Chained (Billdip)

Constellations

The night time walks always made Dipper feel better. There was plenty of space, the air always smelled clean and cool, but most of all he could see the stars.

One of Dipper's favorite past times was doodling constellations in his journal. It calmed him down, gave him something simple to focus on. Something that didn't force him to make hard decisions.

God knows he'd had enough of those.

Don't get him wrong, he loved Max, but... Sometimes he wondered if it was all worth it.

☆★☆★☆

Max's voice echoed throughout the small wooden home. He had insisted that Dipper move in with him and away from the Mystery Shack so that they could "bond".

Dipper was beginning to regret agreeing with him.

Max was upset again. When Max was upset, Dipper knew bad things were going to happen.

Even if Max hadn't made a move yet, Dipper could tell that he was close to his boiling point. There was a fire that burned deep in Max's eyes as he approached Dipper. He stumbled, catching himself on the younger male's shoulder.

Dipper flinched, wrinkling his nose at the strong smell of alcohol that washed over him.
Max's eyes stared deep into Dipper's own, an almost inhumane grin stretching across his face.

"What's that look for sweetheart?~"

Dipper shivered, goosebumps rising along his skin at the uncomfortable sensation that slithered it's way down his spine.

"N-nothing." Fear shook Dipper to his core as Max's face contorted into a broad and displeased scowl.

"Isn't there something you want, slut?"

Dipper hesitantly shook his head, immediately regretting that decision as Max's hand came into contact with his cheek, a loud slap reverberating off the walls.

Dipper whimpered as his head shot to the side, bringing a hand up to cradle his stinging cheek.

Max scoffed, turning to stumble his way to the couch, but not before pausing to snatch another beer off the counter.

So Dipper was here now, under the stars, tear stains lining his face.

After so many months of abuse, Dipper was surprised that he could still think for his own.

Briefly he wondered what it would be like, to be on his own, doing what he wanted whenever he wanted. To be in love... real love. Dipper's feelings for Max were starting to fizzle out, like a fire that hadn't been tended to in hours. After the first time Max's fist collided with his stomach, his image began to change, taking a darker form in Dipper's mind. A violent one. One that was never far away, and Dipper found himself beginning to depend on his abuse lover.

He hated it.

Max had apologized profusely after the first time he had hit Dipper, claiming that he simply lost control, and stated that he had anger issues.

But only so many apologies could be forgiven before Dipper realized that he wasn't going to stop. That is was only going to get worse from here.

Dipper dreaded every moment spent in that house. Every moment away from his family. Every lie he had to tell them in order to avoid another one of Max's "punishments".

The worst part though? Dipper couldn't leave. Because he knew that tomorrow morning, he'd return home to a very stressed out and very apologetic Max sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Max would apologize over and over and than give Dipper that smile.

And Dipper would feel too bad to leave.

No matter how many people told him he should.