Uncertainty - Stanford Pines x Reader (female)

Chapter 9

The campaign for the new mayor of Gravity Falls was in full swing, and the Mystery Shack had transformed into a hub of political activity. A new sign hung over the "Mystery" part of the shack, reading "Mayory Shack," and U.S. flags and "Vote Stan" signs were everywhere. Mabel was painting a new sign in a corner, and Dipper was handing out pamphlets. I was busy setting up a display of "Vote Stan" buttons. Even Waddles the pig was enlisted, with "SWINES 4 PINES" written on one side of him and "BUD'S A DUD" on the other. - Wendy's doing. She gave Waddles a pat. "Spread the word, pig!", she commanded as Waddles scurried off.

I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Waddles scurrying off with his political slogans. "Hey, I don't think we've officially met. I'm Y/N.", I introduced myself, extending a hand.

Wendy was tall and athletic, with fiery red hair and freckles. She wore a flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and a black beanie. A faint scent of nicotine and pine lingered around her. She looked up from the sign she was painting and shook my hand.
"Wendy. Nice to meet you.", she replied with a warm smile.

"I love what you've done with Waddles. He's one serious political pig."
Wendy chuckled, taking a swig from her soda can. "That pig's smarter than half the people here, I swear. And he's good for morale."
"And he's definitely better at advertising than me.", I said, eyeing the half-empty button bowl next to me.

Wendy chuckled. "Hey, don't sell yourself short. You've got the most important job here - keeping Stan in line."
I groaned. "Great. That's exactly what I signed up for - babysitting a stubborn old man with a fondness for cheating. It's going splendidly."
Wendy gave me a sympathetic look. "Yeah, Stan can be a handful. But he's also a softie deep down. He's just too proud to show it."

"Tell me about it." I rolled my eyes. "I've got the emotional scars to prove it."
Wendy chuckled again. "Don't take it personally. Stan's just a tough nut to crack. But I have no doubt you can handle him. You seem pretty tough yourself."
"Thanks, I guess.", I said with a half-hearted smile. "I just hope he doesn't drive me completely insane before the election's over."

Wendy took another sip from her soda. "Just remember, Stan's bark is worse than his bite. And at the end of the day, he'll do the right thing. Even if he doesn't admit it."
I huffed. "I hope you're right. Because if this campaign goes any more chaotic, I might just turn to alcohol myself."
Wendy chuckled again, but her expression softened. "Hey, if you need a break from the chaos, you're always welcome to hang out with me and the gang. We could use a few more sane voices around here."

I smiled, grateful for the genuine friendliness in her eyes. "That sounds nice. I think I'll take you up on that offer."
"Just give me a holler whenever. And keep an eye on Stan for me, okay?"
"Oh, I don't think I have a choice. But I'll try my best."
"That's the spirit." Wendy gave me a playful punch on the arm before returning to her sign painting.

I returned to my button bowl, mulling over the conversation. It was reassuring to know I had someone like Wendy around. Just as I started placing another batch of buttons in a jar, Dipper called for attention.

"Alright everybody, eyes up here!" He unrolled a paper that sent a cloud of dust into the air. "Okay, Gravity Falls Elections are based on two events. The Wednesday Stump Speech, held on an actual... stump, and the Friday Debate wherein townsfolk throw birdseed at the candidate they like most. At the end, they release a freedom eagle who will fly to the candidate covered in more seed and bestow a birdly kiss upon him anointing him mayor." He frowned at the archaic parchment, rolling it back up.
I raised an eyebrow. "A birdly kiss? Seriously?"
"I couldn't make this up if I wanted to."
"It's Gravity Falls. I believe you." I shook my head, still incredulous. A birdly kiss. This town really is something else.