What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You

1

Dipper woke up to a solid form falling on top of him.

"Wake up, sleepyhead! It's almost time to go!"

Dipper opened his eyes and pushed his twin sister off of him. "Get off."

Mabel sat up on the floor. "Come on! Mom and Dad are downstairs waiting to take us to the bus stop!"

"I know, I know. I'm up, I promise."

Mabel jumped to her feet, grinning. "Let's go, let's go! Get changed and bring your bags downstairs!" She ran out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Dipper rolled his eyes. His sister still has uncontrollable energy, even after two years. He sighed, throwing his covers off and getting out of bed. He put on the clothes he had set aside for today, including a pair of tennis shoes and his favorite hat- a blue and white SnapBack hat with a blue pine tree design, the same one from two summers ago.

As usual, he looked up at his mirror that was on his door. In the corners were small pictures that he's kept that reminded him of who he lost. He looked down at his hand, spinning the familiar, silver ring on his finger. He closed his eyes. He breathed deeply.

That's what this vacation was about to him. This wasn't a break from the hustle and bustle of their California hometown- this was a search, a manhunt to find the one he loves most. He lost him two years ago. He wasn't going to give up now.

He felt for the chain around his neck and gently touched the triangle chain attached to it. After confirming they were there, where they were supposed to be, he grabbed his bags and ran down the stairs.

Mabel and their parents were waiting in the living room. Their father smiled at Dipper. "You ready, son?"

Dipper nodded. "I think so."

Their mother hugged him gently. "Don't think about it too much. You had so much fun the last time you went to Gravity Falls!"

Dipper forced a smile. "Yeah. We did."

Mabel checked the time on her phone. "We're going to be late for the bus! Let's go!"

Mabel ushered the family outside the house and to the car. Dipper and Mabel put their bags in the trunk, and everyone piled in. The twins' father started the car and started the short drive to the bus stop.

Mabel eyed her brother, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay, Dipper. Just imagine seeing all of our old friends again! It'll be another great summer vacation for us, just like old times."

Dipper shook his head, glancing up at his parents, who were busy with a conversation of their own. "But... what if he's there? What if they're all there?" Mabel winced, and Dipper immediately regretted his words.

When his fiancé left two years ago, so did his siblings. The dream demon triplets disappeared from sight, without another word. Dipper wasn't the only one who was devastated by the action- Mabel wouldn't admit to it, but every so often, she would cry silent tears at night, holding her girlfriend's favorite green sweater, until she fell asleep. Gideon didn't appear at school for a few days, and when he did, he was back to his usual self- a grouch, showoff, and prick.

They all changed, but there was one thing they all had in common that kept them going- they all could still see color. That fact hadn't changed. They were still bonded. They were still alive. They could still find them.

If only they knew how.

Dipper looked down at his shoes. "I'm sorry. But, what if it's true?"

"Don't think about it." Mabel said quietly, almost at a whisper. "I just want to enjoy the summer. Just this once. Be with our old friends again. Stop worrying about it. Stop trying to find them, just for the summer. Please. Just... be yourself again."

Dipper looked at his sister, who looked out the car window. He could see the immense sadness in her eyes. She missed her. They all did.

"...okay. Just for the summer. I'll go back to searching when we get home."

Mabel looked back at him, wearing a small smile. "Thank you, Dipper."

Dipper looked out his window, already forming a plan. If she won't help, then I'll find them myself.