The Spirit in Red - Chapter 2 - Single Twin Party

Mabel Pines wouldn’t call herself someone who kept track of things; that was always Dipper’s department. Whenever they’d go anywhere he’d have his checklists ready to make sure they’d packed everything, Mabel would act as the voice of reason and point out anything that he’d missed, like snacks for the day they went to the park, or extra paper for when they had that big revision session at the library for their tests. While Dipper’s skills were analysing and piecing together the bigger picture, Mabel’s talents lied more so with the finer details.

So it wasn’t odd for her to notice the sudden lack of her twin’s laughter among the party goers on the beach. In fact, she suspected that the party was suddenly Dipper-less when Carl Spencerton had that smirk on his face as he started to prowl. She knew that smirk, it was the smirk he wore whenever he was in a naughty mood. It was the face he’d pull when he was going to try and knock Dipper’s cap off when passing him by. 

The sight of that twisted expression that failed at passing at a smile instantly kicked her ‘big sister’ instincts into action. Her eyes quickly scanned the beach, trying her best to locate the dark green capped boy. Mabel’s eyes instantly latched onto anything of a similar dark green tone, first was Steven Carmichael's swim shorts, the second was Jessica Turnpike’s rash shirt, the third was some seaweed down by the rocks. 

As her eyes drew away from the seaweed, Mabel found herself looking at a set of single footprints that led off towards the cliff. Subtly dancing her way over, Mabel was able to get a closer look at the foot prints. But that wasn’t necessary, one glance at how the footprints had a smaller set of animal tracks told her that these were Dipper’s thongs prints. “The animal foot prints will make anyone following me think I’m just a dog or something and not lose interest.” he had stated when he had picked the pair of thongs. “And mine have smiley faces on them so that when I walk on the beach it’ll be left smiling!” was her reply.

Mabel’s eyes trailed the footprints, they led down the beach; but she couldn’t follow them for long. She could follow the footprints and find out why Dipper had left the party, especially when they were starting to give out snacks. But then again, what kind of party host would she be if she didn’t stick around to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves? Not to mention the fact that her mother was currently bringing out a plate of snacks that Mabel had made. Happy with the knowledge that her brother was safe from Spencerton’s antics; Mabel skipped along to grab one of her patented Mabel brand sugar biscuits “now with more sugar!”

* * * * *

The sun was starting to set and most of the party goers were getting tired. Snack plates were empty, the games had been played and the streamers that were tied to the palm trees were beginning to fall. All this was starting to signal to Mabel that the party was ready to conclude. Despite wanting to give her guests a great send off, Mabel found herself stalling for as much time as possible. Dipper still wasn’t back, and she needed him to be here to make sure this party ended perfectly. The ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ board was in tatters and everyone was too weak in the knees for another dance off. Her options were running out as was her time, Mabel desperately looked around her. There had to be something that could buy Dipper time to get back. With a grin of delight, Mabel caught sight of the digital camera Dipper had been gifted. An idea was brewing in her mind.

“Goodbye pictures!” she cried out. Grinning even wider at the shared confused look worn across the beach. “C’mon! Let’s take a picture to remember today by!” 

That somehow got everyone excited again. Getting in silly poses and making equally silly faces as Mabel ran around snapping pictures with a giddy smile. With so many people at the party, it was guaranteed that Dipper would be back from wherever before everyone had to leave. In fact, he’d probably make it for the finale photo with everyone at once! 

However, as time crept on; and the limited memory on the camera began to fill. Mabel realised that she couldn’t stall forever. With an accepting sigh, Mabel called all the attendees together, friend or otherwise, for one last photo in front of the setting sun. As they huddled together, Mabel set the camera onto one of the snack tables and ran over to the group, sliding into a photogenic pose at the last minute.  Putting on the biggest smile she could muster, As the camera’s flash went off.

Getting up Mabel, thanked everyone for attending and wished them a great evening. As She was about to see the last guest off, who just happened to be Carl Spencerton, she heard an audible puff. Turn her head with a speed that should have broken her neck, Mabel saw her brother lying face first in the sand. His arms flailing wildly trying to pick himself up.

“Ha! Way to stack it nerd!” Carl Spencerton jeered as he left to his parent’s car. Leaving Mabel to help her brother.

She made her way over to Dipper, who had managed to lift his head from the sand. Without missing a beat, he jumped up and grabbed his sister by the arms.

“M-m-mMabel! Skeleton! Ship! Book! Lightning! AHHHHHH!” Dipper screamed as he shook his sister.

“Woah woah woah,” Mabel said, breaking out of her brother’s hold and grabbing his shoulder with one hand. The sudden contact distracted him long enough for Mabel to poke his nose. “Boop!”

“Ah!” Dipper cried in shock 

“My turn!” Mabel said cheerfully before she grabbed Dipper by his shoulders, “WHERE THE HECK WERE YOU? YOU MISSED THE DANCE PARTY!”

“I was tak-” Dipper tried to cut in as his sister shook him. 

“And then I had to take pictures with our new camera and you missed out on that and now I don’t have any scrapbook pictures of you on our 12th birthday! That’s one of the most important ones!” she interjected, “How are we going to remember our 12th birthday?”

“This!” Dipper cried, pulling himself free of Mabel’s hold. He pushed the journal into Mabel’s face. 

“A dirty old book?” Mabel asked. Her face twisted with confusion. “How’s that going to help?”

“The ship I found this on. We could go check it out. there was a ghost I swear!” Dipper waved his arms wildly. 

Mabel looked around. There was still light. Plus Dipper seemed really distressed. Like more so when his favourite space show was cancelled before the season finale. 

“I guess we could check it out.” Mabel said. Just in time for Dipper to grab a hold of her hand and rush her down the beach.

Pdeho Slqhv brxqj dqg fkhhuixo, Pdnh khu furvv dqg idfh dq hduixo, Dozdbv wklqnlqj rq khu ihhw, Zloo wklv fkdqjh ohdg wr khu ghihdw

The Long Shift

The old mop squelched against the older wooden floor as Bill swabbed away. Cleaning up a stain left a careless tourist. The floor that never stays clean for more than a day. Day in day out, The sun rose and fell, tourists entered with full wallets and exited the Mystery shack with lighter pockets but heavier hands. Working in the tourist trap for how long as he had, Bill could recognise returning customers. Higher pitched voices that children shard with their parents. the same terrible taste in outfits and trinkets that that were passed down much like blonde hair or brown eyes. 

He had tried working the crowd. Using his unusual appearance to lean into the persona of being Mr Mystery. But the dullness of the brainless guests wore on him. The hands that passed over his head trying to find the strings pulling him as though Bill Cipher of any being was a puppet. The tedious questions, the ridiculous attractions, when given the chance to return to handy work he couldn't slip on his over-sized green shirt fast enough.

How Stanley had done this job for 30 years stunned Bill to this very day.

The Pines family were averse to him working at the shack at first. In truth so was he. But, seeing that he was powerless, Stanford at the very least was willing to let him remain. The others were harder to sway, of course Bill knew why Ford relented. The shack no longer being his was one reason. Although the triangle doubted that Soos would have had the backbone to argue with the Pines if they told him that Bill could not remain. The true reason that Ford allowed Cipher to remain was because of who placed him in the Shack to rehabilitate.

The Axolotl. 

If arguing with Bill was a waste of time, then arguing against a decree by that pastel salamander was pointless. The obnoxious thing knew even more than Bill did. Much as the triangle was loathe to admit that fact. It had stated that working at this sham of a business would help with his rehabilitation. Bill scoffed at the idea at first, but the idea of finally leaving the dull halls of the theraprisim was a deal he could not refuse. Losing is powers was a great price to pay, but anything was better than dealing with freaks in friendship circles all day.

Of course the arguments about him staying were far behind him, years in fact.

When the Ramirez family drove him out to the Stan twin's funeral Bill didn't know what to do at first. His gut feeling was to laugh, the grand hero of the multiverse, dying of a heart attack before his 'greatest enemy'. But Bill didn't do that. It didn't feel right. The thought of laughing in Ford's cold dead face, while hilarious felt bitter and unsatisfying. When he was in the padded cell in the theraprisim Bill had dreamed of being the cause of these two men's deaths. And while he was not the cause, looking at their peaceful faces in their coffins, Bill only felt hollow.

on the drive back to the shack Bill didn't know why Soos refused to get back to work. The shack felt somber, the usually upbeat couple of soos and melody were quiet. The pair had told bill that they were taking the week off and that he was free to do as he pleased, not even bothering with a warning of staying out of trouble. 

With the whole town as his oyster, Bill could have caused all kind of trouble. Instead he sat in the gift shop, ruminating on the familiar feeling. His mind was drawn back to something that happened eons ago. his first crime. When Soos is Finally able to don the suit, bill is thankful to have work to push his thoughts out of his head.

Even that was many many years ago.

The town out outside the window of the shack has grown much larger, the new populace long ignorant to Bill and his history. The title of 'Mr. Mystery' had been passed down many times. The Pines name is only remembered by the graves outside and the portraits on the walls. Bill is certain that if it wasn't for the heritage of the shack it would have been demolished decades ago.

Bill had seen small blue embers arise from his hands every so often. Part of him wondered if his own power was what kept the shack in place. Generations since his sentence at the shack had been declared, surely some spec of his power would return. If that was not the case then the axolotl must have been keeping his new 'prison' present intact permanently. 

With a sigh through his eye Bill continued to mop. He caught sight of a pair of young children laughing loudly in the other side of the gift shop. The ice blocks in their hands dripped sticky sweet syrup on to the wooden floor. With a sigh he waited for the family to leave before mopping up behind him. The thought of a clean floor carrying him through to the end of the day.

my polaroid piece for @eregyrn-falls-art's multi-artist lyric comic!

it's now on youtube! so b sure to enjoy the wonderful art and hard work that the other artists put into making it come together.

my entry for @fordtato's Bill Cipher SMash or pass contest.

I saw this CURSED video in my recommended on youtube and the image of Bill in spongebob's place haunted me for 2 days until i drew it.

ENJOY!

Overdue Call

happy fiddleford friday everyone. I hope you all are having an enjoyable day! I've been meaning to partake for a LONG while but haven't had the time to read through and clean this up.

this was inspired by this post by @tazmiilly and I've had that comic in my mind, marinating like a delicious roast. So i hope you all enjoy!

(also on ao3!)

Fiddleford felt numb. He walked blindly as he tried to ground himself, his mind racing so fast he couldn't keep up with any of the thoughts, if there even were any, that were bouncing around his head. Stanford's words echoed in his mind. Words of disappointment, betrayal, and failure would normally weigh him down but Fiddleford kept walking. Hoping that putting distance between himself and that accursed house in the middle of the woods would somehow silence the voice of his best friend.

Crystal Meet Cute

My secret Santa gift for @mother-ofthe-universe. They wanted something to do with their Stanley Universe Au. And my fiddstan heart felt kinship for a scene they described. They enjoyed it so I hope you all enjoy it too (and be sure to check out their work too, they have some really fun au's)

(also on ao3!)

Fiddleford gave a heavy sigh. Greasy's diner wasn’t the best place to eat. As is the name, the food was greasy, and the coffee was too watery. Then again, that isn’t why most people came out to this diner in the middle of the town. At least Fiddleford dearly hoped no one was coming out to Greasy’s for the food. For most it was a convenient and criminally cheap place to eat.

But for Fiddleford McGucket, a visit to Greasy’s in the morning was a chance to socialize. Working with Stanford Pines wasn’t bad, he was his best friend after all. However, knowing Stanford as well as he did, he knew the man was averse to meeting people, and heaven forbid he spoke with them. And while he did love his friend dearly, there was only so many times he could talk about their latest research notes or their next DDmD game plan. 

Fiddleford needed to talk to people, different people, new people. And while the townsfolk were odd, they were at least interesting for conversation. From the fellow southerner who ran the car dealership, to the loud lumberjack, even the aspiring news presenter entered through Greasy’s always open doors. Everyone had their own lives with their own stories to share. And Fiddleford enjoyed listening to each and every one. He was more than eager to share some of his own.  It helped break down the confusion surrounding Stanford and his research, and in some instances made it worse. 

Unfortunately today was shaping up to be a rather quiet morning. Winter in Oregon was harsher than some places. And this morning seemed worse than usual, 6 inches of snow with more expected throughout the day, made it no wonder as to why the diner was empty. It seemed that most of the town was taking their time in getting out of bed. Fiddleford wasn’t afforded that luxury as his roommate and employer had a strict schedule for observing nature, and any desire to avoid frostbite was considered irrelevant.

He was ready to pick himself up, and leave the empty diner when the door opened. Working for a few months in Gravity Falls had gotten Fiddleford used to the locals, even to the  oddities that tried to blend in among them, but the man who walked through the diner door was not something or one he had seen before. He had long curled hair that reached his back, a familiar square jaw and a cheeky grin. But the oddest part, from where Fiddleford stood at least, was the fact that the man was walking around in a T-shirt in this blistering cold.

“Heya Susan!” the man called in a gravelly voice. “Give me the usual. With extra sugar.”

“Comin’ right up Stan.” Susan called back with her usual cheerful tone. 

He walked into the diner, taking a seat a couple of booths down from Fiddleford. Looking down at his coffee, Fiddleford felt a wave of curiosity and sympathy wash over him. He picked up his mug and made his way to this ‘Stan’. He stopped next to the booth before speaking. “Mornin’ Stan.” Fiddlefod said with his friendliest smile. “Is this seat taken?”

“Mornin’ to you too Mac, how’d you get my name?” Stan said, he reached a hand into his pocket and gave Fiddleford a quick once over. 

“Hard to miss it with Susan yellin’ it across the diner.” Fiddleford chuckled. “I don’t have time to come to town for long, so I try to talk to anyone I can before I have to go back to work.”

“Yeah, yeah. take a seat if you want.” Stan withdrew his hand from his pocket and pointed to the seat opposite him. His attention engrossed in the worn out menu in front of him.

“What’s your usual? If’n you don’t mind me asking.” Fiddleford took his seat, placing his coffee on the table.

“Black.” Stan said flatly.

“Smart, smart. The coffee here don’t taste too good if you ask me.” Fiddleford spoke behind his hand. Not wanting to hurt Susan’s feelings with his words.

“Like having sex on a canoe.” Stan rolled his eyes. “So what’s your name Mr. Talks-a-lot.” 

“My name is Fiddleford Hadron McGucket.” Fiddleford proudly offered his hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” 

“Nice to meet you too, Fidds.” Stan hardly looked up from his menu. Fiddleford could see that the other man was scanning through the page quickly. His eyes went from price then to menu item. Watching someone else in a similar situation to him when he was in college hurt Fiddleford’s heart. He was about to say something else when something on the back of Stan’s menu caught his eyes, and an idea sparked to life in his mind.

“Susan!” Fiddleford called. “Can I get two plates of waffles please?”

“Comin’ Right up Fiddleford!” Susan replied

“You sure a string bean like you can eat more than one?” Stan smirked.

“Oh one’s for you Stan.” Fiddleford smirked. 

“Hey hey, I ain't got the dough for something like that.” Stan said quickly. He placed both hands on the table.

“No no! Don’t worry. This is on me.” He flipped over Stan’s menu and pointed at a post-it note that had a ‘2 for 1’ deal written on it.

“The hell’s this?” Stan scoffed.

“Just between us, but I heard a rumor that these menus were real pricey for Susan to get printed. So when she has specials and people don’t read the board, she puts notes on the menus to get more people buyin’ food.” Fiddleford whispered behind his hand.

“How do I know you didn’t stick this one when I wasn't looking?” Stan raised an eyebrow. “You were the only other guy here before I walked in.”

“How would I know which booth you could sit in and plant a note there?”Fiddleford asked. “What am I Psychic?”

“I know a couple, that’s more likely than you think.” Stan squinted.

“There’s an easy solution for this.” Fiddleford turned to the window to the kitchen. “Susan, is the 2 for 1 still available?” 

“Yessire!” Susn replied cheerfully. She waved her spatula at Fiddleford to punctuate her cheer.

“Right. Yeah okay. So long as I don’t gotta pay for nothin’ I guess I don’t mind.” Stan slipped back in his seat. He turned his gaze away from the cheerful southerner. 

“Trust me, the food might live up to the name and the coffee might not be great but they’re better together than alone.” Fiddleford said.

“I heard that Gucket.” Susan said bitterly from the kitchen.

“Sorry Susan.” Fiddleford said, his ears turning red while Stan chuckled at his embarrassment. 

The pair sat together, patiently waiting for their food to arrive. As expected it was greasy and would have been much better if made at home. But a full stomach of greasy waffles was preferable to an empty stomach. There was also that added benefit of losing some of the tension Fiddleford felt surrounding Stan like a protective mist. Once their food was eaten, their watery coffee drank and their bill paid, the pair left the diner together.

“Don’t you got some job you gotta go to?” Stan asked as they walked through the town. Several stores had lifted their shutters and were finally opening their doors to customers. 

“Why do you ask Stan?” Fiddleford wore a cheeky grin. “Eager to get rid of me?”

“No but I don't want your boss to give you any shit for being late or nothing.” Stan said. He chewed his cheek.

“Don’t worry about that. If my ‘boss’ gets upset about me talking with people in town then he should get off his high horse and finally take a break.” Fiddleford bumped Stan’s with his elbow.

“Sounds like he’s got a stick up there.” Stan smirked.

“He does sometimes.” Fiddleford nodded.

“Reminds me of someone.” Stan sighed.

“Penny for your thoughts?” 

“I’m nowhere near that cheap,” Stan said with a small smirk.

“I’ll make sure to save up for next time then.” Fiddleford smiled in return.

The pair walked in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Fiddleford came to a complete halt.

“You okay string bean?” Stan asked.

“Stanley, could you wait a moment?” Fiddleford didn’t wait for the other man’s response. Instead he dashed into a store a few places in front of them.

It took a few minutes but Fiddleford soon returned, with a large paper bag in hand and a wide grin on his face. He looked around and found Stanley leaning against a tree, hands in pockets and eyes in the sky. Fiddleford was quick to walk over to Stanley and handed him the paper bag.

“What’s this?” Stanley asked. “I already told you Fidds I ain't got dough on me.”

“You’re walking around in a T-shirt in the middle of winter.” Fiddleford put his hands on his hips. “I know that some men say that they don’t ‘feel the cold’ when they reach a certain age but my Ma don’t believe in such a thing and neither do I.”

“That’s nice and all, but I still can’t pay you back.” Stan repeated.

“It’s a gift.” Fiddleford said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I dunno, feels kinda weird.” Stan said.

“Did ya turn down gifts from Santa?”Fidds asked

“I’m Jewish”

“Did you turn down gifts from your family on Hanukkah?” Fidds insisted, unwavering in his generosity.

“Alright alright!” Stan rolled his eyes. “Just don’t make a scene.” 

Fiddleford watched eagerly as Stan opened the paperbag and removed his gift. It was a thick jacket with red sleeves and a hood. On the forearm of each sleeve was an orange fin. There was a long fin that ran along the back and on to the hood of the jacket. The hood also had a pair of large cartoon-y eyes. The chest of the jacket had a gradient that went from purple to blue. The fabric all over had a scale pattern, bringing the fish look of the jacket together.

“What the hell am I looking at?” Stan asked, unable to stop himself chuckling.

“That store has some of the best novelty outfits and stuff you can find.” Fiddleford said with an ear to ear grin. “I bought my boss a pineapple Hawaiian shirt with a pair of pink palm tree sunglasses to match from that store.” 

 “That sounds awful.” Stan chuckled. 

“He said the same thing.” Fiddleford said. “So, do you like it?” 

“Let me try it on first.” Stan said. “Gotta make sure the teeth aren’t inside to stab me.”

“I think that’s the role of the zipper.” 

Fiddleford watched as Stanley slipped the jacket over his thin T-shirt. It hung a little loosely on his body, but Fiddleford could see a small smile spread across Stan’s mouth as the warmth of the jacket began to spread across his body.

“Weeell?” He asked, unable to hide his giddy grin

“It’s nice.” Stan said in a quiet voice. “Real nice.”

Fiddleford gave Stan a firm handshake and wished him well. He quickly made his way to his car to return to his work. What he didn't see as he pulled out and waved one more goodbye to Stan was the man desperately trying to hold back his tears at the first real gift he’s received in years.

Sticky Solution

my first writing commission for @hubbabubbagumpop featuring everyone's favourite ship Fiddstan!

Fiddleford's work with Stanford has gotten him into trouble with his boyfriend Stanely. Now Stan is rightfully upset. Can Fidds find a way to make it up to his boyfriend?

(Also on ao3!)

---

Fiddleford gave a sigh. He knew that today would be difficult, but that didn’t prepare him for dealing with it. Before him, sitting on the opposite side of the kitchen was a very obviously pouting Stanley Pines. A plate stacked high with pancakes stood in front of him, syrup lovingly poured on top, and despite that he still made sure to turn away from Fiddleford every time the southerner tried to make eye contact with him. 

Fiddleford flipped another pancake and hummed to himself. Stanley always was a tough nut to crack. Even getting the stubborn man to confess to having feelings for him felt like trying to wrestle a pig while covered in grease. The man was all flirtatious to hell and back, not even being cornered had him confess. It took the combined effort of Stan's twin brother, Stanford, along with Fiddleford to get Stan to finally confess his feelings for Fiddleford. 

When Fiddleford had come to Gravity Falls to help Stanford Pines with his research on [redacted] he hadn’t expected to fall in love with his employer’s brother. This added a spanner to his schedule. Normally Fiddleford wouldn’t have minded losing most of his free time to work on the project. That was before he would find himself leaving Stanley’s warm bed in the early hours of the morning for the cold basement of the shack. Odd working hours would normally not be an issue, however, when one is at a restaurant with his boyfriend, you don’t normally want to be dragged out for some lycan-moth research.

(art by @stephreynaart)

"Look over here." you said.

You held a Polaroid camera in your hands, the twins had bought it for you. It was their way of apologizing for not bringing you on their last world wide trip. It was a dated method of taking pictures, but you treasured it nonetheless. From Mabel's suggestion, you had started your own scrapbook to record these newly made memories with the men you loved.

Right now the three of you were taking a moment to enjoy the cliff side view of the ocean. This environment wasn't exactly new, in fact you had seen no less than 10 on this trip so far. The twins even more so. Despite that, all three of you couldn't help being caught in the majesty of the deep blue sea. the vastness of the open sky, and the coolness of the wind. Everything came together to create a sight that was familiar and still felt new every time.

The twins had sat down before you arrived and were quietly enjoying a break from the action and adventures of their current life at sea. This was a brief moment of respite, and you couldn't stop yourself from wanting to capture the moment.

Responding to your cry, both twins turned their heads to look at you. Well used to your itchy camera finger, they each gave you a smile as you captured the moment. Another to add to your collection. Another memory to keep safe and look back on when you returned home.

Reminisce

inspired by this piece by @stephreynaart

It was almost a year now. Their world wide trip had taken longer than he had first planned. Or maybe he had extended it on purpose. Staying at each port for an extra day, taking in sights, picking out gifts for his family. Taking more detailed notes than necessary, observing the world with a slower pace than he normally would. Trying to enjoy as much of his life as he could.

"It's what he would have wanted." Stanford would tell himself.

It was almost a year now, but walking into town, knowing that he couldn't hear his laugh anymore. that he wouldn't have his old friend's wild ramblings, impressive inventions or admittedly enjoyable banjo playing to return to made his heart feel like stone. Weighing down in his chest until it felt too difficult to take another step. He missed him dearly, and a world without him felt wrong. A gravity Falls without Fiddleford McGucket felt like perverse reality he didn't want to live in. No living would be too kind a word. He wouldn't be living in a world like that. he'd be enduring.

The thoughts in his head began to form a maelstrom of pain and sorrow, of memories that he couldn't relive. Of Relationships he couldn't build. It felt like a big cruel joke. But as the thoughts began to take hold in his mind, the familiar sound of banjo strums echoed through the woods. It wasn't the same, the tune too modern to be something Fiddleford would play. Despite this, Stanford found himself following the plucked strings until he found himself at the Shack.

Sitting on the porch was a familiar long nosed man, with bushy hair and ball cap covering his eyes. Tate McGucket was steadily plucking away at a banjo, playing a tune from the radio. Beside him were Mabel, Wendy and Grenda, cheering him on. On the grass in front of them were Dipper, Soos and Candy, working on a new machine together. Stan stood aside, laughing his usual gruff laugh at what nerds the former trio were.

Watching his new family, Stanford felt his chest grow lighter. They weren't the same as Fiddleford. But they didn't have to be. His old friend was dead. Stanford accepted this long ago, he missed him dearly, but he knew he was dead. He wasn't looking for a replacement or something to fill the void in his heart. His family was already there. Alive, well and ready to support him no matter what.

However, in this instance they might need his help as he watched Dipper and Candy's robot catch on fire.

Comforting Cuddles

With the long day behind you, Stan and yourself decided to retire to bed together. Hand in hand like love sick puppies still going on their first date. You would have told Stan the thought, but you were enjoying the warmth of his hand in yours too much to want to spoil it with mockery.

You part hands momentarily, but even that felt like too long as the pair of you took off your clothing. Not torn off in the excitement of a night of passion, instead you left your clothing in a pile on the floor, ready to be added to tomorrow's laundry.

Stan got into bed first, lifting the cover to let you follow him, which you did with little hesitation. You wrapped your arms around his waist as the pair of you got comfortable on the mattress. You peppered the back of his neck with kisses leading up to his cheek.

He sighed, letting himself melt into your embrace. A silent admission of trust, that he needn't hold up and barriers around you as he allowed you to shower him with affection.

You spent a few minutes kissing him up and down before he placed a hand on your face to push you back.

"Jeez, what's with you today?" He asked sarcastically.

"I just want to make sure that you know how much I love you" you replied innocently, placing a hand on his chest.

"You plan to keep me up at night with kisses to do that?" He asked, quirking up his eye brow.

"If that's what it takes to let you know how much I love you, than yes." You smirked, planting a kiss on his lips.

"Ugh, I knew I should have been careful when dating a sap like you." He groaned, but begrudgingly let you nuzzle up to his back.

"You looked really down today," you said after a beat. "I wanted to help cheer you up"

"Babe-" Stan cut himself off. "It's not that I don't trust you. I just-"

"You know, if you're having trouble I can help you right? I'm not as smart as Ford but a partner's job is to support one another in their time of need." You spoke gently into his ear. He gave a heavy sigh before speaking again. "It's been a month and we still haven't made any progress on the portal. It feels like I'm just hitting wall after wall."

"It's normal to struggle." You said.

"But if I don't get him back-"

"He didn't build that thing in a day Stan" your scratched his hair. "Taking some time to repair it without the instructions isn't going to be exactly easy."

"I feel like such a failure. Like, maybe if I had paid attention for once in school then maybe things could have been different." His voice was soft but shaking.

You frowned, pulling him closer to you so that he could feel your chest against his back. Your heart beats gently in tandem with his own as you let him vent his frustrations about his failures and inadequacies.

"I've just been on the run since then, and now I'm thrust into this, trying to understand something that I doubt anyone could." He sighed. "I wish I could see him. Even for a moment."

"What would you do?" You asked, rubbing gently against his scalp.

"I'd say I was sorry for always being a screw up. That I'd go back and kick myself in the head for not wanting him to go to his fancy school. To say that I'm sorry he didn't have a better brother." He was added under his breath.

"And you'll get your chance to say that you're sorry and prove that you're a good brother," you said. He grunted. "You're the most stubborn person I know. If anyone can make it work. It will be you. I know you won't give Up no matter how long it takes you to get him back. And I'll be here with it every step of the way." You added one final kiss to his neck for the night.

"But why?" He asked. Not rolling over.

"Because," you flicked his nose. "I love you. And if we were reversed I know you'd have done the same for me."

"Yeah. That sounds right." Stanley said calmly. "Thank you."

"Anytime my love. Any time" you said cuddling into his back, taking in his pine tree and cigar scent before closing your eyes for a well deserved rest. It was a good several minutes later, when you were sleeping soundly with your gentle snore filling the room, that Stanley finally spoke before closing his own eyes for the night. "I love you too."

@stephreynaart

I made a shitty little edit

bongo belly....

My friend @pluviofleur was feeling down so i drew them with the Stans to cheer them up