Hey fanfiction friends! Well this is it, the end of my fanfiction. I really want to make sure that I give this fanfiction the ending it deserves. I have decided to break it up into two parts, so that I can make sure that I do just that. Like I have said before I am really proud of this fanfiction, and most of the time my endings are my weakest point. I took a lot of time to think it over, and I believe I have thought up the best possible ending for you guys. I really hope you guys enjoy this fanfiction as much as I enjoyed writing it. I will probably be taking a good break to focus on school and everything before I write again, but checking my email to see you guys reviews, favorites, and follows is what keeps me going. Thank you guys for going on this emotional journey with me, now let's end this thing.

All the way to Piedmont Ford just sat in his car staring at the road ahead of him, playing possible conversations in his head. Stanley was so much better at connecting to the kids then he was. True, he and Dipper had established a special bond during their time together towards the end of the summer, but still compared to himself Dipper was a social butterfly. Ford had wanted to keep Dipper locked in a lab for the rest of his life, not exactly ideal socialization, and oh he couldn't even imagine poor Mabel. Stan was her partner in crime, and as much as he adored the girl he really didn't know her well enough to go through something like this with her. A million outcomes kept playing in his head, almost like various equations in his head, only this time it wasn't numbers he was messing with. It was the emotions of two young teens.

Far sooner than he thought he had arrived in front of the school, about thirty minutes before the curtain was set to rise. Ford took a deep breath, he knew good and well that he couldn't tell Mabel right before she went on stage, but he had to tell Dipper. It wasn't fair to him, but Ford hoped that Dipper could give Ford some pointers on how to help Mabel. Ford Pines had the mind of a brilliant scientist, but no one knew that strange, eccentric, girl more than young Dipper. Ford took one last glance at the beautiful night sky before entering the school, "Stanley give me strength," Ford whispered almost like a prayer.

Once Ford entered the school he found himself lost in a sea of young people. He wandered around awkwardly searching the crowd for the short boy who never removed the tan "fargo" hat as Ford often described it. Before long he found Mr. and Mrs. Pines at the concessions stand chatting with another couple. They gave him a small, sad, smile as he approached them. He had called and told them ahead of time, and as not fond as they were of some of Stan's antics (namely the pig honestly) they knew how much their children adored him. When Ford asked about Dipper's whereabouts they informed him that Dipper was already sitting in the front row saving their seats.

When Ford entered the theatre he found that Dipper was the first and only person there. Sitting proudly in the middle of the front row in his finest suit. Ford could see on Dipper's face that Dipper was just beaming with pride for his sister, it honestly made Ford really wish that he had been that supportive of Stanley when they were growing up. Looking back now it was almost funny to think about, but despite asking Dipper to be his apprentice, it appeared more clearly every day that he should have really been Dipper's apprentice on being a good brother.

Dipper heard the familiar footsteps as Ford made his way down toward him. "GRUNKLE FORD!" Dipper exclaimed tackling his great uncle in a tight hug. "It is so amazing to see you again! Did Grunkle Stan tell you about how I won the science fair? I can't wait to show you my project when we get back to Gravity Falls! How is Grunkle Stan feeling? I know Mabel felt really bad about yelling at him….she was just hurt, but wait until he sees the get well soon sweater she made him…Grunkle Ford, why are you crying?" Dipper asked after he finished rambling. He had noticed that his Grunkle's eyes had become red and puffy as he reached a hand to wipe the tear.

Ford took a deep breath, "Dipper…..I am so proud of the man you are becoming and…..and Stanley would be proud too," he said getting choked up in the process.

Dipper got a look of worry in his eyes, "Grunkle Ford…..what do you mean would be proud? It….it's just the flu, he just has the flu," Dipper said beginning to put two and two together, but not wanting to believe it.

"Dipper….my boy….it was more than the flu, he didn't want to worry you and Mabel….Dipper he's gone," Ford said breaking down as he pulled the boy into an embrace.

Dipper felt a piece of his heart permanently shatter at that moment, but just like he always did his mind immediately turned to his sister, "how are we going to tell Mabel?" Dipper asked as tears streamed his eyes.

Ford pulled him close, "let's cross that bridge together when we must ok Dipper?" Ford said offering Dipper his hand to help both of them to their seats as they tried desperately to wipe their tears before the curtain went up on the show.

The first act of the play went out without any issue. Mabel was absolutely gleaming on that stage, and she was without a doubt the shining star of the production. She brought her natural Mabel charm to the role, while also giving her character the respect she deserved. Ford let out his first honest laugh of the night during "helpless" when Mabel grabbed the boy who was playing Alexander Hamilton like a trophy at their pretend wedding. It was almost like it was the spirit of Stanley himself inside that little goofball of a girl. As Ford watched on he hoped that as tragic as losing his brother was that through the tragedy he could get closer to Mabel as a way to always remember his brother.

From up on stage even though Mabel was having the time of her life (the first act of the play was just as happy and fun as her) she couldn't help but feel uneasy. It really started as she sang "that would be enough", which was her most emotional song of the first act. As she glanced into the audience and caught Dipper's eye she suddenly felt a deep sting. Something was wrong and as soon as intermission started she intended to find out.

Sure enough at the moment the lights in the theatre went up Ford and Dipper were bombarded by the little girl in the fancy dress. "What the hay hay bro bro? Why do you two mopey dopeys look so sad….you aren't supposed to be sad until the second act!" Mabel demanded as she tapped her foot in a manner that told both Ford and Dipper that she wouldn't let this go.

Ford took a deep breath and then suddenly gathered Mabel into his arms causing her to giggle a bit, but the look on Ford's face told her this wasn't a joke. He carried her to a private place backstage, and sat her on his lap. Then he did something Mabel never dreamed he would do and began to sing to the tune of "dear Theodosia"

My dear little Mabel how to say to you

Sometime last night

Your Grunkle breathed your name

And like a flame that flickers out….he died….he's gone

Ford was full on sobbing at this point, while all poor Mabel could do was sit with her mouth a gasp.

He dedicated every day to you

He saved my life, he made my life worthwhile

And when you smile….

I know a part of him lives on

I know we can go on-

Before Ford could finish, however, Mabel was leaping off his lap running as quickly away from him as her legs could carry her.