TW implied child abuse (not in detail this chapter), narcissistic parent, not too descriptive of mutilated bodies

That's all. Comments and Kudos welcome!

Forgot to add link of what Wirt and his mom look like

https/kuro-ookami-kuma./post/673967551628427264/wirt-and-his-mom-from-my-fates-a-bitch-fanfic

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Fog had thickened so much Dipper wasn't sure what to make of it. He could barely see the moon, the sky lightening slightly. The Beast was taking his time. "Where the Hell is that thing?"

Ironically, he saw something in the corner of his eye, the dark figure moving weightlessly through the fog. Before Dipper knew it, white eyes were close and two bodies were placed in front of his feet. He had to cover his scream, body stiff and heart leaving his body. Breathing was hard as he saw the small bodies in the dawning light. Children. Dipper's body shook with fear and fingers twitching in horror. They had blonde hair, skin blue, clothes close to frozen and wet.

Twins.

The Beast brought him twins.

"Remember. You cannot refuse. Their Souls were more potent together. Here…" The Beast held out a fancy looking butcher knife. The handle was obviously made from Edelwood, the metal was dark but gleaming like a jewel in sunlight. "You might want that." With a turn, the reek of rot and oil flowing with him, The Beast began to hum, leaving Dipper alone, surrounded by three children.

Dipper was so lost in his shock, he only blinked when the sun hit his eyes. Looking back to Greg, he knew he had to hurry. Greg's eyes looked sunken and body pale. He raised the butcher knife, ready just to take a breath and do it, but his hand shook as he halted, his breath bursting from his lungs. He began to hyperventilate, gripping his head. Through his frustration, he yelled, loud and full of anger.

'They're already dead, Dipper.' One voice spoke smartly in his mind. It sounded like Grunkle Ford. 'They're children.' Dipper countered, beginning to choke on tears, unsure what he should do. His pessimistic mind kept picturing himself and Mabel. They weren't them, but the Human mind was a complex and emotion driven thing. 'Why do I have to do it?!'

'Technically you don't.' '

'I do. Greg will die…so will Wirt.'

'Will the children Rest In Peace, with their bodies used as meat for someone who isn't Human?'

'I don't know.'

He pounded his fist into the grass, still breathing quickly as he wrestled with what was the right choice.

He released a broken, breathy chuckle, it hollow and full of sadness. 'There is none.' Dipper panted out and picked the butcher knife up again, eyes squeezed so tight he couldn't feel them. Raising it high, he kept his grip tight, letting gravity determine the strength of which the first slice would be hit. The moment he heard the squelch of flesh and crack of bone, he was heaving, trying to puke up nothing. Not bothering to wipe his mouth, he kept hacking, soon the hesitance turning into a rage he let loose. 'If this is what it takes to be near Wirt and Greg…maybe I shouldn't be.' Was a bitter thought that crossed his mind with each gruesome chop, only for the sweet smile of Wirt to cross his mind right after, convincing him each time, to keep chopping.

Wirt was having a difficult time trying to take care of three women while starving, having the temptation right behind him. In his heart he didn't want to give in, so he didn't.

His stomach sent cramping pain through his body constantly for the last couple days they were in the woods, having finally made it down and across the ravine to the other side.

"Why are we always walking?!" Paz almost screamed.

"Walkings good for you." Mabel smiled.

"I don't care." Paz pointed out, but there was a small smile there.

Wirt understood. They should've been out of the short slice of forestry. The Beast might've felt his presence and decided to torment them. They might've been going the right way, if Wirt's eyes weren't deceiving him as he observed some light beyond the trees. "This way. I see light."

"Thank God!" Paz yelled.

"Hey, Wirt? You sure you don't need to…run off?" Beatrice asked, aware of the distance he put.

"I will when we're out." Was all he said, trying his best to pull his cloak as tightly as he could around himself. Once they found Dipper and Greg and found a safe spot, he would.

Mabel and Paz drew big breaths of relief once they were out of the woods, Mabel collapsing and laughing. Paz practically crumbled, sitting on the grass to give her feet a break. With the direction of the sun, it looked to be late morning. Wirt smiled, happy to see the tension leave their bodies.

"Seems to be a city." Beatrice looked about, just beyond were buildings, benches and a fountain. The woods must've been connected to a park.

"A city! Finally!" Mabel and Paz rejoiced.

"Be careful." Beatrice warned. She was getting a headache dealing with these mortals and having to keep a close, cautious eye on Wirt.

Wirt's body felt restless. It itched and his nerves were buzzing. To soothe, he clawed at his right forearm, feeling the chilly sting of sharpness digging into flesh. He wasn't sure how much longer he could hold off before Paz and Mabel became his next meal. If he was suffering, Greg had to have been. His first priority was Greg. It always had been.

They were getting far into The Beast's territory and he underestimated the sickening pressure weighing on his being. Wirt had been "gifted" his territory by The Beast solely because he didn't want to deal with The Woodsman being nosy. The Beast had to know they were there.

He didn't tell them, as they walked closer to the edge of the park, of his vision beginning to blur. Something was wrong. 'Maybe I should've eaten more last time.' He thought bitterly, only to regret it, his mother's voice scolding in his mind. He was aware of the sound of his antlers splintering out through the sides of his head and curling. His eyes widened at the noise. He caught himself in time, where when he looked to the women, none had noticed. He'd been too far from Greg for too long, his feeding not nearly enough to keep him strong away from his lantern. They had to get Greg and Dipper, then leave his father's territory. He didn't dare look at his hands, as he began focusing on the changes. It was times like that that reminded him how NOT Human he was.

If he was ever reborn…he wished it would be as a Human. 'I won't get my hopes up too high.'

"Greg? Dipper?" He heard Mabel ask to herself.

He looked up, facing in front of them, sure enough, a few yards away, was Dipper and Greg. "GREG!" Wirt yelled out, relief evident.

They all began running towards the boys. Mabel and Paz tackled Dipper, reaching him first. Wirt stopped abruptly, when he noticed how odd Dipper's Soul seemed. Shaking his head, he walked more towards Greg again.

Greg had hugged him tightly and though Wirt smiled at him, happy to see he wasn't as bad as he thought he'd be, it was odd but Wirt became distracted.

When he looked over, Dipper was talking in barely even a whisper in Mabel's ear, so quiet even Wirt couldn't hear. Not that he would've anyway, the noises of their heartbeats, pulse, and scent of their Soul's enticing.

He saw Mabel's body tense, only to see her send an angry look his way, hugging Dipper.

"W-what's wrong?" Wirt asked, unsure why he was getting the look.

There was a tense moment of silence as Dipper refused to look at him, arms clean, but blood splattered on his clothes. Paz and even Mabel gave him a dark look. Beatrice stayed out of it.

"Wirt?" Greg spoke meekly, a guilty look on his face. Wirt looked to him, worried. Greg took a deep breath, lip wobbling and he cleared his throat. He spoke loudly. "I was very weak. I…I don't know all of it, but…but Dipper…he fed me."

"H…how?" Wirt's voice shook. He knew he knew how. He just felt a gut wrenching guilt under his hunger, thinking what Dipper had to do.

Killing. Eating. Sacrificing. Wirt and Greg were used to it. Maybe a certain percentage of Humans too. But not Dipper. Not Mabel. Not Paz. "Dipper?" He squeaked out, worried.

Dipper looked distraught. Possibly still conflicted. "I had to. Greg was looking close to death by the hour. I-I-I panicked-I couldn't…couldn't risk it."

Wirt scanned Dipper's face, confused and surprisingly aroused with the thought of Dipper covered in blood, unhinged. Dipper couldn't have been so loyal. He bit down the primal purr that nestled in his heart at the thought. A strong Soul willing to do such a thing for -what Wirt saw- as unforgivable beings cursed with hunting Humans for no reason except food or sport. Providing for them. The longer Wirt stared at Dipper's eyes, his Soul, moving so brightly still, though agitated, Wirt's body began to heat. Even against his mind, his body wanted to betray him. Wanted to do what his mother did with men and yet also wanted to possess him.

His Humanity was thinning by the day, it was obvious with how animalistic his thoughts and instincts were turning (sadly, only then realizing). They weren't at the core of The Unknown, but he had to get them out right then.

"Wirt?" Greg asked, wondering why his brother was acting strangely. Something was wrong and not just because his brother was turning more into his Beastly form.

Wirt shook his head and caressed Greg's cheek before something came to mind. "I'll…I'll get you guys home n-now." He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the fire dancing within Greg's body. Usually he would hold Greg and rub his bare back to stoke the fire lying within enough to act similar to his father's lantern and they'd be back to The Other side. Wirt would often get ill after using himself and Greg to transport back and forth. So ill that he couldn't move from his resting area, therefore couldn't watch Greg. Hence why he usually tried using his father's old lantern. "Greg, will you be awesome and take your shirt off for me? I'll hold you so you're warm." He smiled with his mouth closed, not wanting to reveal his teeth.

Greg began to listen until he stopped, some sort of realization hitting him. "No, Wirt. It's too dangerous right now. Please!" He reached for Wirt's hands, a panic in his eyes and a deep frown upon his pink lips, his brother flinching them back from Greg's grasp.

"It'll be okay, Greg. I'll make sure you're all safe." Wirt spoke gently, trying to coax his brother.

"What do you mean, Wirt? We're lost here." Dipper asked, seeming to be calming but unsure whether to approach.

Wirt faced him, standing, with a grin.

"He's trying to send you guys home by himself!" Greg blurted, ratting him out.

"Greg!" Wirt gasped, unintentionally inhaling a sweet, savory scent.

"Isn't that what was supposed to happen?" Paz asked, unsure what was going on between the brothers.

"Not when we aren't at the core! We're deep in The Beast's territory so if Wirt messes up, not only will he get ill but he'd be too weak to go against him. He's worried about you all, especially right now, but instead of talking about it, he's trying to send you away." Greg huffed.

Wirt actually bared his teeth at Greg. He loved the child dearly, but he didn't need to let out unnecessary information like that. "Gregory…"

He was about to lecture, only to feel a hard yank downward by his cloak and to be eye to eye with a furious Dipper, his nose scrunched, brows furrowed and jaw tight, caramel eyes blazing gold.

"Why won't you learn?! Didn't we talk about this?! Didn't all of us tell you, over and over, to communicate with us?! STOP FUCKING TAKING ON ALL THE BURDEN! Listen!" He snarled, huffing as he moved his hands from Wirt's cloak to hold his face roughly, no ounce of gentleness to be had. "It was horrific what I had to do to keep Greg safe, but I didn't have to kill them. I never want to willingly do that again!" Tears welled angrily in Dipper's eyes, face red with anger and grip shaking. "But I would…" he croaked, eyes dimming with a sad resolve, his grip hot as he rubbed his thumbs against Wirt's cheeks.

"Dip, you don't-" Mabel began, worry for her brother and his choices evident in her demeanor.

"Why in God's name did you drag me over here, Beau? There ain't nothin' here you think I'd be happy to see." A female voice snipped.

The group jumped and looked over, cowering to be behind Wirt immediately when they saw the towering being they'd come to fear. He was massive, more so than they'd seen him, shadows seeming to slither around his body. The teen's eyes widened at the woman who stood with him. She was tall and lanky, wore a white poodle dress with heels, had short sienna hair with some silver streaks. Only when she got closer did they see the uncanny resemblance to the person in front of them.

"Why don't you look forward and see, Mildred?" Beau laughed lowly.

She did, only for them all to hear Greg gasp, running towards her. "MAMA!" He yelled, embracing the woman's legs.

"Greg?! Greggy, it is you!" She bent down, planting kisses all over his face.

The teens slowly spread out, wanting to observe what was happening. They didn't expect Wirt to pull away from Dipper, only to practically run over and yank Greg from the woman. "Don't you dare kiss him!" He snarled.

Mildred's eyes were wide until she realized who it was. "You!" She gave Wirt a scathing glare. "How dare you take my baby from me! How DARE you, you little whore!" In her fit, Mildred scratched Wirt's face, the scratches bleeding.

Wirt shook his head, beginning to shake with fear. Pulling Greg away was a knee jerk reaction and though he didn't regret it, he was still petrified. He thought he'd killed her that one night, then thought his father did the logical thing and turned her to Edelwood. He made the mistake of ignoring her and breathing smoke towards The Beast with eyes iridescent. "I thought you got rid of her!" He was unexpectedly pulled back, everything a slight blur as he was pulled away from his father's outstretched hand. He didn't fall too back, a strong chest and warm hand on his hip stabilizing him.

"What's going on?" Dipper whispered, mainly wanting to know so he knew if he had to protect Wirt or take the girls and Greg and run.

Against his will, Wirt felt himself starting to melt into Dipper's touch, despite the danger around.

"Ohh~, I see. Greggy, baby, come to Mama. I'll take care of you." She smiled sweetly to Greg, holding out her hands.

"Mama? W-what's going on? Why did you hurt Wirt?" His brow furrowed, but he began to listen to her. She never hurt him, so he trusted her.

"Just bitter, baby. That little whore wants to deny his nature so badly yet look at that. Clinging to a man and Beau has told me other things as well that he's done, while you were present. Don't worry, Greg, you'll get to stay with Mama. We'll figure out how to save you." She pet his head, trying to dust him off.

"Sorry to butt in, but if I've learned anything here, Greg can't stay with you. He's still alive and Wirt's been capable of caring for him." Dipper spoke loud enough, standing beside Wirt, arms crossed.

Mildred looked him up and down lazily. "Honey Pot, I think this is something you don't comprehend so stay out, okay?"

"Greg, let's go. We have to get back." Wirt shakily held out one hand, palm up. There was confidence that Greg would follow, but Mildred had always been a mother to Greg.

A mother's love was always priority over a brother's…wasn't it?

Greg looked to him worriedly but began to walk back, until Mildred's hand gripped the back of his shirt. "I know what's best for my child."

Wirt felt himself bristle, hurt and anger lying in his voice. ""Know what's best for your child"? Oh…was that what you'd done? Is that-hahahahaha!" His laugh was broken. He buried his hurt behind a gentle smile, struggling to keep his Beastly form away, though he struggled. "Greg…I won't be mad or anything. Will staying with mo-your mother, make you happy?" He didn't want him to. He'd be devastated, but was he really what was best for Greg? Being abused by The Beast? Constantly becoming sick only to get better with flesh or Souls from other beings through oil? Being forced to kill to survive?

"W…what will happen if I choose to stay or go? What will happen to you?" Greg asked Wirt, hazel eyes large with concern.

Wirt blinked, deciding to lie as best as he could. "I'll take my Soul from you, creating a lantern possibly similar to The Beast's, then I'll take Dipper and them home-" he glared daggers at his father, a growl emanating from sharp teeth and smoky breath, "-with no issue, then I'll be back. Your Soul will have a home here, like the others living here. Like Aunty Whispers and Lorna. Like Unky Endicott and Fred. I'll make sure Beau leaves you alone. I promise." He felt his hands shake, everything beginning to fall between his hands. "Now, if you come with, we will still send them home, though you might suffer greatly, with the strain it'll take. I can't promise change or if Beau will try and hurt you, since I'm not strong without all of me." Wirt smiled large, hands clasped in front of him to show no worry, no fear or hurt. Point is, Greg, whatever makes you happy, is what I've always wanted."

The girls were so sure he'd go with his mom. Besides, what boy wouldn't if they just found out their mom was still around?

Dipper gently ran his hand up and down Wirt's back comfortingly. He was sure Greg would choose Wirt, no matter what, with the teen practically raising him.

Wirt himself saw the pros versus cons here. He was scared, he'd admit that. Would his mother really treat Greg right? He could always strike up a deal with his father to leave Greg alone, but would it be fair to take Greg's chance at life? Even if Greg decided to stay, he realized, he couldn't take more from him. Wirt slacked in defeat. Why did his mother get everything? Why couldn't her death be retribution enough? "Actually Greg…I lied a bit. How-how about you visit? I'll be back to get you after I bring them home. I'll…I'll make sure you get to make new friends and-and visit the Pines still. P-promise."

Mildred snorted, looking unsatisfied, clapping with a hip cocked. "Bravo, brat. Quite the scene you gave us. Pretty professional at looking pathetic."

"What is your deal?!" Dipper snapped at her. He'd been gathering the bits and pieces Wirt had let slip about his childhood plus what they've seen of Wirt's general disposition. In short, Dipper had NO clue how someone so sweet could come from parents like he was seeing then. "It's none of your business how Wirt feels about Greg or how he's trying his hardest. I just have to wonder what you did to make Wirt want to murder you when he did!" Dipper was unaware of the strength of his Soul writhing in fury under his skin, trying to melt into a physical energy in his veins.

"I didn't do shit to make that ungrateful, gluttonous slut murder me and my husband. I was a great provider. I had my little family and I was living my best life! Even had little Greg and he's the light of my life. Then out of the blue, this fucking men stealer comes in and kills us! He's always been like that!" She pointed an angry finger at Wirt, who'd grown quiet, lost within his own fury and shame, but not wanting to have this fight in front of Greg.

"Stop…just stop. You win. You've always won. Fighting isn't helping Greg, so stop." Wirt waved a hand.

"Mama…why're you saying all those lies about Wirt? He's always provided for me." Greg asked, taking a few steps from his mom.

"Oh, sweetie, I bet he has. Now, let's get some food, yes?" She took his hand and didn't even let Greg make his own choice in the matter.

Wirt jumped, so close to breaking into tears, when he felt Beatrice by his ear. "I'll keep a close eye. Promise."

"Thank you. If anything happens or if he wants to leave, bring him back home with you. Please…he's all I have." He whispered, Dipper being close enough to hear. Wirt then took a breath, watching her follow hos mother and Greg. "That was low." Wirt growled, glaring at his father. He was so close to bawling. Greg had to have been confused and their mother took advantage of that.

"Let's have a chat, Wirtham." The Beast beckoned him, teasingly holding out the lantern.

"Don't, Wirt." Dipper warned, linking his pinky with Wirt's. He was worried. He hadn't lied when he said he'd do it again if needed.

"I'm so confused. Why did Greg go with her?" Mabel asked, having been dumbstruck along with Paz.

Though Paz seemed to have pieced it together quickly, more awkward than anything at the moment, she was worried about Wirt. From what the teens had seen, Wirt rarely left Greg and when he did it was with someone he trusted, which she should've realized before. Wirt trusted them with Greg. His life.

"Stay here. I'll be right back then I'll get you all home. We're burning time and there's only so long I can hold off hunger." He squeezed Dipper's pinky and smiled reassuringly towards the teens, before he followed his father into the woods again.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Mabel asked, hugging her brother for comfort.

Paz and Dipper nodded. "Me too. I'm not sure he's gonna listen to me about not putting it all on himself." Dipper rubbed at his head, feeling Mabel put his hat on his head.

"He's got more problems than that right now, which would be more reason to ignore you. Might have to force our way into it at this rate." Paz folded her arms.

"We shouldn't have let her take Greg." Dipper mused.

"Now we wait till Wirt returns." Mabel tapped her foot.

"I just hope he eats while he's gone." Paz sighed. She was done with the bullshit.

The woods were cold and deathly quiet. Wirt slowly dragged along, unsure how far his father was leading him. He stopped when his father did, in front of a tree and was about to ask, but the groan he heard made him look, seeing a person tied to the tree. Without asking or any hesitation, Wirt's mouth began to water and he growled lowly, hungrily.

"Go ahead." His father ushered and Wirt didn't need to be told twice. He'd rather feast on the muscular man than risk eating the teens he'd left in the park.

All that remained was blood, clothes, and rope. His father hummed quietly and Wirt took a moment to clean himself and return to normal. "I'm still pissed at you. She was supposed to be turned to Edelwood! You KNOW what she did to me. All those years, you knew! Why is she being praised with never aging and also being able to do as she pleases when she destroyed my innocence?!" Wirt began to get worked up, his emotions high and hurt finally being released at someone. "Why?! Why does she hate me so much, Daddy?! Why?!!" He wanted to hate her, but even when he killed her, he still had loved her.

The Beast caressed his face, Wirt beginning to try and recoil from it for the first time in his life. He now knew the difference between a caring caress and one as cold as his father's. "I'm not sure why. I suppose that will have to be between you both. Now, have you calmed?"

Wirt wiped his eyes, the black receding to reveal his more Human form. "Yes."

There was a pleased rumble from The Beast. "Good. Here." Crooking his fingers, he held the lantern out to Wirt. "You want to let them return. Correct?"

Wirt's eyes widened and his breath caught. He couldn't be. "I thought you wanted them for food or Edelwood."

The Beast shrugged. "I've grown bored. Besides, it's harder to make them lose hope when you're there."

Wirt looked long and hard at his father's white eyes. "What's the catch?" There always was one. Something had to have happened with Dipper as well. Dipper hadn't lied when he said he didn't kill the prey. "What had you told Dipper to make him know how to feed Greg?" He stood tall, wanting to figure out what his father had planned.

"Surprised you figured it out. I'll give the boy some credit that he didn't back down. Loyalty as strong as his is rare amongst Humans these days. I simply made a deal. I'll hunt and he cannot refuse what I brought him. He was quite desperate." Beau spoke with humor.

"What did you hunt?" He rose a brow. His father was a sadist, through and through, there was no way he made it easy on Dipper.

Beau observed his other hand. "Twins. Young. I drowned them." He stated boringly.

'No wonder he was so traumatized. Well, I guess he could've either way, but that's going to haunt Dipper for a long time.' Wirt thought. "Okay, so what are you wanting from me to make sure I can use the lantern?"

The Beast hummed joyfully. "There we go. So good you are learning, my child." He circled Wirt, making him wait.

Wirt tapped his foot. He didn't have time! "For fuck's sake, father, what do you want?!" He turned quick, eye to eye with him.

"Very well. Are you listening?" He grasped Wirt's jaw roughly at his nod. "Good. I will allow you to use the lantern to return those delectable Souls, but, in turn…" he brushed Wirt's bangs from his face, trying to coax a more relaxed posture, which he was annoyed he didn't receive. "You will abandon your Humanity for good and become what you should have that night." The Beast grinned, mouth full of fangs and breath like rot at Wirt's reaction.

Wirt's eyes bugged out of his head, body taunt with disbelief. There was no loophole in his father's phrasing.

Lose his Humanity. He'd always had it, one way or another, so what would he be without it? Like his father? Biting his lip and closing his eyes with furrowed brows, he lowered his head and nodded. "Is that all?" He tried keeping the croak from his voice.

"Do you comprehend what I mean when I say that?" The Beast chuckled.

Wirt thinned his lips. "I thought it was pretty straightforward." His gut squirmed. A bad feeling.

"ALL of your Humanity, Wirtham. That means making Gregory null and void as your makeshift lantern." He explained as if it were simple.

He was rendered speechless. Why would his father tell him to do that? If Greg truly wanted to stay there (and not return to the living) then he would've, but to do so when Greg hadn't answered, was cruel. "Don't take more from Greg. Please!"

"I'm trying to help him. Do you truly think it wise to keep him like this? Alive but sick. Alive yet dead. You are the one being selfish here, Wirtham. From the moment you decided to spare Gregory, his life has been Hell. Think about it. Your mother and his father treated him well. Wasn't it you who thought it unfair? Yet you care for him so you spared him." Beau kept circling, judging Wirt's reactions.

Holding back tears, Wirt outstretched his hand, palm up and eyes forward. The lantern handle was set on his fingers, it heavy and cold. He didn't say another word to his father as he began to walk back out towards the teens. He knew what they said about communication, but what were they going to do if he told them?

No.

They'd go to the core, outside the city, then he'd sing a lullaby. One they won't remember. The Unknown will be nothing but a fading dream.

The teens had waited patiently. Or as patiently as they could with all of them not being able to sit still for more than 5 minutes at a time. Hearing noise coming from the woods, they all turned their heads, being on high alert. They saw Wirt walking out with a smile on his face and the lantern held high. "I got it!" He yelled.

"How?" Dipper asked, running up first to check on him. He was surprised to see Wirt unharmed.

"Talked to him." Wirt replied. He reached and rubbed an icy knuckle against Dipper's cheek.

"Sure. Like someone like that would be easy to talk to." Paz said sarcastically.

"Never said it was easy. Now, let's get out of the city so we can send you guys home." He held onto Dipper's hand with his free one, trying to think of his own plan.

It was quite late by the time Wirt told them they could rest. It was a quaint spot, flat ground, soft grass and some flowers. Dipper had caught some fish while Wirt kept watch and the girls started a fire. They were safe.

"I call dibs on shower first." Paz scoffed, ripping pieces off the fish.

"I call second!" Mabel raised and waved her hand.

"Hey, are you gonna stay for a bit when we get back?" Dipper asked Wirt, scooting a bit closer and rolling his eyes at the girls.

Wirt flinched, but calmed, smiling slyly back. "Sorry, Cutie, but I'm afraid I won't be able to indulge you, no matter how delectable it sounds." He slowly moved closer until he was whispering in Dipper's ear.

Dipper's face broke out into a deep blush, covering his face and groaning. "Wirt!"

Wirt laughed, a genuine one. "Aww~, poor man." His laugh faded out into a sigh. "Get some sleep. " he looked to the girls as well. "It's going to take everyone's energy to get back, even with The Beast's lantern."

The girls yawned, having no problem agreeing. They'd be home soon and that's all that mattered.

Dipper laid down where he was, right at Wirt's side, using his arms as a pillow but not quite covering his eyes yet. There was a long silence as Dipper stared at the sky and Wirt watched the fire. A good hour gone and Wirt could tell the girls had fallen asleep, cuddled together. He was more than anxious that Dipper was still up.

He looked over, admiring how calm Dipper was. His eyes stayed glued to the stars, reflecting in his eyes, a small quirk of his lip and a few new freckles stayed in Wirt's mind, possibly becoming a cherished memory. A collection of freckles along Dipper's forehead peaked Wirt's interest, so he reached out and lightly brushed Dipper's bangs to the side.

Dipper jumped, having not expected it. He surprisingly enjoyed the light touch. He looked into Wirt's iridescent eyes, them having been that way for days now, and knew he was caught. He blushed deeply. He wanted Wirt and Greg to return with them, still not sure why they couldn't. Might as well ask, but he was hesitant to ruin the moment. It felt light and breakable.

Gulping, Wirt ran his fingertips through Dipper's bangs, over and over, enjoying the curls around his fingers, even if the hair was a bit knotted and had dirt and leaves through it. This. This right here was why he didn't want to lose his Humanity. He didn't feel what he'd heard of in novels and from girls his age. There was no fluttering of butterflies or a "the one" feeling, not that Wirt would know it. He did feel…content. He felt he could do it every night or morning. Maybe he could indulge just once before he lost it? "Hey…can-can I do something?" He whispered, suddenly nervous. He removed his hand, feeling like it might've been getting sweaty with nerves. Maybe he shouldn't ask. His shaking gave him an idea. "How-how about a-a trade?"

Dipper sat up, surprised how much he didn't like that Wirt removed his hand. "Something wrong?" He asked, laying a hand on Wirt's leg.

"T-trade?" Wirt couldn't help the stuttering. What if he pushed Dipper away and this was the last time? Well, that might be better then.

Dipper cocked his head. "Trade what? Come on, talk to me." He gently lifted Wirt's chin with his fingers, taken aback by the bright and vibrant blush covering the other's pale face and neck.

"You give-give me a-Uhm-a k-k-kiss…a-and I give you…" he paused, still nervous, but now more scared. He turned his head away, his face illuminated by the flames of the dying fire. "I give you something that's precious to me, but…I'm scared you'd think it a burden." He had been waiting for a vocal answer but received a peck to the cheek before he turned his head fast to see Dipper blushing like mad and sitting back.

Wirt's frown deepened as did his blush, turning his head quick again only to hear Dipper sigh and let out a airy chuckle.

"Or did you mean this?" His voice was low and it sent a jolt to Wirt's abdomen. Next thing he knew, Dipper's hand was hot against his pulse as he pulled Wirt closer, not stopping until their lips met. It was clumsy, both light but firm, speaking of inexperience from them both. Wirt tentatively pressed farther, Dipper's shaking an encouragement. Using his other hand, Dipper held Wirt's jaw, rubbing his calloused thumb against the indent of jaw and cheekbone. He was aware of the grip Wirt had on his vest.

Wirt reluctantly pulled away first, knowing he wasn't the best kisser and worried he'd messed up. "S-sorry I'm not-not the best." He pulled his hands away, fiddling with his fingers.

Dipper snorted, a huge smile on his blushing face, head turned down and angled so he was looking at Wirt from the side, his eyes bright and gold. "Neither am I. I think that's okay. Don't you?"

Wirt felt himself smile gleefully, covering his mouth and eyes crinkled. He felt his breath catch and he looked away, nodding his head furiously. He made the mistake of catching the flicker of the lantern, remembering what he had to do and why he asked for a kiss in the first place. His gleeful grin turned remorseful, but kept it hidden all the same. "I'll give you your trade when we bring you guys back home. I-uh-have to finish it." He looked to Dipper with big doe eyes, hoping he'd fall for the half-lie.

Dipper quirked a brow, obviously curious, but nodded, laying back down and placing his hat over his eyes, that same silly, love struck smile on his face until his mouth relaxed with slumber.

Wirt watched him, not taking his eyes off Dipper for a long time after. He tried holding onto that happy feeling, but the longer Dipper stayed asleep, the farther the feeling was becoming. Wirt stood, the moon bright above as he decided it was about time to return them to their family. He opened his mouth to start a song to keep them asleep and to help ease his own grief, but no song, not even lyrics came to mind. So instead, he'd sing something familiar. Maybe happy.

"Oh, potatoes and molasses

If you want some, oh, just ask us

They're warm and soft like puppies and socks

Filled with cream and candy rocks

Oh, potatoes and molasses

They're so much sweeter than algebra class

If your stomach is grumblin' and your mouth starts mumblin'

There's only one thing to keep your brain from crumblin'-"

By the time the portal opened, moving the teens with Edelwood branch and the shadows, Wirt was humming as the shadows quietly placed the teens in The Shack, even as he passed by the sleeping Grunkles, who were passed out at the kitchen table, maps and whereabout ideas spread all over the place. He placed the girls in Mabel's room and Dipper in his room, lingering for a moment. He swallowed down his tears and bent down, placing a light kiss to Dipper's constellation. Making sure to be quiet, Wirt pulled away, his eyes were black with white pinpricks. Before he could undo his hard work, he vanished with the lantern, leaving his heart behind.