Once the weirdness began to spread, the citizens and tourists of Paris started to flee, scrambling like insects to dive into their houses or hotels as fast as they could. Women were screaming, huddling with their children.

Even the high tower, where Bill stood frozen, was now deserted. However, he wasn't frozen in fear, but in thought, his mind racing. Is there a way to fix this? There has to be something I can do. Right? He stomped his foot in frustration, causing cyan fire to flare out around him. The flames didn't burn anything but the floor. "Why didn't I listen to Ford!" he yelled at nobody in particular, nearly forgetting that Dipper was standing with him.

The prince stood his ground, reaching for Bill's arm and clutching onto it. Bill, no, it's okay, he sympathized, heart racing. "I didn't listen to Ford either."

Bill gazed down at him. "I know, but this is my fault. I don't want you to suffer because of them again." He noticed that two demons were terrorizing the city. I wonder if they split up into pairs. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a red and black spotted girl running on the rooftops below. She reminded him of a ladybug. When he blinked, she was gone. "And now I'm seeing things," he groaned, stepping towards the elevator.

"What are we going to do? Shouldn't we be checking on Gravity Falls?" Dipper asked in concern, his peripheral vision catching on a black figure with a streaming tail. It vaulted down into the streets, taking a squealing monster with it. Not more than a moment later, it was gone. He glanced at empty air. Maybe the weirdness is acting up . . .

"I'm not sure. Should we go back to ask Ford or figure this out ourselves?" Bill pressed the button to take the elevator down, but it seemed broken. Instead, he teleported them to the ground, not worried about people spotting him. With Paris shrouded in chaos, the citizens wouldn't notice them. What do we do? He bit his lip, worriedly glancing at the other.

"As much as I would like for us to find out without having to, we both know he's probably right. About all of this," Dipper admitted, dodging out of the way of a squealing kid as he bolted past. The rift is the source of Weirdmageddon's magic. It must be having trouble controlling itself. Maybe there's a way for it to release magic at a sustained pace instead of all at once . . . His mind began filing through the options. But he could barely think straight with everything going on. He decided to drop it. "W-whatever. We have to get back, Bill."

Bill understood what he meant, nodding. "Yeah, let's go back. I'm sorry our vacation didn't last as long as we hoped it would." The older male took his hand, concentrating to teleport them straight to Ford's location.

Dipper immediately gave Bill's hand an assuring squeeze upon arriving at the Mystery Shack's front steps, attention glued to the tumultuous sky. "Oh good heavens . . ." he hissed, free fingers gripping his tossing bangs. "Bill, this looks really bad."

"Yeah, like that helps," Bill muttered sarcastically, dread eating up his insides. The door to the Shack creaked open. "Hello, Stanford?"

"You're here! Thank —" Ford gasped in relief, cutting off whatever grateful comment he was about to make. He was previously hunched over a table in the messy living room, a couple of miscellaneous gnomes huddled idly next to his quantum destabilizer. It was modified in some way. Ford furrowed his brows. "I hope you both are aware of the disaster you're causing outside and aren't just back early to party."

"Yeah, yeah." The blond waved his hand, staying as calm as he could on the outside. "Just get on with it. I-I'm here to help in any way possible . . ." He glanced at the upgraded gun, instinctively shifting away from it. "As long as you aren't planning to kill me, I'll go with whatever plan you got."

"Well." The man straightened, taking the weapon up in his six-fingered hands. "Let's not panic. Dipper, I have already escorted everyone to the bunker."

Oh, the brunet pressed his lips thin and twitched his fingers, a bit antsy. That explains why there isn't any music playing . . .

Ford smiled then. "And Bill? My plan does involve shooting you."

"Way to make me feel better, old nerd," Bill grumbled, though he at least wanted to hear the guy out. He consulted Dipper briefly, making sure the younger agreed with him. He squeezed his hand for reassurance, glad for the other's company in a time like this.

The elder didn't reply to his retort, checking over the gun in a hurried motion. "What do you think happens if we were to funnel the weirdness energy back inside the rift?"

Bill cast him a look. "It would go away? IQ, just get to the point." He eyed the gun warily.

"I have to make sure you're on board. I've trapped a piece of weirdness energy in this quantum destabilizer from your castle and I've modified its destructive properties. Now it acts as a pinpoint — a weirdness magnet of sorts," he said quickly, the door of the Shack giving a sudden rattle. "If I shoot you with it, there's a possibility that your human form wouldn't be able to survive the release. Unless you're willing to give up Weirdmageddon's magic."

The blond froze, his blood running cold. The answer should be easy. Should was the key word. "I-I . . ." His heart wrenched in his chest. He knew Dipper wouldn't be able to take such a heavy heartbreak so early in life. "I-is there time to t-think about it?" he asked the six-fingered man, despite already knowing the answer.

"The universe is presently tearing apart, Bill. We have to move as immediately as we can," Ford affirmed.

"What the heck?" Dipper hissed, his own terror sorrowfully ripping through him. The image was torture. "Bill can't die! We can't let that happen. I-I . . . Bill!" The brunet tugged on his lover's vest, pulling him into a fast, passionate kiss. He took another breath afterwards, attempting to calm. He was shaking. "Sorry, I can't . . . no. No, we'll have to think of something else. There has to be something else."

But there was nothing else. It was the only way. Bill knew what to do; it hit him like a bolt of lightning. He took a long look at his lover, drinking in the immediate terror in his eyes, but also strong, burning love. Bill knew he couldn't leave him no matter what.

A future timeline briefly flashed in Bill's covered eye. Visions of a completely devastated and heartbroken Dipper standing in front of a stone statue of Bill. He was utterly destroyed, and in his eye, Bill could tell that version of the male wouldn't be able to bring himself to love again. He couldn't leave Dipper in that state. It would break the both of them. When did I become so weak to my knees with love? Bill Cipher loves a human. A few months ago I would have laughed so hard at that. He stared at his hands as his fingers curled into a fist. He raised his gaze to meet Dipper's.

"Dipper Pines, I love you from the bottom of my heart." Bill spoke the truth. He turned to Ford. "I-I'll give up my power."

"What the heck?" It was Ford this time, the question coming out in genuine unexpectation. "Bill Cipher, I never thought I'd hear the words."

Dipper actually startled as well. A-are you sure? His cheeks flushed hopefully, also with regret. You've wanted this for so long . . .

There was no hesitation like before. He had made up his mind. "I'm sure. I'll do it. Just tell me how, Ford." Bill smiled. It's okay. There are more important things than power. Thank you for teaching me that, Mason.

"Come outside," the Author said finally, sparing his own small smile. "All you have to do is exert the magic out of you and into the rift once I redirect it. Thank you, Bill. I sure hope this works."

Bill understood, although he couldn't fully quench the fear that something would go wrong. It had to work. This was his only hope at guaranteeing a happy and prosperous life for both him and Dipper. He nodded and followed the old man outside. He wished his stomach would stop doing flips as he gripped his lover's hand tightly.

To say that the world around them was chaotic would be an understatement. Dipper found himself biting his tongue at the drastic change even a few minutes wrought on their surroundings. The very air around them warbled with color and distortive force. Crazy creatures of all sorts tumbled over themselves and each other, weirdness bubbles causing many of them to soar off in a transformed disarray. The ground trembled in an almost animate way, causing the teen to clutch onto Bill for dear sanity, his center of gravity completely thrown off. "A-ah! H-help!"

Ford pointed his futuristic rifle at the blond, not wasting a second. His previously-tattered coat began to bleed with a fraying visual illusion, glass-shielded eyes widening with stress. "Be careful! I have to hit Bill. Your body wouldn't be able to sustain it!"

"I have weirdness magic, too!" the prince screamed back, his voice carried away in the wind.

"Get off of Bill! Just handle it yourself, Dipper!" Ford flipped the special safety, attempting to keep his balance. His body tilted slightly. "I'm shooting!"

Bill pushed Dipper far enough away that he wouldn't get hit. I love you. And if I die, please, please remember that I'm doing this for you. It's because you taught me to love, to be human. Thank you. He watched Ford, giving him a single nod.

The blast came without further warning. Bill was engulfed in an untamed light, a brilliant sheen of energy and heat that constantly melted into him. Ford held tight to the gun, everything around them seeming to contract.

Including Dipper's heart. The brunet felt each and every fiber of his body and soul aching with loss and longing, the bare scene before him twisting his essence in anticipation. I love you, Bill. Y-you can do it! Their connection was already sizzling and filled with static, though he attempted to steal some excess magic through from his boyfriend, not craving anything more than seeing him come out of Weirdmageddon alive. The world quite literally melted away. No matter what, he was going to make sure Bill lived. He would.

It was too bright to see. Bill could only feel. At first, it was like burning alive; the intensity was almost too much for even him to handle. The sudden calm coolness that washed over him was a miracle. Heck, it was a miracle he kept breathing. He felt the flow of energy and power, knowing exactly what he needed to do.

Slowly and precisely, Bill began to move, fighting under the pressure. He positioned his arm, hand reaching towards the sky. The weirdness energy had collected exactly as Ford predicted. Now was the time to save the multiverse. And hopefully not die. Here goes nothing. Eyes squeezed shut, he forced every bit of Weirdmageddon's magic to flow off his limb, flying straight into the sky towards a fabricating rift.

Dipper watched with baited breath, trying to do the same. It appeared as if the entire universe doted on Bill's and his love, as if there was perhaps a little hope that this was the worst of it. His heart hammered, the teen using all his willpower to release his magic, to pour it into the place it belonged. A strong, repulsive withdrawal entered his body when he let it out. He gasped weakly, a side-effect of grasping onto Weirdmageddon for so long. Worry prickled in its place after a moment. Dipper needed to refocus. He knew Bill would ultimately suffer more. But it would be worth it. It had to be worth it.

"Keep going, Bill! I-it's working!" Ford choked through his warping collar, entire being looking alien through the strange aura. Nevertheless, the movement began to stifle. His destabilizer continued to pulse with magic like an upside-down, redirected waterfall of kaleidoscopic sunlight.

Bill concentrated as much as he could, sending every bit of power back into its rightful place. It was working; the effects of a destabilizing world disappearing. The rift began to fold in on itself slowly but surely. Greed couldn't control him today. But in a small part of his mind, he knew he was going to miss his power and magic. It was part of who he was. To take it away . . . at least he was letting it go willingly. It was safer this way.

Once the magic left him, it was like a knife severed something deep in the core of his being. He opened his mouth in a silent scream. Right. His connection to the Nightmare Realm was completely shattered by giving it up. The blond suddenly felt weak, weaker than he had ever been in his life, the opposite of what Weirdmageddon had made him feel. He shivered, doing his best not to collapse right there and then. Dipper needed him.

A moment later, Ford's gun stopped working, the beam petering and fading away. His trench coat had returned to normal, mussed but entirely made of fabric. The trees laid in gross piles on the ground, buried halfway in regular dirt. The sounds of the crazed forest silenced, replaced only with the chirping of a few birds.

In the sky, the rift gave a surmised shudder, its light beginning to burst outwards. It was blocked by the shadows of a hundred thousand unimaginable creatures as they were dragged in, the crumbling tear sucking up anything impossibly weird, anything demonically unreal. Amorphous Shape could be seen struggling until he disappeared in the dimensional hole.

Dipper started, pure joy radiating from him at the sight. "B-bill! It's done!" he cheered, rushing towards him. He clasped their hands together, concern and love ruling his features. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I was hit by a bus," the blond muttered, eyes fluttering closed and then back open. His legs shook and he didn't feel like standing so he fell onto his knees. Every last drop of his power was gone. Bill felt so weak, helpless and small. Even so, he stared into the eyes of his lover. He did the right thing and that's what mattered the most. "I love you."

Dipper's eyes filled with tears, dropping down to meet him just as soon. "I love you, Bill. Bill, thank you. Thank you, Bill," he stammered, wrapping the older in a warm embrace, pressing an affectionate kiss to his cheek. "You'll feel better soon. Later, we'll find everyone and you can come to Piedmont with Mabel and me and everything's going to be amazing because you're here, Bill. We can still travel the world, too. We can go together."

"Okay. One thing at a time, Pine Tree. I'll need a little to recover." He held the younger in his arms, keeping him close. "We did it, kid." That brought a smile to Bill's lips.

The brunet grinned, kissing him another time. Above, a whooshing spill of clouds and restoration refilled the atmosphere, the rift a tiny crack shrinking in ease. Dipper blushed, leaning into Bill's hug, his worries dissipating along with it. They just saved the whole universe. Probably the multiverse. There wasn't anything that could faze them now. They would make it work.

"What is it?" Ford said slowly, smiling. "Oh. Pain is hilarious."

Bill gazed at Ford for a moment, finally standing up to face him. His hatred for him had disappeared, now replaced with . . . regret. "Stanford . . . I'm sorry. For everything."

"Tell that to the rest of the world," he said in response, laughing. "You've made the biggest mess of the century. A lot of people are plausibly going to find themselves questioning existence more than usual."

"Yeah, I know." He scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. "I'll help clean up any lasting damage."

"I wouldn't advise getting too mouthy about it," Ford told him, lowering his voice. "Stanley will never let me live this off if he finds out I said this, but you're likely going to be put in jail under the circumstance you're not discreet over this past dream demon thing. People outside of Gravity Falls won't take too kindly."

Bill rolled his eye, the other still covered by an eyepatch. "Pft! As if they'd find out it's me. I wasn't seen nearly as much as the other demons. Plus, I doubt they could keep me in jail. If Stanley could break out and live a life of fraud, I could do it too." The blond crossed his arms in a semblance of pride. He wasn't worried about that of all things. Mostly, he was worried about Dipper.

Ford gave him a light smile. "Sure of yourself like old times."

Dipper started beaming, watching their exchange. After all that'd happened, he wasn't so mad at his great uncle anymore. Not to mention the thought had crossed his mind multiple times before. If the government found out about Bill, Dipper would be an accomplice. He was glad it wasn't going to be an issue.

Bill chuckled, pulling the younger male closer to him and smiling. "Yeah! Things will be just fine. Right, kid?"

"Yeah!" Dipper said, offering a side-hug. "Oh, we've gotta go find Mabel! It's past dinnertime."

"Ah, do you both want to stay here? I can retrieve them," Ford said considerately.

"Sure!" Bill answered, a smirk finding his face. A chance to make out alone. He wasn't sure if he could hear him. Probably not. It didn't matter. The other probably would catch on anyway.

"I should return soon," Ford added. He then nodded, leaving them in front of the Mystery Shack.

Like Ford hadn't spoken, Dipper stood still in surprise, mouth agape, gaze meeting the blond's. His skin flushed over at the thought. Bill's thought. He had heard him. Dipper's lips curved into a smile. I have no objection to that.

The older male cheered out, laughing and swooping the younger off his feet, spinning around, energy returned. We still have the connection! Our love came through! After putting him down, Bill moved his hand, gently tracing the Dipper's cheek and jaw. I love you.

He laughed, pressing into Bill's touch. "I love you too, Bill," he sighed. Which is why I'm questioning whether or not you should be so active. Aren't you tired?

Overhead, the Fearamid crumbled into dust, its solid survivors turned human again as they drifted to the ground in the distant town.

"Yeah. I'm not even sure what I'm running on, kid. Probably love," he joked, smiling at the younger. "I'll probably be fine . . . Just need some extra sleep."

Dipper smiled, tugging softly on his hand. "Why don't we go lay down and rest? Wait until they get back."

"Sure," he agreed, letting the younger take him inside.

"So . . . do you feel any different without your powers?" Dipper asked once they found a comfy spot to curl up together on the couch.

"You bet. A lot different. It'll take some getting used to. It's like . . . starting over, but in a good way. Strange somehow. I lost the all-seeing part so it's rather weird not being able to see everything all the time. On the bright side, my right eye works normally. And then after having power at your fingertips for so long it's . . . " Bill paused, fiddling with his hands a bit, unable to look at the other. "It makes me feel . . . weak. Small. Insignificant. Like an ant." He pinched the air to demonstrate.

"Ants aren't weak at all," the smaller responded with the cliche, reaching over to stroke Bill's fumbling digits and comfortably putting his head on the male's shoulder. He chuckled. "I get it's an expression, but maybe you'll like it. Who knows?" The brunet paused to lightly kiss the former demon's cheek. Dipper knew he still had a lot to go through, even after the change. "Are you . . . happy with Weirdmageddon ending? Would you want to get your powers again? Is it possible?"

Bill felt reassured, leaning closer to Dipper. "Well, I have you. And you have me. I think we can make it work. I don't need my powers all the time." He thought about it pensively. "It's basically impossible to get my original power back. But . . . I can use spells like you. That shouldn't be a big problem." He smiled at that.

"You're right, " he said, one hand moving to the blond's hair, playing with the string of his eyepatch. "You mentioned your eye being normal now. Can you see out of it?"

He took off the silly eyepatch. "Yeah. I just like the one eye look. Reminds me of who I used to be, you know." Bill gave him a wink — a real one.

The expression had color surfacing on Dipper's skin. Bill without an eyepatch . . . was as hot as Bill with an eyepatch. Only there was another level of human intimacy that heated him to the core with adoration. So I didn't make a mistake during the transmutation. Dipper pressed near for a kiss, unbelievably happy. Bill really was perfect.

Bill's cheeks heated up, kissing back gently, slowly. He was savoring it, taking as much as he wanted, yet giving back the same. No. You didn't. You were flawless.

Dipper keened softly in response, relishing each sweet movement, the warmth building in his face and body, festering between them. Bill's love washed through Dipper, easing everything in him to satisfaction, to anticipation, to devotion. After what they'd been through together, he was ready to lose himself in the indulgence of their moment. Just Bill, just him, enjoying their piece of quiet reality. Dreams had nothing on them.

Bill felt the same way, eyes closed to simply enjoy every little feeling, every touch. It was all too intoxicating. He lost himself in the good way as pain and exhaustion melted away. He knew he had made the right choice. They couldn't live without each other, without love.

They kissed for as long as their strength would allow, Dipper's entire being heated and subject to Bill's affection, his will captivated in their sharing return. Drawn to the blond in a breathtaking haze, the teen could not bear to pull from him but a few inches, his lips still on wonderful fire. "I love you," he said, voice smoothly dripping in all its softness. Another bought of electricity trickled through him, making the ex-prince grin brightly. "Bill, I'll love you forever."

A shiver went down the other's spine, heated straight to the core. "Endless love," Bill whispered gently, lips brushing the other's. He traced an infinity sign on Dipper's arm with a finger.

Contentedly, he let himself relax. "Don't worry about my parents, Bill," Dipper told him after a while of peace. "Once the initial shock wears down, they'll love you. I know it."

Bill hummed at that, not expressing his concern. He was really nervous about making a good first impression, but even so, he wasn't going to leave Dipper's side no matter what was to come. They had already been through so much together. There wasn't anything they couldn't accomplish now!

Dipper felt the tiny pulls on their connection and gave Bill a supportive kiss on the cheek. "When we get there, what do you think you're going to do? About school and all? You could probably pull off being a senior."

"That sounds about the right age, but do I really need education?" Bill whined. "I know more than the teachers. And I wouldn't be able to see you at school . . ." He muttered the last part.

"Hey, you don't know that," he responded teasingly. "We could manage electives, at least. And lunch, I think. You'd learn a lot about human culture and . . . maybe make some new friends. Or you could sign up to be a student teacher."

"So many options," he muttered, giggling. "Let's just see what happens, okay? I'll go with the flow."

"Alright," he sighed, cuddling closer. "I just have a lot on my mind."

The door flew open. Stanley was the first to step back into the Shack, followed by the others. "Ah! Home, repulsive home! I've almost missed ya'."

Dipper shot up on the couch, head turning to meet the man's eyes. "Grunkle Stan! You're okay! Soos! Wendy!" he exclaimed, joyful tears prickling at his eyes even though he knew they were safe.

Ford arrived last, preceded by Mabel . . . and a hesitant Gideon. There was a commotion outside, as if there were people that didn't want to come in just yet. The gnomes from before appeared to have left at some point.

"Mabel?" Dipper began, at a loss. "W-what is Gideon doing here?"

Bill stood up defensively next to Dipper, gazing at Gideon, but said nothing.

"H-hhh . . ." Gideon muttered, uncomfortable and somewhat angry.

Mabel poked him in the side. "Hmmmm?"

The ten year-old shrunk in stature, puffing his flushed cheeks. He looked at the girl's brother directly. "H-happy . . . birthday, Dipper Pines."

"T-thanks?" Dipper gawked.

Even Bill seemed a bit shocked. Huh. What do ya' know.

"Little creepo here nearly peed his pants when the rift went nuts." Stan burst out laughing, ruffling Gideon's "perfect" hair.

Gideon flinched away, his own hands rushing to correct the tousled bouffant. "DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR! I DEMAND RE—" he stopped partway through the word, an embarrassed blush crossing his childish features. "E-excuse my trite outburst, Stanford —"

"Stanley." Ford grimaced.

"— Stanley Pines," Gideon revised. "I owe you an apology."

"Aww!" squealed Mabel, beaming. "You've come so far already!"

He giggled, immediately mellowing. "S'pose I have."

Dipper stood somewhat rigidly, unconvinced by the scene before him. By the looks of it, I know nothing. But hey, if Bill could change, maybe Gideon could, too. Not really. But they could perhaps pretend it was possible. As long as Mabel's okay with him, I'll try to be.

Stan rolled his eyes. "Nah, nah. It was low of me to mess with your hair. Doesn't mean I'll stop, though, you chubby rat." He grinned evilly, cackling as he reached his hand out.

Gideon screamed and managed to evade a second attack.

Eh. He's at least more controlled than before, Bill commented, watching them.

Wendy stepped up to Bill. "I guess I also owe you an apology. You . . . did change. I believe that now. But just in case . . ." She bent menacingly up to Bill, voice going dark. "You hurt Dipper in any way, I'll destroy you. With my fist. Probably other stuff, too. That's a promise."

"Wendy . . ." Dipper huffed, both glad and offended by the mention. He knew Bill wouldn't hurt him. "Thanks for looking out for me, but that won't be necessary." He grinned, taking Bill's arm. "We've got love on our side, remember?"

Wendy good-naturedly rolled her eyes. "Just doing what a friend would do, Dipper."

"You're tough, Red." Bill laughed and gazed at his lover. "We do have love with us. I wouldn't hurt my little Pine Tree. Promise."

Affection made the younger smile, keeping the relished contact.

Beside them, Soos began pushing aside the extra confetti and glitter splayed on top of a desk, setting down his salvaged beatbox. "Dudes! We'd better start re-prepping the party! I need five minutes. Who's helping, dawgs?"

Gideon stiffened, whipping to focus on Dipper and Bill. "I-I shouldn't have been so mean. D-do y'all forgive me?"

Bill stared at him for a moment. "I'll forgive you as long as you try to prove yourself to be worthy of forgiveness. Well, as worthy as you can."

He nodded, a slight movement. "Thank ye' kindly, Bill Cipher."

"Gideon," Dipper started, shaking his head, "you'd better be serious this time."

The child psychic scowled. "Doubt me, Dipper! Why, I can hardly fathom the mention!"

The older smiled, offhandedly allowing it. "I'm sure."

Bill chuckled slightly, aware of his and his lover's tangled fingers joined together as one.

"If . . ." Dipper trailed, wondering of the possibility of regretting his statement. "If Mabel lets you stay, you can join us for the party."

Gideon lit up, hopping excitedly. "R-really? Oh, that'd be a might superb!" He turned to Mabel. "C-could I? Me and the boys?"

The brunette tapped her chin, feigning thought. "Wellllllll . . . okay! Be good and have them help Soos and we should be fab-tastic!"

Bill, do you want to help or would you rather catch up with everyone?

You can decide if you want, Bill responded, giving Dipper a smile.

"It might be good to see what Grunkle Stan and Ford plan to say to my parents, actually," he admitted, glancing at the adults. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried. Though he knew his parents would grow to love Bill, there were tons of things that could go wrong beforehand. He wanted to avoid them.

"Yeah, we should do that." Nervous butterflies were already dancing the waltz inside him. Bill was even more worried than Dipper about the whole parent thing. What if they hate me?

No, Bill, he instantly refuted, turning his head to meet his boyfriend's honey gaze. He gave him a hug just for the occasion, emotions flaring. Then they'd be dumb. And they aren't. But even if they do, they eventually would stop hating you, like Ford and I did. Because no one who truly knows you can hate you. You're amazing, Bill. I love you. They'll love you. We'll be okay.

Bill gave him a smile, basking in the amazing feel of their love. "Okay. I believe you. Everything will turn out just fine." He kissed him gently, leaning closer.

Dipper savored it until he pulled back, laughing softly. "I bet everyone's seen their share of kisses for the summer."

Likewise, they were getting a mixture of looks from the ex-criminals, who were passing through with Gideon and Soos. A few of them were exceptionally taken with the scene, squealing in a manly way. Others made faces or pretended not to notice.

Mabel took a snapshot suddenly then jumped into the dispersing crowd with a huge grin.

Bill laughed at Dipper's comment, smiling at the rest of them. "I'm sure you're right. Still, I want to enjoy my time with you."

Dipper smiled, pulling him closer to Ford and Stan. "Hey . . ." he started, trying for their attention.

Stan turned, full of cheer. "Hey, sweaty birthday kiddo. How's it going?"

The boy made a face, flushing. Ignoring that . . . He laughed uncomfortably. "Um. Good? Actually, Grunkle Stan, I was . . . wondering . . ."

Stan tilted his head towards Dipper so his big old-man ears could hear him. "What is it?" he asked.

"What exactly . . . happens . . . from here on?" he tried. "About Bill and me?"

"Whatever you make of it. I can't give you an exact answer, but it's up to you to figure out how you tell your parents," Stan answered. "I'm sure you'll figure something out. I had my share of adventures in my time."

"I'd call them flounders," Ford butted.

Dipper gave a smile, squeezing his boyfriend's hand. "Wow."

Ford sighed, grinning at them. "Look, Dipper. You're smart. You're weird. You can accomplish anything. And if you say the wrong thing and need to start over . . ." He lowered his voice, winking. "I've got you covered."

Stan laughed. "Why don't you stop with the worrying and go join your sister? I believe she made a cake for the party. Try to have fun before we start with the goodbyes." He pat Dipper's back.

Ah! That reminds me! the kid realized. I still haven't made something for Mabel!

Can you make something quick? A last minute card? He wasn't sure how to help him other than giving out some suggestions.

I can't do that! That would be lame! he responded, hand reaching for his crown . . . only to grab his Pine Tree hat again. Dipper stopped, blinking. "Hey. What just happened?" Looking at himself, his clothes were back to normal too.

"With the weirdness magic gone, your clothes reverted to normal. Duh," Bill explained. He grinned at him. "You look cuter with the Pine Tree hat on."

He blushed, pouting. "Bill . . .!"

At that moment, the Shack's door opened, revealing a pampered-looking Pacifica Northwest. Her hand brushed away her shining, probably fake, golden hair from her shoulder, cheeks pink from grinning. "If it isn't Mabel's little birthday sibling and his crazy boyfriend. I have to say . . . I could have bet my family's fortune on you both turning your backs on us. So . . . thanks, I guess."

Bill rolled his eyes and politely decided to accept her attempt to thank them. "You're welcome, Northwest."

She scowled at him, but it was maybe a little less of a scowl. "Anyways, what are you two doing over here still? Everyone's going to the party. I hope you're not going to make out like those paper things."

Dipper chuckled awkwardly. "N-no, I still haven't . . . uh."

"You don't have a present for your sister?"

He made a face. The prissy girl was sharper than she let off. "No . . .?"

"Seriously." She huffed, smirking at him. "Fine, I'll cover you. Mabel probably doesn't need anything you could scrap up anyway. What you should be giving her is some sibling time. She hasn't had much of that lately, huh?"

"She has a point, kid. Go ahead. It's not like I'm going anywhere." Bill chuckled and gently nudged the younger away. "Go have fun with your twin. Don't be like Stanley and Stanford."

He laughed quietly, flashing Bill a grin. Thanks.

Bill smiled back and gave him a thumbs up. "See ya' soon!"

"Okay!" The teen happily barged into the Mystery Shack's gift shop, his eyes being bombarded by bright lights and shimmering confetti. "Ah." He shielded his vision, chuckling as the lights dimmed. Party music was switching on and off, the sounds of various voices hushed as people fixed the shelves to make room. Waddles was eating something on the floor. Dipper glanced ahead, spotting his sister with a few others. "Hey! Mabel!"

She turned to look at him, gasping. "Woah! Dorkus!" She threw glitter at him. "Glitter Dorkus Attack!"

He spat some out of his mouth. "Wow, thanks."

"What're you — AHHHHH!" Mabel screeched all of a sudden, causing her brother's ears to plausibly bleed. "Nuuuu! This music is terrible for dancing, Soos!"

"Sorry, little dawg. I guess the zombies got to that one!"

Dipper carefully pried his hands away from his theoretically-bleeding ears, blinking at the brunette. "Is it safe to talk now?"

"More or less," she said, rocking on her heels. "Sooo . . . what you doing here without your Bill-Bill-Billy? There's enough time before the party starts to do . . . well. You know. Whatever you do."

Dipper laughed, flushing slightly. "I know. I mean, well. I thought you deserved some sibling time. To just hang out like we used to, you know?"

Mabel beamed warmly, energy popping her into a jump. "Really? I have the best ideas, bro-bro!" She took his hand in hers, propelling him across the grounds, nearly tripping over Waddles. "Whoop! Haha!"

Dipper guffawed, already having fun with her antics. A kind of pure, careless fun. He had missed this.