Unexpected Love

5.

Stan sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall. He'd seen Liv four times now, and each time, he felt closer to her. Their coffee dates had turned into long walks, dinners, and even a movie night. He hadn't felt this kind of connection in years. But with every laugh they shared, every story they told, the weight on his shoulders grew heavier.

He hadn't told her about Mabel and Dipper yet. Every time he thought about it, his stomach twisted with anxiety. But he knew he couldn't keep this secret any longer. Liv deserved to know the truth, and he couldn't build something real with her while hiding such a big part of his life.

Taking a deep breath, Stan grabbed his jacket and headed out. They were meeting at a quiet diner on the edge of town, a place they'd started frequenting. Liv liked the homemade pies, and Stan had grown fond of the laid-back atmosphere. Tonight, though, was going to be different. He had to tell her everything.

When he arrived, Liv was already there, sitting in their usual booth by the window. She smiled warmly as he approached, her eyes lighting up in that way that always made his heart skip a beat.

"Hey, Stan," she greeted him, her voice soft and welcoming. "I ordered us some coffee."

"Thanks, Liv," he said, sliding into the booth across from her. His mind raced as he tried to find the right words. He didn't want to mess this up.

They made small talk for a few minutes, discussing their day and the weather. But Stan could barely focus. Finally, he took a deep breath and decided it was now or never.

"Liv, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice more serious than usual. She looked at him, her expression shifting to concern.

"Stan, what is it?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

He cleared his throat, feeling his palms sweat. "There's something I haven't told you yet... about my life. About my family."

Liv's brow furrowed, but she nodded for him to continue.

"I... I'm not just a regular guy running a tourist trap," he said, his voice a bit unsteady. "I'm also a Grunkle—a great-uncle. I've been taking care of my niece and nephew, Mabel and Dipper, for the past couple of years. They stay with me every summer."

He watched Liv's reaction closely, searching for any sign that she might pull away. To his surprise, she didn't. Instead, she looked thoughtful.

"Stan, why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked gently.

Stan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was scared, Liv. Scared you'd think less of me. I'm not their dad—I'm just their Grunkle, trying to fill a role I never thought I'd have. And I didn't want you to run away, thinking I'm not... I don't know... enough."

Liv reached across the table and placed her hand over his. "Stan, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Taking care of your niece and nephew, giving them a place to belong, that's something to be proud of. You didn't have to be their father to make a difference in their lives."

He felt a wave of relief wash over him as she spoke, the tension in his chest easing. "You really think so?"

"I do," she said with a smile. "It shows that you care about them, that you're responsible. And honestly, I'm glad you told me. It helps me understand you better."

Stan looked into her eyes and saw nothing but warmth and understanding. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he could be himself—completely and honestly.

"Thanks, Liv," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Liv squeezed his hand gently. "So, when do I get to meet these famous Pine Twins?"

Stan chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. "Maybe sooner than you think. But be warned—they're a handful."

"I'll take my chances," Liv teased, her smile widening.

As they continued their conversation, Stan realized that telling Liv the truth hadn't scared her away. If anything, it had brought them closer. And that gave him hope, that this was the start of something real.

_____________

The afternoon sun was high in the sky as Stan paced the living room, trying to figure out the best way to break the news to Mabel and Dipper. He made plans to tell the Twins about him and Liv seeing each other.

He knew they needed to be prepared before meeting Liv at the pool, but he also dreaded their reactions. Especially Mabel's. She'd always been protective of him, and he wasn't sure how she'd take the news.

He called the twins into the living room. They came in, curious and a bit suspicious—after all, Stan usually didn't call them for anything that wasn't a scheme or a weird adventure.

"Alright, kids," Stan started, rubbing the back of his neck. "There's something I need to tell you before we head to the pool."

Mabel's eyes lit up. "Ooh! Is it a surprise? Are we getting ice cream after?"

Dipper, more cautious, crossed his arms. "What's going on, Grunkle Stan?"

Stan took a deep breath. "So, you know how I've been out a bit more lately? Well... I've been seeing someone. Her name's Liv, and she's, uh, someone I really like. I thought today might be a good time for you two to meet her."

The room fell silent. Mabel's wide smile faded as the words sank in. "Wait... you've been seeing someone? And you didn't tell me?" Her voice wavered, a mixture of hurt and surprise.

"Mabel, it's not like that," Stan said quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. "I just wanted to make sure it was something real before introducing you two. I didn't want to get your hopes up or anything."

"But you always tell us stuff like this," Mabel said, her eyes watering slightly. "I thought we were a team."

Stan's heart sank. "Kiddo, I didn't mean to keep it from you. I just... didn't know how to bring it up."

Meanwhile, Dipper frowned, his skepticism clear. "So, this Liv person... how old is she? And why haven't you mentioned her before?"

Stan sighed, sensing Dipper's hesitation. "She's younger than me, but not by too much. Look, I know it's a lot to take in, but I really like her. I think you guys will too, once you get to know her."

Mabel wiped her eyes, managing a small smile. "If you like her, Grunkle Stan, then she must be special. I just... I just wish you told us sooner."

Dipper still looked unsure, but he nodded. "Alright. We'll give her a chance."

Stan smiled, feeling a mix of relief and nerves. "Thanks, kids. Let's head to the pool and see how it goes, okay?"

As they grabbed their towels and sunscreen, Stan couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. He hoped the meeting would go well. He needed Mabel and Dipper to like Liv, not just for his sake, but because they were his family. He wanted Liv to become a part of that too.