Chapter Text
"I'm so sorry." Dipper yawned, but didn't sound sorry at all. "Please don't eat them. At the very least, let me pick the more suspect cases for you."
It's three in the morning. In a black nightshirt and cloud blue boxers, he felt like quite the sight to see. His long brown hair had been pulled into a fabulous braid, complete with crumpled fake yellow flowers in it. He had glitter on his face from falling asleep at their shared desk. His Mage Mom insignia hung reluctantly from his neck, pointing at the pathway to Hell, where anyone who asked him why he had flowers in his hair could go.
The Multi-Bear is an imposing but odd figure, as far Dipper has been led to believe. Yes, he's tall, and he's got teeth everywhere, but he's still just an amalgamation of bears. A bear made of bears. Bear-Bear.
"No, no, I'm not mad." The Multi-Bear waved a claw, years more patient than Dipper would be at a time like this. "Besides, gnomes taste horrid."
"Ah." The teen glared at the pack of gnomes scouring his humble den, yanking open drawers and fiddling with what Dipper imagined were personal items. "I get it now."
"I mean them no harm, so long as they stay out of my diary." He assured Dipper. It made him want to pout. "I simply wanted to discuss why their scent has been all over my territory. I didn't imagine they'd send you."
"Jeff's busy."
"On a date?"
"With his wife, yes."
"Poor dear." The Multi-Bear rubbed at his eye with a paw. "I don't mind sharing my land, you know. Well, normally I would, but it's not like they'll find anything of use here."
"Gnomes aren't very bright, no." Dipper agreed. "Thank you for understanding that."
"Indeed. Why did you take this job, anyway?"
"I needed the cash so Mabel and I could save Waddles."
"Oh. Well, that's just silly. I would've let you ride me for that pig. It's too cute to perish."
"Thank you for the support, but it's a bit late now." He rubbed his sweaty hands on his shirt.
"Hey, Mage Mom." A gnome skittered up, looking more disheveled than ever, beard and hat askew. He proudly held out what looked to be a glass ball. "Can I take this?"
"Is it yours?"
His brows squinted. "No? That's why I'm asking."
"Then that's your answer, Gregory-" Dipper for the life of him couldn't come to terms with the fact that he knew most of their names now- "No."
"Aww."
"Don't whine. Put it back."
The Multi-Bear watched him with something like awe in his eyes. "Have they actually gained a sense of common decency?"
"The new queen has installed a bunch of new rules. She's actually done a lot in shaping them up."
"She has my respect, then. Any idea who she is?"
Dipper scratched at his chin. There was no stubble to it- he's a late bloomer. "Unfortunately, no."
"Shame. Give Her Majesty my condolences if you do happen to meet, then." A claw gently tapped his foot. "Now that we've got that territory dispute out of the way, how are you?"
Dipper shrugged, averting his eyes. He wished he had a free lock of hair to chew on, but Mabel knew what she was doing in spite of lopping her own hair off years ago. It was pulled tight. "I'm working as a Mage to a herd of gnomes. Have a guess."
"Fair enough. You don't look well-rested."
"Did I ever?"
"Once, perhaps." He traced the dark circles under his eyes. "But not anymore."
Dipper shrugs and pops a pen in his mouth. Seeing how he has no pockets, he thinks maybe one of the gnomes brought it. "Not for a long time, big fella."
"I suppose. But these," Large paws grab his wrist, gently laying his arms out so the little white lines poke out more, "look new."
Dipper forces himself not to get defensive. The Multi-Bear is a hulking creature, but that doesn't mean he's still not a great friend who just wants to help. "Not new. Not really, anyway."
"Did you do this?"
"Some of them. Mabel and I get in our fair share of tussles."
"Hmm, I see." He let go, leaning down so they were eye to eye. "My boy, you know we'd miss you if you left, right?"
Dipper felt a sentimental ball clog his throat. Stupid, misguided ball of emotions. It wasn't like he didn't already know this. He blinked some tears out of his long eyelashes.
"I'm not suicidal, I promise."
"I didn't think you were. You wouldn't be here if you were. I just thought you'd like to hear it. When was the last time you treated yourself to something nice?"
"When we got Waddles a few months back. I've been busy."
"Much too long. Is there anything in particular you've wanted to do?"
"Well..." Dipper hesitated. "I've been wanting to start getting these sleeves- tattoos, I mean. All black, with magic spells and shapes all over them; a walking charm encyclopedia, you know? But it won't get done in one day, and it's expensive."
"They're paying you in gold coins, Dipper. I think you can eek out enough to splurge." The Multi-Bear said. His voice was gentle. "Everyone deserves a treat. Go get dressed and find yours."
"But-"
"Dipper. We love you. We want you to be happy. Go find something that makes you happy."
Dipper's lip quivered. He brutally wished Stan were here; his blunt tongue would keep him tethered to reality. Better yet, all he needed was Mabel to slam down a few cold ones and she became violent Stan with a dash of angst.
"Thanks." He choked out, feeling stupid. The creature pulled him into a scratchy and claw-filled hug.
"Of course, my boy. Anytime."