The Holidays! Part 3 out of 3 (Another Reflection)
Get your snacks or drinks 'cause this one will be a long chapter!
- Dipper's POV -
The last couple of days have been a bit busy. Our grunkles, Mabel, and I have been gathering supplies and things for our New Year's gathering. Every year we do this to celebrate New Year in our own ways. Though it may be similar to others, ours have to deal with venturing far out to the highest hill in Jungle Falls. Of course, it may be snowing a little though it will be fun to get to. And how do we get there? We walk through the jungle, however, there is a pathway that leads up to the hill. So there's that. I let out a quiet sigh as I lie on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I can't believe the year is almost over.
"I can't wait until tonight!" I heard my sister say. I looked over as she sat up from lying on her bed. "We'll be going crazy with the fireworks we brought!"
"... I don't want to set the jungle on fire now." I said, chuckling quietly.
"We won't! Don't worry about it. We'll just be celebrating our New Year!" She chirped.
"I know." I said quietly. I'm always a worry bug about this. I'm hoping it will be better than last year's gathering though. I'm sure it will be.
"Man, I can't believe it's almost the end of the year." She said.
"It feels like it's been November yesterday." I mumbled.
"Yeah! Winter came here too soon and too early." She said, frowning.
"Well ... you can blame the jungle for that." I said.
"I will." She said, perking back up. She stared at me for a second before getting off of her bed and walked over to mines. She sat down as I sat up, curious about what she wants. "I keep forgetting about how cool you look with your scar."
"... Oh right, that ..." I said, looking away.
"... Don't you think you look cool with it as well?" She asked.
"I don't- ... This scar is like a reminder of the past. I would like to forget what happened, though now that I cannot see out of that eye. Sometimes, the thought just lingers in my head." I said. "Besides ... I don't think anyone wants to see out of one eye."
"Don't think too much about it! Who knows what would happen if ... that attempt was a success. Infact, forget what I said about that." She said quickly.
"... Okay." I said, nodding slightly. Mabel then pulled me into a hug, squeezing me tightly as I hugged her back. She patted my back and pulled away. She smiled at me as I remembered something of the past. I patted her back before leaning away slightly. "... Awkward Sibling Hug?"
She gasped. "You remember!" Her face lit up like a light bulb.
"Yeah... I did." I nodded, giving a small smile. She smiled widely back at me, happy that I remember that scene she gave me of that "awkward sibling hug." Though, I'm not quite sure why she calls it one.
"Alright! Let's go check on our grunkles! See what they have prepared for us." She said, getting up and walking over to the door. I nodded before glancing at the afternoon skies outside of the triangular window. I stood up and made my bed before walking through the door arch. I headed downstairs and onto the first floor. I walked over to the gift shop and stepped into it. The area was cleared as everything was covered up. The shelves, counters, and tables. We got this set up a few days ago since the gift shop is closing for a couple of days.
I flinched from the door creaking opening, watching Grunkle Stan stepping in. "There you are, come here Mabel." He said, leading my sister to the counter. How did she get out of the shack that fast? Don't tell me she ran down the stairs again. He walked into the counter's working area and placed his hands on it. "Okay. Pumpkin here decided that Ford and I should allow you guys to invite a few friends with this gathering."
"... Really?" I said, tilting my head.
"Yep! I thought well ... it'll be a nice addition!" Mabel said, smiling nervously.
"You can invite Soos and Wendy over if you want. Those two know what it's like when around us." Grunkle Stan said, narrowing his eyes.
"They may be busy with their family, preparing to celebrate news years with them." I said.
"Well, let's see about that!" Mabel said, pulling out her phone to do just that.
"Anyone else you want to invite?" Grunkle Stan asked. I looked down at the floor, thinking slightly. Would he like to come?
"Yes." I said, nodding at my grunkle.
"Good because that is the only spot that whoever person your inviting is done for." He said. "Ugh, this will be fun." He added on, grunting.
"It'll be fine! Anyway, Soos says he'll come. I'm just waiting on Wendy's response." Mabel said.
"If you say so." Grunkle Stan said before walking around the counter and over to the door. ``I'll be out here again with Ford.`` He added before leaving the shack.
"You're gonna invite, Kahlil. I know you're going to do it." Mabel said, walking up to me.
"Yeah, I am. Though it's fine if he declines it." I said, pulling out my phone. She narrowed her eyes before looking back at her phone. I turned away and stared at my screen as I saw a message pop up. I click on it and view it. [[ Mind if I ask if you guys are celebrating News Years this year? ]] - Creepyboi 3
[[ We are, every year we do. ]] - I replied.
[[ Could I come over?]] - Creepyboi 3
[[ Sure. ]] - Well, that's done. I closed my phone and looked over at the door. I glanced at my sister as she stared at me.
"Wendy's coming!" She said, grinning as I raised one of my brows.
"... What are you grinning about?" I asked.
"Well ... you know how she's still mind-controlled right?" She said, putting her arms behind her.
"You're going to free her, aren't you?" I guessed.
"Yep! I think she deserves it." She said, smiling.
"She does. It's been a while since I last ... saw the her and the real self. Though... I'm sure she was always there ... just gets triggered with certain words." I said.
"Yeah. The mind-controlling thing works way differently than I imagine. Firstly they'll act like themselves and soon go into this forced state once that word is said. But then you have Soos who ... never remembered where or what he was. So ... does it affect people differently depending on how long they have been exposed to it?" She guessed.
"I would guess that it leaves temporary damage to their minds. Though it can be permanent if the effect is ... much, much worse than before. I don't know much about the whole mind-controlling thing and I wish to not know more of it." I said. "So ... I hope it's a temporary effect to the townfolks' minds and not my other guess."
"Yeah, let's hope for that option." She said, nodding her head. "Okay! We'll just have to wait for our guests and just hang about. What topics should we talk about?" She said, folding her arms as she puts on her thinking look.
"... Maybe topics about what happened this year? The year is coming to an end, so it's a good idea to recall all the good things we came across." I suggested.
"Yeah! We could do that!" She said, nodding. "Okay! I'll go prepare some snacks." She added on, walking past me. I smiled before leaning on the wall. Now, we wait. I ended up waiting in my room as a few hours went by. I read books and probably kept staring at my clock on my end table more often than I can count. It seemed so boring without anything happening. At least, these books don't get boring when I reread them. I stared at the clock once last time before snapping my head over to the door opening.
"They're here!" Mabel announced. "Wendy just arrived so, we are all set- Oh! Actually, we're not." She added, stepping into the room and closing the door.
"Something wrong then?" I asked, tilting my head with curiosity
"Nothing wrong, it's just that, I made something for you." She said, walking over to her bed and sitting next to it. She pulled out a box and looked over at me with a smile.
"Made something for me? Why?" I asked. What did she make for me?
"When Christmas ended, I just realized I didn't get a present for you. So I aimed to make something for your tastes before the year ended." She answered, removing the lid before pulling out a sweater.
"... You didn't ...-"
"I wanted to!" She said, getting up to her feet before walking over to me. "At least this makes up for the things in the past that I've done."
"Hey, I forgive you already, Mabel. No need for this." I said, staring at the sweater. It appears to be soft looking as it is colored grey-blue.
"I know, I know. But I did want to make this. Besides, I wanted to get you a present. So... would you try it on?" She asked, handing it to me.
"If it'll make you happy, yes." I said, grabbing it as I felt the softness of this. I widened my eyes slightly before looking a bit surprised. Where did she get the materials for this?
"Yay! I'll step out of the room for you to change." She said, walking over to the door.
"Alright, I'll let you know when I'm done." I called out before she nodded and left the room, closing the door afterward. I looked down at the sweater before placing it on my bed. I got up and begin to change my shirt into the sweater. Once I place it on, it felt really comfortable on me. I stared at the long sleeves, noticing it giving my wrist some room. Well, since I've seen how she does her sweaters, it's a normal design for her. Though ... making something like this for me, makes me feel warm inside. I smiled softly before turning my head over to the door. You're a good sister, Mabel. I might just wear this for the rest of the day since I don't want to take this one-off. I walked over to my old shirt and threw it in the laundry basket before heading over to the door. "I'm done." I said as I opened the door.
"Okay! Let's see- Oooo it looks nice on you!" Mabel said, walking up to me to examine the sweater.
"It does. I've decided to wear it for the rest of the day."
"You looove it that much?" She said, looking like she was about to cry out of joy.
"Yes, I do." I said. She rushed over and gave me a hug.
"I'm glad you love the gift!" She chirped. I hugged her back before we let go of each other. "Would you like the others to see?"
"Sure, I'd doubt they'll point it out anyway." I said, shrugging.
"They will! If they don't, I will make them!" She said, leading the way.
"Don't force them to point it out!" I said, following her.
"Fine! I'll just give them glares." She huffed. I sighed and shook my head.
We arrived on the first floor before heading over to the gift shop area to greet the others. "I am back with my brother!" Mabel announced. Does she need to announce whenever she's here or there every single time?
"Hey, Dude!" Soos said, wearing warm clothes as he is seen taking off his mittens.
"Hello, Soos." I said.
"Hey, Dipper." Wendy greeted, as she was leaning on the counter. I waved to her before eyeing Kahlil who was walking over to me with a smug look.
"Well, you're dressing comfortable there, aren't we little snowflake?" He said.
I was hoping no one would point this out, but thanks I guess. "Yeah, and don't call me little. We're the same height. How can you possibly call me little?" I said, glaring at him.
"You know I'm just an inch taller than you." He lied playfully as he walked to stand by my side.
"No, you're not! We've talked about this, do not make me bring it up again." I said.
"We could always get out a measuring tape and see what height you guys are." Soos suggested.
"Ooo, perfect, maybe then, we can settle this little argument." Kahlil said jokingly.
"... Do not tell me you went-"
"I did not go there!" He laughed, cutting me off.
"I don't believe you." I grumbled.
"Of course, you don't." He smirked, looking back at me.
"You guys want to settle it?" Soos asked.
"Sure." I grunted.
"Nah, we don't need to settle it. I'm only just messing with you." He snickered. I narrowed my eyes before glancing away from him.
"So..." Soos trailed off, holding up the measuring tape and looking confused.
"We're not." I said.
"Okay." He said before putting it away.
"Nice to see you two still holding up." Wendy said.
"Mhm!" Kahlil smiled. ... Is she...? I appeared to be a bit wary of her, wanting to know if she is under the control.
"Don't worry, Dipper! I got the pin off of her before I led you down here." Mabel said, spotting my reaction.
"Oh. Okay." I said, nodding to her.
"I swear ... I'll get my revenge against the person who tried this crap with me. I don't like seeing my friends acting so strange because I was ... mind controlled?" Wendy said, looking unsure as Mabel nodded. "I hate it so much. No one deserves this."
"Agreed! And I hope to clear away all of it from everyone!" Mabel said.
"Yeah, how did you guys figure out that ... it was mind control and not ... something of an invisible pull?" Wendy asked. My sister was a bit lost for words to answer that.
"It happened when ... we tried to discuss the missing case with you and ... you ... tried to convince us to stop doing the case. This was over a month ago and with the fact that Gideon was watching, I assumed that he was controlling you to do this." I said.
"I remembered that ... I was saying words that ...- I wouldn't say at all. I ... I felt hurt after I was away from you guys. I really wish I could have turned back and apologized but that invisible pull wasn't letting me." Wendy said, frowning.
"The little shit is using your friends to push you as far away from this case as possible." Kahlil said.
"Yeah- Wait. Gideon has control of all of the townfolks right?" Mabel asked, looking over at me.
"Yes. Should be since he had this show going on for years." I answered.
"... Well, Cole is off of the team." She said.
"... Why? I'm sure he's coming back." I said.
"Yea.. but what if his parents are mind-controlled and force Cole to wear the pins they had?" She asked.
"... I'm sure he's smart enough to spot the differences. Besides, there's nothing to worry, I don't think our guardians would go to one-"
"Mines did." Kahlil said.
"Mines did as well." Wendy said. I sighed and lowered my head, noticing my mistake.
"But... I don't think they would have taken any pins home, so I'm safe." The blond said.
"Why would they target you?" Mabel asked. I begin to feel worried as I slowly looked over at him.
"... Uh ..." Kahlil blinked before looking worried a bit. "... Other reasons."
"Other reasons? Didn't you escape from them before?" Wendy asked. "That is what you told me."
"Yes, yes. I did but not the real reason and I'm not comfortable telling any of you guys." He said, avoiding our glances.
"... Alright, I'll be here whenever you feel comfortable telling me." Wendy said, smiling.
"Okay." Mabel nodded before looking back over to the two. So ... he didn't tell Wendy even though ... she helped him off of his feet. I guess the people you trust the most are where you tell them the truth.
"So... Gideon ... did this ...?" Wendy asked surprised.
"Yep!" Mabel answered before I could.
"... Never thought that about him. Everyone will be shocked about him being behind this all." Wendy said.
"Because they'll see him all "innocent" and "graceful.'" Kahlil grumbled.
"Yeah." She nodded.
"Well, they'll see the real him once he is revealed to be the bad guy." Mabel said.
"Yeah! And then we'll be called heroes!" Soos said. I smiled softly before I hear snickers from my sister.
"Well, I'll be heading for the bathroom." Kahlil said quickly before turning and leaving the room.
"... Awww, he doesn't like the appreciation." Mabel mumbled.
"He never did since ... his "escape.'" Wendy said.
"Oh, so he did appreciate himself before?" My sister asked.
"Well duh." I said, giving her a look.
"I didn't know!" She said. "I thought it was an insecure thing!"
"Kahlil never let anyone conquer him before his kidnapping. He was always proud and brave of showing who he is as a person." Wendy said. "That's ... probably got him to be popular in school since every girl in existence loved him."
"... WAIT- HE WAS POPULAR?" Mabel asked, looking shocked. Oh. Now I'm figuring out where I heard his name from. He was that ... popular kid that ... I hated. I widened my eyes and looked awkward. Oh, this is awkward. I hated him before and forgetting who he was. And now ... I'm dating him. This is ... so awkward.
"Yep. Though he hated how the girls swarm him every single time." Wendy said, chuckling. "That's the benefits of being a hot guy."
"Yeah. I bet we would get along quite well!" Mabel chirped.
"If you last long enough to not get pushed by the other girls." I said.
"... yeah ... that ..." My sister said, slowly looking back at me. "Did you know about this since you went to the same school as him?"
"... I did." I said. "I ... uh, I disliked the popular kid. I always hated how everyone was talking about him and blocking the hallways. It almost made me feel jealous once, though I made sure to not focus on it and continue on with my school work." I saw everyone's eyes go wide, shocked and surprise mixed in their expressions.
"Wow. You hated me?" I flinched from the voice behind me. I slowly turned towards Kahlil and he also had this shocked expression.
"... Y-Yeah ..." I said lowly, quickly looking away and feeling awkward.
"I'm shocked. You hated me from before and yet you still dated me." He said.
"... I forgot who you were!" I said, looking back at him.
"You forgot?" He said, narrowing his eyes.
"I- I wasn't focused on the popularity you had. So, over time, I forgot." I said. "Though you did seem familiar when we first met."
"Well ... this is new." He said. I frowned and looked away. "Don't be frowny. Since this was in the past, I won't really look upon it."
"I didn't know you were popular, Kahlil!" Mabel said.
"... I hated being popular ..." He grumbled, giving off an annoying vibe.
"... Oh ... okay." My sister said, looking shocked.
"Well, what do you do when you have girls swarming you, left and right?" Wendy said.
"I wished they were boys." Kahlil said. "So that I can flirt my way out of that mess." I facepalmed and shook my head, hearing chuckles from him. Oh my god. I don't know what I'm going to do with you.
"Really...?" Mabel said.
"Why not? At the time, I was still single." He said.
"Would you date any of them if you found interest?" She asked.
"None of them have the standards that Dipper has." He said, making me blush. Oh. MY. GOD.
"Poor Dipper, your dealing with a wild one." Wendy snickered.
"THANKS." I grumbled, removing my hand as my face was still red.
"A wild one that you cannot tame.~" Kahlil snickered.
"I... I get that now." I grumbled, staring at him as he smirks at me. I glanced away, trying to avoid looking at him.
"Hmmm, if you had a choice, would you go back and act like yourself?" Mabel asked.
"... Not really... I do miss how I behaved but ... I don't want to go back." He answered.
"Oh. Why?" She asked.
"... Why go back if there's no reason to?" He said. "I mean- I know some people would love to go back in time and redo things but with how things are right now, I like the way they are."
"You once wished that you wanted to go back in time and prevent any of that stuff from happening to you before. It's nice that you changed over time." Wendy said.
"Yeah ... I'm getting there, but I still have a long way to go." He said.
"That's good!" My sister chirped. The front door opened, revealing Grunkle Stan in the archway.
"... You know, you guys can hang in the living room right?" Grunkle Stan said.
"We know, Mr. Pines!" Soos said.
"We apparently want to stay here." Kahlil said.
"Apparently. No one offered to go into the living room yet." I said.
"Well, I'm forcing all you rats in there. Now shoo!" He said. I sighed, shaking my head before turning to Kahlil who seemed triggered. I quickly shoved him into the archway, making him snap out of his irritated state.
"Why-"
"Just go! He acts that way!" I said, cutting him off.
"Fine." He grumbled before walking over to the living room. I followed behind looking over my shoulder, watching the others follow too. I sat on the couch before getting pulled closer by Kahlil.
"Do I have my own free will to sit as I please?" I asked quietly.
"Nope!" He said.
"Of course..." I said, sighing.
"Though, it'll be nice if you ... sit between my legs.~" He whispered quietly. I widened my eyes and stared at him. He snickered at my reaction as I was giving him a look of 'no.'
"... No ... thank you?" I said.
"Aww... it would be better that way." He snickered again.
"No, it won't." I said, glaring at him.
"... Maybe on-"
"I am not sitting on your lap either." I said. He looked a bit shock before looking away.
"Fine." He said, giving up. I glanced away, looking at my sister who was watching us with a smug look. I narrowed my eyes, growing annoyed within seconds. She giggled before looking away. I let out a grunt before leaning my head on Kahlil's shoulder. I don't like the way this moment is going.
I shivered, getting into the passenger seat. I shut the car's door before hearing my sister shut hers. It was time to go to the hill to do our New Year's gathering. It was 3 hours before midnight hits and the new year begins. I'm a little tired, though I hope I don't fall asleep when it counts down. I buckled up before turning to my sister who was bouncing in the car excitedly. "I can't wait! We're ALMOST THERE." She said.
"Yes, yes, we are, Mabel." Grunkle Ford said, sitting in the seat in front of me.
"Once we're there, you can do whatever." Grunkle Stan grumbled.
"Well, they have to help us carry the fireworks up the hill." Grunkle Ford said.
"I will see if I can get us quite close so they don't have to at all. Frankly, I don't want the kids to be touching the fireworks. I paid good bucks for them!" Grunkle Stan said, beginning to drive.
"Don't drive too fast or else, Wendy won't be able to see us-"
"Yeah, Yeah, I get it, Ford." Grunkle Stan grumbled.
"It's almost New Year!" Mabel whispered to me with her excited expression.
"I know. I've been waiting all day for it. I kept looking back at the clock on the wall, waiting for time to pass." I whispered back.
"I know right! Lucky time passed so we have that!" She whispered, smiling. I smiled back at her as I let out a yawn before looking out of the window. "Don't fall asleep. I will be mad if you fall asleep."
"I won't. I think I have someone doing that for me anyway." I said quietly, leaning on the cold window.
"They better keep an eye on you." She whispered before going quiet. I closed my eyes and rested there, listening to the vibrations of the car moving. Maybe resting here will pass the time. I jumped from the sound of someone banging on the window of the car, making my heart race as I looked panicked for a second. I heard voices from the other side of the car, turning over to stare at my laughing sister. I narrowed my eyes and glared at her. Never mind about you being a good sister. I glanced away and around, noticing we had arrived at the place. The tall trees towered over us as they parted a pathway to the hill.
I unbuckled before the car door opened. "HA, You should have SEEN the look on your face!" Mabel said.
"I told you not to scare him." She froze when she heard Kahlil's voice.
"It was a perfect moment!" She said, turning towards him. I sighed before getting out of the car and shutting the door.
"So? Don't do it." He said, glaring at her.
"Fiiineee. At least it woke him up." She said, walking away to our grunkles who were carrying the boxes of fireworks up the hill.
"You okay?" He asked as he walked up to me.
"I'm fine." I said, stretching out my limbs.
"I hope that little nap was worth your time." He said.
"... So I did end up falling asleep... how long ago did we get here?" I asked.
"10 minutes ago." Wendy answered.
"... So none of you guys woke me up?" I asked.
"Pretty much, your grunkles didn't want us waking you up since they think you stay awake all night." She answered.
I sighed before turning towards them. "Of course. I feel like they said it just for me to miss this countdown."
"They might of, though we would have woken you up before the final hour went down." He said.
I crossed my arms before glancing down at the snowy ground. "So while we wait, why don't we see some jungle discoveries close by?" Wendy asked.
"... I'm not taking anyone in the jungle-"
"You did for your boyfriend." Soos said.
"... He's... well..." I heard Kahlil trailed off as I turned around to them.
"There's no excuse-making in this offer, though if you do want to get the full experience. Maybe wait until it's daytime?" I suggested.
"Yeah, but walking around a bit may kill the time." She said. "I have my practice shares with the trees before. They're not that hard to climb upon."
"Does your family-"
"My family don't really care for the warnings of the jungle. We train in a small safe zone in the jungle for us to be prepared in case anything happens to us." She said, cutting me off.
"Oh. That's good I guess." I said.
"Yep. I would say my family is the bravest in the town." She said. "When it comes to the jungle, though ... they would never dare to travel deep into it. They know how dangerous it gets when going deeper."
"So you don't really need me helping you show the way around this place then." Kahlil said.
"... It'll be nice to have a guide. I wasn't in the jungle 5 years like you have, Kahlil." She said, giving him a look. "I'm quite surprised you haven't gone missing yet."
"Again." He corrected her.
"..." She blinked before sighing, rubbing the back of her head. "Yes. Haven't gone missing again."
"It's surprising yes, though he somehow knows his way around the jungle." I said, watching Soos wave us off before going over to help my grunkles. I nodded before glancing back at the two.
"You know how to navigate the trouble jungle?" She asked.
"Yep." He answered.
"How ... how do you not get caught by the ... dust ...?" She asked. Dust?
"I avoid them." He answered. "If you know what they look like, you'll know how to avoid them."
"... But they're invisible..." She said.
"... Almost." I said. "I think... do any plants release them?"
"No, they're just there, floating in the small open spots once you enter into the jungle." He said.
"... Is there any nearby?" I asked. I want to see if the dust clouds are really invisible. They shouldn't be.
"There should be..." He answered.
"Then show us, show us that it's not invisible." Wendy said.
"Okay." He said before walking over to the gigantic trees. We both followed him before halting at the bushes. Kahlil pushed the bushes apart for us to enter before he went in last. I looked around before watching him take the lead. He scanned around before turning left and into a clear spot. Wendy and I halted and look at each other before looking forward. "There's one floating in the middle. A cloud of dizzy or... dizziness clouds." He said, walking around the middle. I blinked, noticing nothing at all. I looked over at Wendy, watching her expression twisted with a confused look.
"I don't see anything, Kahlil." She said. He looked over at us confused.
"I don't either." I said. He widened his eyes before looking back at the air in the middle.
"... You don't see the cloud...?" He said slowly.
"We don't." She answered.
"... Oh. So it is invisible..." He said.
"How come you can see it?" She asked.
"My guess about this is that, it's visible to creatures of the jungle. I'm not a creature, just a human." He answered.
"Maybe you have powers that let you see it?" She guessed. I widened my eyes and looked over at her. I should have known that she is fine with magic and stuff... so this isn't new to her. I ease my stare before looking over at the surprised blond.
"... yes." He said.
"You do?" She said.
"Yes. I do have powers." He said, nodding. I'm surprised he's telling her...
"Well, then that makes sense. That totally makes sense that you haven't gone missing in this jungle." She said. "And how you know your way around."
"Oh, that navigating thing isn't a part of the powers, since I've been in here for 5 years, I know every root, every branch of this jungle." He said.
"Oh." She nodded. "What else you have?"
"... Well... they're just simple, basic weak powers." He said, shrugging. Weak. Excuse me, you stopped time in place. That's not weak! I gave him a look as he shook his head 'no.'
"It's okay, I won't tell anyone." She said, eyeing our facial expressions.
"I know you won't, I just don't like talking about the powers I have. I want to pretend that I don't have them." He said, walking over to us. "I want to be normal like you guys."
"But you are. Powers don't change who you are, talking about them won't change anything at all." She said.
"... I'd rather not. I don't want to take the chances. Besides, I don't know if I have any more other than changing the mood of the atmosphere." He said.
"What does that mean?" She asked.
"It means he can make everyone feel fear or feel sadness or whatever he wants them to feel." I explained.
"Sometimes I don't control my moods and I ended up accidentally changing the atmosphere." He said. "It does ...- Okay I'll admit it, it does come useful in some situations. But I only use them in case I need to."
"That's good then." I said, smiling softly.
"As long as you're using them for good it's fine." She said.
"Nah, I'll use them whenever I need to or feel like to." He said.
"There he goes again." She said sighing before turning away.
"I'm not on the good side, you should know that." He said, rolling his eyes.
"I know, sometimes I wish you were." She said before walking away from us. I frowned a bit before turning over to him as he was giving her an irritated expression. It soon disappeared as he glanced at me.
"You told her." I said.
"... Yeah. Kinda wish I didn't because she made that comment." He grumbled.
"Well, it happened and you can't change it." I said.
"I know." He said, looking down at the ground. "I swear this jungle keeps out every human out of here."
"You make it sound like you're not." I said.
"... To be honest, I don't know what I am." He said, his voice hinting something suspicious, something of a lie. I walked over to him before he glanced up at me.
"Yes, you do." I said, giving him a firm look.
"... I don't want to be reminded please." He said, looking away from me.
"I'm not reminding of you anything." I said, looking confused.
"... I... I know. I'm just making a comment. I don't know ..." He said lowly, shrugging. He hugged himself before becoming slowly uncomfortable. "These jungle voices aren't the only ones I'm hearing ... I wish I had no powers." He said frowning.
"It's okay. You know how to handle it." I said. A thought came into my head before he narrowed his eyes. "... Or not."
"Sorry." He said.
"It's fine." I said, giving a small smile.
"So... you want to hug me?" He asked.
"... You look like you need one." I said. At least let me hug you since you didn't let me last time.
"... Sometimes it's best to not get hugs from someone-" I grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug. I squeeze him tightly around the torso before I felt his arms around mines. "... unless it's from you, it's fine." He whispered.
"Oh, now it's fine." I whispered back, snickering.
"Don't make me regret this hug." He said quietly.
"Okay, okay." I said. We both leaned back, though he didn't let me go. Instead, he gave me an kiss, a gentle one. He leaned away, smirking at me. I sighed and shook my head slightly.
"Could I do more than just that?" He asked.
"... Depending if ... what you're thinking isn't against my nos." I said.
He snickered before giving me a wide grin. "It's probably is." I lowered my head and place it on his shirt before sighing. Great. Well, I don't want to waste the others' time though ... I'd doubt they'll guess what we'll be doing.
"Okay." I said.
"Oh? You're allowing me to do this?" He said as I lifted up my head.
"Why not, as long it doesn't take too long, we're good." I said.
"Alright, I can roll with that." He said, leaning in once more. I closed my eyes as I felt his lips against mine again. As we connected, the pathway to my thoughts disappeared. At last, I could do this properly though a little worry slipped through. Of course, it did. My heart raced against my chest once he deepened the kiss. My hands became a mind of their own, wrapping around his neck.
I hit something behind me but I didn't care. I paid no attention to it as I was focused at this moment. Pleasure rose within me when he dug in, causing multiple shivers to go down my spine. As well as a low noise rising in my throat. I soon broke away to catch my breath a bit, moving my hands down to his shoulders.
After a couple of seconds, I glanced up and met his gaze. He grinned mischievously, making me feel slightly anxious about what he'll do next. His gaze trailed onto my neck as I widened my eyes. I...- this would be something I would say no to. "May I?" Kahlil whispered.
"You don't have to ask again." I said quietly.
"Just making sure you are okay with it." He said, meeting my gaze with a smile. I smiled back and nodded. He leaned into my neck. His lips brush against my skin, making me flinch at the touch. It's so chilly, probably reminding me that it was cold around us. Though the warmth that rose within my body never left. Maybe that's the source of my forgetfulness.
I grip on tightly to his jacket as he went against my neck. I quivered slightly, trying to hold a noise back, though I let it slip through a few seconds later. It's been a while since ... he has done this. I wonder why- I gripped tightly as another noise came out of me. It felt like he was attached to my neck, doing something that was giving me shivers. What- I held back another noise, squeezing my eyes shut. W-what is he doing...? I held my ground a bit, realizing my legs were beginning to tremble. Though, it was slightly since I was pinned against something. Probably a tree. Soon, he stopped as I let out a small sigh of relief. "You're really not used to this." I heard him whisper.
"W-why would I be used to ... this ...?" I whispered, panting slightly.
"... I just thought that ... you would be since ... this isn't the first time." He whispered.
"... It will take some time ..." I said quietly, opening my eyes.
"Alright. Well, I'm satisfied." He said, leaning away from me. I lowered my head and sighed. "You doing okay there?"
"I am." I said quietly, nodding my head slightly.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." I answered, lifting my head up.
"Alright." He said as I met his gaze. He smiled softly before backing away. "You might ... wanna cover your neck up once we leave this place."
I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. He smirked before snickering at my reaction. "Why do you like to see me suffer?" I asked.
"I don't! Why say such a thing?~" He snickered again.
"You like to. I know you do!" I said, already repositioning my jacket to cover up the hickey he left.
"I don't, Dipper. I only like to mess with you." He said.
"Same thing."
"Oh my god." He said sighing before walking away from me. I covered my head with my hoodie before standing up from the tree. I folded my arms before looking over at the blond. "At least you told me beforehand."
"I wouldn't want to make you "suffer" more than you need to." He said, halting at the bushes. I sighed, regretting what I said a couple of seconds ago. I walked over to him. "Ready to go back to the others?"
"Sure. Let my embarrassment become a real thing." I said.
"Stop it." He said, placing a kiss on my cheek.
"Okay, I'll stop it." I said, chuckling. He pulled me closer to him before exiting the small area. We returned back to the others as I was questioned several times by my sister. I didn't answer any of them as it wasn't her business at all. Soon it was nearing the countdown. The fireworks were in place, all of us sit far away from them as Grunkle Ford lights them up at the right timing. We grew quiet before counting down the seconds left on the clock. And soon the fireworks blasted off into the sky. Mabel was the first to jump from her seat and shouted, "HAPPY NEW YEARS!" Wendy followed behind, as well as Soos.
I smiled softly at them before glancing over at the town below us. This is the final step for all of our lives here. Let's hope we can make it right and finished what we left off.
It's over Gideon.
End of Chapter 62
Told you guys it'll be a long while since I did one of the scenes from above. (look in chapter 46 for the note at the end for reference.)
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
See you in the final chapter. ^^