Bill Cipher P.O.V

Suddenly I realize that I don't have to find another dimension to save my Pine Tree. I can simply travel back in time. It makes things far less complicated than having to find another dimension.

If my head were clear I would have realized this far sooner. Unfortunately, with all that's happened I haven't been able to focus very well. Hopefully, everything will be better once Pine Tree is okay.

I step outside and take a deep breath. Pine Tree will be mine again soon. I can't wait to hold him in my arms again and tell him how much I truly love him.

I watch the world around me quickly shift as time moves backward. Night becomes day and finally settles. It is now early in the morning of the day I lost him.

I walk into the Mystery Shack and look around. Everything seems to be in order. I walk up the stairs quietly and peek into the room to see Pine Tree asleep.

A relieved sigh leaves my body as I see that he is sleeping peacefully. Never before have I been so happy to see Pine Tree. I want to hug him and never let him go.

Before I can stop myself, I'm on the bed with him and holding him close. He stirs in my arms for a moment before settling into a comfortable position.

"Morning," Pine Tree mumbles softly, still being half asleep.

"Good morning, Mason."

I realize that I've called him by his real name for the first time. He notices as well and sits up.

"You used my real name, is something wrong?" he asks, looking up at me with deep brown eyes.

Every small detail about Mason makes me happy. I love his curly brunet hair and his big brown eyes. I love his birthmark, even though he hates it. I find all of his imperfections to be the very things that make him perfect. No one will ever compare to him in my mind.

"Everything is fine," I reassure him, although I am not sure that he entirely believes me.

"Okay then," he says softly, running his fingers through my hair.

I kiss him gently and hug his waist. I never want to let him go. Later today, I will protect him in every way possible. I won't let him slip through my fingers again. I would never forgive myself if I didn't save him when I had the opportunity.

"I've never heard you call me by my real name," Pine Tree says after we break the kiss.

"I just thought I would give it a try. No one calls you by your real name. I figured you might prefer it," I explain, pulling him close to me.

"I do prefer it," he says after a moment with a small smile, "but I like when you call me 'Pine Tree' too."

"You'll always be my Pine Tree."

"Good," he replies, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck.

"I love you."

"I love you too."