Thank you to everyone who has so patiently waited for this update. It's been three weeks. Oh boy, has life been dragging me along. My job has been extremely short staffed requiring me to have to work extra hours, I've been getting ready for an upcoming convention this weekend, there's been illness, stress, and depression. It's been a rough three weeks.
I intended to have this up by Sunday, Monday at the latest. Clearly that didn't happen. Again I apologize for the delay and thank you all for waiting.
Energy witch designed the new cover art for this fanfic. She has also posted some new fanart to go along with this story and the first one. They're all on her DeviantArt page if you want to check them out.
Thank you to Female Fantasy Freak, Berrybanana05, Energy witch, RainbowRat3, Marisol777, TDICELEBRITY14, Cookie Senpai, Rivkae Winters, CornChip, MoonLover765, Back in Bismuth, ReederWolf7, and Ella Le Hissy for your reviews on chapter twenty six.
Cookie Senpai: That actually sounds like an interesting story idea. I'll have to keep that in mind for a possible future chapter or story.
Ella Le Hissy: It won't be said yet in this chapter. I'm debating whether it should be finally revealed in the next one, or if it would be better to keep it a mystery.
Ah yes, everyone seems to be in consensus that Bill shouldn't have lied. Who knows maybe it will someday come back to bite him.
The next morning all five members of the household met downstairs with their belongings packed. Stan, Ford, and Bill all piled their luggage in Stan's car while Dipper and Mabel left theirs by the door. Stan made the arrangements with Soos and Abuelita so that the twins could stay with them while they were on vacation.
Each of them ate a nutritious breakfast of pancakes and orange juice. Now they waited on the porch for Soos to arrive to take the younger two back to his house. All five jumped up when the familiar pick up truck came into view.
Mabel hugged both of her great-uncles and Bill goodbye, already scheming how to get Stan and Susan back together. Dipper on the other hand didn't bother to hide the disappointment in his face and voice that he didn't get to tag along to Las Vegas with them. He considered pulling Mabel's trick and hiding in the backseat. If he bribed Bill with enough candy, he wouldn't tell.
Stan approached Soos. He clapped the younger man on the arm then handed him the key.
"I'm leaving you in charge," Stan said. "Don't screw it up."
Soos smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Pines," the handyman cried. "It's a tremendous honor." He then hugged Stan who started and tried to squirm away.
"Come on, Soos, don't get all teary eyed on me," Stan grumbled while the others laughed.
The group split into separate vehicles. Ford, Stan, and Bill waved as the twins rode away in Soos' truck. They then boarded their own car and headed in the opposite direction.
Stan sat in the driver's seat while Ford rode passenger. Bill laid down in the entirety of the backseat with his arms folded underneath his head. They passed in silence for nearly twenty minutes save for Stan's off-key singing about how much money he'd win.
Bill smiled as he stared up at the car's ceiling. How nice it would be to get away to a different location. It had been over thirty years since the last time he visited Las Vegas, however this time he would experience it in corporal form.
"So, you ever gambled before?" Stan asked Ford.
"I have," answered Ford. "In fact there's an entire dimension in which everything is based on chance."
"Heh, I wouldn't mind going there," Stan said.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure," Ford replied. Stan frowned and his twin elaborated. "If fate determines it, you could be forced to marry the most hideous of women."
"Yeesh, nevermind," Stan exclaimed.
Bill laughed from the backseat.
Under his breath Stan muttered, "I just barely escaped marrying some weird-eyed broad."
Ford and Bill exchanged glances. How they wished Mabel the ever optimist never entrusted them with that mission of great importance.
"Oh, but there will be lots of babes and cash to win where we're headed," Stan said, grinning wider than either of the other two had ever seen.
Another few moments of silence passed over the car. Ford sighed as he adjusted himself in his seat. All morning his gut told him he made a mistake agreeing to Stan's impulsive plan. The low number on his most recent bank statement gave him every reason to have stayed home. However his niece and the being in the backseat once again persuaded him.
Bill broke the silence as he said, "You didn't tell him your other secret."
"What secret?" Stan asked.
The look on Ford's face showed he too was curious to where Bill headed with this story.
"Fordsy here is an expert card counter," Bill explained.
"Really?" Stan asked.
"I wouldn't say expert," Ford said and waved his hand.
"Please, you won so much, you got yourself and poor ol' Fiddle-Me-This kicked outta the casino," said Bill. Ford blanched and Bill pointed to his forehead. "Don't forget, I was in here."
"Heh, I shoulda brought you to Vegas a long time ago," Stan said.
Ford rolled his eyes. He grimaced at the sound of Bill's laughter from the backseat. At the very least Ford was relieved Bill didn't delve further into that previous trip.
"That's nothing compared to what happened later," Bill said.
Ford's eyes widened and he cursed himself for even thinking that thought which only proved to jinks himself.
Bill continued, "When you and Fiddlesticks left the casino and decided to grab a drink each. Then-"
"Bill!" Ford shouted. He glared back at the grinning man in the backseat. "We never speak of this again."
"Oh, now I'm curious, Sixer, what happened?" Stan asked laughing.
"Never, Stanley!" Ford snapped.
Bill hummed. "If I tell you, Stanno, you'll never look at your brother or Fiddle-Dee-Dee the same way again."
Stan shuddered as horrific thoughts filled his brain. He turned on the radio to rid his mind of unwanted images.
They arrived at Las Vegas a little after seven. Bill sat glued to the window staring at all the flashing lights and interesting people they passed by. While much had changed, the nostalgia of the many similarities hit Ford full force.
Nearly half an hour later they reach their hotel.
One at a time the three stepped out of their car. Stan stretched his arms then placed his hands on his hips as he recalled the numerous vacations he spent in that very city. The night before Stan phoned the Paris hotel and booked two rooms: one to lodge Stan and the second for Bill and Ford to share.
Bill stared over to the left, his mouth hanging open in a smile, at the lit up replica of the Eiffel tower in front of the grand hotel. On the right stood an illuminated hot air balloon with the word: Paris in the center. The place looked even fancier than Livingwell.
The trio entered stepping on the ornate rug with crystal chandeliers hanging above. The rug ended and they stepped on shining decorative tiles. Bill gazed at all the fancy paintings that lined the walls. While Ford appreciated the fanciness of the place, his stomach strained at the thought of how much a night or two in that place would cost him. He glanced over at Bill who took in all the sights, seemingly unaware of how tight of a budget they'd be on before the summer's end.
After Stan paid for his room it was Ford's turn. Bill watched Ford speak with the overly cheerful receptionist. He noticed a pained expression on his boyfriend's face while he reached for his wallet. Three hundred dollar bills were passed into the woman's hand. She gave him his change and Ford thanked her with a false smile before turning back towards Bill. He released a sigh then motioned for Bill to follow.
Their rooms sat next to each other. Stan used the keycard to get inside then winked at the other two just a few feet down.
The air conditioned room welcomed the men. Bill ran in ahead and looked out the window. He hopped, already wanting to join their excitement. He glanced back at Ford who dropped his suitcase on the floor.
"Fordsy's looking glum," Bill said.
Ford sighed and sat down on the foot of the bed.
"Look, Bill," he said. "This may be the last trip we take for a long time."
"You're not getting sick, are you?" Bill asked, crossing over the room to stand directly in front of Ford.
The human shook his head. "This sudden trip, the hotel cost was an unnecessary and unexpected expense." He crossed his arms. "I had budgeted enough money to last through summer...but I'm not sure it will last now."
"Sixer, did you forget where we are?" Bill asked.
Ford glared up at his boyfriend. "Bill, I've already decided. I'm not going waste what money I have left gambling."
Bill sat down next to the larger man and threw his arms around him. In his ear he whispered, "Well, I think it's time to bring your old skill back into play."
"You're a bad influence," Ford said.
"Oh, I know," Bill replied then kissed Ford on the cheek.
Stan walked into the casino wearing a blue and white Hawaiian shirt with khaki pants. His hands firmly on his hips and a wide smile on his face he surveyed the action then moved on in. A pretty cocktail waitress approached him with a complimentary drink that he accepted and gave the woman a wink.
Just up ahead a woman in her late twenties exchanged her chips for cash. She turned to see Stan leaning one arm against a machine and flashing her a smile.
"Hey, there hot stuff, what do ya say we get some drinks and have some fun?" he asked.
"Ew," she said and walked on by.
Stan shrugged. She was just one of many suitable candidates to rid his mind of Susan, surely someone in the room would prove to be better company.
Not wanting a perfectly good margarita to go to waste he chugged it down in one gulp then sat the empty glass atop a machine. He slid over to one of the slot machines and grinned at a woman close to forty. She returned his gesture then resumed playing.
Stan inserted a quarter into the slot and pulled the lever. He frowned to see the a losing set of three then grumbled as he added another coin. Another loss and he gritted his teeth with the decision of a third try and then he'd go somewhere else. The machine took pity on him announcing the twenty dollar reward.
"Would you look at that?" Stan said to the player next to him. "Looks like I'm lucky." He wagged his eyebrows at her.
The woman wrinkled her nose in disgust. She grabbed her purse and moved to another machine on another aisle. Stan pouted then using one of the credits from his win pulled the lever. He was greeted with another losing screen. Three more tries each concluded with him losing.
Stan waved over the waitress and ordered another drink. He downed half of it in one gulp then pulled the lever. His frown deepened seeing another loss taunting him.
"Yeah, my luck's all run out," he said to himself then finished the drink.
Stan stared at his reflection through the shiny surface of the machine. He knitted his brows at the thought of his own pity party and slammed the empty cup down. He stood, scooting the chair back, causing a few nearby patrons to look his way.
"This ain't you, Stan Pines," he said to himself. "Ain't no one gonna tell you you're outta the game."
He scanned the casino for his favorite game. Towards the back stood the craps table where he had won endless times before (almost always getting himself eventually thrown out). With hands on his hips and a huge smile on his face he marched over to the table.
Meanwhile, back in Gravity Falls, Tad Strange prepared his dinner. On the ceramic plate sat two slices of bread. He squirted a circle of mustard on both slices then added two slices of turkey, one slice of ham, a square of cheddar cheese, and a leaf of lettuce. Tad combined the top bread onto the rest of his sandwich then admired his handiwork.
A few corn chips were poured onto his plate and then he walked into the living room with the plate in one hand and a glass of milk in the other. He sat the cup on a coaster atop the coffee table then turned on the TV to the evening news. His teeth bit into the delectable sandwich and his tongue rejoiced at the savory flavor. What a perfect meal after a long day at the office.
The meal was short lived as he heard a knock at the door. Tad sat the sandwich back on the plate then placed it on the table next to his drink. He wiped his hands with the napkin, straightened out his shirt and tie, then proceeded for the door.
He lifted a brow at the unknown woman standing on his doorstep.
"Thaddeus Strange?" Avery asked. Tad nodded. "My name is Dr. Caroline Avery." She showed Tad her badge. "I need to ask you a few questions. May I enter?"
Tad stared at his visitor, slightly shaking at the thought he had accidentally broken some law, or saw something he hadn't expected to. Sometimes he still had nightmares about men in red robes dragging him away. Avery shut the door behind her and moved further into the house, Tad followed behind.
"What-what's this about?" Tad asked.
"Don't be afraid, Thaddeus," she said.
"Tad, please," he said. "Thaddeus is such a mouthful to say." He led her to the couch. "Pardon the mess, I just sat down to dinner." He crossed one leg over the other.
"I'll make this quick," Caroline said. "Is it true you are an acquaintance of Bill Cipher and Stanford Pines?"
Tad flinched at the mention of those names. He swallowed then said, "That is true." The dangling foot shook, an action that didn't go unnoticed by the social worker.
She smirked then relaxed her smile as she looked up at her witness. "How would you describe your relationship with Mr. Cipher?"
The question caught Tad off guard. He cleared his throat and shifted, crossing the other leg over the opposite knee.
"We're friends," he answered. He glanced over at the redhead to see her stare. "I haven't talked to him in a while." He swallowed again and decided to ask the dreaded question. "Is he-is he okay?"
"Do you have any reason to believe he wouldn't be?" she countered.
Tad's heart pounded. He tried to block out the image of Bill's eyes that night. He took a deep breath and reminded himself it was only his overactive imagination. However the trick of the light that night helped to bring back memories of those nightmares.
"Mr. Strange?" Avery inquired.
Tad blinked. He gave her a weak smile which quickly fell. "No," he answered. "Nothing."
"I understand that back in February you were taken to the hospital for stitches?" she asked flipping through the pages in her folder.
"That's true," Tad answered.
"Can you explain what happened?" the social worker asked. She looked up from the paperwork.
"It happened so fast," Tad explained. "Some guy tried to rob me. When I tried to apprehend him he cut my arm and fled through the front door." Tad pointed at the door then looked back at the woman. "All that's in the police report."
After having his injury treated the local detective entered his room to get his statement. Tad made up the story which for the most part was the truth. The police had arrived at his house the following afternoon to search the crime scene. Nothing of value had been stolen.
"I also understand that Bill Cipher was here and he assisted you to the ambulance," Caroline stated.
Again Tad nodded.
The social worker smirked and adjusted her glasses. "Is there any specific reason he was here?"
Tad looked away.
"Mr. Strange, it's okay, you can tell me," Caroline said and placed a hand on his shoulder. "How is it that Bill Cipher managed to be here that night?"
"It's kind of personal," Tad replied.
Caroline sighed. She flipped through a heavy amount of pages. "You don't have to answer, Mr. Strange, but I can't guarantee that will good news for your friend."
Tad's heart skipped.
"I mean no suspect was caught," Avery continued. "You were injured and both Bill Cipher and Stanford Pines were on the premises." She paused for a few seconds then added, "It wasn't the first time this happened."
"Bill didn't do anything wrong," Tad replied. Caroline sat speechless, but let the man continue. "Look, Bill and Stanford were having some relationship troubles and he came over to get away. I let-I let him spend the night."
"What kind of relationship troubles?" she asked.
Tad sat still. "It's-it's not my place to say."
"You said he needed to get away?" Caroline asked. She smiled. Tad gulped as her cold fingers touched his knee. "Mr. Strange, do you have any reason to believe Mr. Pines did anything to hurt Mr. Cipher?"
"I...uh..." Tad said. "I don't-I don't think..."
"I have good reason to believe Stanford Pines is mistreating Bill. Now, if Bill is being ill used, don't you think it's best we find out?"
"It was all a misunderstanding," Tad said. "That's-that's what Bill told me."
"Surely you don't believe it," Caroline replied. "I've seen it too many times. The victim will make excuses for their abusers."
"It can't be," Tad said. "Bill...Bill went back to him."
"That also happens too many times," Avery said with a sigh. "But I am curious why Stanford Pines was also here the night of the robbery."
"Bill called him," Tad answered. "After-after we were attacked and-and he came over."
"He got here before the cops and ambulance?" Avery questioned. "All the way from the Mystery Shack?"
"Bill called him first," Tad replied.
"Now why would Bill call Mr. Pines before 9-1-1?" Avery asked. "Perhaps if he had they could've caught the robber."
"I don't know," Tad said. "He-he wasn't thinking straight. That man could've killed us both."
"Another reason it doesn't make sense for him to call Mr. Pines first," Avery countered. "It is odd, Mr. Strange, you have to see that."
"Bill wasn't thinking clearly," Tad repeated. "Mr. Pines is the one who called the ambulance."
"Did Mr. Pines encourage Bill to get examined by a medical professional?" Avery asked.
Tad shook his head. "Bill wasn't hurt."
"And neither one came to visit you in the hospital," Avery said. "That doesn't make much sense."
"Bill came by the next day," Tad said. "He said he and Stanford had something to do. I didn't ask."
"Not a very good friend. After you offered to house him, he wouldn't see you until the next day," Avery said. Tad tried to argue, but Avery continued. "I wonder if perhaps Mr. Pines threatened Bill not to come back to you."
"I don't think so," said Tad. "Bill, he's not, I mean he can handle his own."
"He can?" she asked, tilting her head. Her teeth glistened in the overhead lighting.
"Look, from what I saw that night, Ford's no threat to Bill," Tad said. He inhaled sharply when he realized he gave away too much.
"What did you see?" she inquired.
Tad shook his head. "It's-it's nothing."
"Mr. Strange, please," she said. "If you can give me a good reason to believe Mr. Pines can't and won't hurt Bill, I would very much like to hear it."
Tad thought for a moment. He knew for a fact Ford hadn't hurt Bill physically. From what Bill informed him the day following the incident, Ford repented for his moment of infidelity and as far as he knew, Ford hadn't broken his word.
"Bill was able to push that robber off of me," Tad admitted. "He would've hurt me worse if Bill didn't intervene. He's strong. Really strong."
"Stronger than Stanford Pines?" asked Caroline.
"Definitely," Tad said. He shuddered at that memory. The more he thought of it, the more certain he was it hadn't been his imagination, or the positioning of the light. "It's not everyday you see that kind of strength."
"Hmm," Caroline mused. She tapped her bottom lip with her pen. "Bill is roughly half the size of Stanford Pines." She tilted her head to the side and gave Tad a sweet smile. "And you say he can keep Mr. Pines in check."
"It's not about size," Tad retorted. "If you saw what I saw that night, you'd understand." The woman smiled and again Tad kicked himself for giving away too much information. He added as an afterthought, "Adrenaline, probably."
"It's likely," she said. The woman stood, Tad's eyes following her ascent. "That's all I need for now." She pulled a business card from her purse and slipped it into his hand. "If you have anything you want to tell me, give me a call."
With that she took her leave. Tad walked her to the door. Avery thanked him for his kindness then brisk walked down the driveway. From the doorway he watched her climb into her fancy car and pull away.
Once his visitor left his property Tad stepped back inside his house. He closed and locked the door. Between his thumb and index finger he held the rectangular, ivory card. He now wondered if there was more to the story than what Bill told him. Though to be fair, he had asked Bill not to tell him anymore than he wanted to hear; he didn't want the nightmares to return.
Tad sighed and placed the card on the fireplace mantle. He glanced over in the direction of his forgotten dinner. Suddenly he no longer felt hungry. What a tragedy he'd have to waste such a perfect sandwich.
Ford and Bill walked into the casino. They scanned the place for any sign of Stan and Ford sighed when he saw his brother at the center of the craps table, rolling the dice. The audience cheered when he landed the number. A middle-aged woman hugged Stan by the middle and kissed him on the cheek.
Ford sighed and regretted having to tell Mabel they failed her mission.
The cocktail waitress approached the two. She winked at Bill then slid a drink in his hand.
"It's on the house, handsome," she said, her ruby lips curved into a smile.
Bill nodded then tipped the cup backwards. She winked again and purposely bumped her hip against his as she walked on by. Bill turned his neck to watch her hips sway as she moved. Ford pretended not to notice.
"Good luck, Sixer," Bill said with a nod to Ford.
The mentioned returned Bill gesture then eyed the black jack table a little ways down. The current round offered room for two more players. Ford sat down in one of the vacant chairs.
"How ya doin' ol' man?" a large man asked in a thick southern accent.
"The same as anyone else, taking it one day at a time," Ford answered.
The other three at the table laughed. Ford presented his chips and stacked them in front.
"You played before?" the same man asked.
"It's been a while," Ford answered.
"Just a fair warning, this game is tough," the man to Ford's left said. "I hope you can keep up."
"Don't worry about me," Ford said with a smile. In a few rounds he planned to repeat that same line.
The dealer, a man in his early thirties with black hair and light brown eyes greeted his new challenger. The dealer's name tag read: Raoul. He flipped the first card over to Ford who smiled at the seven of hearts-it was a good start.
Quickly he glanced over at the dealer's cards, thus far totaling up to seventeen. A second later he watched the man to his left ask for another card, a three which brought him to eighteen. The player inhaled through the gap in his teeth, producing a whistle.
"What will it be?" Raoul asked Ford.
Having calculated the odds to be in his favor he nodded and with a grin Raoul placed a card atop of his first. Ford smiled as he stared down at a six of spades-a total of thirteen.
The southerner to Ford's right asked for another hit. He groaned when the total of his three exceeded him to twenty four. The man sighed and crossed his arms as his chips were swept away.
Ford continued to rapidly calculate and when it came his turn to call he accepted the offer. A seven of clubs sat atop of Ford's cards. The man who recently lost chuckled, commenting Ford's success to beginner's luck.
The round continued until only Ford and Raoul remained. The dealer flipped over a card himself, a ten of hearts which put him over. Raoul smiled at the new player then awarded him with an award of chips. Ford eyed the tokens that would later be converted into cash, grateful he had taken Bill's suggestion.
Meanwhile Bill played a few slots. He used his magic to ensure a win everytime. After four minor wins he pulled the lever and grinned before the five hundred dollar jackpot hit. Everyone stared as he stood beneath flashing lights and blaring whistles.
Bill looked over in Ford's direction. The human shook his head and sighed as he glanced over to where his boyfriend stood. Bill's grin increased when he caught the ghost of a smile on Ford's face before the latter turned his attention back to his own game.
Bored with controlling the outcome, Bill moved on through the casino. He tapped his chin as he watched his beloved's profile. Dearest Fordsy looked focused as he quickly calculated his odds. Bill bit down on his lip as the sight of Ford so into his game proved to be a turn on. Suddenly Bill wondered what could be so intriguing about that particular game.
Ford and the others at the table looked up when Bill sat two chairs down from Ford. Bill leaned over the table to grin at his boyfriend and Ford only lifted a brow, curious to what Bill could possibly be up to. The man in between the two looked from one to the other. He collected his chips and left the table, thanking the dealer for a good game. Bill wasted no time in hopping in the chair next to Ford.
"Playing this round?" Raoul asked.
Bill looked up into the eyes of the thirty-something. Raoul was taken aback by the golden irises that met him. How well they worked with his complexion and hair color. He smiled at Bill who sat his chips in front of him.
Raoul slid a card over to the new customer. Bill looked down to be faced with a ten of clubs.
"Want a hit?" the dealer asked.
The blond grinned, showing off his teeth. Raoul followed Bill's order and laid down a card face up: an eight of diamonds.
Raoul then moved onto Ford who requested another card. He was given a four of diamonds which brought his score to nineteen-good odds. He watched the next man being dealt a queen which put him over. He crossed his arms and cursed fate for being so cruel to him that night. Raoul then dealt himself a card, a three which brought him to sixteen.
Again it was Bill's turn.
"It's close, but what do you say?" Raoul asked.
Bill shrugged. "You know, I never back down from a challenge," he said.
Raoul smiled. "A risky type, I like that," he said in a rich baritone.
"Very well," Bill said. He held out his arms and leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Do your worst."
Ford shook his head.
The dealer chuckled. He flipped over a card, a ten of spades.
"Ooh, tough break," Raoul said and shook his head.
Bill sat up straight, allowing his chair to fall back in place. He leaned over the table and crossed his arms. He smiled up at the dealer who collected Bill's chips along with the cards.
Raoul then turned to Ford. There was a decent chance he'd receive a two or an ace, but there was no guarantee at the moment. He shook his head and responded that he'd keep his current hand. Raoul then flipped over another card, a nine that won Ford another round.
Bill grinned at the amount of chips sent Ford's way. Just as Ford went to gather his winnings the man to his right sat up. He rubbed his eyes then pointed at Ford's hand.
"Either I had too much to drink, or you got yourself six fingers on that hand," he exclaimed.
Ford looked down at his hand and brought his fingers into his palm forming a fist.
"Either put down your chips or get lost," Bill said.
The other man stared at Bill. The demon's eyes flashed red for a second and the man jumped out of his chair. He caught himself before falling to the floor. He stared, his mouth gaping. Again Bill's eyes were their regular gold. Nevertheless, the other man spoke out loud that it was time to call it a night. He made his exit from the casino, occasionally looking back at Bill and Ford. He nearly bumped his face into the wall, missing it by only two inches.
"I'm sorry about that," Raoul said to Ford.
"To be honest, I'm used to it," Ford replied.
Bill patted Ford's left hand. "And if I'm honest, I like that extra digit," he said.
Ford pulled his hand away from Bill, the latter laughing at the slight blush on his boyfriend's face.
"Want another go?" Raoul asked.
"Double or nothing, hotshot," Bill said.
"You're a gambling man?" Raoul asked placing one hand on his hip.
"Believe it or not, making deals is what got me this far," Bill answered.
Ford shot Bill a look. Bill only winked at Ford then returned his attention to Raoul.
The dealer nodded. With the flick of his wrist a new card was slid across the table in front of the customer and a new game began.
Back at the craps table the stickman held out the bowl of dice to Stan who quickly surveyed his options. He selected two then held the red cubes in his hand. The woman who had caught his attention stood clutching his shirt. The surrounding players placed their bets.
Stan shook the dice in his hand. The woman released her hold on him and cupped her hands over her mouth.
Stan grinned at his new acquaintance and said, "If I win this, sugar bear, I'm taking you out for drinks."
She clapped her hands. Her sandy curls bounced with the movement. With a giggle replied, "Then you better win."
The players held their breaths as Stan rolled the dice. They smacked against the back wall then bounced back. The red cubes rolled until the first landed on a four and the second a three. Those who had bet wisely cheered. The woman clapped her hands then threw her arms around Stan's neck. She smooched him on the cheek, her forehead raising the temples of his glasses.
Stan threw his arm around her. "Alright, Susan, let's get going," he cried.
"Stacy," she corrected. "But you were close." She patted Stan on the back.
He accepted his money, four hundred dollars collected from the first round. The two took their leave. Stacy put her arm around Stan's waist.
Out of the corner of his eye Bill noticed Stan slip away with that stranger. He sighed a hint of remorse for Mabel then returned his attention to his game.
"So where are you gentlemen from?" Raoul asked as he gave Bill a card.
Bill grinned at his luck, already sixteen.
"Oregon," Ford answered. His new card brought him up to fifteen-an extra card could go either way. He relaxed himself with a breathing technique he learned during his early years of Gravity Falls. He had tried to teach it to his anxious colleague, but Fiddleford could never master it.
"I've heard it's a nice place," Raoul said.
"It is, lots of natural beauty," Bill replied.
"I can see that," Raoul commented.
Bill looked up to see a sincere smile on the dealer's face. Bill returned the other man's gesture.
"Aren't you the sweetest," Bill said with a laugh.
"Let's just say everyday I meet thousands of people, but none stood out like you," Raoul continued.
Ford glared at his boyfriend and the casino employee.
"Oh, yes, I am one of a kind," Bill said with a laugh.
Ford shut his eyes. He reminded himself to keep focused and not lose count.
Raoul flipped over a card for himself. He smiled.
"Fitting," he said and placed it down so Bill could see the ace of hearts.
Ford set his attention on Bill. From the look in his eyes the blond only humored the other, nothing more. Still it didn't do much to ease the sting in his heart.
Bill asked for another card and received a five which put him at twenty two, one over.
"If only you'd gotten this one first," Raoul said pointing to his most recent card.
"Your heart," Bill commented. He stared at the ace of hearts for a few seconds. He then raised his gaze and with a smile replied, "I think I already did."
Raoul smiled and Ford clenched his fist.
The young dealer turned to his older customer. He politely asked if Ford wanted another card. Ford's breathing hitched when he realized he had lost count. He stared down at his two cards, a total of fifteen. In a rare act of impulse he agreed and was instantly shown his mistake. An eight of clubs rested atop his other two putting him over. Raoul swiped away his chips for that round.
"A broken streak," Raoul commented.
Ford sighed. He nodded in defeat then collected his remaining chips into a bucket. That night alone he managed to earn a little under six hundred; it wouldn't do much to stable his bank account, but it would buy him more time.
"You're not staying for another round?" asked Raoul.
Ford shook his head. "No, it's been a long day," he replied. He stood, both men following him with his eyes. "I'm tired. I'll try again tomorrow after a long rest." When Bill wouldn't be there to distract his focus.
Ford said a quick farewell to the dealer then moved onto the counter to exchange his chips for cash. Bill turned back to the employee, deciding he'd play one more round in Ford's absence. Only Bill and the dealer remained at the table.
"Is he a family member or a close friend?" Raoul asked. He placed a card in front of Bill.
The blond examined the eight of clubs. He shook his head. "He's actually my boyfriend."
"Really?" Raoul gasped. He chuckled then glanced over to where Ford waited in line behind another patron. "He's so much..." He trailed off when he remembered his station. Those brown eyes landed back on Bill who waited for the next move.
"Older?" Bill assumed.
"Forgive me. It's not my place," said Raoul.
"Don't worry about it, we're actually both used to it," Bill replied with a laugh.
Raoul let out a sigh of relief. "Still, it was rude of me to even think."
"I'm actually a lot older than I look," Bill said with a wink.
Raoul blushed. He cleared his throat then set a card in front of him: a queen of spades.
"I take it he treats you well," Raoul said.
Bill shrugged. He signed for a hit. "Better than I deserve most would say." A three of diamonds sat atop his first card. Bill crossed his arms and leaned back against the chair. "Yeah, he's a good man. A little boring at times, but I could do worse."
"You could do better," Raoul said.
Bill opened his mouth to ask for another card, but it hung open. He looked up in those soft eyes and he found himself smiling.
"If you were mine, I'd worship you like a king," Raoul said.
He then flipped over a king of hearts. Bill smiled.
"I believe you just won," said Raoul.
Ford returned as the game ended.
"Look, Sixer!" Bill cried as he pointed to the cards. "I won!"
Raoul pushed the chips in front of Bill. He stood and thanked the dealer for a great game. The chips were inserted into his pocket and the two moved on towards the door.
"We should find Stanley," Ford said.
"Oh, he's long gone," Bill replied. "Went off with that woman."
"I see you have no intention of keeping your promise," Ford said with a lifted brow.
Bill shrugged. "If your brother wants to have a good time, I say let him." He grinned and then wrapped his arm around Ford's just as they reached the elevator. "Speaking of good times, how about you and I have some fun."
"Not tonight, Bill, I'm tired," Ford answered as the elevator doors shut.
Bill groaned. "Sixer, you're always giving excuses. You're tired, you're worried, you have work to do, I'm injured." He put his hands on his hips and glared at his boyfriend. "Don't you want me anymore?"
"Bill, I'm not in the mood for this," Ford argued.
"I'm just saying others would kill to have a boyfriend as fine as me," Bill said. He recalled the Sandersons and added, "Actually, that has literally been the case."
The elevator doors opened and the two headed down the hallway to their room.
"Tomorrow, I promise," Ford said. "Before breakfast."
"Fine, no excuses," Bill replied.
Ford stepped inside. He turned back to see Bill still in the hallway.
"Are you coming in?" the human asked.
Bill shook his head. "No, I'm in Vegas. There's much more fun things to do than watch you sleep." He turned then looked over his shoulder. With a sly grin he asked, "What would McFiddleBucket think of you turning in so early?"
Ford narrowed his eyes. "Don't you dare," he hissed.
Bill grinned. He put a finger over his mouth and said, "You're secret is safe."
After making sure Bill still had his key, Ford shut the door and prepared to turn in for the night. Meanwhile Bill took the stairs back down to the bottom level. He walked out the door and headed for the strip when he heard someone call his name.
Bill looked back and there standing on the wall with a cigarette in hand was none other than Raoul.
"Off already?" Bill asked.
Raoul blew smoke from his lips. "You were my last customer," he answered. "The next shift came in." He took another drag. "Where's your boyfriend?"
"He went to bed," Bill answered.
Raoul snuffed the burning edge of his cigarette in the tray then sprayed some cheap cologne on his suit.
"Is this your first trip to Vegas?" he asked.
"Oh, it's been a while," Bill answered.
With hands behind his back Raoul approached. "If you don't mind, I can give you a tour of the place. Maybe get a bite to eat, see some sights?" He smiled and a hand tossed his loose bangs. "What do you say?"
Bill grinned. What Ford didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
Oh Bill. Why?
What a long chapter. Again I apologize for such a long wait. I hope this was worth it.
I have never actually been to Vegas. I'm only going off what I've seen on TV and what family members have told me.