Unexpected Love

6.

The sun was shining brightly as Stan and the twins walked into the public pool area. The sounds of splashing water, children laughing, and distant chatter filled the air. Stan had been here countless times before, but today felt different. His nerves were on edge, knowing this wasn't just another outing. It was the day Liv would meet Mabel and Dipper, and he was desperate for it to go well.

As they made their way through the crowd, Stan spotted Liv near the shallow end of the pool. She was already in the water, a big smile on her face as she waved them over. Stan's breath caught in his throat. Liv looked... incredible. She was wearing a tasteful, dark blue swimsuit that highlighted her curves, her wavy brown hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. The sight of her standing there, water shimmering around her, was enough to send Stan's thoughts spiraling.

His face flushed a deep red, and he suddenly felt self-conscious. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, wishing he didn't look like a nervous wreck.

"Grunkle Stan, are you okay?" Dipper asked, noticing his sudden silence.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Stan muttered, trying to shake off his embarrassment. He didn't want the kids to see how flustered he was. "Just, uh... the sun's really bright today."

Mabel, still a little hurt but trying to be optimistic, nudged him playfully. "Come on, Grunkle Stan, let's go say hi!"

Stan took a deep breath and nodded, leading the way toward Liv. As they approached, Liv's excitement was clear—she was practically beaming.

"Hey, Stan! You made it!" Liv called out, her eyes bright as she looked at him, then turned her attention to Mabel and Dipper. "And these must be the famous Pine Twins!"

Mabel, always eager to make a good impression, flashed a big smile. "That's us! I'm Mabel, and this is my brother Dipper."

Dipper gave a small wave, still sizing Liv up. "Nice to meet you."

Liv grinned, bending down slightly to meet them at eye level. "I've heard so much about you two. Stan talks about you all the time."

Mabel's expression softened, her earlier hurt melting away. "He does?"

"Of course," Liv said warmly. "He's really proud of you both."

Stan cleared his throat, still trying to get his mind back in gear. "Yeah, they're good kids," he said, his voice a bit gruff as he tried to regain his composure. He couldn't stop himself from sneaking another glance at Liv, which only made his face turn even redder.

Liv noticed and smiled knowingly but didn't tease him about it. Instead, she turned to the twins. "So, what do you guys like to do at the pool? Splash around, dive off the boards, or just relax?"

Mabel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love everything about the pool! Especially the diving board! And don't worry, Liv, if Grunkle Stan gets too sunburned, I've got extra sunscreen!"

Dipper, still a bit reserved, shrugged. "I'm more of a relax-in-the-water type, but I can be convinced to have some fun."

Liv chuckled. "Well, I'm up for whatever you two want to do. Let's make this a great day."

As the group settled into the poolside atmosphere, Stan couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and lingering nerves. Mabel seemed to be warming up to Liv quickly, and even Dipper looked less skeptical. But the way Liv looked at him, with that gentle understanding in her eyes, made his heart race. He knew he was in deep, but for the first time in a long time, he didn't mind at all.

_____________

After a couple of hours splashing around, diving off the boards, and playing games, the Pine Twins were starting to feel the effects of all their energy expended. Mabel's stomach growled audibly, and Dipper was already eyeing the concession stand.

"Grunkle Stan, I'm starving!" Mabel announced dramatically, floating lazily on her back. "If I don't eat something soon, I'll turn into a prune!"

Stan chuckled, knowing they'd been having too much fun to notice the time. "Alright, alright. I think Liv brought some snacks. I'll go check—"

Before he could finish, Liv, who had been relaxing on a lounge chair nearby, stood up with a smile. "I've got it covered, Mabel. I'll grab the snacks from the car. Be right back!" she said, waving as she headed out of the pool area.

As soon as Liv was out of earshot, Mabel floated over to Stan with a mischievous grin. "Grunkle Stan, she's really pretty! And she's so nice too! I really like her."

Stan's heart warmed at Mabel's approval, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, she's pretty great, huh?"

Dipper swam closer, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I like her too, Grunkle Stan, but... I don't know. I guess I'm still a little skeptical. She's younger, and we don't know much about her."

Stan appreciated Dipper's protective nature, but he didn't want him to worry. "Look, Dipper, I get it. But Liv's a good person. I wouldn't introduce you to just anyone, you know that. She's special."

Dipper nodded slowly, still processing. "I guess I just want to make sure she's not too good to be true."

Before Stan could respond, Liv returned with a bag full of snacks—fruit, sandwiches, chips, and some cookies. She spread them out on a nearby picnic table, oblivious to the conversation she'd just interrupted.

"Alright, everyone! Dig in!" Liv announced cheerfully.

The twins eagerly grabbed their snacks and started munching away. As they ate, the atmosphere felt easy and relaxed again—at least until Dipper, still curious, suddenly asked the question that had been on his mind.

"So, Liv, are you and Grunkle Stan dating or something?" Dipper asked innocently, looking directly at her.

Stan froze, his eyes wide in surprise. The question hung in the air, and for a moment, everything seemed to go still. Liv looked at Dipper, then at Stan, her expression caught between amusement and surprise.

Stan quickly found his voice, his face turning red once again. "Dipper! You can't just go asking people things like that!" he blurted out, fumbling for the right words. "I'm really sorry, Liv, he didn't mean to—"

But Liv simply laughed, her eyes twinkling with humor. "It's okay, Stan," she said, waving off his apology. "Kids are naturally curious. And to answer your question, Dipper... Stan and I have been spending time together and getting to know each other. We're still figuring things out."

Mabel looked between them, her grin returning. "So... does that mean you're kinda dating?"

Liv smiled softly, glancing at Stan. "I guess you could say that."

Stan felt his nerves settle as Liv's calmness eased the tension. He looked at the twins, trying to gauge their reactions.

Mabel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's awesome! I knew you two would be perfect together!"

Dipper, while still a bit unsure, nodded in approval. "Well, if you make Grunkle Stan happy, then I'm good with it."

Stan finally relaxed, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. "Thanks, kids. And thanks, Liv... for handling that better than I did."

Liv smiled warmly at him. "Anytime, Stan."

As they finished their snacks and returned to the pool, Stan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The twins liked Liv, and even though Dipper still had his reservations, things were moving in the right direction. For the first time in a long while, Stan felt like everything was falling into place.

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I literally googled 'plus size swimwear' & they showed a bunch of beautiful women but like they didn't look like they were plus size, just curvy- which isn't bad

YOURE BOOTYFUL THE WAY YOU ARE🗣️🗣️

My DMs are open for anyone who wants to chat😊

👹DO NOT BE 13 & UNDER, if you wanna chat, I ain't no Drake👹

If you are 13 & under, WTF are you doing here!!!??? Go touch some grass👹

-Lanii🤍