Assorted Character Oneshots

Welcome Home - Dipper Pines

Summary: Dipper returns five years after the summer of his life, his intention to study the leftover paranormal activity, but he gets reacquainted with an old friend

Triggers: Swearing, smut

Word Count: 2,848

Dipper stepped off the bus with a deep breath, taking in the earthy scent that now surrounded him. There he stood, at the edge of that odd old town from so many summers ago. He had made it his intention to come back every summer, but after Mabel accidentally let a few too may details of their adventures go to their parents, they banned them from coming back. But now he was almost nineteen and they couldn't stop him. 

He pulled his backpack strap taught over his shoulder and began the trek into town. He had decided against letting anyone know he was coming, mostly wanting it to be a surprise, but he was wise to the idea that they'd try to throw him a party and that was the last thing he wanted. Especially after the last time they had a party in Gravity Falls. The memory rippled away from him as he found himself surrounded by the old buildings of the town. Everything looked exactly the same, it was almost like no time had passed. The only evidence were the people that had aged as he was gone, though he half expected time to stop when he and his twin left, maybe it was more of a hope. 

He walked the length of the town, no one really recognizing him as far as he could tell. Maybe they did and just didn't say anything, who really could know what went on in the mind of the townsfolk. As he reached the forested path, a sense of unease overcame him. Maybe he should've called ahead, what if they didn't have room for him, what if they didn't want him, what if they were mad at him for being away for so long? Thoughts buzzed around his head, making him dizzy as he pushed open the door to the Mystery Shack side of the building. He didn't want to just barge into their home uninvited after all. The bell above the door rang out as he entered the familiar building. It was similar to when they had left, a few new attractions on display for the few customers that were browsing around. Dipper looked around the mostly empty room, hearing voices from behind the curtain that separated the stock room from the gift shop. 

When nothing came of his entrance, he leaned against the check out counter, noticing a small bell perched next to the cash register. He rang it, the voice calling out to him, "Be right there!"

The voice sounded familiar, but different all at the same time, surely due to the time apart from the oddity town. A figure emerged from the curtains, carrying a small box of post cards. Their eyes were scanning the contents, too busy to notice him standing there. "Sorry about the wait," They set the box on the counter next to Dipper with a sigh. "What can I do for y-" When their eyes met, both sets of eyes were blown wide. "Dipper?!"

"___?!" ___ ran to embrace him, throwing their arms around his neck. He returned the gesture, arms pressing into their lower back firmly. As they parted, the two couldn't help but stare. "God, Dip, holy shit.. You're really back. What took you so long?" They punched his arm lightly, dropping them back down to their sides. "Well, uh, Mabel accidentally told mom and dad a little too much about our summer fun and we were grounded until we were eighteen, basically."

"Shit, that sucks. But you're back! Did Mabel come with you?" Their eyes scanned the room, looking for the clone that did not appear. "Nope, just me. She's off to college soon and so her new friends are taking her on a summer long trip to celebrate."

"Aw, I'm glad she's having fun." They smiled and leaned back against the counter. "So what brings you back after all these years?"

"I've been doing research on anomalies and paranormal stuff so I thought I'd come to the source that I knew was real." He shrugged, rubbing his hand over his elbow. ___'s eyes traveled down his arms, taking in the ink covering his skin. "Those are sick dude, you'll have to tell me bout 'em sometime." Dipper smiled and nodded, "Yea, totally."