Chapter Text
Dipper stood by the school gate and watched how the other students just walked past him, ignoring him completely.
I don't have a single friend in this school, Dipper thought as he tried to spot a larger group of students he could tag along with to avoid unwanted attention from a certain blond bully who had made each day a struggle for the past month or two.
Finally the 14 year old middle schooler inhaled deeply and started following a small group of middle schoolers who were heading into same direction as him, but much to Dipper's disappointment, the students dispersed into various directions when they reached the nearby park.
One again he was vulnerable prey to Cipher who was like a shark or a demon who found pleasure in tormenting him. There was nowhere to hide, no place where the tall and lanky student wouldn’t find him.
I wish Mabel would sometimes walk home with me like she used to, the 14 year old boy thought a bit bitterly as he started walking through the park that was popular hangout place with older students from nearby college.
Mabel, who was being her usual social butterfly-self, had headed over to her friend's house, leaving him all alone once again. It was something that had become more frequent lately.
I can’t complain, not when Mabel is so happy.
Naturally Dipper was happy that his sister had made friends in the new school but....at times it just hurt so much to be left alone over and over again. It felt like he met his bully more than his sister which only made his loneliness and sense of isolation stronger.
I can't lean onto her for the rest of my life...or hide behind her back.
“Well, maybe I won't run into him today,” Dipper finally muttered out as he passed a group of college students reading and studying in the park. His school was located near the college and the quickest and safest way home was through the park and plaza that was popular with students of all age.
The school year had started horribly.
Their parents had decided to move into a completely new city because job opportunities and to start everything anew. It had been hard to accept.
During the past 5 months, he had not made a single friend in the new school. He spent his days alone with no one to talk to. Dipper had no one he could share his burdens and worries with. His parents had enough problems on their own and he didn’t want to worry his sister either.
Mabel of course had no trouble making friends and was quickly becoming the star of the school while he, as usual, was left in her shadow.
No one in the new school actually dared to visibly and physically bully him because of his sister. Everyone wanted to be part of Mabel’s lime light and in her favor, but that didn’t stop the verbal bullying and getting the loner status. Not a single student wanted to hang out with a loser.
At first, he had thought everything would turn out ok, but during the past few years he and Mabel had started drifting apart more and more. It was painful, but a part of life the two of them had to accept. They had their own rooms in the new house and had been placed in different classes too.
Everything in the new city and neighborhood was great for his family. His parents had gotten great jobs, the schools were good and close by and most importantly, Mabel too was having the time of her life.
I'm the only one who wants to go back, Dipper though as he walked along the park road. But I can't be selfish here.
Dipper kicked a small rock as he made his way through the verdant park. His heart was pounding and he looked around to see if his bully was somewhere nearby. The mere sight of the handsome young man made him want to run.
“Please I don't want to run into him today, I've had a bad enough day already,” Dipper muttered underneath his breath. During a lunch break he had sat all alone and heard other students pity and mock him while praising his sister.
Dipper could feel his heart beat elevate when he saw plenty of college students hanging out, reading, chatting and playing sports together.
The teen’s blood ran cold when he heard familiar laughter and chatter ahead of him. He lifted his gaze from the pavement to see a familiar group of college students sitting around a small water fountain.
Damn it....I don't want to deal with him today, the boy thought and stopped for few seconds to calm down. The group alone wasn’t that bad but if Bill was there…
On the outside, they looked all nice and friendly, and some of them actually were ok, but the “leader” of the group was the worst person he had ever met. Strangely enough, and to his luck, the tall, slim and handsome student was nowhere to be seen. Dipper couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief as he kept walking forward.
What do I have to do to make him stop bullying me? the teen thought and could already feel Bill’s firm grip on his arm, his voice and laugh echoing in his mind. I don’t want anything to do with that demon.
The only female in the group, one Dipper had heard to go by name of “Pyronica” for some reason (He suspected she had burned something in the past) noticed him approaching them. The boy acted as he had not noticed the group. The girl smiled slightly and nudged one of the other students and soon enough they all were eying him with wicked smiles. Thankfully, none of them actually did anything.
From what he had gathered, all of the students in Bill's group came from wealthier background and all had good grades. They were liked, trusted and respected....yet they were the worst people Dipper knew.
Just when he was about to pass the group without an incident, the young student could hear the overly cheerful voice of his “nemesis”, Bill Cipher.
“Pine Tree! Good heavens I almost missed running into you. That would have ruined my day.”
Running into you ruined my day; the teen wanted to say but held his tongue.
Dipper wanted to just run, but doing so would certainly mark him and raise questions, so instead of escaping he just froze and turned his head to face a tall lanky young man who was approaching him with a somehow wicked grin on his face. Dipper felt like there was a demon approaching him, ready to dig its claws deep into him.
As usual, Bill looked perfect and elegant. The blond young man wore black jeans, dress shirt, vest and dress shoes. The outfit really made him standout in the crowd of students and drew attention to him. He was the king around his age group and commanded authority over others.
He was a person who was loved by everyone, and a person who had made Dipper's life horrible and anxiety filled for the past few months. He haunted his nightmares and made him feel utterly powerless.
Before Dipper could reply or say anything, Bill put his arm around his shoulders and turned him around. Bill lead the startled boy over to his friends who all had smiles on their faces.
“It always brightens my day when I see your cute and stupid little face, Pine Tree,” Bill said with a grin, flicking Dipper's hat that had earned him the nickname. “But you know, I'm starting to get a feeling that you are avoiding me on purpose here…trying to hide among other students like that. Are you trying to hurt my feelings, Pine Tree? Or are you just that desperate to try and make some friends? Hoping that they’d think you to be part of their group?” the college student asked with somewhat hollow look in his golden eyes.
The teen almost whimpered when his tormentor tightening his hold around him so that he was practically pressed against Bill’s body. He wanted to squirm and push Cipher away. Being this close to the college student made his skin crawl. “But that can't be can it? I mean, we are friends, aren’t we?” Bill inquired with a narrow grin. “You don’t really need more friends, do you? I’m here for you after all.”
Dipper hated this group from the bottom of his heart, Bill in particular who just happened to live in the same neighborhood as him...close to his house too actually.
“No, I haven't, Cipher,” Dipper muttered when the handsome young man inquired if he had been avoiding him. He had tried, but Bill would always find him no matter what, and when he did, he’d be particularly nasty. “And I know…”
“Hmm?” Bill let out, his unnaturally golden eyes studying the young boy who looked so anxious and a tad scared.
If someone else looked at them, they’d probably see an older student being all brotherly and playful with Dipper, and since it was Bill, who'd dare to suspect him of bullying someone so much younger? What would he get out of it? Nothing. Bill was the golden boy, everyone wanted to be him and his friend. He was like a big brother to Dipper.
Except, Bill did get something out of it. He got the thrill of having power over someone else’s mind and life. If he wanted to, he could ruin Dipper’s day. His grip on the boy’s mind was getting tighter and tighter each passing day and the teen had found himself thinking of Bill more and more…he tormented his every waking moment. School was the only respite he got.
“Good. You’d hate it if we stopped being friends, Pine Tree. You’d be all alone and even more miserable than you already are " the older boy laughed and tightened his grip on Dipper’s shoulder, clearly loving the effect he had on the teen, the power he had over him. Dipper resisted the urge to swallow when he saw how Cipher’s smile widened until he was leering at him.
“My, it almost looks like you are scared, don't say you are afraid of me of all people?” Bill asked all sweetly and mockingly, never dropping that friendly mask of his.
“No, I’m not afraid of you,” Dipper whispered, making Bill cackle out loud and his friends snicker a bit.
The friendly mask dropped for a brief moment and the look on Bill’s face turned truly creepy and malicious. His golden eyes seemed almost hollow and there was madness in them…possessive need that Dipper didn’t quite understand.
“Good, because that would be stupid wouldn’t it? We are such a good friends, aren’t we? Best buddies…”
“I have to go, Cipher,” Dipper finally managed to say and tried to walk away from the group, but Bill was not going to let him go just yet.
The teen winced when the blond college student grabbed his arm into a vice like grip.
“God, you are such moron that it is almost funny,” the tall student mocked him. Cipher then flicked the hat completely off Dipper's head and ruffled his hair roughly. “You are just so cute and stupid~ I really wish we could spend more time together.”
He loathed Bill. He was loved and respected by everyone, got good grades, lived alone. Why had he become the young man's target? Why couldn’t he just leave him alone?
“B..Bill, I really have to get home,” Dipper muttered and tried to get out of Cipher’s hold. The blond student looked quite unimpressed and gave his victim a long and calculating stare before finally letting go of his arm.
“Fine,” the college student said and watched with a small smile how Dipper picked his hat up before backing away from the group. Finally he turned around and hurried off, not quite running but walking very fast.
“See you around, Pine Tree. You know, we should sometime sit down and have a long nice conversation…really get to know each other~” the young man said as he watched the kid hurry away.
Dipper tried to stay calm as he walked to the edge of the park and headed home. He didn’t feel safe until he was sure that Bill and the rest couldn’t see him.
Cipher scared him and made him feel anxious. There was definitely something wrong about that student he just couldn’t quite pin point what. Dipper didn't know what he should do since Bill wasn't the everyday school bully out for his lunch money. A part of him actually wished he was since then Mabel could just deal with him the way she dealt with all bullies
Bill was a different kind of a bully one even Mabel couldn't deal with.
First off, Cipher was 6 years older than him and a college sophomore....an young adult who had just set his eyes on him for whatever reason. Hell, it wasn't even physical violence he had learned to expect from a normal bully, no, Bill mocked, humiliated and ridiculed him in front of his friends, hiding his cruel nature behind that friendly mask.
He was all smiles friendly in public, but the moment they were somewhere even a tad secluded, Bill showed just how ugly he was on the inside. Thankfully, those moments were extremely rare.
There was just something very wrong about him. Unlike all the bullies he had encountered so far, Bill knew how to get under his skin, how to twist the knife in his wounds that he felt miserable for the rest of the day. Cipher could read him like an open book, using his family, loneliness, sister, nerdyness or anything as a weapon. He was quick with words and they cut deep and hard.
He looked almost otherworldly with his golden hair and eyes that weren’t due to contact lenses. A rare mutation or something…or maybe he really was a demon in human disguise.
The knowledge of having a grip on someone's mind and life was probably a rush to the young adult, something he couldn’t get enough of.
I can't tell mom, dad or Mabel, Dipper sighed in his mind as he walked back home, kicking an innocent rock that just happened to be in his way. They have enough problems. No reason to worry them.
His parents' marriage had been on thin ice lately, which was one of the reasons they had decided to move. It had been a chance to start anew with the help of their new, dream jobs.
Dipper didn't want to add any extra pressure on them, and there was little Mabel could do to help him. Why make her worry either? There is nothing she can do about him
He feared that his parent's marriage couldn't bear any more stress and the last thing he wanted was them to get a divorce. Simply put, Dipper was afraid that his family would fall apart, that he’d lose what little comfort and happiness he had left. He had to solve this alone. Maybe Bill was going get bored of him soon and would find another target.
Dipper felt something grip at his heart when he passed the house that belonged to none other than Cipher himself. It was pure bad luck that his bully also lived in the same neighborhood as him.
The Pines teen stopped to look at the 2 storey tall house that was quite large and modern, pretty new too.
To his knowledge, Bill lived there all alone, having inherited it from his parents who had passed away year ago in a car crash or something...apparently there had been some issue with the breaks. Well, that was the story that circled in the neighborhood. If anything, such a tragic story only made everyone more sympathetic towards Bill who had become a source of Dipper's nightmares lately.
“He is a nightmare demon,” the boy scoffed and hurried forwards, not wanting to linger…else Cipher might get ideas that he wanted to visit him.
He could still remember the day he had met Bill.
The Pines family had moved into the neighborhood few weeks before the start of school year and had thrown a yard party to get to know everyone in the neighborhood.
He had sat by the fence reading a book and watching everyone else have fun.
Leaving everything behind had been painful for Dipper and he had not been able to get into a cheerful mood, unlike his parents and sister who had been dying to get to know their new neighbors and possibly new friends.
Mabel had become the center of all attention almost immediately and everyone was fawning over her. When it had become clear that all the kids in their age group just wanted a part in her spotlight, Dipper had slipped away into a shadow of a large oak tree to read his latest detective novel. No one had really even noticed.
He had sat in the comfort of the shadow for a good while before someone had noticed him. In retrospective, he was sure his eyes had been filled with sadness and sorrow. Only when Dipper had sensed someone intensely staring at him, had he lifted his gaze from the pages of the book.
I wish I had not met him that day, Dipper thought as he was lost in his memories of that day. The young man had been standing on the walkway staring at him with somewhat confused look on his face. Their eyes had met and for a moment they had just stared at each other. Never before in his life had Dipper seen so beautiful and exotic eyes of pure gold. They were almost hypnotic.
He could swear that the shocked young man had recognized him, but that simply couldn't be. Dipper was more than sure that he had never met this person before.
The teen couldn't help but wonder, if it was the scared, confused and lonely look in his eyes that had made this start, what had made him Bill’s target.
Whatever the case was, he’d never forget the creepy smile that had slowly formed on the college student’s lips. It had been malicious, happy....and borderline sadistic. His golden eyes had been fixated on Dipper who had been sure there was madness in them.
Without a word Cipher had joined the party, introducing himself to his parents and instantly charming both of them along with his sister.
“How was your day, Mabel? You texted me about going to see a friend,” their mother asked as the whole family dined together.
A proper dinner together these days was a rarity due to the fact that both his mother and father were swamped with work. A dinner together like this was something his mother still cherished and tried to make possible whenever she could.
Mabel, who always was eager to tell about her day, lifted her gaze from the plate of fish and potatoes, her eyes shining.
“Wondrous, mom! My friend showed me her collection of Sev'ral Timez merchandise. I thought I was a fan, but she was on completely next level!!” Mabel explained all happily to her parents who seemed pleased that their daughter who had quickly become popular in the new school. It felt like she made at least 4 new friends each day.
“And how about you Dipper? Did you have a nice day?” His mother asked hopefully, albeit looking somewhat worried when Dipper just poked the fish with his fork. He didn’t really have any appetite, not after running into Bill. That creepy smile and Bill’s words just kept haunting him and he could still feel the older student’s grip on his arm and shoulder.
Only when his parents asked in worried tone together, “Dipper? Is everything alright?” did he realize he was being talked to.
“Oh right, sorry, I was just deep in my thoughts, that’s all. A busy day as usual, tons of home work,” Dipper replied quickly and managed to give a quite convincing smile to his parents who seemed somewhat relieved.
Last thing they need is a son with mental problems, that’d be a stigma on their reputation, Dipper thought. “I actually don't feel too good, maybe I should go lie down for a moment. Maybe it is something I ate today.”
“Oh ok, honey,” his mother said and shared looks with her husband. “I wonder, are you really ok with us leaving you alone in the house for the weekend?”
Oh right, that, Dipper thought, I had forgotten all about the weekend.
His parents were going to leave him in charge of house for the first time. They were taking Mabel to see her friends back in the old city for a concert of Sev’ral Timez and to take care of some business they couldn't before, which meant that he got the house all for himself for the weekend.
“Just a bit of a stomach ache, that's all, mom,” Dipper replied in assuring manner. “I’m sure I just need a good night sleep.”
Last thing he wanted was to become a hindrance or trouble for his parents who were already stressed. He’d survive alone, after all, what was the worst Bill could do?
The Friday came and as promised and the Pines family left the house in Dipper's care.
“Just don't get into any trouble ok?” his mother asked for the hundredth time.
Why on earth would I try and get into trouble? Or seek it out in the first place? Dipper wondered. If anything, I’m not going to leave the house at all and just read my detective novels.
“Mom, it is just few days, and you know I'm not going to do anything stupid. The house isn't going to burn down,” Dipper said with a laugh.
“It better not young man!” his mother said playfully and hugged Dipper tightly. “I know you are very responsible for your age. Thank you for doing this for us and your sister, Mason. Call us if you need help with anything or if you are not sure about something. There is food in the fridge and you have the pizza place’s number if you run out of food.”
The young boy rolled his eyes and just smiled.
“I'm not going to starve, or do anything stupid, I promise. Have a good weekend.”
Mabel rushed to her twin and gave him a tight hug.
“Thanks Bro-bro, I promise to bring you a band shirt.”
“Mabel, please don’t,” Dipper just laughed and hugged his sister back. It was also something that he rarely got to do these days anymore.
With that, Dipper spent the Friday evening playing video games and reading novels with no one troubling him whatsoever. It was a heaven and the responsibility made him feel very mature.
However, it was the Saturday that messed up his young life and after it; he wished he had never met Bill.
It was nearing midnight when Dipper was returning from the nearby store. Having decided to start living on the edge, the teen had decided to go to a local 24h store by foot to get some snacks to enjoy while watching a horror movie marathon that was going to last till morning.
However, as he was walking home, he heard loud music coming from a nearby house.
“Is someone having a party?” Dipper thought out loud as he carried a large bag of chips in his arms. As he walked along the sidewalk, he quickly realized that the house where the party was occurring was in fact Cipher’s…
He had taken a detour to the store so he had not passed Bill's house, but now he had to walk past it. The clock was nearing 0.00 and he wanted to get home fast.
Calm down Dipper, it is not like he is going to bully you when he has a house full of guests. Besides Bill is probably inside partying, no way is he going to spot me; the boy reasoned and started walking forward.
When he came closer, Dipper could see some of the young adults hanging outside the house drinking cider and beer while chatting to one another. They were all either completely smashed or tipsy. One young man was hugging the mailbox for some reason while another one was sitting on the yard giggling at him and filming on his phone.
“Ugh, there is no way I'll turn out like these guys,” Dipper muttered as he carried the bag of chips that was quite heavy. However his journey came to a halt when he heard a familiar cackle nearby. Only one person laughed that way.
Dipper slowly turned his head to see Bill leaning against the front door and chatting with some very beautiful girls, acting all charming as he always did. The blond was holding a beer and was clearly somewhat tipsy.
Bill was wearing skinny jeans, black t-shirt with a red and black flannel shirt over it. He was tall and skinny…a giant compared to Dipper who for some reason had not had any major growth spurts yet.
Damn it, damn it, Dipper thought and tried to hurry forward so that the handsome young man wouldn't notice him, but of course to his luck, the college student was like a hawk, spotting him in an instant. Dipper could almost physical feel it when Cipher’s golden eyes fixated on him.
“Well well well well, what have we here? If it isn't my favorite little Pine Tree,” the young adult said and cackled as moved quickly over to the boy before he could hurry and escape him. Bill towered before Dipper, blocking his way effectively.
The college student noticed the bag of chips and gave the boy a wide grin.
“Oh how kind of you, bringing us snacks Pine Tree,” the golden haired student said with a creepy grin on his face.
Dipper shifted in discomfort, not wanting to be this close to the obviously tipsy young man.
“Actually this is just for me. Have a nice party, Bill, I'll be heading home now,” he said and tried to go around Bill, hoping that being polite would get him a ticket out of this. The last thing he wanted was to have his night ruined by Cipher who could be so creepy and cruel, his words venomous and hurtful.
But before he could take more than two steps, Bill grabbed his arm into a vice like grip, tighter than ever before. It was scary, almost terrifying to Dipper.
Bill's expression turned quite wicked and he laughed out loud. “The whole bag? By yourself? Don't be a moron, a kid like you would just get a stomach ache, and besides...sharing is caring.”
“I'm not a kid!” Dipper yelled angrily at the blond who just sneered at him.
“But you are, and a cute one too!” the tipsy college student said and eyed Dipper maliciously. “And a stupid one as well. That’s the best combination really. ”
Dipper could feel his heart beat elevate as Bill’s fingers started to hurt around his arm; his hold was so tight that he feared it would leave a bruise. The young adult tilted his head slightly with a calculating and malicious look in his eyes.
“What should I do with you? What could I…” Bill whispered so quietly that Dipper could barely hear it. The college student hummed softly and for a moment, Dipper couldn't tear his gaze away from Bill's golden hued eyes that looked so enthralling.
Drunk Bill was 10 times more terrifying than sober one…it was if he showed his true nature more. It seeped through the cracks in his friendly mask.
“Now, as an upstanding citizen, I do have to wonder what a small kid like you is doing out as this hour? Aren't your parents worried? Should I call child services to pick you up and take a good long look at your whole family? I heard your parents have tons of problems…unstable family can’t be healthy for you,” Bill mocked him, but Dipper managed to somehow keep his calm. “Are you one of them, Pine Tree? A problem for your parents? A burden?” He asked maliciously and grinned at the teen.
Dipper bit his lip and tried to keep his calm. He knew he’d only make a fool of himself if he started arguing with Bill. No matter how hard his words hurt, he’d have to just endure it. Cipher was more intelligent, better with words and educated than him, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Actually my family is not home this weekend...” Dipper said, only to regret the words the moment they passed his lips.
The words just trailed off when he saw the older student’s golden eyes widen slightly in surprise. Before he knew it, Bill’s grin had turned malicious, possessive…and borderline sadistic. His demeanor changed in an instant. He became even more relaxed and eyed the teen before him playfully. Dipper could feel his heart start to pound as the blond looked over his shoulder at his house that had a full party going on.
“Oh?” Bill let out when he turned his attention back to him. “Well, I can't have you stay all alone...that could be dangerous you know? What if you burned down your house? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to my friend,” Cipher said all friendly to Dipper.
Why does everyone think I’m going to burn down our house? the teen thought but before he could say or do anything, Bill yanked the bag of chips from his arms and threw it at one of his friends on the lawn who had actually passed out already. Dipper wasn’t sure but he thought the friend went by the nickname “Teeth”. The chips landed onto him, with no reaction from the young man whatsoever.
Dipper wanted to run when Bill placed his hands onto his shoulders.
“This is your lucky night Pine Tree, I’m going to show you how to party…you’ll be real popular~.”
Before Dipper had any chance to protest, Bill wrapped his arms around his middle and pulled him up, tossing him over his shoulder.
“No! Let go of me!!” Dipper yelled and tried to kick Cipher who just chuckled and carried him inside the house.