Dipper P.O.V

I find it rather strange that Bill has been using my real name. No one ever uses my real name. Everyone has just always used my nickname, which only exists because of my birthmark.

I don't really like my nickname either. I would prefer to go by my real name. Although, I like when Bill calls me Pine Tree. I think it's cute because he is the only one who ever called me that. It's a nickname that only he's allowed to use.

Bill hasn't let me out of his sight all day. He's normally protective and clingy, but this is obsessive, even for him. It's like he thinks I'll die if he isn't right by my side.

"Bill, are you okay?" I ask him, playing with a few locks of his hair.

He doesn't answer for several moments. It's as if he's scanning the room. I'm beginning to worry about him.

"Is something wrong?"

Again, no answer. I sigh and sit up, prying his arms from around my waist. He doesn't object.

"I'm going to go on a walk," I say with a bored tone, only now hearing any objection.

"Don't leave," he whines.

"Why? You'll just follow me in the form of some one-eyed animal," I say, crossing my arms.

"I would prefer that you stay here, at least for the night."

His tone is sincere and shows concern. He knows something that I don't and he doesn't want to tell me. Now he has made me curious. I want to know what he isn't telling me.

"Why is that?"

His eye wanders to the window. When I look outside I see nothing. It seems like Bill is being paranoid over nothing.

I take a deep breath and sigh. "Fine, don't tell me. I'll be back later," I say while making my way down the stairs.

I'm almost to the front door when Bill hugs my waist and yanks me back. I let out a yelp of surprise before he sets me on my feet.

"Don't go," he says.

"Tell me why," I say sternly, crossing my arms.

He sighs and rubs his temples gently. Whatever it is, it's stressing him. I've never seen him such a stressed mess.

"I can't," he says after a few moments and then pauses, "it just isn't safe."

"Why not?" I persist.

I refuse to give up on this topic. Bill knows the answers to all my questions.

"Because it just isn't safe for you to be alone right now."

I am confused by Bill's explanation. Why would it be unsafe for me specifically? It just doesn't make any sense.

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't it be safe for me?" I ask, softening my tone.

"I'd rather not say," he tells me in a hushed tone.

"Why not? If it's not safe for me then I deserve to know why," I argue.

"Don't push your luck, Pine Tree. It's better that you don't know."

"Just tell me," I say, becoming rather irritated.

"No," he argues.

"Why not?"

"Because I can't lose you again!" he finally snaps.

'What does that mean?'