What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You

24

Mason held Madison close to him, trying to ignore his worries about Cole. He had come back an hour ago, but the agents took him away again. His heart ached for the boy- he was probably dead, for all Mason knew.

Mason looked at the sleeping baby in his arms and smiled. He knew it wasn't true, but it felt like he was responsible for the kids, in some way. They had a sense of innocence in them, even with everything they've already been through. No matter what they were biologically, they were still children. Mason wanted to protect that part of them.

He suddenly heard voices coming from below, and his head shot up. They both sounded familiar, but they were muffled to the point where they were barely audible. He stood up, gently laying Madison where he was just sitting, and carefully walked to the door, kneeling by it and listening.

"Listen, Father. I'm trying to help find a missing person. He's in serious danger. I know you know things. Please, just tell me where he is."

"I told you, there's nothing I can do to help you."

"What about the agents, then? I heard a rumor there were government agents in Gravity Falls. Where are they?"

There was a brief pause. "There are no government agents in Gravity Falls. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I know when you're lying, Father. Just tell me!"

"Now, Gideon, don't raise your voice at me!"

Mason's eyes grew wide as he stepped back in shock. Gideon's house? Is that really where we are?

He looked at Madison, who was still sleeping. If Cole has been outside, and he knows where we are, he can tell Bill. Oh, God, we can get out of here!

The door opened, and Cole fell inside, pushed in by Agent Trigger, who glared at Mason before shutting the door tightly.

Mason was immediately at his side. "Are you okay, Cole?"

Cole coughed, smiling weakly. "Never better."

Mason looked Cole over, noting the marks and cuts on his small body that were similar to his own. "Oh, Cole, what happened?"

Cole sat up. "I told some people about us." Cole smiled at him. "I don't regret it. It means we're going to be saved."

"Who did you tell?"

Cole's smile grew wider. "Your soulmate really is a nice person. I'm glad you met him- he seems good for you."

Mason clamped a hand over his mouth. "Bill's here? Looking for me?"

"So is everyone else." Cole pointed out. "Mabel, Jill, Will, and Gideon. They've all been looking for you."

"And you- you told them where we are?"

"I did."

Mason grinned. "Oh my God! We're going to get out of here!"

"You can finally have your wedding! Well, once the agents are taken care of."

Mason picked up Cole, hugging him tightly. "Thank you!"

Cole winced. "Careful, they... what?" Cole pushed himself out of Mason's grasp. "It... doesn't hurt anymore."

Mason looked down at Cole and gasped. "You don't have any marks on you."

Cole looked up at him with wide eyes. "And neither do you."

Mason looked at his arms, which were covered with cuts a few seconds ago. They were now unharmed.

"Mason... you're not a human either, are you?" Cole asked quietly.

Mason bit his lip. "You haven't noticed already? Why else would I be here."

"Fair point." He looked at Madison and walked over, sitting next to her. "Come. Sit. Tell me everything."