Welcome to the Deep End [An AU BillDip]

Chapter 41

(A/N Hi. Update for you. Happy Birthday.)

The steps Dipper took towards the paralyzed captain were unsure, and the sound of boot soles padding against the planks were silent. He could still change his mind, he could still run to the water. He could still be with his family. Even so, his hand extended to Bill's shoulder, with a his back still turned, Bill wouldn't be able to see his conflicted expression. The furrowed brows, beads of sweat sidling down his temples, lips curved into a frown. Curse his curiosity, curse it! The boy wasn't used to seeing Bill be so creepily still- of course, the captain could clearly not control his movements, and for someone as hyper as him- it must be absolutely devestating for him. Dipper pondered possible ways to undo the spell Tad had cast.

He considered consulting the book of spells he bought in the town, but the leather satchel was nowhere in sight. Maybe he could throw Tad overboard? No, that just wasn't right. Even though Tad insisted his great and painful suffering was just a joke, letting his body sink to the seafloor to drown and decompose would be all too cruel. He resulted in shaking the captain's shoulders, hoping it would stir some kind of movement. No dice. He still had a very statue-like Bill donning a still neutral expression, the boy sighed.

"Bill, I don't know how long we have, don't know if you can even hear me, but wake up- please?" the boy asked.

A few moments passed and he cursed himself for being so stupid. Of course asking politely wasn't going to break the spell.

A for effort!

Dipper paused, looking at the captain. Still frozen in place, but he definitely heard that familiar, mocking tone.

"Uh, Bill? Did you say that?" he asked.

Say what, Pine Tree?

The boy paused, dumbfounded for a second, "You know... talk to me... through the air..." he muttered.

Ever heard of telepathy, kid? Since I'm having trouble moving every limb in my body, lips included- poor you, I have to resort to this.

"Oh, that's-"

And I LOVE hearing my voice, too...

Dipper sighed, inwardly expressing his distaste with the sudden vanity.

"How do I undo the spell Tad cast on you?" Dipper asked, not too sure where he should look.

Staring at the monotonous expression and listening to the upbeat tone of Bill's voice just did not match and he couldn't stare at him for too long. It was so mismatched, it was irking.

Well, knowing my brother- he probably has to undo it himself. Or y'know- bread.

The boy quirked a brow, "Bread?"

O~ho. Boy. He loves his bread. He would kidnap a child and torture them eternally if they took his br-

"..."

Pine Tree. Did you...

"..."

You took his bread?!

"He bought out the whole store! What's one freaking tart?!" he shouted, all that responded was a silent wind, the mast of the ship flapping slightly. After a long pause, Bill's voice returned.

...Well, that explains it.

"There's something wrong with your family. No joke." Dipper concluded, taking a step towards the still breathing brother of Bill's.

Pine Tree?

"Don't kill him, alright, Bill?"

Nnnn.