"Don't cry" AU - Gravity falls

Change of heart

Fiddleford POV

It was the day after my encounter with Ford's estranged twin brother. I had been replaying it in my head since that night.

I shivered at the thought of what was behind that portal. I shut my eyes trying to get rid of the image. Rubbing my temples with my hands. I looked over to the memory-eraser. Maybe just one more time, so I can forget those horrible images.

There was a knock on my office door. "Dad! Hey Dad can you make me something to eat!"

Tears welled up in my eyes. This stupid machine wasn't only making me forget about the portal. It was making me forget about my life in gravity falls too.

I wiped my tears quickly and ran up to the door opening it. "Of course Tater Tot! What would ya like?"

•••

I was sitting at the kitchen table with my son Tate. His mom was coming back to get him today, this would be her month with him. After the divorce, I decided to stay in gravity falls, and we had an agreement where every other month we would have our boy at the others home town. It was a bit of a complicated process, but I loved getting to spend time with my little Tater Tot.

"You got everything packed for your trip back to your mom's son?"

He nodded at me after finishing his sandwich. "Yep! I got all my things and that book you told me I should read!"

I nodded agreeably. I had honestly forgotten that I recommended that book to him. But at least he remembered. "Awesome buddy, I'll be taking you down to the bus stop in a few hours ok?"

Tate nodded happily. "Ok dad! Can I go outside and play with my friends?"

I laughed. He was so full of life. "Sure Tater Tot." I playfully smacked his ball cap and motioned to the door. "Thanks dad!" He ran outside cheerfully.

I'd do anything for my little Tater Tot.

••• Time skip •••

I waved goodbye to my son as he rode the bus that would take him to his mom's house. I was gonna miss em while he was gone but I figured it would be good for him to see his mom for a while. Plus, I needed do work on some stuff myself.

As I was walking back into town I saw a wooden sign stuck into the ground. 'Come and see the murder hut!' No location? Terrible advertising...

I stood there staring at it for a moment. Maybe I was being too harsh on Stanley. I mean, I wanted to see Ford again too. Maybe I could.... I don't know. Help fix the portal?

I pulled at my hair nervously, thinking of my old lab partner and what he was probably dealing with right now.

I had made my decision. I was going to help fix the portal, even if it meant putting myself at risk.