The storm that had been initially raging when Bill had first gotten to the Mystery Shack began settling a week later. The sky was still covered by a thick veil of gray clouds and strong winds continued blowing – ripping the occasional tree from the ground. Ford guessed that the poor weather might have been caused by the Warlock. If he was as strong as Bill proclaimed him to be already, it wasn't a far leap to assume he could bend the weather to his will. The thought that he was capable of such a thing made him all the more frightening even if they had warded the Shack with protective magic. What sort of destruction would he have been capable of had he successfully completed the ritual that involved Bill?

During the past several days, Ford had been drilling as much information as he could into his family's head about Warlocks. He discussed their history, their culture, their magic practices, the mythology they followed, and specific celebration dates. It was a lot to learn. The amount of knowledge had been daunting but Ford was a good teacher. He repeated the most important parts of what he taught over and over again, which helped when it came to memorising. Apparently, due to the strong connections Warlocks have with the forces of evil, they suffer from most of the same weaknesses as any other supernatural being. They are especially vulnerable to salt and iron. That being said, Warlocks were still, in essence, human, which meant they could be killed with a bullet to the head or a stab to one of the vital organs. What made them supernatural beings was the corruption brought about by their use of black magic.

Bill, on the other hand, had recuperated faster than anyone had anticipated. He had only borrowed some of Grunkle Stan's pain medicine two more times before he could tolerate the pain. By the middle of the week, he could sit up and move around without tearing open his still healing cuts. With the week now over, he was starting to walk again. The slices over his body were nothing more than thin red lines and could be passed off as animal scratches or many other things. He was good enough to fend for himself, which meant Ford could get his room back and they could all stop acting like his servants. They had even gone through the trouble of fixing a room for the ex-demon, however it was still missing a few important components. And though his wounds faded to scars, Bill's insufferable attitude reappeared.

"I'm going to throttle him." Ford said as he left his room and shut the door a bit too loudly.

"What did I say about housing him?" Stan reminded with an I-told-you-so tone.

"Oh come on, guys!" Mabel insisted, "He's not being all gloomy or high! This is good!"

"I think I liked him better gloomy." Ford said.

"He was a riot when he was high." Stan nodded.

"So what do we do now?" Dipper asked. "Are we going to go investigating?"

"I don't think there's a point." Ford said, "Warlocks are like people. The only abnormal thing about them is their magical practices. It would be like looking for a small needle in a pile of medium size needles."

"Great metaphor." Stan said cynically.

"An accurate one." Ford insisted. "The point is, the only way we're going to find this guy is by acting."

"We're going to provoke him." Dipper concluded.

"Yes."

"How?"

"For starters," Ford began and gestured his room, "We'll need to get Bill some new clothes. Then we'll need to get him an actual bed and dresser."

"Woo!" Mabel cheered, "Shopping! I should call the girls!"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Dipper said.

"No, go ahead." Ford encouraged, "We'll need your friends help spread rumours of Bill around town. You just need to make sure they don't say too much."

"What should I limit it to?" Mabel asked as she texted Candy and Grenda.

"Overall minimal details. Just a vague physical description." Ford said, "One of them should mention seeing healing scars."

"We're going the mysterious route!" Mabel giggled, "They'll love that!"

"Just one?" Dipper asked, peering from her phone.

"I want that part to be a little more subtle." Ford explained, "The goal is to have him hear about the vague description Mabel's friends will have given out. People will have spread the news by adding their own spin to it which means some of the details circulating will be false and others true."

"And he won't know which is which so he'll start looking around for more information." Dipper said, having caught on to his Great Uncle's plan, "He'll add up what's coherent and what isn't. Eventually, he'll come across the detail concerning the cuts and then he'll know for sure they're talking about Bill."

"That's how we'll find our Warlock." Ford confirmed, "We won't take Bill out often, but when we do people will recognize him from the rumours. Hopefully, one of the gossipy people will step forward and try talking to us to say a man has been asking a lot of questions about him."

"But Candy and Grenda will have met him." Mabel said, "They'll know his name so they'll include it in the information they give out."

"This is where we'll have to make fools of your friends." Ford said apologetically, "We'll never call Bill the same thing, alternating between a few names that sound similar."

"Like Frank, Francois, and Francis." Dipper supplied.

"Gotcha." Mabel nodded. She paused for a moment and her phone buzzed. "Okay, they're in."

"Good." Ford said. "Are you going to tag along, Stan?"

"I guess I am." He sighed, "Someone's got to be responsible. Dipper," he said turning to the brunet, "Fetch the drama queen."

"I'm not deaf." Bill said, his voice muffled by the closed door. "You're literally talking about this right in front of my room."

"It's my room." Ford corrected.

"I don't mind it becoming our room, Sixer." Bill purred as he opened the door.

He had pulled on the yellow sweater. The combinations of his clothes made him look very sloppy – something Mabel, Pines family fashionista, severely disapproved of. She made a face and shook her head.

"We're going to need to get to a clothes store ASAP." She said.

They piled into Stan's pathetic excuse for a car – the latter being at the wheel. Dipper, Mabel, and Bill sat cramped in the back. The demon complained and whined the whole journey about how he deserved more room. It was impossibly annoying and had everyone except Mabel gritting their teeth together in irritation. Dipper didn't understand how his sister could tolerate the blond so easily.

As Mabel requested, the first stop was a clothes store. Candy and Grenda waited in front of it, texting furiously until they noticed the car. They squealed and waved at Mabel, hopping in place until they saw Bill. Their demeanours changed instantly. They stiffened in place and their faces went beat red. Dipper forced himself not to roll his eyes whereas Ford and Stan allowed themselves to express their exasperation. They thought Bill was hot. It was written all over their faces.

"Girls!" Mabel shouted and waved, "Come here for a sec! I'll introduce you to…" she then glanced at Bill pondering a fake name, "to…Gavin!"

"I thought we were going with Frank, Francois, and Francis." Stan muttered quietly.

"Not anymore." Dipper snorted.

"Just stick to the plan." Ford insisted, "Use names that start with G. That goes for you too Bill."

"Yeah, yeah." He said, brushing them off.

Candy and Grenda carefully crept closer. They made their way to Mabel but they kept their round eyes glued on Bill's form. Their blushes got darker as they got closer.

"Candy, Grenda," Mabel said excitedly, "Say hello to Graham!"

The two girls seemed jarred by the sudden change in names but barely had time to question it when Bill took a step forward. He gave them his most charming smile, which was so nice it even had Ford, Stan, and Dipper blushing for a moment, and then he offered them his hand to shake, "Hi." He said smoothly, "Call me Grant. Cuz I'll grant your wishes!"

He started laughing when Mabel smacked him on the back of the head for having made such a terrible pun. He winced and glared at her, pouting. Candy and Grenda remained stunned in silence for a brief moment and then they began laughing. It was louder than needed, clearly exaggerated, and Dipper recognized it as their first attempt to establish a good relationship with Bill. Both thought he was dating material. The ex-demon, however, was off put and immediately retracted his hand.

"You are so funny!" Candy guffawed and then became weirdly serious, "I like that in a man."

"God! You're hysterical!" Grenda proclaimed aggressively and punched his arm a bit too hard.

"Right, well," Mabel coughed awkwardly, "We came shopping for Bi—Garrett. He's barely got any clothes so…"

"That is not an issue." Candy said with a slightly creepy smile, "I am sure no one will mind."

"Hubba hubba." Grenda grinned.

"Oh my God, stop." Dipper groaned and pushed past them, "Let's just go."

"Please." Ford sighed and gestured the door, "Girls."

The girls ran ahead, dragging Dipper along with them. He was forced to listen to their hushed whispers about how hot they found Bill as they looked through the men's clothes. Dipper tried not listening to them but he had to admit he had a weakness for gossip and love drama. And for all the excuses he could conjure on why such things interested him purely for intellectual reasons, the truth was Dipper was just a big sap. It was his thing. Where Mabel loved the MMA and WWE, he adored watching Say Yes to the Dress and The Bachelor.

But no one needed to know.

As the girls scoured the racks and found clothes they thought would look nice on Bill, Dipper found himself quickly holding all the things they selected. Candy had a knack for pulling out obscene outfits that surely must have lost their way on their journey to a BDSM store. He always made sure to put those ones away somewhere where no one would find them so as not to be scarred for life. It took him a moment to realize Ford, Stan, and Bill occupied an entirely different corner of the store. The three were chatting up the employees. Both genders were equally infatuated with Bill's appearance.

A part of Dipper was envious and resentful. He wondered why he was the one stuck following the girls in their shenanigans when he would much rather be discussing things with Ford and conjuring theories on the Warlock. By all means, they were shopping for Bill so the latter should be adopting his role and carrying the clothes he would soon try on. As it was, Dipper felt like he was being casted aside.

"Okay!" Mabel finally declared, "I think that's enough for now! Let's call Gabriel over."

"Wasn't his name Gale?" Grenda asked.

"I thought it was Grayson." Candy said.

"Whatever!" Mabel dismissed and cupped her hands around her mouth before yelling: "Hey guys!" all three turned from their conversation to find Mabel among the sets of clothes, "We've got things for…Gerald to try on."

"Giovanni?" Candy mumbled quietly to Grenda.

"No, it definitely wasn't Giovanni." She then paused, "Wait, was it?"

Ford, Stan, and Bill quickly ended their conversation with the small crowd they had gathered near the cash registers and made their way to the changing rooms. Bill grinned widely and waved at the people as Stan dragged him away with a steel grip on his shoulder. He seemed very annoyed with the blond. Rightfully so, probably.

The next half hour was a modelling session in which Bill wore the different outfits the girls had picked out for him in the combinations they had chosen. One thing Mabel had been weary of was to make sure the clothes would hide the cuts still covering the ensemble of Bill's body. If Candy or Grenda had chosen a low cut shirt, she had found a scarf that concealed his exposed neck. If they had chosen a t-shit, she had found a light jacket to match thus covering his arms. Naturally, the girls had found it a bit strange especially considering it was practically the middle of summer and the hot temperatures had recently set a new State record. Mabel had justified it by claiming it was in preparation for the later seasons, when it would get cold outside. The explanation was sufficient enough for the matter to have been promptly dropped.

Had they still been insistent on the topic, however, their motivation would have dropped almost instantly because as soon as their conversation finished, Bill began showing the outfits he had been asked to wear. Candy and Grenda held in their squeals as much as they could – occasionally whispering them when Bill retreated to the changing rooms to slip into something new. And so they watched Bill switch clothes for a good half hour.

Dipper had gotten bored quickly. It was nothing like Say Yes to the Dress thus he found little to no pleasure in the activity. He spent most of the time just observing Candy's and Grenda's reactions. It was funny to see the emotions and feelings they wore so clearly on their faces. He could still hardly believe how enamoured they were with Bill. It was only around the end that he tore his gaze away from the girls and glanced at his great uncles. He was surprised to see Stan wearing a grin on his face. At first, Dipper thought the man might also have been enjoying the way Mabel's friends reacted but then he saw Ford. His arms were folded tightly against his chest and he fiddled nervously with his glasses. His gaze was trained on Bill and Dipper thought he noticed a small blush on his face. However, he concluded it must have been the light bouncing off the red walls.

"Okay!" Mabel said and gathered all the outfits. "We can't take all of them so what's the final verdict?"

"The European style suited him very well." Candy said, "I believe we should keep the ones emanating that air."

"I didn't like the leather on him." Grenda said.

"Me neither. So let's scrap it." Mabel nodded and pushed the ensemble in question to the side. "The hipster clothes looked nice on him."

"Yes, but the cute geek apparels did not bode well for him." Candy concurred.

"Agreed. I think you should also keep the preppy style." Grenda mused.

"Then we'll forget the other ones." Mabel concluded, "I think nine outfits to start is good enough. Not to mention he can mix and match."

"Are we good then?" Stan asked, his tone betraying his exasperation.

"Yes!" The girls sang. They grabbed the clothes and ran ahead to the counter.

"So what were you guys doing over there?" Dipper asked now that they were relatively alone.

"Candy and Grenda can only do so much to spread rumours." Ford explained, "We introduced him to more people to get the news going faster."

"You should have seen them, Pine Tree." Bill laughed, "They were practically drooling!"

"I saw them from afar." Dipper assured.

"They thought Sixer was Fez's kid too. It was hilarious." Bill added.

"Would you stop it with your damn nicknames!?" Stan snapped.

"Nope!" Bill grinned and skipped ahead to the counter.

"That guy…" he grumbled.

They paid for the clothes and left. The employees were quick to beckon their steadfast return. Bill gave them another blush-worthy smile and winked as he left. Dipper watched the people literally swoon. As annoying as it was, it was also amazing to see how much of an effect the blond had on them. He was going to need to ask the demon for tips. He needed to revive his fading love life.

The next stop was the furniture store. They said goodbye to Candy and Grenda and piled into the car with the bags of clothes resting on their laps. They all suffered through more of Bill's complains until they got to destination. Mabel texted her friends and was quick to confirm that they had already begun talking about Bill to their friends. Other girls of their age had claimed seeing Bill around town recently, but they all knew that to be a lie. Nonetheless, it was a good sign and meant they were now about to play the waiting game. Dipper wondered how long Ford intended to wait. He supposed it was something they could discuss later.

They got out of the car once they had found a parking spot in front of the next store they were meant to enter. However, Grunkle Stan had finally had enough of shopping and refused to go in. It wasn't like he had to be there in the first place. All they were going to do was select a bed and dresser for Bill. They would then book a truck to lug the furniture over to the Shack and leave. So rather and wait around amidst a sea of furniture, Stan opted to go out on a walk until they came back. The street on which the store was located was one of the more animated ones of Gravity Falls. There wasn't much to see but there was still a nice enjoyable vibe and Dipper found himself wanting to accompany Stan so he did.

"You're not mad about how we ditched you with the girls earlier, are you?" Stan asked as they made their way down the street.

"No, not really." Dipper admitted, "I guess I could have always gone back to you guys if I wanted to but what would have been the use in that? It's not like I could have contributed."

"Bill was the one doing most of the talking anyways." Stan shrugged, "I hate to say it but the twerp has got game. He knows how to deal with the ladies. And the men."

"Speaking of…" Dipper mumbled, "Did you notice Ford acting…strange?"

"Hm? What do you mean?" Stan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean around Bill." Dipper said, "He seems to act weird. Like not himself."

"Oh." Stan nodded and it seemed like he was debating something in his mind before he continued with: "Well, you know, Bill has that effect on people. One minute you're yourself, the next you're contemplating murder and the best ways to dispose of a body."

"That's not what I meant." Dipper chuckled. "As true as it is."

"Don't worry about Ford, kid." Stan smirked, "He's doing fine."

"I guess." Dipper sighed.

They walked around for a while longer making idle chatter. Dipper had never really been in the given part of town. It was more hip; a place where the young adults of Gravity Falls gathered to go to cafés or study in nice environments. He thought about returning to the place and joining in the mass. Sometimes it was hard to read about the supernatural when so much chaos was happening around the Shack.

Finally, Stan decided they had probably reached the point where they should return. They walked back the path they had initially travelled. They then passed by one of the cafés with an outdoor terrace when someone at one of the tables called out to them – or, specifically, to Stan.

"Stan! Hey Stan!" a man with black hair called and waved.

It took Dipper a moment to recognize him.

"Hey! Tad!" Stan grinned and walked to the fence surrounding the café's terrace. "Didn't see you there. How are you doing?"

"Good, good." Tad said excitedly and shook Stan's hand. "You know, I saw you pass by but I wasn't sure it was you."

Tad had only changed a bit since Dipper had last seen him. He looked the same with his boring dad-haircut and form fitting dress shirt. The only real difference was that his age was beginning to show. Scarce white strands of hair had begun to grow around his temple and small wrinkles had formed next to his eyes. By all means he was still a young man in his mid to late thirties, his age had just started to alter his appearance in the most subtle of ways. For the most part, it was hardly noticeable.

"What are you doing?" Stan asked, "Come to hang out with the hipsters?"

"Would you believe that I'm actually on a date?" He said and grinned from ear to ear.

"Good for you." Stan said and then remembered Dipper, "This is my great nephew by the way, Dipper Pines."

"Ah, yes. Mabel's twin." Tad mused, "Where is she?"

"She's helping Ford buy furniture." Dipper supplied.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, we've got a temporary guest." Stan huffed, "A real nut job, I tell you."

"Sounds like he's exasperating." Tad commented.

"You don't know the half of it." Stan continued and Dipper was starting to worry he was accidentally going to spill the truth on Bill. The last thing they needed was for real information to start circulating around Gravity Falls to alert the Warlock. It would ruin Ford's plan.

"S-so how's your date going?" Dipper asked.

"Oh, it only just started." Tad explained, his attention successfully reoriented, "But it's great. It was a long time coming, you know."

"Was it?" Dipper asked. He didn't actually care, but he asked for the sake of keeping the previous conversation at bay.

"Yeah, we were doing the whole will they, won't they shebang." Tad laughed, "I finally decided to end it when my good friend Carlos told me I was going to screw things up if I didn't act now."

"That's nice." Stan said and he glanced at his watch, "Listen, Tad, we have to go. We'll catch up later. Tell me how your date goes."

"Will do, Stan'o!" Tad grinned and he waved them away.

Dipper sighed deeply and shoved his hands in his pockets as they walked away. He glanced back once and saw Mayor Cutebiker make his way to Tad's table and take the seat opposite to his. For a moment, he wondered if that was his date or just another random passerby that had decided to stop for a chat. Lord knew Tad had that effect on people. But then he saw them hold hands on top of the table.

"What a normal guy." Stan huffed.

They made it back to the store and found Ford, Bill, and Mabel waiting at the front. They had two long boxes upright next to them as they stood by the car. They contained the planks and screws to build the dresser and the bed frame respectively. Ford later explained that they would be delivering the mattress to the Shack within three business days. With that said, they packed the car as best as they could. Dipper, Mabel, and Bill found themselves utterly crammed in the back and this time Bill neglected to complain. That being said, he did sigh exaggeratedly to express his annoyance until they got back to the Shack. Then they built the furniture and before they knew it the day was done.