Heartless, right?

Chapter Twenty Seven

Once the sun begins to rise, Bill heads downstairs and sees Mabel already at the kitchen table making some weird concoction. She waves him over and hands him a glass of it.

"What am I supposed to do this?" He asks in confusion.

"Drink it, dummy. I'd make Dip do it, but he's asleep and I don't feel like talking to him."

Bill sighs and takes a sip, "More cranberry juice. Listen, your brother just wants to keep you safe."

Mabel adds the cranberry juice and shoves the cup back towards the dream demon, "So he gets to be the hero while I go back home and stress about him? That's not fair, if I have to be safe, he should, too."

He sips the drink again, "Less glitter next time. And he will be safe. That's why I'm here."

Mabel scoffs, "I will die before I use less glitter." She stares Bill down, "Promise. Promise you will keep him safe and let me know if anything happens."

"I promise." He holds out his pinkie to seal the deal.

Mabel grins and accepts, pulling him into the seat next to her, "Now, give me more ideas for Mabel Juice recipes."

They brainstorm recipes for about thirty minutes before Dipper enters the kitchen. Bill leaves the twins alone, nodding at Dipper to encourage him to talk to his sister. When they leave, he goes to the woods to hunt any stray Phaeloxians.

●●●●●

When Dipper returns, he looks flustered and panicked. Bill stands up from the window seat, "Hey, what's going on?"

Dipper sits on the edge of his bed, "Gideon found out. He forced me to critique some fucking fortune telling bullshit he made up and somehow he found out that you're back." Bill nods, it's not that big of a deal, he can just erase the kid's memories. But Dipper continues, "I threatened him, I don't think he'll say anything. It was stupid, I should've left before things got out of hand."

Bill sits next to the boy, "Gideon's an idiot and a coward, he's not gonna say anything. I'll take care of him if he gets cocky."

Dipper leans forward, putting his head in his hands. There's something he isn't saying and it's obviously bothering him. Bill gently lays his hand on his back, trying to comfort him.

"Worried about Mabel?" He asks.

"No, just annoyed with the timing of everything." He stands up and starts pacing, "It's been almost two and a half months, and we still don't know how to stop these guys. They are going to start killing if they don't get their hands on me. Maybe if I have some sort of sit down with them, or-"

Bill grabs the stressed boy's shoulders, holding him still and looking into his eyes, "You aren't going anywhere near them. We'll figure something out, okay? I'll make sure everyone is safe."

"What are we gonna figure out? They have hardly any weaknesses, they have rifts everywhere, and they've already proven that they're willing to go after my family."

"Stop. Stop worrying about something that isn't going to happen. I already told you that your family is safe as long as I'm here. You are safe, okay? You and your family are safe, Dipper, and I'm going to use every ounce of my power to ensure that."

Dipper nods and the chaos god smiles, knowing he finally got through his panic. Without thinking, he pulls the boy into a hug, and surprisingly, he doesn't fight back. The hug is returned just as tightly. Bill kisses the top of Dipper's head, "I'm gonna protect you, I promise. I know I've hurt you guys, and I want to make it right. It may take your entire lifetime, maybe more, but I- I'm sorry. I really, really am. I just need you to trust me, if only to protect you and your family."

Dipper looks up at him, "I do, I've trusted and forgiven you the moment you saved Mabel."

Bill isn't sure who started it, but a moment later, their lips crash together. Both of them are shocked for a split second before deepening the kiss. Bill slowly walks Dipper to the wall, pinning the boy as his hands roam his torso, counting his ribs, squeezing his neck slightly. Dipper grips his shoulders, holding onto him like his life depends on the demon's touch. He grabs Dipper by his thighs, lifting him up, holding him tightly. Dipper's legs wrap around his waist as he's pressed against the wall.

Bill's lips travel down his neck, peppering the soft skin with kisses and light love bites. He feels Dipper's hands in his hair, holding him close. His tongue traces Dipper's collarbone before he makes his way back to his lips. This kiss is calmer, slower, yet much more meaningful. They finally separate, foreheads resting on each other, catching their breath.

Bill smiles, "Feel better?"

"Yeah." Dipper admits, playing with the blonde hair still in his hands.

The demon hums, bringing his hand up to cup the boy's cheek, "Maybe I should start doing this every time you start overthinking."

"Don't push your luck." Dipper jokes.

Bill holds onto Dipper, moving to sit on the bed as he holds the brunet. Both sit in silence for a while, just enjoying the moment.

"Ford's gonna kill you."

"Ford's not gonna know, Starboy."

Dipper leans back, "I guess I can live with that."

Bill laughs, pulling him back in, "Good, because he's the last person who needs to hear about this."

He smiles as Dipper relaxes in his embrace, not realizing how much he wanted this. How much he wanted the boy to feel safe with him, to trust him. It feels good, better than world domination somehow.