It's still us (BILLDIP)

Chapter 3 - Man, cafe and bowl of donuts

"Where are you going today? Don't tell me you've finally found a date! "Mabel asked as she noticed Dipper standing by the bathroom mirror. He was wearing a dark blue suit and black bow tie. He had just finished shaving and just put some cologne on his face. This was quite unusual compared to Dipper's usual comfortable but careless style. As far as Mabel could remember, her brother was used to seldom taking care of himself and his appearance. So seeing him in something like the suit she made for him was confusing but also pleasing to the eye. "Don't say nonsense, Mabel. I'm just getting ready for my usual meeting at the cafe. "Dipper replied, and after another look in the mirror, he left the bathroom, down the stairs to the store.

Pines Pawns, the antique and pawnshop where the Pines family lived, was located in a neighborhood known as Gravity Falls. In addition to the pawnshop, there was also a small restaurant called "Greasy Diner", a library, the Bijou Theater, and other smaller businesses. This part of the city was known for its suspiciously quiet atmosphere compared to other parts of the city.

But not everything was so great at life in Gravity Falls. Mostly because this territory belonged to the local mafia.

Not that being under the protection of the mafia would be so bad. Don Preston Northwest's family made sure that the businesses here ran without any troubles and that there were no "incidents" with vandals or smaller gangs.

Oh, yes, Preston Northwest...

This rich though dangerous man simply built respect as a businessman, so everyone knew they didn't have to be afraid of him if they didn't do what they didn't have. They also knew that if they needed anything, they could come, and Mr. Northwest would be happy to advise and help them. This way Northwest made friends, often helped people from several troubles, and he expected the same from them when he needed help himself. When someone tricked him, it was clear he hadn't been soft on them. Because when someone betrayed him, they broke a rule, and everyone knew what awaited them.

And one of these rules was to pay a certain "fee" for protection every month. And there was no delay in payment.

Dipper still remembered the awful experience when it came time for the first payment.

Five people could not pay the fee... Five apartments were vacated.

It was better not to think about it much. And be aware of the rules that the mafia had.

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Pines Pawns itself was located on the main street in the neighborhood, between two local restaurants: Hot Belgian Waffles and Knuckles Sandwiches. It was a two-story brick building with a flat roof. On the first floor, there was a shop with a corridor. There was a staircase to the second floor and also to the basement. Upstairs was the apartment in which they lived.

Although the building seemed small at first glance, the apartment was large enough for 4 members of this household. Each had its own room (although Dipper's room was much smaller than Mabel's one). They also had one large room, which served as a kitchen and living room, and a bathroom. Dipper couldn't lie, he loved the house. It smelled like old books, black tea, and there were pictures of Pines twins all over the walls. It had its charm.

" Pff - you and your mysterious friend again! His name is Bill, right? Well, when you meet him, please tell him to stop by picking up his new suit. I already have it done, and I have to say that it looks fabulous! For a man, He has great taste. "Mabel smiled and handed Dipper an umbrella. It was raining that afternoon, so she didn't want him getting wet on the way to the subway. Dipper nodded at Mabel and took an umbrella and a journal from the table. He had a few ideas he wanted to show Bill during his visit today.