Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Returning home to Piedmont, California was hard to take in at first. It didn't take long for Mabel to reconnect with her friends here, adapting quickly. However, for Dipper it took longer. He never made friends in Piedmont, starting high school with both old and new class mates. His parents didn't change much nor did they question Mabel's pet, Waddles. Or the sudden change of behaviour from the twins. Specifically Dipper.

Mason 'Dipper' Pines was no stranger to people's cruelty outside from Gravity Falls. His classmates liked to tease him for his clothes and his shyness. And now at his new glasses. His hair got longer, he was using a dark hoodie since it started to get colder, but he's still the same nerd reading alone in the corner of a room. Giggles could be heard, whispers following everywhere he was going.

"Have you heard? Pines fell asleep at Mrs Garcia's class." His eyes twitch.

"Seriously? The nerd? Sleeping in class?"

"Yeah. And then he woke up screaming," the girl giggled "I bet he even wets his bed."

"It wouldn't surprise me." Replied the other girl with a snort. 

Dipper managed to stay silent in his corner, watching them from under his brown curly bangs, a slight tint of pink in his cheeks. He felt sweat sliding down his back, making his skin itchy. Why? Why couldn't everything change for the better? Why am I the only one who's affected by what happened? I was suppose to be better. 

With a tired sigh, The boy put his history book back in his backpack, suddenly uninterested in reading any further. He was tired. So tired. The bags under his eyes got darker in just a week. A week. So little time. This city's high school was pretty close to where he and his sister live, meaning their parents didn't have to take them here. Or out. If he so wanted he could leave. Sure, the teachers will call my parents, he thought absentmindedly, but it will be worth it. Just to have a bit of time for myself. I need to rest. I need sleep.

During the rest of his classes the boy started thinking deeply about his dreams. These weren't like his nightmares from the previous summer where he learned to take control of them. Coming back here felt more like a punch to his gut reminding him of all the things he wasn't. And all the things that he was. A stupid, friendless nerd. Sweaty, awkward, weird. A freak. A voice brought him out of his dark thoughts, a tap against his shoulder as a greeting from his twin.

"Hey, DipDop, are you okay?" he heard her say. He blindly nodded, not caring that he was lying to his sister. They kept walking down the street, very close to their home. Apparently their parents moved closer to their new school as soon as they went back from their own 'summer vacations'. The house looked different. His room, - because yes, they weren't sharing a room anymore - was also different. White boring walls, a simple looking bed, luckily comfortable enough, and a bedside table. At the other side were many of his books in their respective place on the shelf, a wardrobe with few of his clothes and a desktop with a swivel chair. Wendy's hat stayed at the top left shelf, untouched. 

His sister's room was full of color, to no one's surprise. Her collection of sweaters were put to a better use in the colder days. Even Dipper put on one or two of them. Mainly to annoy his sister. Not that she was bothered, of course. Both knew it. Their parents also got them a laptop, shared, unfortunately, where she usually videochats with Pacifica Northwest. They somehow were closer than they ever were. She still missed Candy and Grenda though. Another thing that changed from Mabel was her hairstyle. She wears a high one side ponytail now. She looks as beautiful as always, unlike me. Dipper pushed that self detrimental comment as far as he could in his mindscape.

"We're back!" announced Mabel loudly for his parents sake. Mum was cooking in the kitchen, way too focus on it to acknowledge them, but Dad looked at them kindly from his spot in the sofa, working on some mysterious work for his job. Whatever that was. Dipper couldn't find it in himself to care. He walked past his twin and went directly to his room upstairs. "What's wrong with him?" she pouted. He had been so irritating lately, a complete fun killer. With a loud groan she left her bag next to the coat rack and collapsed next to her father.

"He's just sensitive, sweetie. He needs his alone time," he explained distractedly. Mabel groaned again in annoyance. He looked down at her in exasperation "You know him better than anyone. He hasn't changed that much. Why is it bothering you now of all times?" 

"Because. Dad, he just... He's different, I swear. When we were at Gravity Falls he was fine, he even had fun. And by that I mean normal fun, not nerd fun. He made friends!" She threw her arms up, "So no. He isn't the same. He's having nightmares again too. Dipper doesn't want to talk about it, but I know." She finally said with a sad frown. 

"Well, your brother just needs more time to adjust." He replied with a soft smile. "This is a big change for him."

She wanted to say that she also had gone through a big change, instead all she whispered was "Maybe..."

Chapter Text

Oh Pine Tree. Is this enough for you to understand the mistake you made? Is this enough of a punishment? Of course not! Why would it be? You are one of the reasons Ford came back, after all. You are sleeping peacefully right now, sweaty curly hair against your forehead. I am watching you from above your bed, floating. Are you aware of my presence? 

Your face looks pale in the darkness of your room, the lamp against the wall as the only source of light. Do you know how much I want to strangle you in your sleep right now? That wouldn't be fun though. This isn't enough. Will never be enough. 

It's almost cute the way you keep going back to sleep. Again and again. Almost as if you wanted it. Do you want me? 

Ah. You do, don't you? You need to escape from your monotonous lifestyle after our summer together. You miss the adrenaline, the magic and the constant danger, all the mystery and a little touch of... Madness. You miss me, admit it.

I can't help but laugh. Sweet sweet sapling. How much I have prepared for you. All I need is time. 

Running. Run. Run. Run boy. This ancient wolf will get ya. I'm so close to pierce my claws through your chest. Pacing around you, trapping your little trembling meat body against mine, I can feel your heart beating fast. I can smell your fear. So close. I could just bite into the tender skin from your shoulder and torn it apart instead I wait. I wait patiently for the right moment. My little lamb, so small and scared. Weren't you who tried to punch a God in its eye? Tell me, little sapling, would you do it again? Knowing what would happen after, would you DARE punching me again?

thump thump

thump thump

thump thump

My heart beats as it pumps my blood through my veins. The blood rushes to the tips of my fingers, the pulse coming in hot waves, right into my head. Into my chest. Tight, it's so tight. I can't breathe. I feel dizzy even after waking up. Another nightmare. Why can't I just get him out of my mind? I'm drenched with my sweat and my shirt is sticking into my skin. I can't take it anymore, I whimper. Why can't you leave me alone? Even the memory of you is enough to make me feel weak and scared. Isn't it enough? I gasp at the familiar feeling of cold fingers running through my hair, touching me tenderly. As if nothing had happened. 

Shaking my head at the paranoia that I know is flooding my system, I leave the comfort of my bed clutching the blanket around my body before leaving my room and heading down into the bathroom. As I suspected, it's already night. No one had bothered to wake me up. Maybe it's for the best. Shivering, I closed the door and let the blanket fall into the ground. The cold water hit immediately my hot skin leaving goosebumps all over it. Relieved, I sat down under it until it got warmer simply enjoying the fall of the water. I can't be bothered to do anything else. 

I'm watching you

I opened my eyes. When did I close them? How long have I been here? I'm losing my mind. I turned the water off and left the bathtub. Or I tried. It's hard to admit that I slipped in the bathroom, naked and with no clean clothes to change into. I felt heat burning my cheeks contrasting against the cold of the tiles, a pool of shame in my stomach. Droplets of water were running down my face hiding my tears. See what I've become, a laughing stock of my own life. Such pathetic, ugly crybaby. After some minutes, I leaned against the wall and wrapped my arms around my legs, unable to bear the pain. I want this to end. How did a week turned out so badly?

I sat there for what felt hours, sniffing miserably. When I had enough, I took my blanket back, stood up and left. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. 

Chapter Text

The next day was surprisingly better. It was neither hot nor cold, with a bit of a breeze. There are not many people outside and Dipper took the opportunity to go for a walk, and to the park. Swinging on the swings makes him feel free, calmer. The wind against his face turned out to be the best feeling he's felt in a very long time. The best thing, though, is that there's no school today. For once, he's happy. 

If his family heard him say those words out loud they would wonder who he was and what did he do to the real Dipper. The boy laughed pitifully. Who would have thought he would one day prefer a day doing nothing rather than a day of learning. How amazing is that? Taking a deep breath, the brown-haired boy tapped the ball of his foot on the ground to gain more momentum. Then... Then he let out a joyful laugh, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Returning home, however, his good mood was shattered by the sight of an unknown man talking to his parents. Mabel was not there. The man is tall, taller than his parents, blond, and wearing a three-piece black and yellow suit. It was when he turned his head and looked at him with those piercing blue eyes that he understood that this is not a good day. It was a nightmare come true.

"Why, hello there," said the stranger with a wide smile, a twinkle in his eyes, "You must be Mason." 

Dipper ignored him and stared angrily at his parents, waiting for an explanation.

"Mason, don't be rude," tutted his mother. But he wasn't having it. Couldn't they see the danger? "Please, forgive him. He hasn't been sleeping well lately."

The blonde man turned to her with a kind expression, nodding his head.

"I understand. I won't take it personally. And by what you already told me Mrs Pines, Mason has been misbehaving quite a lot lately, hasn't he?" At hearing those words the boy paled considerably. What was he talking about? And who was he that his parents immediately told him so much about him? They trust him, he noticed with dread.

"Since he returned from his summer vacations," explained his Dad. "At first I let him be believing he would be his normal self in no time. But his sister is right, something's wrong with him. And he doesn't talk to us about what is bothering him anymore."

They all looked at him, an uncomfortable feeling forming in his gut. No...

"As the counsellor, I'd like to take his case, if it's okay with you, Mrs and Mr Pines? I already talked with the teachers and they all seemed to agree he has been getting poor marks lately, which is rare with him. I'll try to make him open up to me and see what I can do to release those bottled up emotions. I'm sure I can find the reason why he's been behaving so erratically."

"We'd really appreciate that, Mr Rex." His mum said with a thankful look. Her attention went back to Dipper who had been fuming at being ignored, "Mason, from today on you'll be talking to Mr Rex about anything that is bothering you. Anything related to school or just life in general. We... Your dad and I tried but there's nothing else we can do, honey. Please, at least consider it." She pleaded to his son at seeing his obvious refusal, wishing she could do more. After what her husband told her she couldn't leave it alone.

Seeing he had no way out, the teen nodded silently. He could never say no to his mother's pleading. How could he? She was just trying to help. She didn't know. It's okay. I can deal with this.

"Very well. I'll be taking my leave then. I have other student's parents to talk too." Said that, Bill turned around completely facing the younger twin, his gaze darkening for just a second. "We'll see each other soon, Mason." He promised with a tight smile plastered on his face. It wasn't very reassuring.

"It's Dipper," he mumbled to the blond man's back, relieved he was finally gone. "I'll be in my room." He promptly announced to his parents. This is their fault.

Mrs and Mr Pines, what a lovely couple indeed. Shame they don't know about me. 

Chapter Text

His first day with his "consultant" turned out completely how Dipper expected and, at the same time, shockingly different. 

The first moment he entered the room the blonde fixed his gaze on him with a fake smile plastered on his handsome face. The boy grimaced. This is going to be a very long hour.

"Take a sit, Mr Pines." His deep voice invited, nodding his head in the direction of the small blue couch opposite a dark red chair. He had his hands in front of him, fingers intertwined. The only thing separating them is a small pinewood table. How... peculiar. Dipper took the offered sit. Mr Rex took the opposite one. They both remained silent, their gazes locked. Mr Rex seemed more than willing to wait, a small smirk at his obvious rebellion act. The kid scowled at seeing his reaction.

Somewhere in the room the boy could hear the ticking of a clock, letting time slip away. The man was going to tire, surely.

Seconds later, and without him noticing, the young boy's foot began to move up and down in a nervous tic. Bill took a mental note of it.

Several minutes later, Dipper was the first to look away. Instead, he decided to look around trying to distract himself. Apart from many books, drawers and tables full of paperwork, nothing seemed out of place. An ordinary man. The clock must be right behind me, he thought, and turned his head in the other direction, curiosity gleaming in his brown eyes. There's an open window, the breeze gently moving the curtains. It's a nice day. The boy wished he could be outside and enjoy it. 

Alas, he was stuck with a stranger who he strongly suspected was Bill Cipher in disguise. Not that he had any proof other than the fact that the demon was supposed to have been defeated by his Uncle Stan, in Gravity Falls. There's no way he'd be here and yet... Taking a deep breath, Dipper's shoulders relaxed. Maybe he was paranoid after all. If this man was really Bill then his uncles would be here to warn him, and then defeat him again. He trusted them. I just have to talk to him, find out what he really wants. That's all. He's not going to hurt me, someone would realize something was wrong if he did.

Dipper took another deep breath, gathering all the courage he could master to look at the man's blue eyes without flinching. They really are a beautiful color, he admired from where he was sitting.

"Why am I really here?" He finally said, his hands wrinkling anxiously the bottom of his shirt. His marks couldn't have gone down that fast, right? Maybe his parents were so worried that they thought he needed extra help. Ugh, it should be Mabel, not me, who should talk to Mr Rex.

"As your parents and teachers informed me, you've been distracted, suffering from daily nightmares and your marks has been going down." The man paused, staring at him oddly, as if expecting him to object. Dipper shrugged his shoulders, avoiding his counsellor's gaze. It makes him uncomfortable. Mr. Rex tilted his head and hummed before continuing. "You need to make an effort to talk to me or I won't be able to help you, young man." There's an underlying threat to his voice which sent a shiver down his spine. He nodded in understanding, still silent.

More minutes passed without either of them saying anything else for the rest of the session until a high but sweet sound marked the end of their time together. Mr Rex stood up, waiting for Dipper to do the same.

"Well then, Mason, we'll see each other the next week. Until then, I want you to write the reasons you won't talk to me about what is bothering you in a notebook or a journal and we'll go through it. I am not an enemy, Mason. I want to help you, but only if you let me." He looked pointedly at him. Embarrassed, Dipper nodded again before leaving the room.

Huffing at the kids rudeness, Bill settled into his seat once more and placed his long legs over the table, pensive. The demon is aware of how hard it will be to win the kids trust. That is alright, I like a good hunt. A wide smile spread across his pale face, full of excitement. And how fun it will be~

Chapter Text

The gentle sound of wind moving through the leaves on the trees woke him up from one of the most pleasant dreams he's had in a long time. Dipper opened his eyes lazily, unbothered by the sunlight coming from his window, a peaceful feeling that had consumed him left him in a dazed state. What he would do to stay like this forever, was his wishful thinking.

The boy stayed in his bed for a while, not wanting to move and get ready for school. However, a knock on his door interrupted his moment of peace, causing him to groan and turn to the side of his bed, all sense of calmness disappearing just like that. Annoyed at the second knock, the boy pulled his blanket up over his head in an attempt to ignore it. No such luck.

"Dip Dop, breakfast's ready!" he heard her sister shout form the other side. He remained silent. "Fine. I'll eat everything by myself, then." Her voice was barely noticeable but enough that Dipper understood her words, guilt immediately turning his stomach. He just wanted more minutes of calm, was that too much to ask?

Defeated, the teen leaned against the wall and swung his legs off the bed, ignoring the chill on the floor against his bare feet. He grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom where he took a quick shower and then went down to the kitchen where a plate of bacon and eggs was waiting for him. Mabel was not there. A surge of warmth spread through his body, grateful that his sister had saved him a plate despite what she previously said. She still cared.

After eating, the young man went to the front door thinking that perhaps Mabel would be waiting for him there. He had no idea what time it was, so he didn't realize there was still some time left before they had to leave - always at the same time - to go to school. However, it all slipped from his mind when he saw a package on the shelf near the entrance. It is a simple, rectangular package, and as he picked it up to look at it more closely - and then turned it over - he noticed a bit of weight and how compact it felt. A book? Dipper thought, his curiosity getting the better of him. He carefully removed the deep blue wrapping paper, a gasp getting caught in his throat as he saw what it was. It was a journal, a very new one and ready to use. Between one of the pages he saw a note sticking out. When he picked it up he didn't recognize the handwriting, it simply said it was a gift for him.

Letting out his breath, Dipper turned his attention back to the object in his hands. It was a light but shiny blue, thick, and had little gold details. Inside, its pages were milky white and soft but firm to the touch. It's beautiful, he thought in awe. And it's his.

"There you are!" His sister's voice made him jump, hiding his new journal behind him without thinking. It didn't take long for him to feel stupid, because what if it was a gift from her? Even if her handwriting didn't match the one in the book. Why did he have to hide it though? "What do you have there, bro bro?" She also noticed his attempt of hiding something behind his back.

Slowly, with some hesitation, the brunette took out his gift from its hiding spot, showing it to her.

"Is that it?" She sounded disappointed, as if that wasn't everything to him. Dipper snorted at her obvious dislike.

"Yes, it is. Now excuse me, I have to get my bag ready." For a moment Mabel looked as if she wanted to say something before huffing angrily.

"Fine. Whatever." He heard her mumbled, while going upstairs to get his bag. He really didn't have to get ready. He always puts the necessary books he needs for the next day during the night, that way he doesn't have to do it in the morning when he's barely awake. She's been acting so annoyed around me lately, he thought dejectedly. Wish we were as close as we were during the Summer. 

During their recess Dipper had his whole focus on his journal. He had been patiently waiting for this moment, his mind drifting to it during classes. He had been caught multiple times too, to the teacher's disappointment.

No matter. Now he has all the time he needs to think about what to write first, aside from his own name and a note in the margin addressed to whoever gave it to him. Even after giving it a lot of thought the teen couldn't come to any sound conclusion about who gave it to him. So he decided on a short but to the point note of gratitude even though he knew the chances of that person reading it were slim. It was better than nothing.

After much deliberation, the younger twin began to neatly write down his thoughts regarding his diary, noting down his suspicions and theories as well. In no time he had a full page with some doddles in the corners. A bell snapped him out of his reverie. Time to go back to class.

Today he has P. E., to his dismay. He hates it with a passion. The other kids are always so rough and vicious, and not even with Mabel's presence could he feel safe enough to want to fight back against the obvious bullying. All the running from monsters during his summer seemed to have been for nothing, apparently, since he's still always left behind. At the end he's huffing and patting, completely out of breath, his body shaking from all the exhortation.

His hair's sweaty now. The boy ran his arm across his forehead to remove a few drops sliding down his forehead right into his eyes. He needed to take a bath, again. Just not here. He grimaced at the idea. It can wait for when he's at home.

As he got his breath back, Dipper sat down next to Mabel, who was drinking from her bottle and pouring some of the water over her head to cool off. There was not a single cloud in sight. "Do you want some?" his twin said, handing over her water bottle. He nodded, too thirsty to speak, grabbing it from her hand and taking a big gulp. It still wasn't enough. 

"I'll go change my clothes," he suddenly said, scratching the back of his head, fingers fighting against some of the knots.

It was in their last period, when Mr Rex interrupted the class, that Dipper remember that he had something else to write down. Unfortunately, that made him think about the possibility that the man was going to read everything he wrote. Should I do it anyway? He did ask me to do it, and I really want to... I want to feel better. 

Before leaving with another student at his side, the counselor briefly looked at him.

Dipper looked away, nervously chewing at his lower lip. The man was just doing its job. He was there to listen to him, to help him. Actually, he was there to help all the students who needed it. So why shouldn't he take his hand? Yet, the young Pines was never the type to talk about his feelings. The idea of opening up to someone, a stranger at that, was terrifying. I don't have to talk to him, though, he realised. I just have to write it for him to read. Yes. That sounds reasonable enough, he nodded to himself, mind made up. If that isn't enough for him it's not my problem. 

Chapter Text

The rest of the week passed quickly in the boy's opinion, the need to finally meet his counselor again leaving him jittery. In the meantime, he scrawled into his journal everytime he could, ignoring the curious looks that were sent towards him by his classmates and his own sister. Dipper hadn't seen Mr Rex since the day he received his gift and by then he came to the conclusion that the only one who knew he needed one was... his counselor. Did he have any ulterior motives or was this just a kind if odd gesture from his part? Whatever was the reason he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

When the twins returned home, their parents were waiting for them. Mrs. Pines was in the kitchen again, enjoying cooking for her children and husband. Mr. Pines, however, seemed to have been waiting to talk to them instead of continuing to work from home as usual. His laptop is next to him, the lid closed.

"Sit down, kids." He nodded with a gentle smile to the other couch, unconsciously tapping his finger against his leg, an obvious sign of distress. Dipper was the only was to notice it. They took their seats. 

"First I would like to say that I love you both very much. Both your mother and I do." That didn't make them feel any better, what with the serious atmosphere. "That's why we've made certain decisions over the last year that are...strange, to be say the least, but everything has an explanation." He quickly said, seeing how the twins were opening their mouth to interrupt. "It's important that you both understand why we do what we do. Your mother and I..." Here he paused, a grimace of pain appearing in his dark eyes, "We're getting a divorce."

Dissociation. That was surely what he was feeling. Numbness invading every corner of his body and mind, sluggish and just... Not there. He didn't hear that correctly, that must be it. Yes. Or maybe it was a prank. A cruel one. Right?

"Mum? Dad?" He heard his sister's soft voice. She sounded as if she was going to start crying at any moment.

"You must be joking," he startled them with the coldness in his voice. "Tell me you're joking?" he pleaded then, slumping at his sister's side searching for some comfort and support. She took his hand, the warmth of it snapping him out of his stupor. "For how long have you been planning this?" He demanded, straightening his back. 

"Mason!" His mother admonished him. The woman put out the fire, walking to her husband's side. She looked over her two children knowing that this was the decisive moment. "Since the previous summer." She finally admitted with a sad sigh leaving her trembling lips. "We haven't been very close lately, you probably already realised that, and we've been trying to get closer by going on vacations together, that's why we sent you to your uncle. We even tried couple therapy," she continued "yet nothing worked. We just don't work together anymore, I'm afraid. I still love your father, of course," she immediately reassured them "just not in the same way. He's your father and I love him for this. Not as my husband though." She grimaced at the last part.

The silence stretched out until the quiet sob coming from Mabel made them focus on her.

"Come now, sweetie, you're stronger than that. And we still have some time to spend together." the older man tried to calm her. Dipper stood up, leaving room for his father to take his twin in his arms and hug her tight against his chest.

"Mason..." Called his mother regretfully.

The boy, however, was still feeling detached from the whole situation and so he refused to stay, choosing instead to go back to his room. Once there, something switched inside him. He slid to the floor, his back against the door, and tears began to well up from his eyes to fall on his clothes and through them, to his skin, the wet feeling making him even more miserable. His screams echoed throughout the house, accompanied by those of his sister.

Three days later.

Their parents behaviour towards them didn't change as if nothing had happened. They still smiled at them, talked to them, and cooked for them. Every morning there was the relief of not seeing them until they had to go back from school and found them there, waiting. As if their words hadn't changed their lives forever, and not for the better. Mabel came to his room each night to cuddle with him and fall asleep after another crying session. Dipper had to act strong in front of his sister, and only cried when she was fast asleep or when he was in the bathroom under the hot stream. The worst three days of their lives. And that's what he wrote in his diary, unable to do anything else.

When the day finally came to see his counselor, the youngest Pines began to rethink his decision to not speak and let Mr Rex read his journal. The last entries were about very personal things, after all. Very painful moments.

Shaking his head, the boy knocked on the door, waiting to hear a confirmation before getting inside and closing the white door behind him. Reluctantly, the brunette lifted his eyes to look at the blond man sitting in his own seat, waiting patiently for him. Dipper approached the blue coach.

"Something happened." Mr Rex stated, tilting his head to the side. The kid did look awful, and he's conscious about it. He didn't have the strength to properly clean himself today. His curly hair was wilder than usual, with no hat in sight. His blue hoddie smelt of old sweat and salty tears from the previous night.

The boy nodded, his hands clutching at the soft material under him.

"Take your time. This hour is for you and only you, Mason. You can say everything you want, uncensored. Let it go. No one else will know." Came his reassuring words, almost hypnotising. 

Apparently, that was all he needed to break down, not in tears and sadness, but fury and pain at the secrets held, at the lack of choice, and their parents uncaring behaviour. Dipper bared his teeth at the mere thought of them and stood up, pacing in front of Mr Rex. He couldn't take it anymore. He wished he could shout at them for doing this to them. To Mabel. He screamed and screamed, viscious in his verbal attack against people that weren't there to witness his raging, until his throat was sore. Until he was breathless and he had to take a moment to catch his breath.

Seconds later, the teenager clenched his fists tightly unaware of the pain of his nails digging into his palms. He started to pace yet again, more aggressively, while murmuring to himself.

Meanwhile, Bill stared at the kid losing himself in his emotions with hidden amusement. While this was not part of his plan if definitely did help him to speed up the process. I'll have to thank Pinetree's parents, he mused. Or, perhaps, if things go to plan, they'll be his gift for his young sapling. How sweet it would be to see the boy's eyes aflamed with murderous intent against those that created him the same way he did. How wonderful it would feel to guide his inexperienced hand into their necks, or maybe their panicking eyes, their son being the last thing they would see. A spark of giddiness shot through his system catching him by surprise at their intensity. Human bodies do really feel a lot, don't they? 

Chapter Text

After losing his composure in front of his counselor, Dipper resigned himself to the idea of having been seen in such a vulnerable state. However, despite the embarrassment that emanated from him every time he remembered it, there was also a sense of relief. The man did not laugh at him, did not make fun of him or tell him to suck it up. It was... nice. The boy's lips twitched in a small smile, unaware of Mabel's curious gaze on him or his parents worried look during their lunch time.

Two days had already passed since then. Nothing had changed per se but Dipper knew something had changed inside of him. Beyond his parents divorce, that is. Not even the whispers that were following him in the corridors, or the prying eyes his classmates were throwing at him, could get him out of that dreamy state. This sense of release. What a wonderful feeling.

When was the last time he felt so calm? So... happy? Definitely not the day when he finally managed to sleep without nightmares no matter how much he enjoyed that too. Nothing could compare to this feeling. Maybe talking with Mr Rex wasn't so bad, after all, the brunette thought distracted. So lost in his mind he was that he stumbled into what appeared to be a soft wall. No, not a wall, he realised in embarrassment, but a person.

"M-Mr Rex!" He exclaimed after adjusting his glasses. He must have said it way too loudly if the stares he was receiving were any indication. He looked down at his shoes "Sorry, sir."

Bill just smiled at him, ignoring everyone's else gaze.

"No worries, Mr Pines. No damage done."

Said that, the man sidestepped the young teen and continued in his walk leaving many awestruck faces behind. There was something in him that made everyone act like fools around him, as if he was God himself. The man was average looking but his charisma shone through his persona, making students and teachers equally enamoured with him. Not Pinetree. Not his little sapling, not yet. He smirked to himself.

Meanwhile, Dipper moved pass the rest of his classmates and straight to his next class. His teacher, professor Liliana García, was already waiting there. Not looking up from her papers, she greeted her student. As always, Dipper Pines was the first one to arrive and take his seat, and the first to stand up and leave the class. 

"Good morning, Mrs García." Said her favourite student. Finally, she raised her head to look at the brunette with a soft smile gracing her red lips.

"Buenos días, Mr Pines. I see you're early, as always."

Bashful, Dipper hid his face behind his curly bangs. The teacher kindly left him to it knowing the kid was too shy to accept any more attention from her. Instead, she went back to grading the last tests having already done most of them.

Many minutes later, after the rest of the students arrived and had taken their respective seats, Mrs. García silenced the chatter, standing up and walking in front of the board, writing Sintaxis in a loopy handwriting. Then, she faced her students. "Does anyone know what this world means?"

Only a handful of hands went up, and so Mrs García moved her gaze to those students who did know, noticing immediately that Pines wasn't amongst them. Odd, she thought, but she didn't have time to question such strange behaviour and turned her attention to the next kid. "Yes, Miss Davis?"

"Sintaxis, or Syntax, is the arrangement of words and phrases in a specific order."

The older woman looked amused before replying with "And in Spanish?"

Davis avoided her knowing gaze, seeing as she didn't have any idea on how to say those same words in Spanish.

"Disciplina lingüística que estudia el orden y la relación de las palabras o sintagmas en la oración, así como las funciones que cumplen." Another voice replied, softer.

"Right you are, Mr Lee!" She jovially exclaimed, turning back to the board and writing down a simple sentence. "Now, who would like to..."

Dipper tuned out her voice while looking outside the window next to him. It was a nice day, sunny and slightly windy, but it wasn't that what got the boys attention. No, it was his counselor's figure getting inside a black car with yellow lines in the sides. Didn't he have more students to talk to? Maybe he had an emergency. Dipper frowned at the idea, biting his lip. Should he be worried? No, that didn't make any sense. He's a grown up, whatever happened the man will be able to take care of it. Except... He couldn't help but feel bad about the possibility that the man who's trying to help him doesn't have anyone to help him. He's never seen him with anyone but other students and himself. He doesn't seem the type to have a partner, and there's gossip already about him from being secretly married to a student - which, seriously? What's wrong with some of his classmates? -  to being gay, and even..." That train of thought came to a stop when he heard the bell ringing. The brunette paled, realising he didn't pay attention during the whole class yet again. What's wrong with me?

"Mr Pines? Stay if you please." 

The boy nodded, dejected. Not even the kind Mrs García would let his inattention go. He watched as the others left without looking back at him, some laughing mockingly at his misfortune. He sighed.

"Mr Pines," his teacher called his attention, seating close to him, her worry showing openly on her tan skin "Has something happened? I've noticed you've been having some troubles paying attention to class. If there's something you'd like to talk about, you know you can, right?"

The boy just nodded but remained stubbornly silent. He didn't need talking to anyone else but Mr Rex. He at least knew what to do or say. Disappointed, she nodded and got up, realizing that her student was not going to open up to her about whatever was bothering him.

"If there's something, anything at all, you would like to tell me my class and my office will be opened." Was all she could say, already knowing he wasn't going to ever go to her.

Standing up and putting his things in his bag, Dipper almost run to the door before stopping, feeling conflicted. "Gracias, Mrs García."

She smiled at his receding back. Maybe there's still hope.

"I already filled the divorce petition." Was the first thing their mother told them when they arrived home. "Your father is already looking through it." 

Mabel stayed put on that same spot. She was staring blankly, as if not comprehending her mother's words. Dipper could only look at his mother reproachfully. How did she dare say that in such a neutral voice and face in front of them seconds after having arrived home from school? How could see sound so uncaring in front of Mabel? And him? 

"So," he heard himself say, bitterness dripping from him voice "is that all, mother?" He stared coldly at her daring her to say more. Her eyebrows roused in surprise at his tone. "Well, if that is really all, then me and Mabel will be taking our leave."

Said that, he grabbed his sister's hand and took her gently upstairs where he knew she was going to start crying again. How right he was, as only a second after he heard her whimper.

"Shh, sis. I'm here." He hugged her tightly, reassuringly. "I won't leave you, okay? Together always, remember?"

A wet laugh escaped from her lips, beaming up at him through her tears and pain. He smiled back at her, pleased he managed to cheer her up. "Yeah. Always together."

"We can go to the park if you want?" He invited even though the idea was making him grit his teeth.

"Yeah... Yeah, I'd like that." She agreed softly, aware of Dipper's feeling. Her brother was always sacrifing so much for her and what was she doing? Crying like a little girl. Granted, she was a little girl.

"Okay, then let's leave our backpacks here and go now, or it will be full of people."

Chapter Text

A part of him hated his parents for what they were doing to them, but another part of him wondered if it was their fault. Out of the corner of his eye Dipper could see his twin dragging her feet against the ground as she swang back and forth.

Does it even matter? For the boy it was already clear that nothing they do or say was going to change their parent's decision. He just wishes they had told them about it from the start instead of sending them to Gravity Falls unaware of what was happening. Did their uncle know? He could understand that Great Uncle Ford was as oblivious as them since he didn't even know they existed, but what about Stan?

Gasping for air, Dipper stopped. What if...?

"Dipper?" His sister's voice caught his attention and he turned in her direction.

"What's wrong?" She looked pale, her eyes focus somewhere else behind him.

Frowning, the young teenager looked in that same direction, not knowing what to expect. When he saw a silhouette disappear behind some trees, Dipper paled too. However, his priority is and always will be his sister, so he turned to her and grabbed her from her wrist, quickly heading in the other direction were it was full of people, feeling as if his heart was jumping out of his chest. Who was that!? Was he really spying of them or...? Or were they imagining it? 

"Dipper, wait!" Mabel stopped him, taking both of his hands which were shaking from fear. "Dipper. Hey. Dipper. It's okay now. Whoever it was probably wasn't even there for us. We are just... paranoid." She squeezed his hands between hers trying to shake him out from his state.

"I..." He gulped down, coming back to reality. They weren't in Gravity Falls, they were safe. Well, as safe as they can be. "You're probably right. Sorry, Mabel." He stared down at their joined hands, tears of frustration prickling at the corner of his eyes. How messed up are we to believe that a random person was following us? Ugh, this is ridiculous. "Sorry." He repeated, softly.

"Imagine if it was Bill." She said jokingly, trying to cheer her brother. Do for him what he did for her. It was supposed to be a joke, but at hearing that name, Dipper's body went rigid, remembering everything that happened at Gravity Falls. The triangle's voice echoing inside his mind, his laughter following even after all this time. 

"Dipper!" His sister's voice took him back to reality. Again. Blinking rapidly, the teen's unfocused eyes stared back at Mabel's concerned gaze. "Is... everything okay?"

"I'm fine." He heard himself say, maybe a bit too fast. Shaking his head, the brunet smiled at her sheepishly, while also ignoring the freezing touch in his back. Not real. Not real. Not real.

"If you say so..." After some seconds of silence, Mabel turned to Dipper, an idea forming in her mind. "Hey, Dip Dop, what about a movie?" She smirked at him, her eyes shining with excitement. They need a distraction. 

"A movie?" His brows furrowed, tilting his head to the side. "But we don't have any money for that." He quickly protested.

"Oh, but we do!" She replied even more enthusiastic. She let go of her brother's hand to take the money from her pocket and show it to Dipper. "See?"

"Where...?" He started, shocked. Noticing her sister's big smile and twinkling eyes, he decided it didn't matter. All that matters is to make Mabel happy. "Alright. Movie time!" Dipper didn't even have to fake his excitement. He couldn't remember when was the last time they watched a movie.

The chose a movie they both already watched and new they liked. The entrance did not cost them much as kids had a discount, apparently. They managed to buy some popcorn too when they realized it was time, quickly running to the theatre the moment the commercials were finished.

"Just in time!" Mabel whistled, taking her seat, her brother right next to her. It was pretty dark even with the light coming from the screen. They both shared the popcorn, putting it between them. Unbeknownst to them, the same figure from before had followed them, sitting in a row behind the siblings. As the movie continued, with few people in the room, the figure kept getting closer until it stopped just behind them, a hand reaching out.

"Mason! Mabel!" Suddenly they heard someone call them, Dipper immediately recognising the voice. It was Mr Rex, ignoring the shushing noises of the other people around them while approaching the kids. "What a surprise to see both of you in a place like this." The blond man exclaimed, his piercing gaze moving behind them. The twins shared a look between them before looking the same place their counselor was staring at. 

"It's you!" Mabel gasped, recognising the man that she saw before in the park, who froze in fear and shock at being discovered. 

"Mabel?" Called her brother, confused but cautious. 

"It's the same one that I saw in the park," she pointed out, getting closer to Dipper. At hearing that, Dipper took her by the hand and approached Mr Rex, trusting the man to save them from the stranger.

"Oh? So it was not a friend or a relative?" The older man slipped one arm around Dippers's shoulders, "I see." His tone of voice turned suddenly icy, chills running down Dipper's spine at hearing it. The other man backed down from the group, face very pale.

"E-excuse me, I got mistaken. It won't happen again!" He hurriedly apologised before running away, something falling from his pocket in his hurry.

The twins relaxed after that, the danger finally gone. The brunet turned to his counselor, a small smile of gratitude in his face. "Thank you, sir. And sorry for the inconvenience."

"No need to apologise, Mason. It wasn't an inconvenience at all," His lips tightened at the idea of someone else stealing what belongs to him. "Now, you should go back to enjoy the movie. I'll be near in case that man comes back." The siblings nodded in agreement, leaving the older man to take care of everything. They had nothing to worry about now that they knew someone else was watching out for their safety.

Bill took that moment to pick up what fell to the floor, a photo of a happy family. The Pines, to be precise. It was a copy. So, this wasn't a chance kidnapping but a deliberate one, the human chose one of the kids. Or both. The demon in disguise mused, his blue eyes narrowing in anger. Personal, perhaps? He will investigate, and when he finds that man he'll learn to not steal from him. Oh, he won't steal ever again, he'll make sure of that. The photograph was clenched in his fists, leaving it crumpled, before saving it in his own pocket. But not now, his head turning to watch the twins, specifically Dipper, as a smile slowly formed on his face. 

Chapter Text

The night sky was twinkling with the few stars one could see. A soft whistle could be heard, unsettling the few passerbyers. The cold didn't bother him, his eyes adjusting easily at the darkness, the moon behind thick clouds. It was a day to hunt, a day to have fun. The monster was out. 

Walking down the street near the park were the twins were during the day, Bill checked he was going in the right direction in his mind, thinking of the man that wanted to take what was his. The hunger had been increasing since then, urging him to go faster. He didn't for he wasn't a sloppy hunter. No, he takes his time and enjoys. His steps were measured, long but slow strides to his destination. His hands where in his pockets, relaxed. His heartbeat slow, breathing softly, he took a turn to the right, his cold eyes meeting the house he was searching for. The lights were off. His lips widened in a sinister smile, showing his sharp teeth gleaming in the dark. A long black tongue came out to lick his teeth, slowly, imagining the taste of fear that the human would emanate.

Bill was getting nearer and nearer to the house, going through the fence as if it wasn't there. He stopped, watching for any movement for a few seconds before going through the front door. The alarm didn't go off. The vast majority of houses have a similar layout much to the demon's chagrin. Boring and repetitive. Inside and outside, they were all the same.

Baring his teeth in annoyance, Bill headed up the stairs. He didn't bother to check the kitchen or dining room. He already knew there was no one there.

The hallway is full of photos of a couple, a man and a woman. There are no children. He ignored the first two doors and headed straight for the last one. The door was closed. But like the fence and the front door, the blond got through without problems. Now for the fun part, he thought in delight. His eyes passed over the two bodies lying comfortable on the bed, not touching, detecting their dreams and their memories. The woman has no idea about what kind of person her husband is.

With a bit of manipulation, Bill showed the brunette what her husband already did to several neighborhood kids in her dream, making sure she wouldn't be easily woken up. He wouldn't be interrupted.

The middle-aged man was another story. With him the demon did more than manipulate his dreams. Bill made sure to let him know what he would do to him once he woke up, sending every imaginable pain to his nerves inside the dream.

He clawed his chest and his back, the marks oozing not blood but a dark substance that would be burning the rest of the body as it went on as if it was acid. Then he burned his fingers one by one, and then his hands, all the way to his arms and shoulders, earning many shrieks of agony. He did the same with his legs. During the game he made the human watch as his skin fell away, revealing the raw flesh underneath, and the whitish bones.

When the human thought that would be all, Bill showed him the bodies of the children he abused, their empty eyes staring at him, and whispered in his ear. "They are here to punish you for what you did to them." The man shook his head, horrified.

"N-no, I swear I didn't do it! I didn't do anything to them! Please, have mercy!" He cried out, his opened wide eyes watching as the monster in his dream got in front of his vision in a fast speed.

"Don't. You. Dare. Lie. To. Me!" The blond snarled animalistically, his fangs close to the human's face, saliva flying out. His body started to morph into his triangular one, his one Eye blinking at the man in front of him. To his disgust, the human struggled in an attempt to escape, unsuccessfully, his body unable to move an inch because of Bill's strong grip on him. Fat tears came out of his brown eyes, whimpers coming out of his mouth. "Pathetic." Growled Bill, his hold in the man's shoulder tightening to the point it broke the bone underneath, a howl of pain greeting his ears. "I've met humans with a bigger tolerance for pain. You cry like a baby." He taunted him.

"Please, please, have mercy!" He kept repeating. Screaming and crying, panting heavily, still trying to escape the demon's grasp.

"Do you really think you deserve mercy?" Wondered the demon, his voice getting deeper the more he talked, letting go of the human. Despite that, the man remained still, paralyzed by something invisible. Unable to talk he nodded shakily. "Mmm. I don't think so." Bill created blue fire in his hand, bringing it closer to the brown eyes that were widening in understanding at what the triangular figure intention.

"No, no, no," His mumble was broken by a scream piercing the dream space. It kept like that for long minutes. 

"Now, that is music to my ears." Bill crooned. The man's eyeballs were bubbling at the heat, increasing the screaming until there was only silence, throat too damage to continue. Once he was satisfied, the fire disappeared. All that was left were two black holes where the eyes had been, smoke billowing from them. "Still alive, I see." Snickered the demon. "But don't worry, I am a merciful God. I'll wake you up and do it all over again. No one but me will be able to hear you scream, so don't hold back." Bill cackled at the whimper the human let out. 

Chapter Text

The man gasped as he woke up from the horrible, terrifying nightmare, hands clutching tightly at his chest, soon followed by his eyes, feeling his body shaking and goosebumps appearing all over his skin. He never experienced such real-like dreams before. Real and painful. Looking to his side, he watched as his wife was flinching in her sleep. She must be having a nightmare too, he thought, unnerved. It seemed too much of a coincidence to be normal. Cold sweat ran down his forehead until it ended on his chin, dropping on the bed. He shuddered. The room was dark. The man passed his wide-open eyes around every corner, just in case, noticing every shadow and sound, alert. Nothing seemed out of place and yet he couldn't shake the feeling of piercing eyes following his every move. 

Still trembling, he got out of bed, bare feet against his the cold ground, and headed for the bathroom to splash water in his face. He closed his eyes to avoid the water getting on them, images flashing in the back of his eyelids. A gloved hand clawing his chest and his back. Pain exploding, something warm sliding down it. Startled, his eyelids opened staring straight into the mirror. A yelp escaped from his mouth when he caught sigh of a dark silhouette behind him, shadows clinching into its shape. What really scared him, however, wasn't that but the yellow demonic eyes with a cruel glint on them. 

Taking a few steps back, the human slipped, crashing painfully against the hard bathroom floor. Groaning, he opened his eyes to see two yellow orbs in front of his face, paralyzed by fear. The monster smirked at him, showing its unnaturally white and sharp teeth, its body stretched awkwardly over him. 

"Well, well, well. Hello there." It sounded as if it were more than one voice, some high pitched and others deep. "Nice of you to join me." Its creepy smile widened from ear to ear, eyes crinkling in amusement at the obvious terror It could smell coming from the human in front of him. Bill dramatically approached the body lying on the ground, grabbing him by the ear and holding him up as if he weighed nothing. It clicked its tongue in disapproval. "Someone has been very bad."

The man shook his head in despair, tears running down his pale cheeks. It has to be another nightmare, right? This can't be real! 

"Oh, but I am real, James." The demon's words shocked him as he did not expect that It - for how could it be a man if it was a demon? - could read his thoughts even though It did the same in his dream. "I am a God. I can do anything I want, whenever I want." Bill chuckled darkly. 

There was no way of getting out of this alive, he finally understood. Now that he had the time to think properly, he recognised the face, the same blond hair and clothing style from just hours ago that stopped him from taking one of the twins. It was the same man. Not man, but God. A demon God. He made a grave mistake. 

"Getting it now, aren't we?" A black cane appeared out of nowhere floating near Bill who caught it without looking, smashing his weak body against the sink and pressing his neck with it. James swallowed, not even wasting time wondering how the demon knew his name and where he lives. He had other, more important things to worry about, like the promise It made to him. But if there was one thing he couldn't stop but ask himself, it was: Why? Why was that monster punishing him for some damn twins? What connection did they have? They were humans too, he saw them growing up with his own eyes. Why protecting them? "Now, now, don't spoil the surprise." Tutted the demon, shaking a finger in front of him. "The twins are mine, simple as that. Mine to do what I please." He growled menacingly, message clear. 

"Please, I-I can serve you. I can do anything you want. I promise I won't touch them again!" Even knowing there is no escape, he still tried to win over the demon by begging, pleading for his life to be spared. Promising delicious deals. Oh, but what type of demon would Bill be if he gave up that easily? Unfazed by the human's desperate words, Cipher took his time to slowly approach the human, in his hand a tool of some sort. Not a tool, James realised too late, it was a tube and to his horror the demon poured it all over his head and chest, a burning sensation travelling from his scalp to all the way down. It was agony, worse than in his nightmare. It was acid, was his last thought before the agony was too much and he got lost in his pain. 

James wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he woke up disoriented with his face plastered on his bathroom's tiles, the cold seeping through his sweaty clothes, if there was any left to begin with after the acid attack. Completely rigid, with dried tears stinging his eyes, he shakily lifted himself up when he was suddenly thrown across the room, his left shoulder hitting the wall. The crack that followed left a sickening feeling in his stomach, vomit surging up his esophagus and throwing it all up on the floor. Against the black shiny shoes of the demon. 

"N-no m-more. Please." He sobbed, able to crack only one eye after losing the other from the acid. It was too much. Wasn't this enough? 

The crackling sound of fire got his full attention, cowering away from the blue light illuminating everything. He could still remember how it felt against his skin and eyes, and knew it would be ten times worse in real life. There was no begging that would save him, however. All he could do was howl in pain as the blue fire spread to his legs, up and up into his torso, shoulders, arms and hands, muscles tensing against his wishes. It hurts. More tears travelled down his face, snot and vomit everywhere. He couldn't breath. Couldn't scream anymore, his throat too sore. Or so he thought. 

His face was lifted by a black shoe under his chin, and something forced his eyes to stay wide open in spite of the burning. 

"Look." Bill ordered coldly, putting mirrors in front and behind of him, his entire body in display. James watched as his skin was slowly peeled, blood pouring down in puddles, unable to move, his disfigured arms and legs spasming from the damage of both the acid and the fire. Red, red everywhere. He got dizzy. 

toomuchtoomuchtoomuch

To his horror, he saw claws getting nearer to his eyes, a throbbing phantom pain shooting into his brain. A shriek of agony was heard echoing in the house seconds later. 

The man's eyeballs were bubbling at the heat, pushed roughly against the inside of his skull. His screaming increased until there was only deafening silence, throat physically too damage to continue. Just like in his dream. Except, he wouldn't be waking up any time soon. The pure agony of the whole ordeal was too much shock to his system, dropping dead to the disappointment of the demon. Bill was satisfied, however. He took care of the threat and he had fun, what else could he have asked for?

"Sweet dreams." He sang to no one before leaving, blowing up the house.