I do not own Gravity Falls.


Prompt: Underneath the tree


A Magical Sight

"Dipping-Dots, wake up!"

Dipper cracked open his eyes, staring blearily at his sister, who loomed over him. "What?" he asked with a yawn.

"Come downstairs with me," she whispered excitedly.

"Mabel, it's four in the morning," he moaned, casting a brief glance at the clock sitting on his nightstand table. "Can't this wait?"

"No. C'mon."

With a weary sigh, Dipper reluctantly crawled out from his warm covers, feet touching the cold floor. He rubbed at his eyes as he followed his sister and Waddles out of the attic and down the stairs. Mabel skipped lightly down the wooden steps, her green Christmas nightgown skimming around her ankles.

They reached the first floor and they entered the living room. All thoughts of sleep left Dipper's mind at the sight before him, and he let out a soft, awed noise.

"I know, right?" whispered Mabel gleefully.

The Christmas tree stood against the wall; a golden star perched proudly on top. The room was illuminated with a soft blue glow from the lights draped around the branches, and the ornaments dangling from the tips shimmered.

Underneath the gorgeous tree were dozens of neatly wrapped Christmas presents, most of which had not been there when the kids had gone to bed. Packages in red and green paper, decorated with snowmen, reindeer, Santa Clauses and gingerbread cookies. Silver and gold bows were fixed to the top of every present. The floor space around the tree was covered with presents, some stacked on top of each other and piled against the wall.

"What do you think is in that one?" asked Dipper, pointing to a particularly large box that was wrapped with silver snowman Christmas paper.

"I dunno. Let's snoop."

It was something they had done since they were little, poking at their presents and attempting to guess what was inside. They never sought out the presents before they were wrapped, as they wanted to be surprised on Christmas morning.

Creeping across the wooden floor, the twins poked, prodded and carefully shook the presents that bore their names. Mabel discovered she was getting some clothes, but she had no idea what designs or style it might be. Dipper found some book-shaped gifts and he had a few guesses of what the titles might be.

"I wonder what's in here…" muttered Dipper, carefully stepping around the presents to get to the large box. He spotted the Christmas tag, which read, 'To Dipper and Mabel, From Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford'.

"Maybe a television," whispered Mabel, peering over her brother's shoulder.

Dipper studied the shape of the box. "I don't think a T.V. could fit in there."

Mabel tilted her head to the side, expression thoughtful. "Hmm….maybe it's a big box of candy!"

"Possible, and a welcome idea," agreed Dipper.

"What are you two doing?"

Jolting in surprise, the twins whirled around to see Ford standing in the living room entryway, wearing his dark red housecoat. He surveyed them sternly overtop his glasses and said, "You weren't snooping through your presents, were you?"

"A little bit," admitted Dipper with a sheepish expression. "We were just poking them."

"Uh-huh." Mildly amused, Ford jerked his head towards the stairs. "Come, back to bed with you."

Mabel rocked back on her heels; hands folded behind her back. "We're too excited to sleep now."

Ford crossed his arms. "Oh really?"

"Uh-huh. But another tuck-in might help."

"I'm sure," said Ford with a slight shake of his head.

But he opened his arms and the twins happily rushed over, jumping into his embrace and giggling when they were lifted into the air. Ford started towards the stairs, a twin under each arm, and as he started to ascend the steps he asked, "So what did Stanley get me?"

Dipper and Mabel exchanged secretive glances.

"Well," replied Dipper with a smile, "you're just going to have to wait until Christmas to find out."