The falls

chapter 36

Neomi stood awkwardly in the kitchen of the Mystery Shack, her arms folded across her chest, eyes flicking nervously toward her dad, Dipper. She'd never been good at asking for advice—especially not the kind of advice she needed now. But the truth was, ever since this weird relationship with Jessica and Lilien started, she found herself feeling things she didn't completely understand. And with the whole "saving the world from Bill" thing hanging over their heads, the balance felt... off.

She needed help.

"Hey, Dad?" Neomi said hesitantly.

Dipper looked up from his stack of paranormal research notes, eyebrows raised. "Yeah, what's up, kiddo?"

Neomi shifted uncomfortably. "So, um... I've been thinking about some stuff, and I kind of need your advice. You know, about... balancing things. Like, you know... the whole 'saving the world from Bill' thing... and, uh... my relationship with Jessica and Lilien."

Dipper blinked, clearly not expecting this question. He leaned back in his chair, considering his daughter carefully. "Balancing things, huh?"

Neomi nodded quickly, her face already a little red. "Yeah. It's kinda weird, right? I mean, trying to save the world while, uh, also being... in this thing with two people." She cringed at how awkward that sounded, but pressed on. "It's a lot, you know? And I don't know how to handle it all."

Dipper stood up, walking over to the counter and leaning against it, his expression serious but understanding. "I get it. Trust me, when I was your age, I had to deal with some pretty big stuff too. Maybe not the same kind of relationship... complications," he said with a half-smile, "but balancing paranormal stuff with everyday life is tough."

Neomi nodded, relieved that her dad seemed to understand at least part of it. But Dipper, ever the responsible parent, saw a bigger opportunity here.

"You know, Neomi," Dipper began, carefully choosing his words, "since you're coming to me for advice, I think there's something else we should talk about. Something... important, especially now that you're starting to date people."

Neomi blinked in confusion. "Uh... what?"

Dipper sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, clearly trying to find the right approach. "You're getting older, and relationships are going to get more complicated, especially when it comes to feelings. There's... well, there's some stuff you need to know about growing up, about puberty, and... where kids come from."

Neomi's face went from mildly curious to outright horror in a split second. "Wait, WHAT?! Dad, no, no, no, NO, not this conversation!" she practically yelled, hands flailing in a panic. "Please don't tell me this is about—oh my god—are you seriously going to talk to me about—ugh—sex?!"

Dipper raised his hands in defense, trying to calm her down. "Hey, hey, relax! I know it's awkward, but it's important, Neomi. You're starting to date, and you've got to understand how all this works before you get in over your head."

Neomi stared at him, her eyes wide and pleading. "I know how it works, Dad! They teach us stuff in school, you don't have to—ugh, this is so embarrassing!"

But despite her initial freakout, something clicked in Neomi's mind. She *was* dating, and she *did* feel things—things she didn't quite understand—toward Jessica and Lilien. This conversation wasn't just embarrassing; it was actually kind of important. And as much as she wanted to bolt out of the kitchen, she forced herself to stay.

She crossed her arms tighter, avoiding Dipper's gaze. "Okay, fine. Talk. But make it quick."

Dipper smiled sympathetically, appreciating her effort. "Okay. So, you know the basics, right? But what I want you to understand is that feelings—especially physical ones—can be really confusing. And when you're in a relationship, especially one that's new and... well, with two people, it's easy to get caught up in everything. You need to take things slow, think things through, and always respect each other's boundaries. If something feels wrong or rushed, talk about it."

Neomi shifted awkwardly. "Yeah, I get that."

"And as far as, well, intimacy goes..." Dipper continued, clearly struggling to get through the conversation without embarrassing them both too much. "That's something that needs to happen only when you're ready. There's no rush. You're still figuring yourself out, and that's totally normal."

Neomi sighed, feeling less horrified now and more thoughtful. "Yeah... I guess that makes sense."

Dipper relaxed a bit, glad the conversation hadn't ended in total disaster. "Look, I know this isn't easy to talk about. But I just want you to be safe and feel comfortable in whatever choices you make. And if you ever need to talk again, about any of this, I'm here. No judgment."

Neomi offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Dad. And... sorry for freaking out earlier."

Dipper chuckled. "No worries. It's a weird conversation to have, but it's important. You're growing up, and I'm proud of you."

Neomi nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. As awkward as it had been, the conversation made her feel more grounded. She still didn't know exactly where things stood with Jessica and Lilien, but she was starting to understand that it was okay not to have all the answers right away.

She gave her dad a quick hug, something she rarely did, before stepping back. "Okay, I'm gonna go. Thanks for the advice."

Dipper smiled, watching as Neomi left the kitchen, clearly deep in thought. He knew it wouldn't be the last time they'd have one of these talks, but for now, he was glad she was open to listening.