Brave

Chapter Seven

Artist of Image: Sleii on Tumbler

Author's Note: Hello my charming critters! How are you critters? One hundred critters have read this story. Wow. I don't know what to say. Umm... tests are coming up. Remember your mental health is more important than those stupid numbers. Happy leap day or whatever! Why are people excited about this? I don't know! Thanks for reading! If you're interested in reading Pinescone, I posted a story on my new one-shot book. I might upload a Billdip music thing one-shot I made but only if you guys want to read it. Hope you enjoy the story! Love - Charm

(・ｗ・)

While I was explaining my plan to Pinetree, I was smiling on the inside because we were holding hands. When we were halfway towards the field, I noticed Pinetree wasn't listening. Worst of all he was blushing.

Does he like Pacifica? No. He doesn't. He shouldn't. Maybe he's just sick. Yeah. He's sick.

"Hey Pine-," Bill stopped himself. "I mean, Dipper are you okay?"

Dipper didn't answer, at this point he was just staring off into space. I dragged him into an empty tent and waved my hand in front of his face.

"Dipper? Dipper! Pinetree!?" Dipper snapped out his thoughts at the nickname. I inspected Dipper before continuing. "What's up with you? Were you even listening? Wait- do like Pacifica?"

Dipper's face scrunched up at my question, "What! Eww. No."

"Then why are you blushing?" Dipper froze at my question. Gears working in his head trying to come up with an answer.

"Because... why not."

I stared at him with the straightest face I could muster up but ended up bursting into laughter. I was clutching my stomach and ended up falling on my butt. Dipper stood awkwardly laughing at the situation.

Once I calmed down, I went full soldier mode. "Dipper I can tell your lying. Care to tell me what's bothering you."

Dipper's blush grew across his face now on his nose. Dipper fumbled with his words, unsure how to explain himself. Dipper sighed and decided to take this one step at a time.

"I have a crush." Dipper watched my reaction.

"Oh," I deflated a little. My heart sank to my stomach. "Who's the lucky girl? Let me guess Pacifia"

Dipper cringed, "It's not Pacifica. It's um- it's a-" Dipper couldn't get any words out his mouth and stood frozen staring at his shoes.

I wanted to scream. Someone managed to take Dipper's heart and get him this flustered. He did his best to sound happy for him but ended up sounding frustrated.

"It's alright. You don't have to tell me. I mean this girl is the reason you don't wanna get married, right! I'm just a soldier following orders. I didn't spend my early childhood with you! It's quite alright." Tears formed at the edge of my eyes but I quickly wiped them away. Dipper stood wide-eyed at my outburst.

It broke my heart.

I sighed, "Let's head to the competition, your majesty."

I didn't wait for the prince. I felt like I was drowning but I wasn't going to show fear. Stanford was right. What's the point of staying here with the prince?

◉_◉

I stood frozen watching Bill walk out of the tent. He addressed me as your majesty. I felt tears dripping down my cheeks but I didn't mind that.

He called me your majesty. He hates you. NO! He doesn't. He's just mad. He's always hated you. He doesn't like being ordered around by you. He's just a soldier. There's no point in loving him. But I love him. Well it's obvious he doesn't love you.

I composed myself before following Bill. I walked out smiling at anyone who recognized me. I finally managed to catch up with him.

There was a strange silence around us. It wasn't awkward but it wasn't peaceful either. I spaced out trying to form an explanation of my crush... on him. Crap. You're gonna fail badly.

Bill stopped in front of a field and I only stopped when I bumped into him. I gave an awkward smile at him and a small apology. All he said was no problem. No problem. What do you mean no problem?! There is a huge problem and it's me!

"Alright, here's the plan. First you're gonna wear this cloak so no one recognizes or stops you," He handed me a cloak off of a nearby stand. The owner protested but stopped once Bill glared at him. (And saw that he was a guard with the prince.) "Second, I brought my bow and arrows which you will use to win."

"That's it?" I looked up at him nervously, the plan seemed too easy. Weren't there in between steps like walking up the field.

"Yep." He popped the p but he still had that dead expression on his face. Please talk to me.

"I don't know. What I break the bow? What if I end up humiliating myself? What if Great Uncle Ford intervenes? Will I get kicked out once he finds out? What if I disappoint the kingdom? My family? I can't do this! I don't wanna get kicked out again!"

Bill put a firm grip on my shoulders but I didn't notice. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think straight. I'm drowning. There's no point in trying I'm just a pawn. A toy. The kingdom doesn't need me. No one does.

"-jesty! -son! Ma-! -pper!? Pinetree!!!" Once again my thoughts were shaken away when I heard my nickname. I took deep breaths and tried to keep steady. Bill's here. It'll be alright.

"Pinetree?" I looked up at Bill, whose face was way too close than I'm comfortable with. Aw crap. He's hotter up close. OMG! STOP!

"Breath. Everything's going to be okay. I'm here. I'll always be. I promise." He gripped me into a tight hug. At this point, I had controlled my breathing. That didn't matter though. I was with Bill and that's enough to keep me happy.

"Now that you've calmed down are you ready to win your own hand in marriage?" I stayed silent in his embrace. Am I ready? "If you're not ready I can fight for you." He read my mind!

"Umm... I- I don't know. What if- what if Ford gets mad at you? It'll be- it'll be all my fault." Bill held me closer, reassuring me. I breathed in once more, "I'll fight for my hand. I'll win, not only for me but for you." Where did all this confidence come from? Don't ruin it.

"Win? For me?! What- what does that mean?" Bill squeaked out. I released myself from his embrace and proudly stood before him.

"I want to thank you for everything you've ever done for me. You're the greatest friend I've ever had, " And only had. Shut it. "So after the game. If I'm not dead. I'll explain my crush to you. Just- just promise you won't think any less of me."

I faltered a bit and looked down at my feet suddenly feeling dreadful. Bill grabbed my chin and smiled, "Pinetree, I promise not to think any less of you. I will always stand by you. Plus you're way too cute to give up."

My face flushed red at his comment. It was worse because his face was so close to me.

"I um- um... Thanks you're cute too." Mental slap. YOU IDIOT!

Bill stifled a laugh and grabbed my hand. He walked me to the field where everyone was already lined up ready to shoot.

"Once everyone has shot their arrows, you'll uncover your face and shoot all the targets." Bill must have noticed me fidgeted because he continued, "I'll be carrying the kingdom's flag as an excuse to be with you. Don't you worry. I'll protect you. I mean you're not dead yet are you?"

I giggled a little which seemed to satisfy Bill. We fell into a comfortable silence, still holding hands, waiting for the game to begin.