(WOWP REFERENCES IN THIS CHAPTER)

 Mabel's POV

     It's close to valentines day and our next winter break. I stay at home drawing pictures for valentines day. The one I am currently working on is of Gravity Falls with hearts around it and a dark blue sky. I'm actually really proud of it. I think it's beauiful. Pacifica enters the apartment and tosess her bag to the side. 

   "Ooh so Mabel Pines goes from designing sweaters to drawing beautiful landscapes" She says as she sits next to me to look over it" I grin happily. 

   "I never thought I could like something more than my sweaters" I reply as I hold up the drawing admirring my own piece. 

   "I'm glad you have another hobby. Something else that you're so passionate about... but I noticed the hearts.. Valentines day..and.."

   "Kyle" I say dreamily as she rolls her eyes at me. Kyle and I have dated for a month and I think I'm getting deeper feeling for him as we go. I really like being with him. Life can't get anymore perfect. Nothing is wroong anymore. Pacifica smiles but I can tell it's not genuine. 

   "Why can't you guys just be happy for me?" I ask her finally getting annoyed at the non support. 

   "I am happy for you! You made a beautiful art piece!" I shake my head. 

   "That's not what I'm talking about."

  "Oh then yeah you're right. I'm not happy for you" She admits. Wow. Harshly honest but very Northwest. Kinda proud of her for that. "Are you giving this to Kyle? Or can we hang it somewhwere?" 

    "Oh... well at first I was thinking of hanging it somewhere but what are you even supposed to give your boyfriend on Valentines Day?" Pacifica holds me back from picking up the drawing. She definitely doesn't want me to give it to Kyle. Seriously tho.. what are you supposed to get your boyfriend for valentines day? Would he also take chocolates and flowers? Then whats the point of him buying them? Maybe a card will do? No thats too little. 

   "I'm not sure but maybe you could plan the date instead of him?" Pacifica suggests. 

   "Cif I have to tell you something about Kyle" I say. She needs to know because I know she'll explode if she finds out later. 

   "You don't like him?"

   "Oh I d-"

  "He has a bad habit?"

   "N-"

 "He's kinda gross?"

 "No!"

  "He's a bit annoying?"

  "Wel-"

 "He's to much of a fuckboy?"

  "What?! No!" Jesus christ Pacifica is trying really hard for me to see flaws in him. "I wasn't gonna say any of that.." She shrugsand nods her head like she knew but still wanted to give it a shot. "I like Kyle a lot. It's the longest relationship I've been in with somebody. He's cute and kind and funny... I think I like him more than anyone I've ever liked before" I explain to her. She looks at me with surprise and dissapoitment in her eyes. 

  "Oh... wow. That's... I didn't expect you to say that either..." She sounds so dissapointed and sad and confused.. but I know what I feel. 

   "What if he's-"

   "Dont you dare say it!" She says while putting a finger in my face which causes me to back up with wide eyes. 

  "Fine." I reply as I continue to admire my art. 

  "How about we sumbit it to the school magazine?" My picture? In public? At school? That could be amazing! 

  "Wow that actually sounds pretty great... but now that I look around, the living room could use some art." I say in thought. Pacifica nods. 

   "Well whatever you decide I'm sure it'll be perfect." She encourages me. I admit I dont want to give it to Kyle. I wanna have it seen somewhere, but it's almost Valentines day, maybe planning the date is the best option but it's also like a way out of buying things I feel. 

_____

*Dipper and Mabel by their lockers between classes*

   "So you and Gwen are offical?" I ask Dipper. Dipper and Gwen have been talking since the day I met Kyle. They started dating only a few days after Kyle and I. 

  "I think so. I'm not sure tho. I haven't called her... ya know"

  "Girlfriend?" Ha what a dork. I've been calling Kyle my boyfriend since the week we started dating. Dipper nods. "It's been a month. Don't you think she's expecting you to by now?" I say as I put my history books in the locker and take out schedule. 

  "Mabel I'm not sure if everyone rushes into things like you" Dipper points out. It only stings a little. And he's right. I do. 

  "Okay, sure but theres also a middle ground. You don't have to rush into it but waiting longer than a month? She might think you're not serious about the relationship and leave you." I state. Girls can be harsh. If Dipper wants to keep the relationship, he has to be ready to commit. 

   "You think so?" He asks worriedly. I nod. 

   "Uh yeah." Just then Gwen walks up to us. Uh oh possible break up time. 

   "Hey Dipper" The way she says it isn't promisisng. Dipper looks to me with a scared face and I shrug with an attitude that says 'I told you so'. "Hi Mabel" which she says a bit more hapilly and I wave at her with a smile. 

   "Gwen.. Is everything okay" 

   "Um not exactly. We..." 

    "Is this because we havent use the G and b word?" What a dork. She looks at him slightly confused. Maybe I got this wrong. "Ya know..."

   "Girlfriend and boyfriend" I say annoyed at how Dipper won't say it. 

   "Oh... I mean it would be nice if we could use those. It does make it easier" Dipper slowly nods. Gwen still has her mouth open to say something else and I'm able to get a peak at her canine teeth. They are sharper than most teeth but I wouldn't say fang like.  "But it's also kinda cute that you struggle to say girlfriend" She teases him. I can't lie this relationship is kinda adorable. I see Dipper's face turn red. 

   "Gwen.." He replied with a smile teasing her back. Well look at that. My bro has natural confidence. 

   "but"

   "Oh no"

     "My parents and I are going on a vaccation.." Uh oh. 

     "What?" I hear the surprise and tint of pain already in Dipper's voice. I can tell I'm gonna have to be there for him more now. He hasn't faced the pain of someone you like leaving. "For how long?" 

    "We dont know-"

    "Wait... I just realized I've never met your parents, Oh is it to early to be talking about that?" For a second I swear Gwen expressed fear when he mentioned not having met her parents but the last part she looks completley relieved. I remember Pacifica's suspicons about Gwen, and now that I think about it I never see Gwen at school unless she's with Dipper.

    "I'm really sorry Dipper. We leave tomorrow. They told me this morning"  Gwen says. 

    "Gwen" I interject. "Not to be rude but, what classes do you have?"

     "Mabel" Dipper tries to stop me but I hold my hand up.

     "Classes?" She asks. I nod. 

    "Well I uh... completed most of my credits because I took early college courses? So I have a lot of free time?" She says but it almost sounds like questions. 

  "Forget about that" Dipper chimes back in. Wow. He really likes her. "When should we say goodbye?" 

   "It's not a goodbye. I'm not leaving forever. but maybe we could go on a date tonight and do something really romantic. Something special especially since I might not be back for Valentines Day." Gwen suggests.  College classes? No more classes? Finsihed credits? Long vaccation? Okay maybe she's just a rreally really smart studen- Nope. Dipper would be where she is. Maybe she's a drop out trying to impress him? Either way this is suspicious. 

   "That would be great" Dipper answers as he kisses her on the cheek and she locks their hnds for a moment. 

   "See ya later... and you know what, tonight that's what we're ending our date with. No goodbye." She decides. Awwww. I feel really bad for Dipper now. Gwen walks away and turns her head slightly looking back with a smile and hopeful eyes.

  "You okay Dip?" 

 "I don't know. Tell me, why did I not expect that her going on vaccation was possible? Why did i not expect her leaving was possible? Why do I kinda feel broken?" Wow.

  "Oh my gosh. You have feelings for her. Like deep feeling. You care about her like a lot. You're taking this news as if she's moving away" 

  "She doesn't know how long.. she practically is moving away." 

 "Alright. My bro bro needs me. I'm skipping" I say confidently. 

 "Uh no, no you're not. You're goin'" He replies back as he starts pushing me toward my class. 

  "Noooo"

  "Yep" 

______

  "Vaccation? No classes?" Pacifica and I talk about Dipper and his relationship while havng lunch in the cafeteria.

 "Yeah Cif. What does that mean?"

  "Is she in college?"

   "No she said she took early college classes and has all her credits.."

  "But Dipper would-"

  "That's what I was thinking! but he didnt quetion her. He was all in his emotions about her leaving." I tell Pacifica. 

 "Really?" 

 "He might even like Gwen more than I like Kyle" I say with a nod. 

 "Even more than Wendy?" 

  "I think so... I also just realized that Gwen is another version of Wendy with brown hair." I figure out. OKAY BUT SHE REALLY IS. It's brunette motorcyle high school Wendy. 

  "I think you're rght" Pacifica says looking a little freaked out. 

  "Anyways they're going on a date tonight to say not 'goodbye' but 'see ya later'"

  "Aww why is that actually adorable?"

 "I know right!" Okay we need to change the topic. 

  "Hey so you know about the school play" What?

   "School play? No? What school play?" I ask with cruiosity. 

  "Well school musical" SCHOOL MUSICAL. I squeal. 

   "Calm down. I think I can see the stars in your eyes. It's actually not an orginal school play.. they're putting on Heathers" I've heard about that musical. 

   "Oh you want me to sign up dont you?" I ask with some dissapointment. 

  "Oh come on. It would be so much fun! Its theater!"

  "I'm more of an artist" I say

  "How about this, you sign up to audition, and if you don't get it or decide it's not for you.. you can work on the art part which is either costume or set design" She offers. That actually does sound like something I would like. 

 "That's a good deal, gott admit" I tell her as I take the brownie from my tray and push the blob on it away from me, closer to the trash. "I still dont know"

  "Do you know anything about the musical?" 

  "Kinda" She nods and iI know she's about to start talking about all the characters.

  "Okay so Veronica.." Called it. "Veronica is the main character and shes super smart but because this is the old days, being super serious about your studdies and not dressing amazingly puts her as an outcast"

  "Huh...right.." 

  "Then JD. The love interest. Veronica and JD think they understand each other the most but their relationship is actually quite toxic." Romantic drama... I'm intrigued. 

 "Then there's the Heathers" 

"Roll credits" I joke. Pacifica rolls her eyes but smiles. I know she loves me. This is why she's my best friend. 

  "Heather Chandlier, the main mean girl who just doesn't see the point in being nice when the world is damaged anyways" Interesting... "Then we have Duke and Mackamara. Duke is mean for the hell of it and Mackamara is actually not bad at all" 

 "You know this is pretty interesting. but I think no"

 "Dammit" I hear walking behind me. 

 "Hey girls. I overheard you two taling about the play" Thats Kyle's voice! I stop myself from sighing aloud dreamingly. Kyle finally shows himself.

 "Hey"

  "Hey" I reply while twirling my hair. Across from me Pacifica fake pukes. Su rude and unsupportive which I can't even hate because it just shows that the Northwest is still apart of her and her attitude can be funny. 

  "Listen Mabel, if you're thinking about auditioning.. you could be Veronica and I could be JD..." I think he just flirted with me by using fictional characters.. I think I love him. 

  "You're gonna audition?" Pacifica asks him and I can hear the fear in her voice. 

  "If Mabel does then yeah. We need more things to do together. See you later babe" He says as he walks off. I put my hands under my chin. My head leans a little as I watch him with loving eyes. 

  "He called me babe..."

  "And I'm still fake puking" Pacifica says with a sarcastic grin. "Mabel... there's one more thing  haven't mentioned" 

  "Lemme guess somehow Kyle can't be in the play and it's the one thing that made me wan't to be apart of it"

  "That's not what I was gonna say" I look at her with confusion. "Veronica and JD kiss...and a peck is way to little" My eyes widen and I can tell she notices. It's been a month and Kyle and I still haven't kissed on the lips yet. I've been to scared to even try. I mean what do I do? A kiss that last longer than a second? I just don't understand. "Are you ready yet?" So I finally get a reason I like to be in this play and of course there's that one thing I can't do. I look oover to tables and tables behind us to see Kyle. He looks back at me and smirks with a wave. 

  "You know. I will get ready" 

  "Really?" 

  "Yup. I can do this. what do I need for the audition and when is it?" Pacifica looks at me with surprsie but then grins proudly. She hates Kyle but I think she might be auditioning too. 

______

 Dipper's POV

   I did noticce earlier how Gwen stuttered about classes. I'm done with credits too but I only have one free period. I wanna know why she lied. I doubt she has anything to be embarrased of. I walk around town trying to find her I've even asked people 'Where does Gwen Anderson live?' No one knows. In fact no one knows anyone except Gwen with the last name Anderson. They shurg when I mention 'The Andersons' or 'Mr. and Mrs. Anderson'... maybe she's an orphan? Or she ran away from home like Candy? I keep walking till somehow I'm no longer in town and find myself by the Mystery Shack.

  "Hey Dipper! You okay? You look like a lost dog." Wendy. My best friend. Now that I'm basically over her I can actually confide in her. I sit on a log I almost trip over and she joins me.. I think it's the same log where she friendzoned me... which actually turned out to be great because I didn't lose her as a best friend and aside from Mabel she became my closest friend. "Wanna talk about it dude?"

  "Girlfriend problems..." She looks at me with wide eyes. Did I not tell her?

  "You have a girlfriend?!" Being stupid for a moment I thought she was gonna be upset but I then notice that she's grinning. I feel like she's holding herself back from squealing. Wendy doesn't squeal. "I'm so proud of you!" She says as she embraces me in a tight hug. I've grown a lot but she's still an inch taller than me. I doubt that'll change. "Dipper has a girlfriend! Dipper has a girlfriend! Dipper has a girlfriend!" She sings teasingly. So this is an all girl thing huh? Even Wendy..

   "Yup... yeah I do.."

  "Wait just today? For how long? WE GOTTA TELL STAN"

 "Uh... well" She doesn't wait. She grabs my hand and drags me inside. 

  "Guys! Guys!" Inside there's Melody restokcing and Soos fixing the cash register. 

  "Oh hey dude!" Soos waves at me. 

  "Hi Dipper" Melody says. I wave back at them with a smie and an akward 

 "Hey" It's honestly really nice how long Soos and Melody have been together. They really work for each other. It also helps me to know that Soos was able to find someone that he'll probably end up staying with and getting married to. 

 "Whats the new-?" Soos asks

 "DIPPER HAS A GIRLFRIEND!" Wendy interrupts excitedly. Soos's jaw dropps and Melody looks at me like I AM A PUPPY. 

  "Awww, high school love" She comments. 

 "Dude! Thats awesome! Good for you!"

 "Yeah...we've been together for a month"

 "A month?!" Wendy asks again excitedly

  "Wait and this is your first relationship?" Soos asks while Melody still has on the 'aww' eyes. 

  "Yeah it is.. and I really like her" Just then Stand and Ford enter the room. 

  "I hear Dipper and there's no sound of mockery" Stan hasn't changed a bit. 

  "Stan!" Ford scolds him.      

  "Dudes.. Dipper got a girlfriend" Soos for some reason tries to whisper over. Both are of courrse shocked. 

  "ADA BOY" Stan noogies me

  "That's amazing! Good for you Dipper!" Ford comments. 

  "This girl isn't fake is she?" Stan asks. 

 "Stan" Wendy this time scolds half jokingly. 

 "Nope and it's been a moth long relationship. It's pretty secure" I start to brag. 

 "So you finally moved on" Stan contniues. I roll my eyes but grin feeling roud of myself. This is overwhelming support I wasn't exactly expecting. I expected way more teasing. 

  "If any of you still think or doubt her reality, her name is Gwen Anderson and I really like her and she likes me!" I say happily almost forgetting that she's leaving.Suddenlt Stan's expression was the opposite of excited and supportive. He was surprised? Dissapointed? Angry?

  "Anderson huh..?" I look around noticing the awkward tension grow. Soos and Melody seem worried. Wendy is just as confused as I am and Ford weears an expression thats says 'Oh no'.

   "You know her?" I said starting to feel worried. 

  "Kid, Gwen Anderson is the niece of Alexandra Anderson." Stan states. Who the heck is Alexandra? What  is he talking about and why did he get so serious about it? 

  "That family knows things. Like a lot of things that only we know. And to hide it all they have a magic shop" Ford says. Exucse me what?

  "Like how you guys have the shack to hide your bunker?" Wendy points out. They nod.

  "Your girlfriend does cool motorcyle tricks to lead people to the shop which is ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN." Stan emphasises 

  "Wait.." Wendy interjects. "You girlfriend.. RIDES A MOTORCYLE?" Yeah so my taste haven't completley changed okay. 

  "Also how'd you get someone like her?" Stan asked clealry trying to make a point. I know Gwen is out of mey leauge. Very aware. 

  "Mr.Pines" Wendy scolds more seriously this time. Stan sighs. 

   "Our point is you can't date the competition" 

   "WHAT? That's not fair" No no no. She's leaving tomorrow but theres no way I'll let that stop me from chatting with her during her vaccation. There's no way I'll let that stop me from being with her when she returns. "You have to be kidding me. I like her! And she acually likes me!" I beg. "Ford!" 

   "I'm sorry Dipper. They arent just buisness competition. They could be dangerous. I agree with your Gunkle Stan. Stay away from Anderson." I can't believe this. 

 "Dipper.. we forbid you from seeing Gwen." I try to hold myself together but I can feel everyone's eye land on me. They can sense that I'm not okay. 

  "Well you know what, That's just perfect!" I surprise them. Everyone is looking at me with wide eyes. " Gwen is leaving tomorrow anyway for who KNOWS how long! She's the first girl I've dated. My first and longest relationship. You know I actually started to feel things for her?! When she told me that she was leaving, my voice started cracking again AND I felt LIKE MY HEART was TORN OUT. I finally understand the way Mabel felt after Mermando left except, ya know my relationship wasn't two days. I never thought I would understand something like that but I do now. It hurts like hell." To scared to see what they were gonna say I run out. I need to find Gwen. Before I'm not even allowed to see her later. 

   "Dipper! Wait!" Wendy's voice follows me and I stop in my tracks to wait for her. "I'm so sorry. I can't believe them.. and I can't believe you" What? I look to her with anger and confusion. "The way you stood up to them. That was amazing. I just wanted you to know that I'm not against you. We're best friends and you finally got a girlfriend and you're happy. Plus she sounds awesome." I chuckle. "Now, go get her!" Wendy sas softly but loudly. Even with Gwen. Even with her in my life, Wendy will still and always remain the coolest. 

   "Thanks" I say with tears in my eyes I wasn't even aware were coming out. I smile and continue to run

_____

 Mabel's POV

"You're finally focused on other things aside from praticting your magic which you continously use impulsively." Pacifica tells me. 

  "Oh like this"

  "Mabel n-" I walk to a mirror on the wall next to the door. i never understood why it was there. There's actually a lot of mirrors in odd places. I know what you're thinking and yes, I've already tested them. None of them are two way mirrors

  "Mirror Mirror on the wall, I've made up my mind, pin my drawing, that is all" I say proudly as I point my wand at the mirror. The mirror dissapears and my drawing piece takes it's place. 

   "Huh that wasn't as bad as I thought you we're going for. Actually kinda a cool spell. Also a lazy spell but  shouldn't be talking." Pacifica jokes and i laugh with her. 

   "Alright now. Back to the script! and... Go!" 

  "Okay.. very first line which wow... imediatley leads into a song.. Why can't real life actually be like this? It would be so much easier to figure everyone out" Pacifica shurgs but nods to show that she agrees with me. Alright now. "Septemeber 1st, 1989, Dear Diary: I believe I'm a good person. I believe there's good in everyone. But here we are, first day of senior year. I look around at these kids I've known all my life and I ask myself: What happened?" 

  "Wow that was really good. You're a really good actor"

  "Really?" 

  "You sound pretty good. On some words you sounded kinda awkward. You should say them confidently. She's not speaking to anyone here"

   "Noted"I say feeling good about myself. 

   "Now how about we try a song" That's gonna be a little harder but I have been non stop singing along to songs my whole life. 

https://youtu.be/5QIM3znzZ7I

   (For this part try to only listen to Veronica's part's

Mabel: 

Fine!
We're "damaged"
Really "damaged"
But that does not make us "wise"
We're not "special", we're not "different"
We don't choose who lives or dies
Let's be normal, see bad movies
Sneak a beer and watch TV
We'll bake brownies or go bowling
Don't you want a life with me?
Can't we be seventeen?
That's all I want to do
If you could let me in
I could be good with you
People hurt us

"Wow.. You're voice has definitley changed since our singing contest" Pacifica says. 

 "Is that a good thing?"

"Uh yeah by change I meant developed. Your singing voice got better! It's beautiful." I blush a little at the compliment.

 "Awww I like you!" I reply.  

  "That's a relief'

  "Really?" 

  "Sometimes I feel like I can be to pushy or to sassy." aww she's worried about me not liking that. I embrace her and put our heads together. 

  "Are you kidding? That stuff makes you, you and I love you for it" 

 "Awww. This is why you're my best friend" She says and I grin happily. With Kyle as JD and Pacifica probably as one of the Heathers, I could see how much fun this was actually about to be. I'm all in for it. 

 ______

Dipper's POV

   I'm back in town trying to find Gwen. It's getting darker out here. It's almost time for a date. Maybe I should go back to the area by my building and wait for. No. I'm gonna keep looking. I wanna know the truth. Her family being competition ith my Great Unckles doesn't add up to anything she said about school or her vaccation. I start to walk closer to the woods again. Maybe i'm being paranoid.. just like I use to be. Maybe everything she said was true. She could be smarter than me. But I wan't more time with her now that I know I might be more easily stopped next time. As I walk along the path by the bushes and trees I catch a glimpse of long straight brown hair. It has to be my eyes playing tricks on me. Suddenly I start to hear coughing. It sounds like someone is struggling to breath. I'm just imagining this time right? Suddenly I hear rustling from inside. 

  "GET OFF OF ME!" What the hell was that?! That was definitley not my imagination. I walk off the path and run back into the woods. 

  "Hello?! Who's out here?! I heard a yell!" 

  "MHHMHM" I hear loud muffling and I run after where I heard it. The noise leads me to... there's a tall guy. Taller than me and he's lanky with obvious dyed blond hair. I know Pacifica's hair isn't fake... or at least it's better dyed than this guy's. The guy was holding a girl. His hand over her mouth. He held garlic cloves near her and on the ground next to him on the other side was one of those point steak sticks. Like the ones you see in a movie. 

   "Wait..." As I look closer I start to recognize the girl. Straight brown hair.. soft blue eyes.. Her red AND BLACK CLOTHING AND THE LEATHER JACKET. "GWEN?!" She looks at me with the guy's hand not even budging. The guy rolls his eyes. He looks annoyed and bored but then he smirks... probably getting an idea... He's taking out a wand!! I almost forgot I had magic.. wait THIS GUY HAS MAGIC?I take out my wand and Gwen's eyes continue to widen in surprise. I would punch myslef for exposing magic but I think she knows about magic... and with what the guy is threatening her with I'm starting to think Gideon and Pacifica we're actually right. 

   "Relax" The guy says with a very cliche evil tone. "This spell doesn't harm either of you. I'm just interested in the drama... You may not yell or walk but feel free talk" He says as he points the wand between Gwen and Me. Suddenly I can't feel my feet. 

   "What the hell?!" 

   "Dipper! What are you doing here?" Gwen says with surprise and worry. 

   "I came looking for you and I followed the noise. Now I'm gonna help you get out" 

 "Dipper wait. There's something I have to tell you" 

  "Oh boy. This is gonna be goooddd" The guy comments. He's clealry entertained and not bored anymore. I roll my eyes at him 

  "Gwen I think I kno-" 

   "I'm a vampire! And thats why I can only hang out at night or under an umbrella or inisde... It's also why I don't have classes...I'm so sorry I lied to you. A month is a long time for a mortal..." She looks at my wand "Or wizard... witch?" I nod. I'm good with either. "I don't deserve help. Besides this isn't your fight" She tries to convince me. 

  "My Great Uncles think it's their fight" I tell her. She looks at me, confused 

   "What?"  

   "Your aunt.. You live here with your aunt Alexanda Anderson. You guys own a shop and you know a lot about weirdness and magic" 

 "Oh.. Your great uncles are the ones she's always ranting about annoyedly" So that part is true. 

 "I should've known that you're a wizard. You smell like pine needle. " She says... huh.. My lst name is Pines.. and wow that's really weird. 

  "You sure that it's not just because I ran through pine trees to get here?" She laughs in response. Why are we having such a casual conversation while she's being held captive. 

  "What is going on? Why are we having a normal conversation?" I then realize the garlic was moved away and the guys hand now gripped around her nchest. She can breath now. I can see her talk.. and she does have fangs... in this moment. 

   "Yeah he actually let me breath for a second?" 

  "Yeah yall would've rushed up with the interesting drama if I didn't.. but lets get back to it, shall we?" I try to run at him. 

  "Dipper no! You don't stand a chnace! Let me fight my own battle." I know she's right but.. You dont stand a chance just reminded me of everytime my family has dobted me, or really anyone. 

  "Together" I say making eye contact. She hesitates for a minute but then nods with a sad smile. 

   "First before we fight, I take in monsters. I'm a Monster Hunter. I'm not evil."  Gwen and i look at each other and nod. 

   "Some are evil, some are kind, now all must speak their mind!" I wave my wand at him. 

   "They'll totally believe that. Monsters don't even harm anyone as much mortals harm the world." The guy quickly slaps his hand over his mouth. 

   "Wow... that's a really usefull spell"  I say and Gwen grins. Somehow her vampire grin is even more beuatiful. Gwen then steps on the guy's foot as he tries to bring the garlic to her face again and I kick him in the shin. 

  "Ah!" He yells in pain

    "Hey idiot, how do you fight if you're so busy holding someone captive?" I ask while making Gwen laugh again.  The guy then moves his hand to wave his wand but it ives Gwen more freedom for mobility. I smile and take my own wand. 

   "Let mobility be our reliability!" I say and Gwen elbows the guy off of her still coughing a bit from the garlic. The guy is quick to grab the steak. I hit it out of his hand and  Gwen pushes him down. 

    "Why wouldn't you have killed me me when you had the chance dumbass? Seriously would you like to explain your plan now that we have..." As Gwen speaks she looks to me and points at the wand. 

    "Oh uh... your reliability will not be your mobility" I go and point at atthe guy. 

  "...You down on the ground and can't move."

  "Ok so I might be a new to this" 

  "No... really?" Gwen says and we both laugh together. With that I get an idea. Maybe  I could try a spell without words really fast.I wave a wand and point to his hands. A pair of cuffs appears around them. 

   "Nice one" Gwen says with a grin. Gosh she's amazing. 

   "My job is to kill vampires but It's so boring if you just get it over with" The guy explains. 

   "Good to know I didn't even have to bite you. I can tell your blood is bitter" Gwen says reminding me about her vampire attributes. I gotta admit... it's actually pretty cool.

  "RUDE" 

  "I know" Gwen says confidently. We pick the guy up. 

  "What are yall gonna do with me? You think the police are gonna believe you? Gravity Falls may be weird but they spent years on forgetting most of it" 

   "I'll just turn you into my Great Uncle Ford" I say. Gwen looks at me questionably. 

  "What do I do about my aunt?"

  "One day they're all gonna have to talk but for now Ford has been known as the myserious science guy. " Gwen rolls her eyes but smiles.Thank god. I was almost worried we would start fighting about who to take him to. 

  "Ok fine"

  "Wait... you said your parents and you are leaving tomorrow.. but i only know about your aunt."

 "Uh yeah... my parents lives somewhwere else. We're all leaving tomorrow from differennt places..."

  "You know, thats a lot and kinda supicious but I'm just to happy to care. I have a girlfriend. A vampire girlfriend!" 

  "Yup, you sure do" Gwen smirks at me. "Come on. Let's get to the shack"

  "Warning, they're gonna freak out when they see you.. for multiple reasons" 

  "I'm used to it"

_____

Mabel's POV

I sit at the window seat in me and Pacifica's room reading over my lines. Pacifica left to talk to Wendy and Candy about being in the play. Turns out they're opening up extra spots to college students. I have't audtitioned yet but I decided it would be best to practice all of the lines just in case and so I can get familar with the character... okay yeah I didn't even believe myself. Pacifica told me. 

  "Alright, let see.. Heather! Heather wake up! Oh my god! I just killed my best friend!... Best friend? So she considers the blond mean chic her best friend?-OH I see. No wonder Pacifica wanted me to audition." Just imagine it. Kyle and I on stage together doing all those romantic moments. It's a lot of attention us... actually that would be big. Like anouncing our relationship through fictional characters... Someone then knocks at the door. 

  "who?" I ask. 

  "Hey Mabel, It's Gideon. Can I come in?" Ugh... I still have mixed feelings about him being here. I don't hate him. It's just still taking awhile to get used to change. I sigh

 "Sure" Gideon opens the door.

 "Hey" He says softly

 "Hi" Feeling awkward with him standing there I gesture to a spot on the widow seat. The seat is pretty wide. He walks over and takes a seat.

  "Nice necklace" I look down at the sun necklace. I compltley forgot I had it on. I start to feel warm again. God why. 

  "Thanks. And that's not for the compliment on a necklace you porbably made. I'm saying thanks for the necklace." I say as I bring my hand to the necklace and start playing with it. 

  "Who's taking care of Waddles?" He asks. Wow. I think he actually cares about my pig. 

 "Melody. I thought a pig would do better in a shack than an apartment. And Melody was the most open to taking care of him" I say admirably.

   "That's great. She is very caring." I nod, agreeing. This conversation feels really weird. Like he was looking for an excuse to talk to me. "I heard you were auditioning for Heathers" Ohh. 

   "Are you auditioning?" I ask.If he doe I really hope it's for one of the background guys. Kyle is auditioning for JD and I don't want Gideon to play either of those jerk characters.. what are their names? Ram and Kurt?

  "I didn't want to, but Amada wants us both to audition" Of course it's Amada. 

  "Oh...Amada is forcing you to audition?"

  "Yep. She saw the perfect chance for us to spend more time together and signed up... it's awful" I don't think I've eard Gideon yet talk about his relationship being awful. Amada is insane and scary. So not surprised. "Anyways I just got back from talking to her and heard you pratcting your lines" Oh he was eavesdropping... 

  "Yeah. Pacifica is really excited about this. As a friend I think I should support that" I half lie. 

   "I saw your art on the wall. It's amazing. It's really cool you're getting deeper into the arts" Gideon says in a way that I feel is combatting that Pacifica is the excited one.  I can help my self from smiling. I'm still in love with my own art piece.  "What song are you doing for the audition?"

  "Seventeen." I answer. "Pacifica was really excited about that song. She wanted me to look a it before th others"

  "Isn't that a duet?" Gideon asks. I hope he's not about to ask to sing with me or something... even if it could be helpful because I keep forgetting which lines I'm not suppose to sing. I nod. 

  "Yeah I just practice singing Veronica's parts and skip JD's" 

 "Oh...Well good luck with that" Gideon starts to get up. Uh what? 

  "Wait thats it? That's all you wanted to talk about?" 

   "Uh yeah.." What the hell am I doing?

    "Well I just..." I grabbed the script with the song lyrics. "I guess.. itt would be easier to practice with someone" What am I saying?! I'm already regretting this. Ok no. Nope this is fine. I'm fine. As I look up at him from the paper his eyes are wide with surprsie, and he reminds me of an animal that's afraid of walking into a trap. 

   "Um.. what about Kyle?" 

  "He's busy. I even called him about ut and he said 'maybe next week'" I sound more confident now. 

  "Wait so you're being serious about wanting to try singing together?" Apparently I am.

   "Yeah, I mean like i said it would be easier. It'd help me focus more on my lines and I think they're gonna have me doing the audition with one of the judges so.. listen it doesn't matter that it's you. You just happened to be the one to knock okay? Don't think to much about it" I say. 

   "Can I be honest?" You better be. I nod. "I was gonna ask you first but I assumed you would hit or throw something at me" I laugh in response. 

  "Wow. No offense I see that as a good thing" I reply and he shrugs in a way to show he understands. We both still sit on the seat with our knees facing each other. 

  "Sure you don't wanna stand up?"

  "Yeah. I'm sure. I'm feeling kinda lazy plus I can focus more on the lyrics and less on the movement. I'll worry about walking later." I say and he chuckles.  It's a guy chuckle. Not the little kid creepy annoying chuckle.. A cute guy chuckle. Forget I said that. 

  "Alright I'm gonna put the kareokie version on my phone to help determine when we sing the lines" 

  "Smart" 

   "I know right" I brag. In the corner of my eye I seem him smiling at me admirably. I ignore it and put on the kareokie version of sevneteen. I get myself into character. I=To be honest my favorite part of this song is the very beginning.

https://youtu.be/5QIM3znzZ7I

[Mabel:]
Fine
We're "damaged"
Really "damaged"
But that does not make us "wise"
We're not "special", we're not "different"
We don't choose who lives or dies 

My eyes make contact with Gideons as if we truly are these characters. And to be honest some of it feels familiar. Except what he did when he was a kid was out of anger and desperation. JD's character is about truly thinking what he's doing is right. 

Let's be normal, see bad movies
Sneak a beer and watch TV
We'll bake brownies or go bowling
Don't you want a life with me?
Can't we be seventeen?
That's all I want to do
If you could let me in
I could be good with you
People hurt us

Being 17 is suppose to be normal. Noted. 

[Gideon]
Or they vanish

I fogot how good he could actually sing

[Mabel:]
And you're right, it really blows
But we let go..

Is this my own character devleopment?

[Gideon:]
Take a deep breath

[Mabel:]
Then go buy some summer clothes
We'll go camping..

[Gideon:]
Play some poker

Man, this took place VERY long ago. What even is Poker?

[Mabel:]
And we'll eat some chili fries
Maybe prom night

I just remembered this is senior year and there's gonna be an actual prom

[Gideon:]
Maybe dancing

[Mabel:]
Don't stop looking in my eyes

Suddenly our faces just got a little closer but it's alll just acting.

[Gideon:]
Your eyes

We start getting deeper into the song and I really start to feel almost apart of the story.

[BOTH:]
Can't we be seventeen
Is that so hard to do?
If you could let me in
I could be good with you
Let us be seventeen
If we've still got the right

[Mabel:]
So what's it gonna be?
I wanna be with you

[Gideon:]
I wanna be with you

[Mabel:]
Wanna be with you

[BOTH:]
Tonight

[Mabel:]
Yeah we're damaged

[Gideon:]
Badly damaged

[BOTH:]
But your love's too good to lose

[Mabel:]
Hold me tighter

We start getting closer to each other but we dont hug like its written.

[Gideon:]
Even closer

[Mabel:]
I'll stay if I'm what you choose

[Gideon:]
Can we be seventeen?

[Mabel:]
If I am what you choose

[Gideon:]
If we've still got the right

[Mabel:]
'Cause you're the one I choose

Suddenly it's like the presen't doesn't exist more.

[Gideon:]
You're the one I choose

[BOTH:]

You're the one I choose   

Now we're staring into each other eyes. But there's no awkwardness.. and we're not conscious of anything. We both start leaning in as if being pulled by gravity. Our lips touch causing a gentle soft kiss.  It lasts a few seconds before we both opn our eyes in shock and immeidtalye push back and stand up. What the fuck. And that was definitely.. more than a peck...

  "What the hell just happened?" I say trying to avoid eye contact. Though i already know he's as shocked as me. 

  "I have no idea... oh my god.. I'm so sorry.. I really don't know where that came from" Gideon practically rants. And if even if I hadn't believed him at first, after that well I sure do now. We both sound afraid. 

 "What was that?! And why did it happen? I'm so confused.." I look up for a minute and we both have our hands to our heads out of surprise and freaking out. "No telling anyone, okay?" I say somewhat sternly but not cold. 

   "Uh yeah no worries" Gideon says awkwardly as he quickly leaves and I shut the door behind him. Glad we we're on the same page there. That didn't just happen... oh my god..

____________

I've decided to do this thing where if I AM ABSOLUTELY SURE what I want / basic idea OF WHAT I WANT to write for the next chapter, I write a preview at the end like as if it really is tv show episodes soooo

Preview:

Next episode of Gravity Ahead, Mabel tries her best to make sure all attention is off on her and on Dipper's vampire girlfriend