Chained (Billdip)

A Guardian Angel

Dipper and Bill have been discussing a certain "topic" in Dipper's old room, and Max is growing angry and more distrusting with every second that ticks past.

Finally, a baffled looking Dipper Pines and Bill return downstairs. Max begins drilling questions into him, which Dipper can only answer in hopes of sparing himself a beating.

"What did you talk about?"

"It's private, a family thing that's been going on since I came here."

"Why can't you tell me?"

"Like I said Max, private."

Max gave Dipper an angry glower, but before he could say anything, Bill spoke up.

"Look, Falling Leaf—"

"Falling Leaf?"

Bill gestured to Max's shirt, it was light brown and depicted a leaf swirling down from a branch.

"The only thing I can say, is that I'm gonna be spending some time with Pinetree here, I've been bestowed oh so gracefully by my superior to be his guardian."

Max snorted. "What, like 'Mom'?"

Bill sighed, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose. "No, as in protector. There's a difference."

Dipper told Bill that Max had no idea about the truth behind Gravity Falls, or it's weirdness. He didn't want to, either. Max had never seen the journals before, or heard of any of the creatures here. Therefore, Bill had to be careful with his wording, not giving too much away.

Max chuckled. "Yea, okay 'Mom'."

Bill sighed, and Dipper silently thanked god that he didn't decide to turn Max inside-out right then and there. Though, Dipper wouldn't have minded much.

Max grabbed harshly onto Dipper's hand, ignoring his protests as he attempted to drag him back to the car.

Luckily, Gruncle Stan was currently counting money in the gift shop, and happened to notice just how reluctant Dipper was to leave.

"Hey kid, whatcha in a rush for? Ford and me were gonna have a cookout to celebrate your return."

Dipper gave Stan a thankful look, and than laughed. "Why of course, My Lord, it has been quite a harrowing journey."

Stan chuckled. "Yea, yea kid, way to bring it full circle."

Dipper smiled. It was nice to be home.

☆★☆★☆

Dipper hummed as he stepped back into the somewhat cool air of the Mystery Shack. The air conditioning was on, but Dipper wasn't sure why, considering it was fall.

Dipper made his way to the fridge, opening it to grab some Pitt Cola for the cookout, when a hand on his ass makes him jump.

"Heh, scare ya babe?~"

Dipper bit back a sigh. "Ha, yeah.."

Max pushed closer to Dipper, attempting to shut the fridge. However, Dipper held it open, still shuffling around inside. Max was starting to feel irritated.

He kept it cool, despite the anger that began boiling in his chest. "Whaddya say we ditch this place and go have some fun?~"

This time, Dipper sighed audibly. "Max, not tonight. I'm not up for it, and besides, it's been awhile since I've visited. I want to stay for the bonfire after the cookout."

Max was about to put Dipper in his place, hand raised, before Bill walked in. Well, hovered in. How convienient.

"Hey Pinetree, want some help carrying the drinks?" Bill noticed Max glaring at him from his peripheral. That didn't sit well with him, but he shrugged it off.

"Oh! Yea, that'd actually be a big help Bill, thanks."

"Ah it's no problem, Pinetree."

Dipper back away from the fridge, allowing Bill to grab a few Pitt Colas before they spilled over. Dipper raised his foot to shut the fridge door. Now, with both of their arms successful full of refreshments, Dipper and Bill headed out back to help set everything up, leaving behind a very pissed Max.

☆★☆★☆

Dipper fought to hold in a laugh as he watched Gruncle Stan stick a foot out from behind the door, tripping Great Uncle Ford. Ford fell with a shout, landing on his face as he just sighed, laying his head down in defeat. A muffled, "Stanley!" could be heard, causing Stan to break out in barking laughter.

Dipper let out a chuckle, sharing amused looks with Bill. God he missed everyone. Even Bill.

Dipper felt very happy.

That is until Max walked outside, anger plain in his face as he pointedly took a seat next to Dipper, pushing his way in between him and Bill.

Dipper held in his sigh, instead deciding to focus on the warmth of the fire, and the inticing smell of burgers on the grill. Dipper's mouth began to water, and he leaned his head on his arms, looking into the distance as day began to drift into night.

Dipper hoped he could convince Max to stay overnight. That meant... Dipper inwardly groaned. Max was gonna make a big show about Dipper wanting to sleep in his old room, wasn't he? He wasn't gonna let Dipper sleep alone, even though his old bed was far too small to fit two people. Hell, he barely fit in it before Max had dragged him off to their own place.

Dipper shook himself from his thoughts, now aware of the fact that both Bill and Max were gone.

Oh no.

Dipper felt worry bubble in his chest. Dipper silently prayed that Max hadn't done anything to Bill.

Dipper mumbled an "excuse me" to Stan and Ford, making his way inside to loom for them.

☆★☆★☆

Bill leaned casually against the side of the house. It would be so easy to end this human right here and now, but then he'd feel bad for Dipper. If Dipper really did love this kid...

Max got up into Bill's face, snatching him up by his sweater. "I don't know what you're trying to pull, Cipher, but it won't work. Dipper is mine, you hear me?"

Bill felt concern pool in his stomach. Concern for Dipper. This "Max" seemed overbearing, controlling even. However, Bill really wanted to go back to the cookout, especially since Dipper had to of noticed their dissapearence by now.

Bill sighed, giving Max a nod.

"Good." Max released Bill's shirt, and headed wordlessly back to the campfire. Bill went to follow, only to find himself face to face with a distraught looking Dipper.

"Bill? Hey, are you okay?"

Bill gave Dipper a smile. "Of course, Pinetree! Why wouldn't I be?"

At this Dipper went momentarily silent, then shook his head. "No reason.."

Bill sensed that he wanted to say more, but decided it was best not to push the subject. Pinetree seemed uncomfortable.

"Well, let's head back to the cookout than! Wouldn't want Stanley eating all the food, would we?"

Dipper chuckled, relieving a weight off of Bill's shoulders that he wasn't even aware was there.

"Yea, I'm starving!"