lilith, okay?"
Once Eda answered the phone, Lilith looked at the Pines brothers with a smile. "Tonight has been...eventful. But we've had fun."
"I couldn't agree more; never thought this date would be so perfect," Ford exclaimed.
"And I'm proud of you, Ford. You've finally gone out and enjoyed yourself. As for me: I'm finally getting married again!" Stan shouted happily while everyone laughed.
"It's nice to be here. Maybe we could do this again and just do whatever you guys want to do. When me and Eda are free, of course." Lilith added.
"It's no problem at all. Here. Just in case you want to call us at the Shack for anything." Stan handed Lilith his business card with his and Ford's number on it.
Once Lilith took it, Eda came back with a huge smile on her face. "Well, Lilith, it looks like we weren't the only ones enjoying date night. It seems the kid's mother is dating some nice-looking guy over at Beach City. Can't wait to tell Luz how things went tonight!"
Lilith giggled. "Indeed!"
Eda pulled out a cube and it opened up as a portal. The Clawthorne sisters looked at their dates one last time before departure. "Thanks for tonight, Stanley. I'll come back to discuss things for the wedding."
Stan came up to her and kissed her softly on the lips. "I can't wait. Be safe."
Eda nodded as Lilith spoke up to Ford. "Still planning on showing me your artifacts and collections soon?"
"It's a date," said Ford. But then, his face got a little warm when he felt a pair of lips pressed against his cheek. Lilith soon blushed pink and looked away with a shy smile. "Wow…"
Eda and Stan chuckled at the two as the Clawthorne sisters went inside the portal and disappeared.
Gravity Falls would always be the place with weirdness in its name, but more stranger things might just happen no matter where it lurks. As for Eda, she got what she always wanted and will prepare for something more in the near future with her sister by her side.
The End
And finished! Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster as I'm getting better with these romance stories! Don't judge me. Anyway, this was the last chapter, but I am thinking about making this and the other Owl House fanfic into its own series since I've basically hinted out familiar faces from different shows and thought I might see what I might do then! Star, Marco, Steven, etc. Who knows?! Enjoy yourselves and stay safe in this weird world! Later!