Heartless, right?

Chapter Twenty-Eight

It's been a couple weeks since their kiss, but Dipper's mind is still buzzing. Unfortunately, the dream demon has been avoiding him. Well, avoiding Ford, who is constantly having Dipper help him with research.

"So, the Phaeloxian you killed, are you sure he's dead? And Mabel doesn't know anything about it?" Ford asks for the twentieth time.

"Yes, it's dead. No, she doesn't know," Dipper says, heading up the stairs, "I can't breathe down here, I'm going for a walk."

Ford looks up to stop him, but he's already in the gift shop. He doesn't need anyone to warn him, he knows he's in danger. He zips up his jacket against the cold, the ground already covered in six inches of snow. He's probably going to regret not grabbing a coat.

The woods are calm and dead, somehow even more peaceful than they are in the summer. Dipper feels like a toddler discovering a basic motor function as he trudges though the snow for the first time in his life. His numb fingers and toes are probably a sign he needs to go back to the Shack, but he can't stand another day stuffed in the lab.

He spins around at the sound of a snapping twin, raising his dagger.

"Hate to break it to you, Starboy, but cursed blades can't kill me." Bill says with a grin.

Dipper frowns, too stubborn to show his relief, "I might use it anyway. You can't just ghost someone after kissing them."

Bill steps forward and wraps his arms around him, "I think the cold is putting you in a bad mood."

Dipper's frown deepens, but he doesn't pull away from the hug. He is cold. "No, I'm annoyed that I've only seen you three times these past couple weeks."

"I may be good, but I'm not that good. Ford knows me, unfortunately." Bill says, "And the minute he thinks something's going on, and he will find out, he'll make things a million times more difficult. I can't protect you if he gets in the way."

Dipper starts to speak but someone interrupts, "I knew you lived spontaneously, Cipher, but involving yourself with a human is not something I would have imagined."

They separate to see three Phaeloxians. Bill rolls his eyes, "We were kinda having a moment. Is it so hard for you assholes to be patient?"

The hell demons spread out, preparing to attack. Dipper pulls his dagger out again, the Phaeloxians showing an obvious discomfort towards the weapon. Bill laughs and quickly moves to attack the one who spoke, ripping her throat out. His eyes flashing manically at the spray of blood. Dipper looks away, focusing on the demon approaching him. He recites the petrification spell,

autats arret ni tnats ibu sutalegnoc sucimini

The third demon isn't pleased that they lost. He screams in anger and attacks Dipper from behind. He's able to get the demon off easily, but not before the dagger is burried into his side. The blade seems to suck out all of his energy as he falls to his knees, shivering. Bill snaps his fingers and the Phaeloxian's head falls from his shoulders.

"Dipper! Hey, look at me!" Bill grabs his face in his hands, "I have to take this out. On three, okay?"

Dipper fights to keep his eyes open, "Just... do it..." he says weakly.

●●●●●

Bill pulls the knife out and heals the wound. He looks Dipper over before picking him up and teleporting to the cabin. He sits next to the fireplace, lighting a fire and holding Dipper in his lap.

"You're fucking lucky, Dipper. If the stars hadn't planned ahead, you'd be dead." He says angrily, "Why the hell did you stay and fight? You knew I could've taken care of them."

"It's my fight, too." Dipper says quietly, still shivering violently.

Bill sighs and tightens his grip around the boy, "It shouldn't have to be."

They sit there for a while, the crackling fire filling the silence. The dream demon tries to contain his rising anger. Dipper could have died and he would have been helpless to save him. He gently kisses the top of Dipper's head.

"How am I still alive?" Dipper asks, still weak.

"I'm assuming Letum has something to do with it."

"The Roman god?"

Bill laughs quietly, "After the fall of Rome, their gods ran off to another dimension. The Star of Death took his name. He's the one who created that curse, and I guess he made you immune to it when the bastards blessed you."

Dipper hums in annoyance, "Still sucks."

"Welcome to godhood." Bill smiles, "What doesn't kill you, drains you."

"I don't envy you, at all."

"Can't say I've heard that one before." Bill says, lifting Dipper's chin. "I'm sorry I got upset earlier."

"Don't be, you were just worried." He whispers.

Bill's heart flutters as he pull Dipper into a kiss. The boy adjusts in his lap, deepening the kiss. Their lips move in perfect sync, tongues intertwining, hands roaming. For the first time since he destroyed his dimension, Bill feels real peace. He feels happiness.

AN: Yes, I was gone for a while. I had to take a mental health break. And then I had to deal with some personal bullshit. But I'm back now! I'm only posting once a week to avoid burnout, though.