TW: hunting, implied stuff

Song used: Lullaby of Woe (any version)

I'm back! Sorry I was gone so long. Hopefully this chapter makes up for it. Kudos and comments are appreciated!!

Chapter Text

With a decent barter they were able to stay on the ferry so when the frogs and toads continued in the morning, they'd be there.

Wirt gripped the railing tightly, still feeling lost in his own way. It was obvious Dipper liked him in some sense and Wirt still didn't know how to take it. Taking a deep breath, he stared down to the water, so still.

"Ehhem." A voice broke through, startling him as he looked back. It was Mabel. "Can I gaze at the water with you?" She asked sweetly.

He nodded. "If you'd like."

They stood in silence for a lot longer than Wirt thought they would.

"Greg worries about you." Mabel broke the silence, not looking over.

Wirt sighed, nodding. "I know."

"Maybe it's cause I have my family and Paz, but…why are you trying to pull us close, only to push away?" Mabel asked, getting closer.

"I do?" He asked, trying to figure out if she was right.

"Yep. You want to be close. You joke, flirt with Dipper, try to keep us safe, and oddly enough, most confusing of all, you trust us with Greg." She looked to him then.

Wirt looked at her wide eyed. "I don't…"

"So why can't you trust us with things we need to know to keep him safe?" Her gaze was unwavering.

"But I can't trust you guys. Greg likes you. That's-" he began, his fear making him lie.

Mabel surprised him by wrapping him in a hug. Not tight. Not gentle. "You need a hug. You know…I'm the professional hugger of the family, so don't be surprised if Dipper's don't hold up to my "just right" methods."

Wirt gave a watery chuckle, but began to sob quietly the longer she hugged him. He didn't know what to make of a genuine hug from a woman. It scared him, but he wanted it too. Wanting this kind of affection was a Human emotion. Wanting them to live despite his hunger, was a Human thought.

Odd. He thought he'd lost some of his Humanity when he'd let the child's Soul assent. Well…it could've. He opened his eyes, them catching the white of his dress and he felt sick, the warm feeling of the hug gone within seconds. 'I'm just like Her! No,no,no,no!' He pulled away, hugging himself while avoiding looking down.

"What's wrong? Wirt?" Mabel only took a couple steps closer. She tried thinking of what triggered him to pull away. To freeze and shield himself. It looked familiar and it took her only a moment to realize why. "Hey…talk to me. What's going on in that brain of your's?" Paz would get a similar way, especially after a nightmare or hearing a certain chime of bells, or when she dressed too formally.

Wirt was shaking, but it obviously wasn't from the cold. He looked to Mabel, lip wobbling. "I don't…I…" he choked on his words.

"If we're gonna trust each other…Wirt," she waved her hand in front of his face to get his full attention, "…if we're gonna trust you to get us home, you gotta trust us too." She smiled, feeling odd at approaching him like a feral animal.

Wirt froze for a moment. "I…I don't like-like white. It…it's a bad…bad color." He began to shake.

Mabel was smarter than she seemed. She looked around, but then got an idea. Temperature didn't seem to be TOO much of an issue in the world they were in, so not caring if Wirt saw, she took off her biking shorts and outstretched them to him. "Let's trade." She smiled.

Wirt spluttered, covering his face even though he saw her underwear. "Mabel! What are you doing?!"

She just laughed. "Oh please. Come on, trade me."

He bit his lip, nodding, undoing the clasp for the skirt and keeping his eyes closed, he felt exposed but listened.

After some struggling, they succeeded while looking like children, clothes mismatched. The legs on the shorts were big on him, but with help from the corset, the shorts stayed in place. Mabel matched more so than he did.

Wirt felt the relief. He smiled big, actually initiating a hug that Mabel returned with brute strength. The message was clear. "Thank you."

Mabel went to get some sleep soon after, leaving Wirt to look about, keeping watch. He knew his father was out there, waiting. He sighed, thinking of what he could trust them with. They already knew what he was, and if the taste of stale blood the other morning was indication, they also knew he ate Human. "These Pines. They're too kind for their own good." He decided then, to go check on the group.

What he saw made his defenses drop ever slightly. Mabel and Pacifica were back to back, Pacifica curled up while Mabel sprawled. Dipper was laying curled above Greg, slightly sprawled as well, Greg trapped under his arm, the young boy sound asleep. Beatrice was against the wall, also asleep.

All of a sudden, Wirt could feel their Souls, so strong and bright. His eyes wandered to Dipper, a chill ran up his back, the memory of his blood on his tongue and throat under his teeth. Wirt gulped, his feet light as he went and crouched over Dipper, careful of his volume. "Dipper. Dip." He whispered, running his nails through Dipper's hair and along his scalp. It got the desired reaction, Dipper opening his eyes blearily, scrunching his brow when he saw Wirt over him. Wirt smiled gently, eyes lidded. "Hey, cutie. I'll be back before the ferry leaves. Will you keep an eye on Greg?"

Dipper might've still been half asleep, since all he got was a large yawn, a dorky grin, and knuckles brush his cheekbone. "Sure, beautiful, no pr~ah~" he cut off with a long yawn, eyes drooping again as he was barely awake as was.

Wirt smiled bashfully with a blush darkening on his face as he let Dipper go back to sleep. He knew Dipper probably wouldn't even remember this, but he knew he'd watch over Greg anyhow. With a kiss to Greg's head, he pulled his furs over Greg and Dipper before setting off.

He felt horrible, but it was either his group, or someone from The Unknown, and he already told himself he wouldn't harm what was his.

It would've been a truly frightful sight, had they seen Wirt as he hunted. A pure charcoal beast with lanky limbs and curling antlers. Darkness of night hid his clothing.

The Siren was out as he walked through towards a nearby western town. He began to hum, for once he sang too strongly, it wouldn't matter what form he looked, for his victims wouldn't necessarily "see" any form.

The moon was crescent, night chilly. He began before he got to the outskirts, wanting to lure subtly.

"Wolves asleep amidst the trees

Bats all a swaying in the breeze

But one soul lies anxious wide awake

Fearing no* manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths

For your dolly Polly sleep has flown

Don't dare let her tremble alone"

He walked along the rock and dirt, already hearing some doors creak. He grinned, his mouth watering.

"For the witcher, heartless, cold

Paid in coin of gold

He comes he'll go leave naught behind

But heartache and woe

Deep, deep woe

Birds* are silent for the night

Cows turned in as daylight dies"

He slid through between houses and streets, for he'd feast on those who continued to follow. He could feel his fingers itch as his claws grew and he heard them follow back through bushes and back into the trees, feeling ever less the remorse he used to.

"Lie still, lie silent, utter no cries

As the witcher, brave and bold

Paid in coin of gold

He'll chop and slice you

Cut and dice you

Eat you up whole

Eat you whole…"

Beatrice had stopped outside the town, not daring to get closer than she was, even as she took out the cotton from her ears. There was only so far-more like how close- she could get before risking herself when Wirt got like this. Three adult men and one teen their age, maybe younger, who had mindlessly followed The Siren's song.

She had easily woken and him leaving his furs behind was never a good sign, so she followed him, luckily able to quietly catch up.

She wanted to hit him and berate him for giving in. What kind of example was that setting for Greg?!

"Beatrice? I thought you were sleeping."

She almost screamed, having been startled as she turned, seeing Wirt behind her, she placed her hand over her chest. "Dammit, Wirt! You scared me! W-where did you come from?" She froze, seeing the state he was in now that the shadows receded. She subconsciously took a few steps back, having realized how little she'd actually seen of what he was. He was covered in black, blood, some scratches and picking gore from his nails.

He smiled. "I'm sorry. Anyway, let's get back." He tried wiping his mouth, fretting with his body and clothing now that there was someone there. Beatrice knew what he was, knew how he ate, but he knew she'd never seen him in the aftermath. She probably pictured something cleaner.

Beatrice wanted to be angry. Those were Souls from The Unknown. What was so special about those from The Other Side that Wirt wouldn't go after them?! Beatrice continued to fume as Wirt kept walking ahead.

The longer it stayed silent, the angrier she became. It felt unfair. Her mind began to wander to her own family. Were they in danger as long as those kids were there?

The air became chilly, as she looked up to make sure she hadn't fallen behind. She saw how NORMAL he looked. Like he hadn't lured Souls. She couldn't stop her mouth from running, since her mind was filled with what ifs and her family. "Is this any way to raise Greg? Just because you're safe from The Beast, doesn't mean Greg is. Don't you think it'd be smarter to think of his best interest?"

Wirt's steps only slowed. "No, it's not."

Beatrice didn't like that answer. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Nothing good came from getting too involved with The Beast and his family.

"How was your feast, Wirtham?" A baritone voice chuckled.

Beatrice yelped, looking ahead and suddenly seeing The Beast in front of Wirt, having not even felt his presence and him not paying her any mind, which suited her fine. She stayed silent, still, hoping to not be noticed, even as her heart beat wildly in fear. Her eyes widened farther when Wirt allowed The Beast to hold his face and embrace him.

The Beast kissed his head, petting Wirt, a sign of a "good job" that Wirt wanted but rarely received.

"I let most of them begin the process of becoming Edelwood for you. I only ate one, since I know how gluttonous my stomach is." Wirt spoke softly, feeling little again, his mind racing with memories of being berated for always being hungry. He didn't want to talk about his hunt. He hugged his father, burying his face in his shadow covered chest, the scent of death familiar in the fur. He wouldn't dare tell Greg what he'd done while luring the victims. He didn't want to be viewed as something dirty, so he didn't want to tell the other teens either. "I'm not. I'm not like Her, daddy. I'm not. But I don't want to be you either." He added quietly, feeling the self disgust bubble in his throat. Feeling 9 again, before his father took full custody.

Beau shushed him. It was rare Wirt would lean more towards being like his mother, but when he did, he always wanted a gentle touch after. A reassurance he didn't do wrong. It was perfect for keeping Wirt under his claws. Except, for that last sentence. He was growing. "My child, it is inevitable. You will either be your mother or like me. Where you got the idea you could be anything else, is quite baffling. Then again, you're still young, you're bound to want to defy your fate." He leaned to whisper in Wirt's ear. "Since I care for you, I'll give you a bit of advice; once they know, no one will want you in a lovers sense." He pulled away, finding victory in Wirt's lingering grasp before he let go.

Wirt looked away, nodding. "Loud n clear. Just…stay away from them." He looked behind himself, smiling to Beatrice. "Okay, we've taken up enough time. Let's go." He held out his hand, Beatrice hesitant, but taking it. He pushed past his father, trying to let his father's words fall like water off a duck's back. He was so tired and sometimes the water fell through the feathers to soak into the skin.

Beatrice didn't like his silence. "What did he say?"

Wirt laughed. "Not much. Just his usual lies."

Beatrice frowned more. "What lies?"

Wirt didn't reply.

Before they left town, they had grabbed some breakfast breads and fruit as well as some meat for their group. Wirt carried most of it and they were able to buy some different clothes for Wirt with the money he stole from his victims. Jeans and a black button up. He held onto the shawl Mrs. Endicott gave him as well as washing Mabel's biking shorts so he could return them.

The frogs and toads were just beginning to move, needing more of the sun before they could move properly. Their group was waking up, except for Dipper who seemed to be up already, taking notes of his surroundings.

Wirt forced himself to keep walking, acting as if everything was fine. It was fine. "Why're you up so early?" He laughed, ignoring the breath being caught at the rising sun hitting Dipper, illuminating his brown curls, freckled skin, and caramel eyes.

Dipper jumped, having been surprised. He blushed. "Woke up then saw your fur cloak and went to see if you were out here. Is that food?!" He asked excitedly, having noticed and immediately putting his journal away. Wirt didn't know that came with him.

Wirt's smile broke free in genuine amusement, eyes actually crinkling. "Yes. It's not much, but we figured you would all be hungry and we know you'll need your strength. Oh, is Mabel and Pacifica still asleep?"

He spoke too soon as there was a boot thrown at his head, not for the first time in the last few days. He looked over, having dropped the shorts and bread. He glared, hating his budding happiness was dashed.

He saw Pacifica limply walk over to him, one boot on and trying not to step on her sock. Her glare was deadly. "Why did you trade Mabel clothes?! That's so fucking weird! You don't do that kind of thing!" She poked him hard in the chest and he lifted a brow, about to explain when Mabel came out trying to explain as well.

"Paz! It's nothing! I simply traded his skirt for my shorts since he looked uncomfortable." Mabel ran and hugged her girlfriend, who still glared, crossing her arms.

Wirt would've retorted, but he suddenly realized why she did it and promptly began to laugh. Pacifica was JEALOUS. He had no idea as to why she was, but the situation was so funny. "You stu-stupid bitch! It's-hahaha~ not like that! Oh man, by the Cloud Woman, that's funny!" He was laughing so hard, Pacifica began to blush and Greg had walked out, covered in the cloak too big for him, smiling big himself that his brother was laughing.

"What's so funny?" Greg asked, handing Wirt his cloak which Wirt gladly put on. He saw even the Pines twins were beginning to smile at Wirt's laughter and Pacifica's reaction.

Wirt was able to calm down, his gut in pain and tears down his face. "Pacifica is jealous, thinking I'm romantically interested in Mabel."

Greg snickered after a good snort, beginning to chuckle himself. It was funny.

"I. Am. Not!" She protested, the blush brightening.

Mabel began to tease her girlfriend. "Oh, Paz, that's so cute! Don't worry, even for a Princess, you're the only one for me."

Dipper lowered his head, trying to cover his laugh. "Even YOU aren't above that. Wow. Almost as bad as when you asked for my ghost hunting prowess."

Wirt arched a brow at the freckled man. "Prowess?" At the blush and startle that earned him, Wirt got more in Dipper's space, ignoring the voices telling him he's acting like his mother. "Are you holding out on me?" He bat his eyes at Dipper, both loving and hating his teasing.

Said man's face turned cherry and he began to splutter and become tongue tied. "W-w-what?! What do-I mean-no-it's just-!" He finally buried his face in his hat to hide.

Wirt laughed, liking the reaction. "Aww, don't hide. Please?" He asked sweetly.

"You're both disgusting." Beatrice cut in, making Dipper glare at her despite the color on his face.

As the teens were joking and teasing each other, Greg's smile lessened and he placed his hand over his heart, wondering why it hurt. He shook his head. He didn't need to know.

"Greg! Come help me get this hat off him!" Wirt laughed, not strong enough to make Dipper release the fur hat.

"That's cheating!" Dipper yelled. It only made Wirt laugh so hard he was snorting, turning red in embarrassment since he couldn't seem to stop without letting go of the hat, which he refused to do.

There was that twinge again, but Greg ignored it, smiling. "Of course, brother o' mine! I'll take him out from his legs!" He yelled, laughing maniacally as he ran towards them.

While they roughhoused, the women began to make the food, not wanting Wirt's and Beatrice's efforts to be in vain.

The roughhousing was short lived, though, as the guard frogs began to reprimand them.

"Boo!" Greg yelled but laughed as Wirt set him in his lap while they ate. Well, all of them except Wirt.

"Some creatures like peace and quiet on boats, Greg." Wirt smiled, assembling Greg's bread with the fruit.

Greg just nodded with a sigh. "I suppose." He ran his small hand along the back of Wirt's and up his wrist, the simple feeling calming the pain he felt.

Wirt smiled gently, kissing the top of his head, unaware of Dipper looking at them.

"Okay, it might be because I'm an only child, but is that normal? I thought by the time they're older, kids don't like being coddled." Pacifica asked, just curious as she looked at them as well. "I've been meaning to ask for awhile."

"No, it's pretty weird. I have a bunch of younger siblings and NONE of them do this, even with each other. Maybe our mom, but..." Beatrice rolled her eyes.

Mabel shrugged. "It's not bad, is it? Me n Dipper are close."

"Yeah, but you're TWINS. Completely different." Pacifica waved her hand.

"Well you could just ask." Wirt crinkled his nose, trying to hide how uncomfortable it made him. "Our dad works a lot, so I'm the one looking after Greg. That simple."

Pacifica rose a brow. "I feel like there's more to it." She said after finishing. "Is he a single parent or something?" Pacifica asked, curious.

"I would think that'd be the obvious option." Wirt forced out.

"Okay, Paz, no more asking about that unless you want to spill some beans too." Dipper warned, proud of himself for sounding nonchalant when he saw how visibly tense the brothers became.

"Yeah. Wirt said they'd start trusting us, but that doesn't mean we should push too hard too fast." Mabel said, nodding her head.

"That's what she said." Wirt snorted, trying to cut his tension by making a joke. He couldn't help himself. He didn't expect the pause of silence before everyone reacted.

"Wirt!" Beatrice yelled, blushing. She was from an older time.

"Oh for fuck's sake." Pacifica pinched the bridge of her nose.

"OHMYGOD! You didn't!" Mabel covered her mouth but began laughing.

"Dammit…" Dipper had said lowly, covering his face but the snicker and shoulders shaking was very obvious.

"Was that a sex joke, Wirt?" Greg asked, turning slightly and looking up.

Wirt was still smiling at everyone's reactions when he nodded. "Yeah."

"Why the ever living Hell does Greg know what that is?!" Pacifica asked, eyes wide. The other's stopped too.

Wirt was confused.

"Am I not supposed to?" Greg asked. Confused as well.

"I agree with Pacifica." Beatrice crossed her arms. She glared at Wirt, a true one.

"We didn't learn the birds and the bees until we were 12, right Dipper?" Mabel asked, a bit worried herself.

Dipper hummed, observing more so than reacting. It worried him, but he was more worried as he began to think of the bruises and scars he'd seen on them.

"Is birds and the bees another word for fucking?" Greg asked innocently when Wirt's hand bopped his mouth. "Ow."

"Gregory! Language!" Wirt gasped. It didn't help Wirt HATED that word being used in that context.

Greg grumbled. "Sorry."

Wirt sighed, scratching at his head, some smoke coming out. "What's the big deal? I knew what mating was as far back as I can remember. I at least waited until Greg was 7."

"7?!" The ladies yelled.

"Waitwaitwait. Wirt." Dipper tried getting his attention, a word he said peeking his curiosity. Wirt looked to him, smoke slowly coming from his mouth, lips a thin line, but Dipper couldn't help it. The word Wirt used distracted him and it was adorable. "Did you just use the word 'mating'?"

Wirt processed before blushing slightly. "So?" He croaked.

Dipper shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips, for once happy he got one up on Wirt, finding it adorable that Wirt got embarrassed by that one word. "Nothing."

Music began to play and Greg rushed up. "Wirt! Dance with me!" He held out his hand, bowing.

Wirt snorted, wanting to move far away from the current topic. "Why thank you, sir." Wirt stood, them walking a bit always where there was more space.

"Let's join!" Mabel said after a moment, liking the music as she grabbed Paz's hand, yanking her girlfriend with.

A good amount of songs passed and Beatrice finally joined Dipper near the rail, watching the others. "You can probably go ask for a dance now."

Dipper blushed. "N-no. I don't dance." He looked away.

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "You think he'd care? Neither can Greg and he's dancing with him." She gestured to the brothers.

Dipper grinned, unaware how soft it was. "That's different."

Beatrice raised a brow, groaning. "Oh, for the love." She sighed, pausing. "Maybe you shouldn't."

Dipper looked to her, confused, almost defensive. "Why? Is this some sort of reverse psychology?"

Beatrice's face sobered. "No. That family is dangerous."

Dipper almost blurted that she was wrong, but then he remembered that giant shadow beast he'd encountered over and over. Had to be their dad, right? "Greg and Wirt aren't dangerous."

Beatrice didn't reply to that. "Go ask him to dance. I bet he'd be thrilled." She pushed him, making stumble before he turned to flip her off while he went to ask.

When Dipper did approach, he coughed in his fist and imitated Greg's gentleman stance. "Can-I mean-may I cut in?" He blushed, taking a deep breath before he saw Wirt's curious, amused eyes, bright and round, drawing him in.

Feeling a boost of confidence, Dipper straightened and looked Wirt back in his eyes, his hand stretched more calmly, palm up, ready for Wirt's own hand. If he'd let him. "Please, Wirt, may I have one dance?" His eyes were bright, brows stern, as if he was asking Wirt for something preciously important.

Wirt's lashes stuttered, his breath caught. Yes, he saw how bright the man's eyes were, but he also saw how strongly his Soul beat as well. It was dangerous…but Wirt wanted to dance. He just wanted something for himself. Just a few happy memories. A dance with a crush is allowed. Isn't it? He gulped, suddenly nervous himself. He tried replying, but he just gaped like a fish. Now he didn't know where his own bravado went.

"Go ahead. I want some juice anyway." Greg broke Wirt out of his freeze.

He blinked repeatedly and looked down. "O-oh, okay. Stay away from the rails." He called, still nervous, but he blushed deeper, seeing Dipper relax his eyes, something Wirt couldn't name dwelling there. It reminded him of when Greg would look at nature or something-no. It couldn't be that.

"Please? Now that I got Greg's blessing?" He smiled, dimples showing, but he didn't move.

Wirt gulped, never having felt this giddy and nervous before. It was…exciting! He nodded, gently, shaking, he placed his hand in Dipper's.

He expected a strong pull, like he'd seen on tv. Something fast that scared him.

Dipper didn't.

He pulled gently, surely, no hesitation while he pulled Wirt's arm until they were almost chest to chest.

They began to move, Dipper's eyes never leaving Wirt's, nervous, but mesmerized all the same.

Wirt on the other hand, was more frightened. The excitement scared him. He was terrified if he looked away, everything would fall out from under him.

Wirt was startled from his spiraling thoughts, when Dipper took the hand from his waist and brushed his thumb against the bridge of Wirt's nose. "Why do you look scared?"

Wirt blinked. "I-uh-"

"Trust, remember." Dipper smiled lopsidedly, bringing his hand back to Wirt's waist and squeezing.

Wirt's eyes lidded, not sure what to make of the warmth on his nose. "Right. I…" he took a moment, gulping and to make things easier, he put his temple to Dipper's. "I've never…I've never been able to do this. I wanted to dance…with-with you…and I am. I'm scared it'll go wrong."

He could feel Dipper smile. "If you think that, it'll happen. Trust me, I over-worry as well sometimes. Okay, a lot. Heh. You know…I once had a crush on a friend when I was 12. She was 15, I thought she was cool, but I never got the courage up to dance with her at one of my Grunkle's parties. We're still friends, she turned me down but that was fine. Even better, really." He blushed, realizing he was rambling. "What I'm getting at, is…I don't want to screw up, but I also want to learn from that experience."

Wirt took a moment to process the story, his mind overthinking, but he pressed his head into Dipper's harder, let him know he was listening. "I knew people. In school, I mean. I didn't know them well. A simple, "hello" and "see ya", during classes. No one knew or saw me outside of a classroom or leaving the building or picking up Greg." He took a deep breath, Dipper's scent helping him, calming him. "Except Sara." He laughed. "She was the coolest. We'd meet on my way to pick up Greg, she going to wrestling practice. Then I learned she was in some of my classes. Everyone thought I had a crush on her, but that wasn't it. She was my first Human friend." Wirt went quiet after that.

Dipper wanted to comfort, so he squeezed Wirt tighter, trying to nuzzle his head back like Wirt had. "Was?" He pried, unsure if Wirt wanted to continue or stop.

Wirt's breath shuddered. "Dipper. Do you remember the tree I had you cut from?"

Dipper felt Wirt shaking. He thought back. Yes, he did remember, how could he forget? "Was that her?" He asked quietly, only for their ears.

"I…I shouldn't have brought her up." Wirt tried pulling away, thinking he'd ruined it.

"Don't you dare." Dipper said sternly. He put an iron grip on Wirt's waist, the other cupping his face. He didn't even stop when those doe eyes were glistening with tears, looking at him pleadingly. "I'm honored." He smiled. "I want to learn about you. I feel so lucky you're trusting me with that story. You told me cause you're worried about us?" His brows furrowed.

Wirt gulped thickly. His lip wobbled and he nodded once, not sure whether to pull or push away. "I-Greg would be h-heartbroken if you all got-got hurt." He tried looking away, but Dipper's hand stopped him.

"You're such a dingus." Dipper smiled fondly, knowing Wirt was lying. "I wouldn't let us be tricked that easily. I'm paranoid, remember?" He laughed, knowing full well how neurotic he was.

Wirt stared at him with wide eyes, speckles of tears hanging onto his bottom lashes. Dipper didn't know what he was thinking. Something must have clicked, minutes later. Whatever it was, Dipper didn't know, but he felt Wirt run his hands up to caress his jaw, his thumbs brushing against Dipper's Adam's apple.

The last of the tears were blown away from the breeze, leaving Wirt with narrowed eyes fixated solely on Dipper.

You see, Dipper was used to at least a few of Wirt's different smiles. He enjoyed most of them. But with the stretch of pretty pink lips curling up, Dipper's brain and body short circuited. Wirt smiled, but the grin showed sharp teeth, canines long and pearly white. "Oh~ sweet Dipper Pines." He purred. "You're going to give me cavities if you're not careful." He slid his hands out to wrap around Dipper's neck, leaning where they were nose to nose, both forgetting about dancing.

Dipper gulped, nerves making his breath quick. He looked into the narrowed charcoal eyes, his own just as stubborn. "We don't want that. Is this your way of putting a barrier up?"

Wirt's smile twitched. Bingo.

Dipper relaxed a bit, running his index knuckle over Wirt's lips, against the sharp canines, putting barely any pressure. Wirt's smile dropped just as quick as it came up, that vulnerability back in his eyes and the scrunched brow. Dipper felt him clench his jaw. Wirt was telling him more through his actions than words ever did.

Dipper smirked, getting a rotten idea. Using his other hand that wasn't preoccupied, he boldly put his palm against the shirt over Wirt's belly, making him gasp and that was when Dipper took his chance.

Using his thumb against Wirt's teeth, he was able to keep Wirt's mouth pried open while he teased by running two of his fingers against the icy cold tongue. 'Payback.' He thought, for all the times Wirt embarrassed him relentlessly. He refused to focus on the details of what he was doing, since that would cause him to freak out in embarrassment which would be the opposite of revenge.

When he removed his hand, his thumb slid against the teeth, cutting him. He'd underestimated the sharpness of his teeth. Dipper hissed, about to lick the building blood, but paused when he felt Wirt pull away, eyes wide and iridescent. "Did I go too far?"

Wirt nodded, drool pooling on the corner of his clenched jaws. He looked frightened, proving to Dipper his facade a moment ago, was just that.

Dipper frowned. "I'm sorry! I didn't meant to take it far-" He panicked, not sure if Wirt needed touch or space. Dipper stopped, knowing then wasn't the time to panic more. He took off his hat, putting on Wirt's head and ignoring any onlookers (of which he didn't think much on again) he entwined their fingers and took charge, finding a safe spot.

He sent his sister a look when they went to approach. Finding a small space, hidden away, he flopped, yanking Wirt down with him so the taller man was encased in his limbs, safe. Or so he hoped it was safe.

He must've done something right, since after at least an hour, Wirt began to calm, his body becoming jelly against Dipper's. "I am sorry." He whispered. He stiffened when Wirt moved his head from Dipper's chest, to curled into his neck.

"I don't understand. I hate my mouth being messed with. But when you did it…I trusted you enough to not bite. I want to hunt you. I want to devour you. I…" Wirt stopped, taking a deep breath, he backed off enough to look at Dipper, his eyes tired and drained. He smiled. It was a small, sweet thing. He might as well try and learn these new feelings. "What a strange game we're about to play, am I right, Cutie?"

Dipper smiled in relief. "If you're gonna keep scaring me like that, then yes. I look forward to it, beautiful." He chuckled, liking the light blush with his hat upon Wirt's features.