An Old Flame (A Gravity Falls Fanfiction)

Chapter 13: The Fire under the Boss's But

Next week at the Mystery Shack

Nera's P.O.V:

"Stay still, Dipper! I need to make sure you fit in this costume. I don't want to prick you with these needles," I reassured him, carefully adjusting the wolf costume on Dipper. I then placed the wolf ears on his head, the wolf fur sleeves on his arms, and the tail around the pants, all the while maintaining a warm smile. "There we go. Okay, can you move in it?"

As Dipper starts to move, he groans and mumbles, "Yeah...I just wish Grunkle Stan actually brought in a real attraction like you." His words hang in the air, a subtle reminder of the strained dynamics at the Mystery Shack.

Handing him the fake wolf teeth, I whisper, "I know, but it's dangerous out there, Pine Tree. I don't want you or your sister in danger. I'll do everything to keep you safe." This is not just a promise, but a vow I intend to keep.

I gently pushed him toward the stage and smiled before quickly walking toward the front. I saw Willow approaching me with new fabrics. I looked them over and walked into the back with her before heading towards the attic.

I pointed to the ground where the other fabrics were, and she put them next to the others. "Excellent, Willow. You brought every fabric from the truck. You've been doing much better than two weeks ago. Now, let's get started on making your new uniform. Stay still for me, please." I said, pulling out a Tailor's dummy from the closet and a measuring tape from my pocket before I started taking Willow's measurements. We discussed the design, the fabric choices, and the overall look of the uniform, making sure it reflected her personality and preferences.

"Um... Miss Nera, if I may ask...Why are you giving me a uniform? I thought the Mystery Shack didn't have a dress code." Willow asked, looking at me before I looked at her and smirked. I got a notepad and wrote down her measurements before I sighed and answered, "Because you are working for me. I like those under my management to have uniforms that fit them. Tell me...your favorite colors?"

"Oh, um...Red and sky blue, ma'am." Willow whispers, looking very shy before I smile and nod. "Alright...I think I can work with that... Tell me about yourself, Little Bull." I said, picking out fabrics and putting them together on the Tailor's dummy while I listened to Willow tell me about herself. I could feel her pain, her struggles, and her resilience.

It was a story that needed to be heard. I started sewing the fabrics together, creating a uniform that would not just fit her body, but also her spirit. "I must say, Willow, your life seems very difficult. You were disowned by your father and followed the word of Christianity. But now you are living with your Uncle and cousin... I'm guessing it's a lot." I could feel her pain, struggles, and resilience as if they were my own.

I turned to look at her and saw she had tears streaming down her face, but she was biting her bottom lip to keep quiet before I walked over. I wonder how long she had to do that just to hold back her cries.

Seeing her struggle to hold back her tears, I offer her a handkerchief. "You don't have to hold back your cries. It's okay. Look, take the rest of the day off. I'll finish the rest of your uniform within the week." I whisper, my voice a soothing balm to her wounded soul.

"O-okay. I'm sorry." She whispered, standing up before I sighed and petted her head.

"It's okay, Little Bull. It will get better. I promise. Now, get going." I said, smiling at her before she nodded, left, and sighed. That kid...I have a lot of work to do with her, but it's nothing I can't handle. I am determined to support my family and be there for them when they need me. It's a promise I intend to keep.

I rubbed the back of my neck and looked at the Tailor's dummy before I sighed, letting out a small purple flame, and shook my head. I need a break from this. Stan has been working the others harder than usual. Maybe I can give them something to drink. Lemonade! That's a perfect drink.