The Old Great Gleeful Show
- Dipper's POV -
"I don't want to go." He whimpered.
"... Did something happen at home?" I asked, widening my eyes slightly.
"..." He blinked before shaking his head. "No, no. Nothing happened at home."
"Then what's wrong?" I asked.
"Hey! What's the holdup!?" I heard my sister in the background, however, I didn't pay attention to her.
"... I ... I ... I don't ...- I ..." He stammered, having trouble coming up with his reason. "... I don't know how to say it."
"Then what do you feel right now?" I asked quietly.
"Dipper!" I heard my sister once more, only this time closer. "What's going on?" I turned to her, frowning.
"Something's up with Kahlil." I said to her.
"Oh." She said, nodding.
"... Nevermind, you guys can go." He said.
I slowly turned back to him as I frowned again. "We don't have to go, Kahlil." Mabel said. "If something is bothering you, we're here to help you."
"Yeah." I said, smiling softly.
"... But I don't want to waste your time." He said. "The things I say might be hard to understand."
"We won't know until you tell us." Mabel said.
"Besides, you're not wasting our time. Nothing is important after this." I said.
"Exactly." She said. "This is more important than what I have in my head!"
I watched him smile quietly before dropping it a second later. "Well ... I ... I don't feel safe walking home anymore." He said quietly. "In fact, I don't feel safe being alone anymore."
"Why is that?" Mabel asked quietly.
"... Some things happened ... early on Sunday and ... the fear from that day carried on." He said quietly.
"... Oh." Mabel frowned.
"I see. Well, I'm sure Mabel and I don't mind you staying with us." I said.
"Yeah! If you want to come with us, your more than welcome to." She said.
"Thank you, guys." He smiled.
"Oh, are we done with the wholesome moment?" I snapped my head over at the country voice, glaring daggers at Gideon.
"What do you want?" Mabel asked.
"Oh, nothing, sweetheart. I'm here to check up on something ... someone." Gideon said.
"Well, you don't need to!" She said.
"Relax, I'm not going to do anyone harm-"
""Anyone harm." You sure? I think you need to recall that moment you decided to injure me." I said bluntly.
"Oh, that moment? I thought you deserve it for doing something unnecessary." He said, grinning. I fumed, wanting to lash out at him. Calm down, Dipper. I don't need to start a fight.
"Uh, we're fine! No need to come here!" Mabel said, trying to push him away. He then grabbed my sister's hand.
"Didn't realize we took this to another level." He grinned. Oh, THAT'S IT. I placed my stuff down on the half wall. I rushed over and smack his hands away from my sister. I placed my arm in front of her, glaring him down. "Relax! We weren't going to take it any further with you here."
"I don't want to take anything with you!" Mabel snapped.
"That's what all the girls say." Gideon said.
"Fuck off. Please, would you?" I cursed.
"Oh my. You really want me gone." He snickered.
"What'd you think?" I said.
"It's quite rude to push away a celebrity. If you didn't know that." He said.
"Please fuck off." I cursed again.
"Alright. Well, I hope you guys do well." He said, turning away and walking down the steps. I grumbled to myself before turning away and walking over to my stuff. "I wish he fell down the steps." I mumbled quietly.
"God... Why is he like this?!" Mabel said, walking over to me. "Kahlil?"
I looked over to the blond who was away from us. He looked frightened at what just happened. Okay, now I get it. Gideon must have done something to him on Sunday. I looked back down at my stuff, grumbling aggressively. I swear, I will put him in his place.
"Okay, before he comes back again. Why don't we head over to the Mystery Shack?" Mabel said.
"Good idea." I said.
"O-okay." I heard Kahlil say. I frowned and picked up my stuff. We soon went on our way, climbing down the steps and onto the grass. I walked beside Kahlil, keeping him calm and safe. Mabel was on his other side, doing the same thing. He appreciated the kind action as he looked to be appearing much better. That's good. I don't want that witch near us. We arrived at the shack, entering into the other entrance as the first one was busy with customers. Mabel told us she'll let our grunkles know we brought Kahlil here. Soon I led him upstairs, walking over to the shared room and opening it.
I walked over to my desk and placed down my binder. "Thanks again ..." I heard him say.
"No problem." I smiled, turning towards my bed. I walked over and sat on it. I looked over at him as he scanned the room quickly. He soon places his backpack down next to the door before slowly walking over to me. He soon sat next to me, gazing at the ground afterward. "You okay?" I asked.
"... A little." He mumbled. I thought for a moment before turning over the book on my end table. I reached over and grabbed it before staring at it. I'm not sure if it'll work. "What you looking at?" I heard him ask.
"Oh, a book I love to read over and over." I said.
"Oh. Didn't know you're a ... bookworm." He said.
"Yeah... I do have some more." I said, placing the book in between us before getting out the rest. Once I did so, I placed them on the bed and grabbed the first one on the stack. I examined the silver book before looking back at my favorite book, which was being handled by Kahlil. I widened my eyes slightly before watching him open the first page. "You can read it if you want." I said.
"Oh. Didn't realize I grabbed it." He said, frowning.
"No need to smile upsidedown." I said.
"Upsidedown?" He said, looking back at me.
"If you flip a smile, it would appear as if you are frowning." I said.
"... Oh. Didn't know that." He said, nodding slowly. He soon turned back to the dark maple book. I smiled softly before focusing my attention on the silver book.
Time went by as I was leaning against the wall of the room. My attention was all into this second book. The first one was a bit short. It was about a character solving a case. Sounds a bit similar to Duck-detective over there. Man, didn't realize I've got books relating to detective stuff. Mystery genre I think it's called. While I was reading the second book, Kahlil was laying with his head on my lap, probably reading still. I hope he didn't fall asleep, because if he did, I wouldn't be able to move at all.
I heard the door open as I lowered the book. "... Aren't you guys comfortable." Mabel said. I heard a bag shaking in her hands as I tilted my head in curiosity.
"... I guess." Kahlil said quietly. Oh good, he's not asleep.
Mabel snickered before walking over to us. "I have brought in some snacks, bookworms!" I narrowed my eyes, watching her place the bag on my bed. "How are you feeling Kahlil?"
"I'm feeling ... still ... out of it but not as bad as before." He answered.
"That's good to hear!" She chirped.
"Very good." I said, nodding.
"Of course, it is." He said.
"Well, I love to hear that my friend is feeling better!" She said, sitting on her bed. "Oh god."
"What is it?" I asked, putting my book down, leaving one finger in the place like a bookmark.
"I gotta prepare for tomorrow!" She answered.
"Oh right, you do." I said, nodding.
"Gosh, how do I do this?!" She said, looking distressed.
"Don't worry, you'll have Cole with you the entire time." I said.
"Yeah ... that's right." She nodded. She soon frowned a second later. "Though... if we do end up running into Gideon, what do we do?"
"Step on his toe." I said out loud. Soon I heard snickers from below me. I looked over at Kahlil who was trying to hold it in.
"Nice one, dipstick." I heard my sister say.
"Dipstick?" He said.
"Yeah, it's a nickname I came up with!" She said, smiling.
"At least he's not "Dipsick." He said, which made me roll my eyes.
"Don't start it now." I grumbled.
"Why not?" He asked.
I looked back at him, giving him a look. "Because it'll get annoying fast."
"Another good thing to know-"
"Don't make me shove you off of my lap! Infact, since when you decided to claim this spot?!" I hissed, cutting him off.
"Since I started to date you, silly." He snickered, clearly teasing me at this point. However, I happen to fall for his little tricks.
"My body isn't yours to claim." I grumbled.
"I know~," He said, winking at me afterward. I darted my eyes off of him and over to my sister who was giggling to herself. I hate this so much.
"Okay! I'll do what you suggested." She said. "Although, I'm not sure it'll be much help."
"Just defend yourself is all I asked. I don't want to beat someone up to the point they're already dead." I said.
"Alright!" She chirped.
"Wow, you're really are the violent type~" I heard Kahlil whisper.
"Shut up!" I snapped at him.
"It's true! Firstly you wanted Gideon to fall down the steps today, secondly, you'll protect your sister from him. And lastly, you wanted to put him in his place. So clearly, you are the violent type~" He snickered. My face was red at this point as I stayed quiet.
"It's not bad wanting to protect the people you love." Mabel said.
"I know." I said. I just, HATE IT HOW YOU PUT IT, KAHLIL. I heard more snickers from him as I huffed.
"Okay." My sister stood up from her bed. "I must prepare in the mirror and my ideas. I'll let you guys be for now." She said.
"Alright." I smiled. Don't leave me with this person. She nodded before walking out of the room and shutting the door shut.
"That was mean." Kahlil said.
"Well, sorry, I was being teased, what'd you expect?" I said, staring at him.
"... Alright, fair." He said, closing his eyes. I sighed softly before staring at my book. I soon grip it tightly as worry built within me. I hope you'll do well, Mabel.
- Mabel's POV -
The night rolled in, revealing stars above our heads. What we were about to do was something far worse than most folks could do. Spying or... collecting certain things and not acting suspiciously. Me and Cole approach the entrance of the magic show, watching folks enter in without a care. We turned to each other, nodding quietly to the plan from before, and joined in with the crowds. At every show, we were to sit and watch whatever Gideon has cooked up. After his performance, the crowds were free to wander around the large tent and talk about the show, etc. That is where we strike.
You know, if Gideon had a different personality or change how he became, we would be good friends since he's so talented. But now I think about it, I feel like I'm being forced to watch someone who appears nice on the outside rather than their true self. I wish things were different.
Hey, maybe I could ask why is he working with the kidnapper. What would he gain from all of this?
Once the show was over we got into our plan. "Okay. You know the plan?" Cole asked.
"Definitely." I said, nodding.
"Good. Meet me back at the entrance." He said before splitting off. We are still going along with the plan, it's just that Cole decided to see if he could find anything out of plan besides the pins. I hope he finds something ...
I walked over to where most of the folks were crowded. Is this where the pins are? I tried to look around the crowd, only to be shoved away from one of them. I frowned and turned away. I spotted an empty stand and walked over to it. Once I got closer, the objects on the stand became clearer and soon they were the exact targets I was after. "Happy dam' I never thought I would see you again!" I looked over at the voice, spotting a familiar person behind the stand.
"... Mr. Gleeful? You work here?" I asked. OF COURSE, HE DOES! I think ...
"Indeed, young one. I stand here and sometimes check with the other staff members to see if everything is good." Bud said, giving me a friendly expression.
"Ah! You guys sure love to sell these pins. I was hoping to take two. One for me and one for a friend." I said, smiling.
"You came with a friend?" He asked, looking a bit surprised. Something is telling me about his face ... And I don't know what it is. If my brother was here, I'm sure he'll figure it out. Maybe Cole even too.
"Yes!" I chirped, nodding.
"Well, I hope you two enjoyed the show!" He smiled, though his voice tone was telling me otherwise. Man, I wish Dipper was here.
"We did! He- They happened to go to the bathroom." I said, correcting myself with the pronouns and lying.
"They? I don't think you're friend would appreciate it if you called them a "they". You can say that he's a he." He said, raising a brow.
"No, no! They prefer they/them pronouns! I happen to correct myself!" I said.
"Oh. Well sorry, I must have misunderstood the situation." He chuckled.
"It's alright!" I said. You think imma tell you everything? I'm not THAT dumb.
"Well, you can choose your pins." He said. I nodded and looked down at them. They seemed to be all the same. Don't know what's Cole going on about them being different. I reached out and grabbed two, looking at the designs.
"These are really good-looking! I wonder who made them." I said.
"Oh, it was a volunteer once before and now she works for us." He said. "We were trying to figure out how to sell some merchandise after the show and she happens to volunteer."
"Ah! Well, I'm glad she helped you!" I smiled. Who is this she?
"Thank you for appreciating them!" He smiled.
"Well, I'm going off to see if my friend is done with their business!" I said, walking away with a wave at him.
"Don't forget to put it on before you exit the tent!" He called out. ... Put it in before I exit the tent? Why?
"I won't!" I said. I won't. That seemed suspicious as hell. Once I got out of his sight, I place the pins in my jacket's pocket. I soon looked up and around the area. I spotted the sitting range and the food stands.
"Oh! I knew I spotted a familiar face in the audience! Mabel, dear, how are you doing?" I heard the young country voice said.
"First off, don't call me "dear." Secondly, I'm doing well." I said, turning to Gideon.
"It is my greetings, dearly. It's how I greet these folks." He said, putting on a small grin.
I was a bit unsure about his motives. So I decided to go along with his idea. "Alright."
"It's nice to see you well. However, I didn't like the lie you pulled to my father." He said, his face darkened.
"... You were there?" I asked a bit shock.
"Well duh. You may have not noticed me since I am a magician." He said.
"Well-"
"Mabel. No one can go by as they/them. Especially your guy friend." He said, interrupting me. They can! You just don't understand!
"They can..." I said.
"He/she, unfortunately, cannot. You know how this works. Anyway, I don't want to hear no lies from my queen." He said.
"Queen?!" I looked shocked. What the hell? You are one crazy person if I've ever met one!
"I did have a King before but that was a long time ago. I do miss those times, however, I'm already over it-"
"I am not your queen!" I snapped, interrupting him.
"But you are. Look how gorgeous you are." He said, grinning. "I couldn't trade anyone to replace you if I had to."
"I. Am. Not. Your. Queen." I said again, fuming.
"Surely you broke up with the boyfriend, right?" He asked.
"Oh my god. Stop it. Your not going to get anyone if you keep doing this!" I said.
"I did once and I can do it again. What makes you think you know what you can do in a relationship?" He asked, walking closer to me.
"Be truthful and not a fucking psychopath!" I cursed. Shit, there goes my mind. "Whoops, sorry. Got a bit over myself."
"Ah, no dear, it was alright. You needed to get your anger out, right? So it was no need." He smiled.
"... Yeah... I guess." I mumbled. I hate this so much.
"Anyway, I have something to offer to you." He said. He soon pulled out a pink shirt pin, holding it in his hand. "After all of the times, I see you and your brother trying to solve this whole "case," which in my opinion is dumb. Why would you need to go around and seek the truth?-"
"Why are you even working with the kidnapper in the first place?" I asked, interrupting him.
"Because I can. Besides, it opens up alot more options for me to do in my spare time." He answered. "Now, back to my offer, There's no need to look for the answers at all. Why not toss all of it away and come join-"
"No. I'm not joining you." I said, glaring at him.
"Why not? It seems like the perfect option here." He said, grabbing my chin. "Besides, I don't want a beauty like you to be near someone who is a disgusting piece of shit." I widened my eyes, anger-filled within me. My brother is not a piece of crap!
"No thanks. My brother is perfectly fine!" I said, smacking his hand away.
"You think so?" He raised a brow. "I don't think he is."
"Whatever your doing won't work against me." I said, turning to walk away. However, before I could take a step, I felt my arm being grabbed.
"Now don't play the "hard to catch" game. I really hate playing that game." He said. He then pulled me close to him. I hesitated to defend myself, but all I did just stand there and take the action. However, recalling what my brother said earlier. I think that's what enlightens my flame within me. I quickly slam my foot on his toe, watching his face twisted in pain and anger. I soon shoved him as hard as I could to the ground. Everyone stop their actions and turned to us. They were all shocked and surprised. I glared down at Gideon who was mad as he'll ever be. "Why did you push, Lil Gideon?" I heard the crowds say, soon they started to ask me tons of questions. I frowned and made myself move out of this place.
As I left, I heard the crowds booing me, etc. Calling me all sorts of names. Great, just great. He just has the whole town against us. I grumbled before spotting Cole at the entrance. I rushed over to him. "What happened? What got the crowds all angry?"
"I pushed Gideon and now they're all mad at me." I said. "It's... nothing too serious... Let's just leave."
"... Alright. Did you get the pins?" He asked as we begin to walk forward.
"Yes... I did." I mumbled, growing tired. "Although you should handle them and see if you can find anything." I said, pulling them out of my pocket. I soon handed them over to Cole. He grabbed them and examined them.
"I do hope we can find something about these." He said.
"Yeah..." I mumbled.
"And... I hope you feel better." He said, looking over at me with a concerned expression.
"Yeah... I will." I mumbled again.
"Alright. Well, I'll get back home and see if anything is wrong with these pins. I'll let you guys know in the group chat in a few days. For now, take care and stay safe." He said, smiling. I nodded and managed a smile back. We soon waved to each other and walked home for the night.
Well great. I wonder what I'm going to hear at school tomorrow. Then again, I don't really care about what people say about me. I frowned, staring down at the ground. Then again... they don't know the truth of this night.
End of Chapter 51