The falls

chapter 35

After sealing another interdimensional rip, Jessica, Neomi, and Lilien returned to the Mystery Shack, feeling accomplished. The fresh air and sunlight were a welcome relief after the tense hours of work they had just put in. As they entered the shack, they were greeted by Dipper, who had been keeping an eye on things while they were out.

"You three did it again, huh?" Dipper asked with a smile. "I gotta say, I'm surprised, but... impressed. I didn't expect you all to get along so well, especially considering Lilien's mom, Pacifica."

Lilien gave him a small, knowing smile. "Yeah, my mom and I have had a few talks about that. Trust me, I'm nothing like her in that way. I guess it's good to break the mold, right?"

Dipper nodded, clearly relieved. "Definitely."

As they settled in, Lilien turned to Jessica and Neomi with a thoughtful expression. "So... what exactly do people in a three-way relationship do?"

The room went quiet for a moment, and Dipper's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He glanced at Jessica and Neomi, clearly unsure how to respond but too polite to interject. Instead, he quietly busied himself with something at his desk, his ears clearly tuned into the conversation.

Neomi scratched the back of her head and shrugged. "Honestly? I'm not really sure. It's not like there's some rulebook or anything for this kind of thing. I mean, people have probably done it before, but I don't think anyone's written a guide."

Lilien raised an eyebrow, still curious. "So, how do we figure it out?"

Neomi thought for a moment before giving her usual easygoing grin. "I guess we just... take it one day at a time. You know, lots of hugging and maybe some kissing. Just... whatever feels natural for us."

Jessica, who had been quiet up until now, found herself agreeing with Neomi's simple logic. "Yeah, I think that sounds about right. We don't have to force anything."

Lilien seemed to consider this before nodding. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense."

Dipper, who had been cautiously listening in, shot a glance their way but decided to stay out of it. As much as he wanted to say something, he trusted Neomi and Jessica to handle things, especially since this was clearly something they all needed to figure out together. He just hoped they wouldn't dive too far into uncharted waters.

Then, as if on cue, Neomi stepped forward, throwing her arms around both Jessica and Lilien in a big, spontaneous hug. "Well, what are we waiting for? Group hug time!"

Jessica couldn't help but laugh as she joined in, wrapping her arms around Neomi and Lilien. Lilien, caught off guard but smiling, hugged them both back. For a moment, everything felt light and uncomplicated.

None of the girls argued with Neomi's logic—lots of hugging and maybe some kissing. It was simple, but it felt right. And for now, that was more than enough. As they stood there in a warm, tight embrace, the uncertainties and challenges they faced seemed a little less daunting.

Whatever came next, they knew they'd face it together.