I do not own Gravity Falls.
Prompt: Vacation
Winter Vacation
The bus rolled across the salt-strewn road, jerking back and forth with each pothole and bump the wheels hit. At the back of the bus Dipper and Mabel peered eagerly out the frosted windows, watching the blurry scenery speed by.
"We're almost there," breathed Mabel excitedly, settling back against her seat and petting Waddles' ears.
It had taken quite a bit convincing to get their parents to agree to send them to Gravity Falls for Christmas. They didn't understand why their children wanted so badly to go back to the small town in Oregon. But they also could not deny that there was something about Gravity Falls that made the twins happier, more cheerful. So they agreed, and the twins were packed on a bus for the long journey to their favourite place on Earth to see their favourite people.
"What do you think they'll want for Christmas?" asked Dipper.
"I'm not sure, but we'll figure it out," said Mabel confidently. "We'll just have to drop hints."
"Gravity Falls!" the bus driver called. "We've arrived at Gravity Falls!"
"Yes!" the twins whooped, high-fiving each other.
The vehicle came to a stop and they grabbed their luggage, wrestling down the aisle and down the steps with Waddles following behind. The bus chugged off, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust that caused them to cough and hack. When the dark smog disappeared, they could see Stan and Ford waiting for them across the street.
Abandoning their luggage, the two raced over and flung themselves at their relatives, creating a group hug.
"Kids!" laughed Stan, holding them close.
"Long time no see," said Ford, running his fingers gently through Mabel's hair.
"We missed you," murmured Mabel.
"A lot," added Dipper.
"We missed you runts too," said Stan warmly.
With the help of their great-uncles, they loaded the bags into the trunk of Stan's car. They made happy chatter during the ride home, and when they reached the Mystery Shack, Mabel's spirits fell ever so slightly when she noticed there were no Christmas lights up. But the feeling quickly left, for as much as she appreciated the glimmering Christmas lights, she did not need them. So long as she was with her brother, Stan and Ford, it would be the best Christmas ever.
Gathering their bags, the twins followed their great-uncles inside. Mabel took a quick look around the living room, and where she expected to see a Christmas tree was just an empty space. She could not stop her face from falling in disappointment.
Ford immediately noticed. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"It's nothing, really. It's just…" She bit down on her lip, not wanting to sound like she was whining or complaining.
"There's no tree," finished Dipper on behalf of his sister.
"Of course there's no tree," said Ford in bemusement. "We very well weren't going to pick it out without you."
Feeling rather sheepish, Mabel flushed. "Right. I should have known." Her eyes then brightened. "Can we go soon?"
"You just got here," said Stan with an arched eyebrow. "But yes, we'll get it soon." He reached out and lightly ruffled her hair. "And the lights will go up soon."
"Yaaaaaaay!" whooped Mabel, doing a delighted spin with Waddles.
"After we unpack, can we go get something to eat?" asked Dipper hopefully.
Stan sniffed. "Been here five minutes and you're already trying to make me go broke."
"So that means yes," clarified Ford, smiling when his brother gave him a playful jab to the side.
"All right, hurry up and get your stuff put away," ordered Stan. "We'll get something to eat and you can rest up. Tomorrow you can start helping me out in the gift shop."
While Mabel cheered, Dipper wrinkled his nose. "Why can't Soos stay in charge over the holidays?"
"Because he's soft and he won't make you do any work for the Shack, and I can't have you getting lazy," shot back Stan, yanking the boy's cap down over his eyes. "Now get moving."
The twins quickly hurried for the stairs, dragging their suitcases behind them. They were back at the Shack, back with the people they loved most.
It was going to be the best winter vacation ever.
