"Hey, Y/N."

"Dipper!" You turned to him, hiding the party supplies as subtle as you can. He had the door to your room opened partly, making you curse at yourself for not locking the door. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm just checking. I've missed you."

You chuckled. "I saw you like- an hour ago? You miss me already?"

"Apparently so." Dipper took the sign and walked in, opting to sit next to you on the bed. He immediately wrapped his arms around your waist, and you laughed, pushing the decorations further under your pillows before wrapping your own arms around him.

"So clingy," you noted, and you felt a slight vibration in your chest from his laughing.

He still wasn't facing you. "I'm just savoring the moment before we leave. Sucks you can't come with us, I won't have a fluffy pillow anymore," Dipper said playfully.

"Thank you for degrading me into an object you could sleep on," you replied, rolling your eyes. "And you know I can't come with you. Wouldn't it be awkward for me living with you? You're basically adopting me!"

Dipper huffed. "Wouldn't be surprised if Candy adds that to a list of prompts for her so-called fanfiction of us."

You laughed, and he laughed along.

You were surprisingly calm about the whole leaving thing. In all honesty, you were looking forward to the birthday you were planning the whole week more. But you can't help but feel the anxiety creeping up your back for the aftermath of said party.

"I love you."

You blinked out of your thoughts. You looked down at the curly brown mop of hair so you ran your fingers through it. You guessed that he would be sleeping here, since he's already dozing off, but you didn't mind. You leaned back on your pillow and caressed the weight of his head. His grip tightened when you kissed his forehead good night. "I love you."

"I love you more."

"Are we seriously doing this," you whispered plainly, making him chuckle. You sighed. "I love you, with everything in me. I love you so much that I would die for you, Dipper Pines-"

"Okay, you win."

You snickered. "You know I would actually do that, right? Like if some alien, creature is chasing you, I would swoop right in and beat that monster myself." You rambled, and Dipper tried to listen without him remembering the time when you were hurt.

"Let's just sleep for now," he pulled you even closer to him, if that was possible considering the space between you was almost non-existent. You obliged, snuggling on the crook of his neck for warmth. "Good night."

////

"Soos!" You called after the chubby man. He turned to you, halfway to putting more chips in his mouth. "I need you to sign this." You told him in a whisper, exchanging the bag of chips in his hand with the paper and a case of colored pen you secretly stole from Mabel.

He looked at the content of the paper and immediately smiled, taking out a green pen. "You're really going all-out, huh?"

"It's the least I could do for them." You sheepishly grinned, trying not to take a piece of corn chip to avoid getting your hands dirty. "And shouldn't you be helping me? Wendy and the others are waiting for you outside."

Soos finished writing and handed it to you, you giving back the golden bag. He smiled. "I was just... getting a snack. I'm not actually calling Melody to see if she could come to the party but she said she'll go and I was celebrating it with my favorite chips-"

"Oh my gosh, Soos! That's amazing!" You exclaimed. "I'm really proud of you. The two of you are made for each other."

He laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Thanks, Y/N. I'm gonna go back and help Wendy."

"Okay! Thank you for your help, Soos."

You watched him go back outside before looking at the paper. He even added a smiley face and stars around the paper. So far, the paper had Stan's in it, then Mabel's friends, then Wendy and her friends. You even had Pacifica write in it with her own sparkly hot pink pen.

You stared at the big writing of 'See you next summer!' at the center. You sighed, pulling out the pen with your favorite color, and uncapped it. The only thing missing is your own name. You hesitated against the counter of the gift shop, your hand slightly shaking. It was as if writing your name means that it is final.

With tears in your eyes accidentally dripping into the paper, you wrote your name, feeling a little bold by drawing a heart and the letters 'ily'

You didn't want any more tears on the paper so you hurriedly folded it into threes, placing it on the pocket of your hoodie. You wiped away the tears just as Wendy came in the gift shop. "Hey, there you are- Y/N?"

After calming down, you faced her with a weak smile. "Wh-what's wrong? Is the party all set?"

"Soos is almost done with prepping his DJ kit. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, i-it's just that-" you will yourself not to cry anymore. You weren't supposed to cry, it's a special day. You took a deep breath. "I can't believe they're leaving. It felt like they were with me for a long time. I just... wish I could be with Dipper in California, you know? But I know I can't so I have to trust him and... it's a lot."

"Are you saying that... you want to be with Dipper in California just so that girls won't make a move on him?"

"I'm saying that a long distance relationship is stressful and difficult! You told me that yourself; long distance means struggles and hardships so what if one of us wants to take a break? What if that one break actually means forever? I-"

"Y/N." Wendy placed her hands on your shoulders. "I told you that because Wade was a total cheater when we were in that relationship. Him and I are different from you and Dipper. It's only 9 months of school before summer break, Y/N, and I know the two of you really love each other by the looks in your eyes when you thought we didn't notice.

It won't be hard. You have video chats now. It will only take months and you wouldn't even notice that it's summer and he's already here."

"Thanks, Wendy."

"Now give me hug or I'll freaking make you."

The both of you laughed, embracing.

But it was cut short when Candy bursted inside the gift shop, "Y/N, Wendy! Mabel texted me saying that they're almost here!"

The three of you sprinted towards the back of the shack where the party is taking place.

The banners and streamers were all hanged, the balloons are tied and tables are set. Soos was already behind the music table, trying his best not to blast music because all of you were planning to be quiet as you can. Melody was beside him right on time, deciding to distract him from pressing a button.

Everyone was already here, some bringing gifts with them which you appreciated. Even your parents had brought your younger sibling along to celebrate. You have to get back to them later. The cake with a number on it was looking pretty sitting on the center table, a lighter already placed beside it. You smiled at yourself because after a long week, it was finally done.

"Grunkle Stan, what is this?"

Your head snapped up to Mabel's voice and it seemed that everyone heard it too because they stood back and looked at the corner of the shack where they knew the three are entering.

You saw Stan leading the twins with his hands on either of their shoulders and a smile on his face. "Okay, you remove those blindfolds in my cue, got it?"

Dipper and Mabel nodded in unison. Your smile couldn't get any wider because everything is falling into place.

"3, 2, 1, remove them!"

And on cue, when they remove their blindfolds, you jumped up in joy and shouted with the rest of the town, "Surprise! Happy birthday, Dipper and Mabel!"

Soos carried the confetti cannon on his shoulder and pressed the trigger, the pieces of paper exploding out of the canon. While it was falling around you, he pressed a button and the colorful lights and pumping music were on. Thank you, Soos.

"Woah!" "Oh my gosh!"

Wendy pretty much hosted the party and surely, everyone was dancing.

"Stan!" Mabel called, looking at her grunkle. "Did you do all this?"

Dipper smirked, knowing that his grunkle wasn't the culprit of the whole idea. It was actually the girl who was standing feet apart from him, waving awkwardly with a smile.

"Don't look at me, kid. She's the one doing the planning." Stan pointed at you, who wore a mischievous look.

Dipper walked to you, but Mabel beat him to it and sprinted to you, knocking the air out of your lungs as she hugged you so tight you were sure your bones are going to break. "Y/N!" Mabel stepped back and smiled widely. "Thank you so much! This is the best birthday ever!"

"I sure hope so. Now enjoy your birthday! Go dance your heart out!"

"Oh, I will! See you later, Y/N!"

You followed her figure chasing after Candy and Grenda before turning back to the other twin.

You just didn't expect for Dipper to kiss you right then and there. It was short but sweet enough to send your heart into a frenzy.

"I'm sorry I can't help it."

"You keep saying that. You don't have to say sorry everytime we kiss, you know?" You laughed slightly as his face heated up.

"How did you plan all of this? I'm amazed you kept this as a secret for so long."

"I was totally distracting you. You fell for all of it."

He smirked. "Maybe that's why I also... fell for you?"

You scrunch your nose as Dipper laughed at your reaction. "That joke was so funny I could die."

He chuckled, "Come on, Y/N. It's my birthday. Cut me some slack."

"Which is why I need you and your sister to come up stage and blow your candles!" You began to pull on his arm towards the stage. Dipper rolled his eyes but he obliged, letting you drag him to the middle.

You snatched the mic from Wendy and spoke, "Alright, people. Settle down. This one birthday twin is here, so can the alpha birthday twin step forward and accompany her brother in blowing all these candles?"

"Ooh! Me!" Mabel raised her hand as she shuffled through the crowd, eventually reaching the stage and climbing on it.

You stepped back and let the two of them appreciate the two-tiered cake. On top was a cookie-shaped version of them. The text on the side of the tiers elegantly showed 'Happy Birthday!' with their names on the bottom side.

"Everybody!" You invited. "Sing!"

All of you sang it the usual way, some showing off with their falsettos that were honestly terrible but you didn't mind. You kind of appreciate the little talent show.

"...happy birthday to you~"

(let's skip the wishes part. this chapter is already too cheesy xd)

////

The sun was coming down.

You stood by the bus stop as you observed Stan, Soos, Candy, Grenda, and Wendy's solemn faces.

The bus hasn't arrived yet so you all took the chance to say your goodbyes. You let Mabel, Candy, Grenda, and Wendy hug it out. Just by the sight of it, you were already trying to hold back tears. You should not cry. Not now. Wait until they're gone.

The paper inside the pocket of your hoodie slightly crumpled under your grip.

You leaned against the pole and saw Soos and Stan talking to Dipper. They laughed for a bit and smiled, offering each other hugs.

You sniffled a bit before walking towards Mabel. She smiled at you before giving you m her famous Mabel hugs. "Take care of Waddles for me."

The world is unfair. Waddles is forced to be left behind because he is not allowed inside the bus. Even with a death threat, they didn't abide. What bags of crap.

"I will," you said with such intent. You leaned back, looking at her. "You take care too, okay? You and Dipper."

She nodded, and you noticed that she was trying not to cry. You immediately hugged her again and there, she bursted. "I want Waddles! Why can't he just go with us?!"

You didn't say anything. The truth hurts like a bitch.

Candy stepped forward and patted Mabel's hair. "Shh. It's okay, Mabel. You can still see Waddles again, don't worry."

Mabel sobbed but slowly backed away, rubbing her eyes as she tried to stop her tears. "Thank you, girls. I'm going to miss you."

Someone cleared their throat behind you. You turned and saw the boy of your dreams, with a smile on his face. A smile that is reassuring, and hopeful.

You smiled and slowly neared him.

"I believe we have yet to bid our farewells, m'lady."

"I simply cannot bear the thought of you leaving me, darling."

You both laughed.

Reaching out from the pocket of your hoodie, you sighed. You handed it to Dipper, who took it with a curious expression. "Open it the next time you miss Gravity Falls."

"Oh. Well," he dug inside his vest pocket and passed a paper to you. Your eyebrows furrowed. "Open it the next time you miss me."

"Should I open it now, then? 'Cause I am missing you a whole lot already," you admitted.

Dipper's face heated up. "When I leave, open it."

You stayed quiet, slightly playing with the paper in your hand. "I can't believe you're leaving."

"Me neither. It feels like it was just yesterday when I had this insane crush on Wendy then the next I confessed my feelings for you when I thought you were already asleep."

"Yeah, then my parents came back, you just stood there watching me confront them. You looked so cute."

"Stop," Dipper said, making you laugh. "I couldn't do anything, okay? You looked so beautiful when you're angry and I didn't wanna ruin the flow."

It was your turn to blush. "Stop,"

"Now you know how I feel."

"Yeah, yeah." You rolled your eyes. You looked down with a slight frown. "I'm gonna miss you."

"I know. I will miss you, too."

The bus appeared from afar. The bright orange light reflected through the bus' windows as it drives on the road. It finally stopped, and the door opened. "Last bus leaving Gravity Falls," they announced.

You looked at Dipper and he looked at you. His brown irises are so shiny that you could swim in it. Or maybe it was tears. You couldn't tell because your own eyes were getting blurry from the amount of tears building in them.

Dipper sniffled, smiling slightly. He opened his arms and you immediately responded, wrapping your arms around him, and the dam behind your eyes broke, letting out tears after tears.

His grip tightened as he tried to be strong, but he can't help but let out a few tears of his own as well.

You kind of regretting hugging him because now it seems that you don't want to ever let him go. You were also kind of embarrassed with all the attention your friends were giving you, but now is not the time to think about them.

After a few more seconds, you reluctantly let go of him and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. "Good bye." You let out.

"Bye, Y/N. Let's chat, okay?" You nodded. Dipper carried his bags and went to where Mabel was waiting for him. "Ready to head into the unknown?"

"Nope." Mabel smiled at her brother. "Let's do it."

The two stepped inside and went to their seats. The bus took off and all of you decided to follow them, sending good byes and reminders until the vehicle was finally out of sight.

You wiped away the tears continuously forming around your eyes. You hugged the folded paper near your heart as you watched the sun followed the bus down the horizon, fading away as night slowly took over.

You looked down at the paper between your fingers. You're going to have to wait until later.

////

You and Stan walked inside the front door where Waddles was already waiting. You were already breaking down at the sight of a. innocent pet, not in the arms of its owner. Mabel must've been pretty upset still.

Stan already headed to the washroom so you crouched down on the ground and caressed Waddles' ears. You said his name in a gentle manner. "Uhm. Mabel isn't here right now, but she'll come back. You're stuck with me for now..."

You eventually stood up and Waddles... waddled to the kitchen. "What do pigs eat?" You asked to yourself as you tried to remember Mabel's methods of taking care of a pig.

Arriving to the kitchen where the pig was, you got yourself an apple for yourself and a corn for waddles. "C'mere Waddles. Follow me."

You spotted Stan sitting on a his chair in front of a TV after preparing for bed. "Stan? If you need me, I'll be in my room."

"Sure, yeah," he replied. But before you could go, he called your name. "It's gonna be okay. We can still hang out, like old times, y'know?

"Uh, y-yeah. Alright. Thanks, Stan."

He nodded in response and you took the chance to go to your room with Waddles still in tow. Stan was really weird when he's trying to be nice.

You opened the door to your room and found Harold and Sharon playing "What Could Go Wrong?" the board game on the floor. Sam was happily reading the content of the cards.

"Oh." You said, catching both of their attention. Sam was still reading loudly. "I forgot you guys are still in here. Why didn't you go downstairs?" You gave Waddles the corn before you trudged to your bed and laid down, your legs still on the ground. The pig was already munching on the corn by the corner. Sam was watching him with curious eyes.

"We're just waiting for you, sweetie." Harold said, rolling the dice.

"'Waiting for me'? What's that supposed to mean?" You said, the words getting slurry. You didn't realize that today was a tiring day until you got to lay down.

Sharon picked a card. "Well, isn't it the last day of summer? We did what you asked. Now let's go home... after we finish the game."

You instantly sit up. "Aren't you the one who told me that you can't leave until I go with you or something? I don't know I forgot, but you know what I mean, right?"

"Y/N. Please, you have to go with us. Without you, we don't have our firstborn to show off to the rest of the family!"

"Oh, so that's why you want me to go home with you so badly? To show me off? What am I, some kind of... artifact y-you can just boast to your so-called friends?" Your tone could've been more angry if it wasn't for the fatigue taking over.

"Y/N..." Sharon said slowly.

You laid back down and closed your eyes. "You can go home now, my decision is final. You can return any day you like to check on me but I don't want to go back."

He sighed and looked at his wife who wore a crestfallen expression. They both stood up, Harold picking up Sam whilst Sharon picked up the pieces and returned it to the box.

The two of them stared at you, still closing your eyes. They wanted to wait a bit more, but with the night quickly passing, they might be stuck in traffic. Harold sighed again. "Good bye, Y/N."

You hummed, placing the inside of your elbows on your eyes. "Uh..." you trailed off. "Thank you for respecting my decision."

They still felt like shit, but they managed to smile at your reply. "We'll see you soon, sweetie."

"Yeah." You replied. "Please lock the door on your way out. I'd... like to be alone for a moment."

"Alright." Harold said, shifting Sam on his other hand. "Good bye." He said one last time before heading to the door with his wife and kid.

You didn't reply, but when you heard the door close and lock, you removed your arms from your face and glanced at it. Waddles was already asleep, but you have to clean the mess he had made. Maybe later.

At this time, Mabel would come in the door and invite you to her slumber party in which you'd refuse until she gives you the puppy eyes.

Then she'd invite Dipper, Candy, and Grenda as well. You'd all watch some show while eating your favorite snacks.

You didn't realize you were tearing up when the door was suddenly looking blurry. You sniffled and let yourself cry after staying tough. Now that you're alone, you could finally cry your heart out. You clutched the nearest pillow which, just your luck, a Waddles-embroidered pillow made my Mabel. You cried even more already missing her.

You don't even want to get started with Dipper. Oh how you've already missed the dork so much. You should have snatched his pine tree hat before he left.

Suddenly, at the midst of your emotional break down, you heard the paper crumpling inside the pocket of your hoodie and your eyes widened. You almost forgot about the damn note Dipper had given you.

You sat up reluctantly and wiped your tears away before bringing the paper outside.

"What is this..." you asked to yourself, slowly unfolding the paper. You wondered if Dipper had already opened the letter. You really wanted to know what he thought of it, the only problem was how would you know when he didn't give you his... number.

Call me! xxx-xxx-xxxx
-DP

You saw it on the bottom of the paper after so many words he wrote. You could read them now, but you really wanted to hear his voice.

You jumped out of bed and retrieved the phone in your drawers. You quickly inputted the numbers and called it. It rang for a few times before it was cut off.

"Hello?"

Your heart jumped to your throat. Hearing his voice again made your head dizzy. You let out a deep breath.

"Hi."

You can hear the smile in his voice when he said, "Y/N! Uh, hey. Thought you would open the letter a bit sooner-"

"I didn't know you own a phone."

"Well I didn't use it for the whole summer, but yes. I do have a phone." He was smirking, that little-

"Where are you now?"

"Uhm..." he paused for a moment, maybe looking out the window. "We're almost there, I think. Mabel's asleep after crying the whole trip. She really misses Waddles."

You frowned. "Waddles didn't take the news well, too. But he's here in my room, peacefully sleeping as well."

Dipper sighed and the call went silent.

You knew that he was still there, with the sound of the bus you can hear on the background. You fiddled with the string of your hoodie as you waited.

Well, you called him first so might as well get to the point.

"I miss-

"I miss you."

Your eyes widened. It was as if you were reading each other's minds. Eventually the two of you laughed, with you keeping your voice down because you didn't have the heart to wake up Waddles.

"I miss you too," you replied, the smile still not leaving your face.

"That's good to hear." He laughed.

The two of you talked for minutes. It felt amazing, it was as if he was actually sitting next to you. It was peaceful until Dipper said that he had to wake his sister up because the bus is on their street.

"Okay," you said, suddenly. You heard some shuffling and Mabel whining, saying that she just wants to sleep forever. "Well-"

"Wait. Don't hang up yet."

"Oh," you blinked. "Okay." You made yourself comfortable on the bed. Waddles was still asleep but you weren't sure if you want to remind Mabel of her leaving her beloved pig. The room was silent, so you could clearly hear the noise in the background. You didn't say anything, and maybe Dipper was hiding from his parents the fact that he earned himself a girlfriend over the summer.

"Mom, Dad! We're here!" You heard Mabel announce, but you noticed the lack of energy in her voice. She was really upset.

Walking was heard. "Mabel, Mason! Good to have you back, guys! How was summer? Did you have fun?"

Maybe you have misheard the name Dipper for Mason, but you weren't really sure.

You listened to their stories, and judging from Mabel's never-ending tales, you figured that their parents were good listeners and overall kind people. You were relieved that the twins got themselves caring guardians.

"What about you, son? Got any stories from Gravity Falls you want to spurt out? Was my uncle Stan a good man?" His dad encouraged, making you smile. So his dad was Stan's nephew, and the twins were his great niece and nephew. You have to ask the old man about this later.

"Uh..."

Mabel suddenly laughed in the background. "Well, here's an interesting story! Dipper got himself a-"

"Mabel! Sh!" Dipper cut her off, making you laugh quietly. He didn't even realize he didn't mute his mic and now you can hear the whole conversation. "The town was okay, and so were the people. C-can I go upstairs and rest already? The trip made me... tired."

"Alright. Just go bring your bags to your room and if you want, you could join us for dinner. We've missed you, kids." Their dad said.

"Sure, dad!" Mabel replied. "I don't know about Dipper though... he said he's tired and all that, so..."

Mabel's voice was fading and was instead replaced with stomping so you guessed that Dipper already took off and went to his room.

When he closed the door and placed his bag on the ground, he said, "Hello? You there?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

"Good." Then he sighed. "Sorry I didn't mute my mic before going in. You must've heard the whole thing. It was embarrassing, I know."

"It's okay! Your parents are lovely people."

"I kinda want you to meet them..."

You sighed. "Me too. It would've been so much fun."

"Well, you didn't want to go with me, so..." Dipper trailed off.

"Oh, so it's my fault now... Mason." You said the name ever so slowly, and you heard him go silent in the other line.

"H-how did you know about that?"

You chuckled a bit. "I heard it from your dad. So, Dipper is just a nickname."

He sighed roughly. "Yeah. Dang, I forgot to show you my birthmark. That's the reason why I was named Dipper."

"Let me guess," you paused for a bit, pretending to think when the answer was so obvious. "It's the Big Dipper constellation, isn't it?"

"Oh my gosh, how did you get it? You're so smart I think I'm in love with you."

You laughed out loud. "Well, you could still show the photo. I bet it's a cute birthmark."

"Oh, I'm sure it is."

The two of you talked for hours. And suddenly, you didn't miss him that much anymore. You still miss him, but now that you can access him through your phone and social medias the two of you shared, you realized that this wouldn't be as difficult as you thought it would.

Days turned into months, and school was like a breeze. You had Dipper to help you with subjects you're struggling with, and in turn, you help him with homeworks he couldn't answer on his own. You made new friends and he made his own, but you always find the time to talk to each other about your days. Video calls were helpful. You can show Mabel her pet Waddles and how the pig is getting fatter by the second.

But some days were unbearable. When you are constantly pressured and have no one to have you in their arms. You could go to Wendy, but you wanted Dipper more than anything. There wasn't anything he could do but just be there and offer you his voice through your phone while you are crying.

"Y/N, please be strong." Dipper said, his voice stern, yet reassuring.

"I just wish... sobs I could be there with you, right now."

"I do, too, princess. I really miss you."

The waterworks began again, wanting nothing but be in his arms at the moment. "I miss you, too."

The two of you kept going, eventually reaching Christmas and the New Years. Mabel video-called you and showed the decoration she made around the rooms. You saw Dipper in the background trying to make hot cocoa for the four of them.

Stan saw you in the living room, with the laptop perched on your crossed legs. Your own cup of hot cocoa on your hands. He smiled at the sight of you getting cozy and decided to stand beside you, sneaking a glance at the screen.

"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel exclaimed. "I miss you so much!"

"Wait, is that Mabel?" Before you could reply, Stan already stood up straight and exclaimed, "She's trapped into some kind of screen! Hold on, kid, I'm gonna get you out of there!" He hurriedly retrieved a bat from behind the chair.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stan!" You screamed, Mabel laugh resounding from the background. You placed the laptop on the seat and stopped Stan from smashing your laptop to pieces. "Are you actually about to destroy my laptop? I worked my ass for this thing!"

"Well, if you think about it, you used the money you earned from me, so I have every right to destroy the very thing that's trapping my great niece!"

"Stan, you're such a boomer. Stop being dumb and let me explain this to you."

Meanwhile, Mabel was still laughing at her own laptop screen. Dipper, who just finished making four cups of coco, gave his sister one and sat beside her. "What happened?"

"Stan was about to destroy Y/N's laptop because he thought I was trapped inside the screen."

Dipper chuckled, before taking a sip. It was surprisingly good, considering this was his first time making one. After all, he followed all the instructions from the internet, so it was supposed to taste great. "Where's Y/N?" He really wanted to see you bundled in soft and big sweaters.

"Hey," you said, the laptop moving before you sat back down and placed the gadget back on your lap. You looked like you were out of breath. You stared at Stan retreating while talking. "I've finally convinced Stan that technology exists. He said he believes me but I'm still on high-alert." You looked back to the screen and you just noticed Dipper looking at you with loving eyes.

Heat rushed to your face and looked back at him, admiring the blue scarf around his neck, and his flushed face.

Mabel, who was watching the whole thing, smirked as she noisily drank from her mug. "I can't wait for the two of you to meet again. It would be such a sight."

You snapped out of your mini-staring contest. "What did you say, Mabel?"

"Nothing,"

Stan took another opportunity to host a party in his Shack. People came, mostly extroverted kids. It was fun dancing with Wendy and the gang. Chatting with Grenda and Candy took two hours but it was worth it. When it was almost midnight and most of the guest finally went home, Stan revealed his secret room of illegal fireworks and now you find yourself, Stan, Wendy, and Soos on the balcony.

Glancing at the time on his watch, Stan smiled. "Alright, it's almost 12AM." You watched Wendy pick up a large red rocket and you stood by, holding a lighter. Soos got himself a sparkle stick and lit it up. The four of you counted down, and when the number reached 1, you placed the fire from the lighter next to the rocket and Wendy aimed it at the sky, flying up and exploding.

"Woohoo!" You all cheered. You smiled up the sky. You were always ecstatic celebrating the holidays with them in this balcony, but now it seemed that there's always this missing piece... or pieces.

Stan blew up more fireworks in the sky, with the assistance of Soos. You sat down with Waddles, who surprisingly wasn't afraid of explosives. You patted his head, and he leaned near you, watching the temporary colorful lights in the sky.

A few more months and it will all be over. You still have a lot of requirements to pass before actually passing so you tried your hardest. Right now, you were doing a project with your group in your Chemistry class. Hana, one of your close friends through the years, decided to take a little break, getting her phone and texting her boyfriend.

"Ugh," Kelly rolled her eyes. "Hana's at it again. When are you actually doing the work, girl?"

Hana laughed, but you weren't sure if it's directed at Kelly's remark or her boyfriend's stupid jokes. "For your information, I've already done my research and cited my references. I'm just taking a little break, s'all." She shrugged, typing on her phone.

You honestly envied Hana. She wasn't suffering from a lost-distance relationship unlike you. You were actually restraining yourself to get the phone right now and contact Dipper. But you had to finish your project and Dipper wasn't available at the moment, taking care of his own schoolworks.

Noticing your longing stare, Gracie frowned. "Y/N? What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." That was your first mistake. The second was when you went back to looking all jealous about Hana's continuous laughter while talking to her boyfriend.

Kelly, being the smart-ass of the group, suddenly wore the biggest smirk you've ever seen on her. All colors drained from your face because by the looks of it, it seemed that she figured everything out. "Oh, I know what's going on."

You were almost afraid to ask. "What?" Gracie looked at Kelly who was basically jumping up and down your bed. Hana, who was actually good at multitasking, half-looked at her phone, half-listened your friend who is full of energy and wants you to spill the tea.

"According to my speculation, which is basically just Y/N's facial expression towards Hana and her boyfriend's conversation, it seems that she has a crush on our school and is thinking about how he wouldn't like her back! Am I right?"

You stared at her, completely forgetting that they haven't even met Dipper yet, let alone seeing you talking with him so they don't have a single idea that you have a boyfriend. You hummed in uncertainty. Should you tell them about Dipper? It's not that you were embarrassed about your relationship with him, you just thought that it was unnecessary, plus you really need to get this project done, it was enough sidetracking for one day.

But with Kelly's persuasive nature, Gracie's puppy eyes, and Hana's doubt, you told them everything that happened over the course of one (1) summer.

////

It was officially the first day of summer break.

But it felt strange. You woke up with zero messages from the Pines twins. Candy and Grenda were now free and are frequently visiting the Shack more, with the same reason every time; they just wanted to hang out with you.

It was also strange when your parents weren't replying to any of your messages. The last thing they sent was planning to visit you again and you replied that you wanted them to. But that was last week ago.

This went on for two more days. Dipper wasn't seeing your messages, and not answering your calls. Even Mabel wasn't online, which was the weirdest thing.

You were thinking of sending one more message to Dipper but seeing the huge amount before that, made you feel guilty. Maybe you were too annoying so he had to tune you out. You tried to understand the reason why he is ignoring, but you couldn't think an excuse.

You stood behind the counter. You were filling in for Wendy today because she said she had 'something important to do' and you have to replace her for now. You sighed, seeing that it was a slow day, with two or three customers wandering around the gift shop. You looked more bored than presentable and friendly, but you couldn't help it. You were looking forward to summer the whole year, yet you found yourself all alone in the gift shop.

You looked at your phone, and it felt like cobwebs are forming around it because it hasn't been used for texting that much. You haven't received a single message since last week, anyway.

The bell on the door chimed, signalling a customer walking in. With your best tone and voice, you greeted them, "Welcome to the Mystery Shack gift shop, how may I-" The words died in your throat when you saw your mom, and Sam standing in front you. "Hey!" You exclaimed, and they smiled. You immediately walked around the counter and embraced Sharon first before crouching down to your sibling, giving them a hug as well. "Uh, where's Dad?"

"He's just parking the car."

You nodded. "Why didn't you reply to any of my messages?"

"We just wanted to surprise you, Y/N. Did it work?" Sharon asked, watching Sam be amazed with the merchandises placed upon the shelves.

You smiled in bewilderment. You didn't know they were good at making surprises. "Yeah. It did. You surprised me real good."

She laughed, and eventually Harold walked inside the gift shop, and you walked towards him, giving him a hug. "Good to see you three again."

You helped them carry the bags to your room. The room next to it hasn't been touched except for when you sometimes sleep there when you miss him too much.

He filled your mind again. Now you would think about him all day, with the hope of him being actually here clear as a summer sky. You frowned. Maybe he couldn't go this year. The thought of it was already breaking your heart.

Just as you stepped downstairs, your watch beeped, meaning that it's lunch. You also have to feed Waddles. With the bag of food in your hands, you searched for the pig.

"He's around here somewhere..." you muttered to yourself, making your way to the back of the Shack. If he wasn't in the kitchen nor the living room, surely he would be in the back. "Oh Waddles! Where are you?" You called. "Waddles!"

You eventually found the back of the pig, sitting. "There you are, Waddles. I've been looking everywhere for-" you stopped in your tracks when you saw the combination of a skirt and a sweater. Their brown hair cascaded down her back was the final hint you were looking for, making you drop the bag of food, letting it all fall on the ground. Waddles, smelling the scent of his meal, squealed and turned around, diving on the pile of seeds and grains and munching on it. You kept your eyes on the brown-haired girl who just turned around, seeing that her pig wasn't on her side.

"Oh my gosh, Y/N?!"

"Mabel!" The two of you ran towards each other and were immediately engulfed with hugs. Tears were threatening to spill out of your eyes and you let it. You immediately fell into a conversation with her, talking about school, friends, boys, and other things.

Wait...

If Mabel was here, then...

"Y/N?"

You turned around and saw Wendy, with Candy and Grenda. "Girls!" Mabel ran towards them and gave them all a hug. You sighed. Guess you just mistaken Wendy's voice for someone else. You were distracted with the sight of the four of them talking about many things that you almost didn't hear someone clearing their throat behind you.

It was as if the clearing of throat was a cue when the girls stopped talking and immediately wore a bright smile on their faces.

You turned around and was met with the brown eyes you fell in love with. You didn't waste any more time and wrapped your arms around his neck. He hugged back, his own arms around your waist. The warmth came back, and it felt so overwhelming you could cry. You pushed yourself even further until the space was non-existent.

The two of you eventually leaned back, admiring the features of each other. You laughed (it was actually a mix of crying and laughter), and Dipper joined you. When it died down, you just smiled at him, and he smiled back.

"I thought you wouldn't visit."

He chuckled. "I was actually about to text you that we're going to Gravity Falls, but Mabel snatched my phone away from me. She told me it was supposed to be a surprise."

You wanted to give Mabel the harshest glare you could but when you turned around she and the others weren't there. You shook your head. "Well I am surprised, so you should congratulate her."

"Well, the whole idea was from your family and Mabel, so thank them."

"Wait. You were with my family on the way here?"

Dipper's eyes widened in excitement. "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you."

"Tell me what?" You were curious because he was almost jumping with how excited he felt in announcing the news.

"Did you know that your parents actually live two blocks away from us?"

Your eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Yes! So that means that we could've met years ago if it weren't for my introverted self. I don't really wander around the neighbourhood and socialize. That was Mabel's thing. Wait, why didn't Mabel meet you sooner? She's friendly with everyone she meets, while I'm always home. I-"

"Don't blame yourself." You cut him off, but you still had this sparkle in your eyes. "Dipper! Don't you know what this means?"

"Of course I do!" He exclaimed. "You get to go back to your parents' house again because you just found out that you live near me."

"Great minds think alike. My boyfriend is so smart." You said all in one go, making Dipper laugh. You then remembered about the times when you said that you didn't want to go back with your parents, and it made you cringe. "Ugh..."

"What's wrong?"

"Now I have to go to my parents and tell them that I actually have to go back. I'm so stupid back then."

Dipper chuckled. "It's not your fault. You didn't know."

"I should've known my house is two blocks away from you. Why didn't I know that?"

"Uhm, because I didn't tell you where I live in California?"

"Right, okay. I blame you then." You laughed at his pout. He gave a playful glare which made you laugh even more.

When you've calmed down, you noticed Dipper looking at you with a soft expression. "I've missed you," he muttered.

"I've missed you, too." You smiled. He leaned forward and captured your lips in a sweet, passionate kiss. You have been waiting for this very moment, as well as Dipper, so when the two of you finally meet again and kissed, it felt like eternal bliss.

With this newfound information, about your house being near theirs, you were looking forward to the thought of physically being with Dipper, not just the summers. Although you welcome back the old life you had in California, you wouldn't forget the most memorable summer here in Gravity Falls when you had met the love of your life.

For Dipper, he guessed it only took a summer for him to fall in love with you. He didn't mind, not at all. You were the best thing that's ever happened to him.

the end.

word count: 7461