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Ford was right about most things. Being smart had always been his most treasured feature, one that he was proud of. Nothing could get past him.
But honestly if that were truly true, Dipper wouldn't be sitting with Bill in his attic room, the demon throwing a ball to the ceiling while he sat with his journal, jutting down random thoughts and ideas he had.
Maybe if Bill could go into his brain and taunt him, Ford would be more aware of what's happening in the shack, right under his nose. Best believe both of the men are thankful that's not the case. Besides, Bill could always torment his former business partner in other ways, most of which Dipper discouraged when told, but still. Dipper had never been too competent at keeping secrets, especially when confronted directly, but he tried to do a good job now, when the stakes were so high.
Revealing his relationship with 'Will' as they know him would definitely rouse suspicion in at least Mable if not anyone else. So, Dipper had to wait. Bide his time until he could figure out how to get Bill out of Gravity Falls. It was good then, that no one else had seen Bills human form before the end of Weirdmaggedon and would probably be happy about him finally finding someone and getting over Bill. But Mason was still worried.
It would be so easy if Bill could leave the small town. Dipper would go back to New York as planned and then 'Will' could say his goodbyes and they could live happily ever after.
Mason sighed, flopping back onto his pillow, a headache coming on. He looked down at where Bill was sprawled on the floor, "What the hell are we going to do?", he asked and the ball hit the ceiling a bit harder, dust falling from the rafters, "About what?", Bill didn't stop, didn't even look over, but the way his jaw tightened, he was clearly on edge.
"Us.", Mason explained, gesturing vaguely. He wanted to take Bills distraction away when he didn't get a word back, but the way the demon glared at ceiling made him reconsider, "I need to get you out of here.", he said instead. Though the demon seemed content at his place in the small town of Gravity Falls, Dipper desperately wanted them out and on a plane to New York, where they could be relatively safe from any ray guns his uncles might try to shoot at them.
Bill caught the ball one final time, sitting up and crossing his legs, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe it's better for you to stay here kid." Dipper had considered it, of course he did, but the years of pain, the hurt and anger he felt for his family. Those he couldn't erase in a day. No matter how much everyone tried to treat him like a normal person, there will always be that barrier of them not understanding why he couldn't move on sooner. Now, he shook his head in reply, picking at his nails, "And what? Hide?", he pointed out, shaking his head again as he laid on his back, "They can't know I stayed, or that I'm with you, they'll get suspicious. Especially Shooting Star.", referring to his sister by that name was a habit he never broke. Mable was the one who left him to rot alone and just saying the name made his chest cold. Shooting Star in this case was a good alternative.
"You could always just, not say anything about it.", Bill said and Dipper turned to glare, the demon putting his hands up in defense, "They're dumber than you think. I wouldn't be here if they weren't."
Dipper sighed. As usual, Bill was right, trying to get him out of Gravity Falls without rising suspicion would be more difficult than just sucking it up and staying. He put one arm over his eyes, the other hanging off the bed, "I guess.", he mumbled, his headache worsened by the topic. Bill took his hand and the warmth made him smile, "I can always try and change.", Dipper uncovered his eyes at the idea, furrowing his brows.
"My eye color or something. You could reintroduce me as your secret boyfriend.", Bill explained, smirking as he wiggled his brows at Mason, who shook his head in reply, tightening the hold on his lover's hand, "You're perfect as you are.", he meant it, he didn't want him to change for anyone. And sure, he wasn't 100% like his old self, but he was still the extravagant dream demon at heart. Dipper loved him for it.
"So, you're saying I wouldn't look good with a green mohawk?", Bill gasped, clutching the baseball to his chest dramatically. Mason smiled, closing his eyes again, "Yup."
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Dipper tried to be sneaky about his random conversations with 'Will'. He wanted it to look natural, them getting closer. It helped that they didn't have an audience most days. Ford spent most of his time in the basement, which was predictable, whilst Stan was usually out somewhere or standing to the side, watching as Soos talked with customers.
But then, one day no one was home and despite his worry, Dipper sat down on the couch downstairs, turning on the old TV, as Bill plopped next to him, bag of chips in his lap, "Why are we watching this again?", he asked, the demon smiling brightly as the intro to a martial arts film played.
"It's 95% blood and gore.", Bill said as if it was the most obvious thing and Dipper couldn't help but scrunch his face. "Stop that. Your sourness is rubbing off on me.", Bill grumbled, shoveling a fistful of doritos in his mouth.
"Then change the movie.", Mason argued, bringing his legs up to rest his head on his knees. He was going to be sick just from the intro.
"No way! This is my favorite one!", Bill insisted, taking the remote in his hand just to keep it close to his chest.
"It's literally called Kill Bill.", Dipper gestured at the TV, only receiving a shrug in reply, "Just watch it."
Dipper did in fact watch it, only to be mortified at every single scene. Eventually he curled up on the couch, trying to drown out the painful screams and blood splatters. He closed his eyes, the slight chill of winter starting to spread through the house. It was barely noon when Dipper felt himself slip into a calm sleep, Bill none the wiser as he continued to watch the movie, eventually running out of snacks.
Like a man possessed, he couldn't bring himself to look away from the screen, eyes shining at the glorious display of severed limbs and power.
That was until he heard footsteps approaching the small room, taking his attention, "Good afternoon, Will.", Ford greeted from where he stood with a mug of coffee in his hand, a newspaper in the other.
"Yeah, hi.", Bill mumbled, slouching in his seat. He expected Sixer to leave, but the old man stood staring at them with knowing eyes, "I see you two have gotten closer.", he said and despite him technically being outside the room, Bill felt he was still crossing a line, "Don't worry, were not fucking in the attic yet.", he replied, a bitterness slipping out. He then noticed how relaxed Pine Tree looked, sleeping next to him, noting that he wasn't faking it just to get out of a conversation with his uncle.
"Right.", Ford nodded, a small smile on his face that Bill couldn't help but scrunch his face at, "I'm happy for you.", the older said and the demon couldn't help the little huff of laughter that morphed into a small smirk on his face, "Thanks grandpa.", he muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Have you told Wendy?", Ford asked yet another question and Bill was just about ready to nail him to the ceiling.
"No.", he replied quickly, rolling his eyes again as Ford says, "You should.", then leaves the room. The movie goes unwatched as Bill contemplated what just happened. Did Sixer not recognize him? Even now?
Did he really change that much?
He didn't dwell on his discovery, just covered Pine Tree with a thin blanket, turned off the TV and left.