Unexpected Love

8.

A few weeks had passed since Summerween, and things between Stan and Liv had only gotten better. They spent more time together, whether it was going on walks around Gravity Falls, enjoying quiet nights at the Mystery Shack, or simply talking about life. The bond between them had grown deeper, and Stan knew it was time to take things to the next level.

Tonight, they were on a date at one of the town's coziest spots, a small diner known for its homestyle cooking and warm atmosphere. The two of them sat in a corner booth, the glow of dim lights reflecting off the checkered tablecloth. Stan had been unusually quiet throughout dinner, his mind racing as he tried to work up the courage to say what he'd been thinking about for days.

Liv noticed his pensive mood and reached across the table, touching his hand gently. "You've been a little distracted tonight, Stan. Everything okay?"

Stan looked up at her, his heart pounding. She looked beautiful, as always, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. He knew he couldn't keep it to himself any longer.

"Liv," he began, taking a deep breath. "There's something I need to talk to you about. Something important."

Liv's expression softened, and she squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Stan hesitated, searching for the right words. "You know, I've never been good at this kinda stuff. Feelings and all that... it's always been tough for me. But you... you make it easier. Being with you these past few months, it's been... well, it's been the happiest I've felt in a long time."

Liv's heart fluttered as she listened, sensing the depth of what he was about to say.

Stan continued, his voice growing steadier. "The thing is, Liv... I don't just want this to be a fling or something casual. I want more. I want us to be more. I've been thinking about it a lot, and... I'm in love with you, Liv. I love you, and I don't want to lose you."

Liv's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected him to say that tonight, but hearing it filled her with an overwhelming sense of joy. "Stan... I love you too," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've felt that way for a while now."

Stan smiled, relief flooding his features. "You don't know how happy I am to hear that. But there's more I need to say. I don't want us to keep living separately, seeing each other only when we can. I want you to move in with me, Liv. Come live at the Mystery Shack. We can make it our home—together."

Liv's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected this, and for a moment, she was speechless. The idea of living with Stan, of making the Mystery Shack her home, was both thrilling and terrifying. But as she looked into his eyes, she knew it was exactly what she wanted too.

"Are you sure, Stan? I mean... the Shack is a big part of your life. It's your business, your home... and the twins live there too."

Stan nodded, his grip on her hand tightening. "I'm sure, Liv. The twins already like you, and they're a big part of this too. But I know it'll work. I want you there with me, Liv. I want to wake up every morning knowing you're right there by my side. You've become such a huge part of my life, and I don't want to imagine it without you."

Liv felt tears welling up in her eyes, but they were tears of happiness. She could see how much this meant to him, and she realized it meant just as much to her. The Mystery Shack was quirky, chaotic, and sometimes a little crazy, but it was also filled with love, laughter, and adventure—just like her relationship with Stan.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Yes, Stan, I'll move in with you. I want to build a life with you, with all of you."

Stan's face lit up with a mixture of joy and relief, and before he knew it, he was leaning across the table to kiss her. It was a kiss filled with all the love and affection he had for her, and when they finally pulled apart, they were both smiling like a couple of lovestruck teenagers.

____________

Liv's tiny house was filled with the organized chaos of moving. Boxes were stacked everywhere, filled with her books, clothes, and work supplies, as she prepared for the big move to the Mystery Shack. It was a bittersweet moment—she'd loved her little home, but the excitement of starting a new chapter with Stan made it all worth it.

Mabel, full of energy as always, was practically bouncing off the walls as she helped Liv pack. "This is going to be so much fun, Liv! We can have sleepovers every night, and you can help me with my crafting projects! You'll love living at the Shack, I just know it!"

Liv smiled warmly at Mabel's enthusiasm. "I'm looking forward to it too, Mabel. It'll be nice to have so much company around."

Dipper, on the other hand, was quieter as he helped stack boxes near the door. He was doing his part, but something was clearly on his mind. Every now and then, he shot Liv a thoughtful, almost suspicious glance, as if trying to figure something out.

Once they had most of Liv's belongings packed up, they loaded the boxes into Stan's old, beat-up truck. Liv took one last look around her tiny house, feeling a wave of nostalgia. But when she saw Stan standing by the truck, waiting for her with a smile, she knew she was making the right choice.

"Ready to go?" Stan asked, his voice filled with warmth.

Liv nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm ready."

The drive to the Mystery Shack was filled with chatter and laughter, mostly from Mabel, who couldn't stop talking about all the fun things they would do once Liv moved in. Dipper remained quiet, lost in thought as he stared out the window. By the time they arrived at the Shack, Liv could sense that something was bothering him.

After they finished unloading the truck and bringing the boxes inside, Dipper took the opportunity to pull Stan aside. He led his Grunkle to a quiet spot behind the Shack, away from Mabel and Liv.

"Grunkle Stan, can I talk to you for a minute?" Dipper asked, his tone serious.

Stan raised an eyebrow, curious. "Sure, kid. What's on your mind?"

Dipper hesitated, clearly trying to choose his words carefully. "It's about Liv. I know she's been great and all, but... I just need to know something. You're sure she's not after your money, right?"

Stan blinked, caught off guard by the question. "My money? What money? Dipper, the Shack is barely breaking even most of the time. I don't exactly have a fortune lying around."

Dipper frowned. "I know, but... I just don't get it. Why would someone like her be interested in you? She's young, smart, and could probably be with anyone she wants. It doesn't make sense."

Stan sighed, placing a hand on Dipper's shoulder. "Look, Dipper, I get why you're worried. I was suspicious at first too, but Liv isn't like that. She's not after money or anything else. She cares about me—for me. I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes, people just connect."

Dipper looked into Stan's eyes, searching for any sign of doubt. But all he saw was sincerity. "So... you really trust her?"

Stan nodded firmly. "Yeah, I do. Liv's the real deal, kid. I love her, and she loves me. It's that simple. And besides, she's moving into the Shack. You know how crazy that place gets. If she's willing to put up with all of us, she's not in it for money."

Dipper thought about that for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay. I just wanted to make sure. I guess... I'm still getting used to all of this."

Stan chuckled, ruffling Dipper's hair. "I get it. But don't worry, kid. We're all in this together. Liv's part of the family now, and she's gonna fit right in."

Dipper smiled, feeling a bit more reassured. "Yeah, I guess she is."

As they headed back inside, Liv was unpacking one of the boxes, carefully arranging her books on a shelf. When she saw Stan and Dipper walk in, she gave them both a warm smile. Stan winked at Dipper, who couldn't help but smile back. Maybe it would take some time, but Dipper was starting to see what Stan saw in Liv—a genuine, kind-hearted person who really did care about his Grunkle.

✨✨✨✨✨✨

I'm now editing the other chapters

I might start doing edits, idk a lot of my friends are encouraging me to do edits & write Fanfics

I'm not an artist, I have no talent whatsoever 😭

Any feedback is appreciated

- Lanii🤍