"Pine tree."
"This is a sign that I should get going home."
"Pine tree."
"I'll visit again tomorrow and-"
"Pine tree!"

Dipper turned his head away from the wolf that had recently attacked him lying dead on the ground a few feet away to look at his boyfriend who'd been trying to get his attention for the past 10 minutes. Bill gave his a mildly annoyed look. He's not a fan of being ignored.

"Kid, the only home you're going to is mine."
"But-"
"I'm not hearing it, kid. There's no way you'll be able to make it back to your home with that hurt leg of yours. It's too far. Come home with me. You'd actually be able to make it there."

The cervitaur glanced at his back leg he currently wasn't putting weight on. Bill was of course right and Dipper knew this. There's no way he'd make it back to the shack and there's zero chance he's spending the night alone in the woods. He wanted to be stubborn but decided against it and just let out a sigh.

"You're right, Bill."
Bill grinned that shit eating grin he got whenever the stubborn buck admitted he was right about something they disagreed on.
"Knock it off with the face. Just take me home, it looks like rain."

Bill wrapped his arm around Dipper's shoulders and planted a kiss on his cheek that caused the boy to blush slightly. Pleased with his work, the hunter let go and shouldered his gun then took Dipper by the hand and led him deeper into the woods.

It was very slow going because of Dipper's leg but they made it to Bill's cabin in the woods. Dipper had been here before many times, even spent the night once or twice. After putting up his gun Bill made Dipper wait in the living room while he got some real medical supplies.

When he came back he took off the bandana he'd wrapped around Dipper's injury. It was kind of bloody now but it did its purpose of stopping the bleeding, well, mostly. The injury on Dipper's leg was cleaned and wrapped properly then Bill trashed the bandana and put the supplies away before coming back.

"Making yourself comfortable there?"
Bill asked Dipper who was now settled on the couch.
"Yeah. This beats standing."
"Mmm,"
Bill sat next to him.
"Don't work yourself too hard. If you need something you tell me."

Before Dipper could reply thunder boomed loudly scaring the shit out of the buck. In a flash Dipper was clinging to Bill. The hunter put his arms around the cervitaur and held him while he pet his hair to calm him down.

"Shh, it's just a storm kid. It can't hurt you. Even if it could I wouldn't let it."
"Sorry. Being scared of storms is stupid."
"Everyone's scared of something."
"Even you?"
"No."

Another thunder clap hit before Dipper could make a witty remark. Instead he just buried his face in Bill's shoulder. His antlers haven't grown enough since they fell off last to be an obstacle yet. Bill kissed his hair. It saddens him to see the normally confident and stubborn buck cowering. His pine tree should never have to be scared.

"It's going to be ok, kid."
"I've never been away from Mabel during a storm before. We always handle this together."
Dipper murmured just barely at an audible level.
"Well you've got me now and I'm going to take care of you."

Mabel sat in a pile of blankets and stuffed animals in her room as the storm raged outside. Poor Dipper was stuck out in it all alone. She was really worried for him. He must be so scared by the storm. What if something happens to him?

Gargrunkle Stan sat in his chair as Ford paced, his sphinx paws not making any noise on the floor. Dipper was still out in the woods. It's dangerous enough for him to go out by himself all the time but this storm is really something.

"That's it, Stanley, I'm going looking for him."
Ford said. Stan rolled his eyes and grabbed him by the scruff before he could get away.
"No you're not. This storm is too much to go out in plus if you go outside now you'll come back smelling like wet cat."
Ford pawed Stan's hand away from his scruff.
"You're not seriously suggesting leaving Dipper out there in this? He's terrified of storms!"
"It's not like I want to leave him out there but you have to admit going out in this to look for him won't do much good. It'll just put us in danger."
"Stanley I just think-"
"He's stayed out all night many times before. He obviously has a little safe sheltered place he's probably at right now. If he's not back by mid-day tomorrow, we'll go look for him. That'll give him enough time for him to get back after the storm is over."
Ford sighed.
"Fine. You've made your point. I'm just worried about him. It's just not safe out there for a deer. I've been hearing about hunters recently and I don't want to think of what would happen if one found him."
"If anything hurt him it'll have to deal with an angry gargoyle and no one wants to be on the receiving end of a gargoyle protecting his family."
Stan said and Ford settled down next to him, flexing his claws.
"Yeah."

The storm finally passed around 5AM. Ford didn't sleep well neither did Mabel. Stan doesn't really sleep and stayed up guarding the house as usual. In the morning Mabel came downstairs, in her shooting star sweater.

Ford was lapping up coffee from a bowl like a cat but looked up when she entered the room. Mabel looked around but didn't spot Dipper. Her brother wasn't back yet. She frowned. Where was he? He can't still be out can he? Has he at least called?

"Is Dipper not back yet?"
"No but if he's not back in a few hours we're going out to look for him. In the meantime, have some Stan cakes."

Mabel sat and ate breakfast somewhat unhappily. A few hours later Dipper was still not back so she was pacing as Ford got ready to go. Her deer hooves clicked on the floor impatiently. Finally, Ford was ready and the two of them went out.

They tried their best to track Dipper but the storm did a good job of washing away any scents. They explored a good deal then came back empty handed. The sun was going down now so they'll go out and explore more tomorrow.

The next day it was more of the same. Any deer print had as much chance to be Dipper as it did to be a regular deer. There were many false leads that day. They came home more concerned for Dipper than ever. He's never been gone this long before.

The third day they left early again and found a lead that went deep in the forest. They would have stayed out longer and followed it farther but it soon ended. Deeper in they found a dead wolf. That wouldn't have been a problem if the thing hadn't died from being shot with a hunting rifle.

Ford wasn't going to let Mabel be there if there were hunters about. There is no good reason to endanger her. Ford will look in other places by himself tomorrow. For now, they went back to the shack, once again empty handed. Mabel was sitting on her bed now, reading a romance novel to get her mind off Dipper's absence. Then her phone rang.

Dipper pawed through his backpack. He wasn't sure what he was looking for. Bill was in the kitchen and Dipper was in the living room. This was day 3 of his stay. He had thought it'd be an overnight thing but he can barely make it around the house yet. There's no way he'd make it to the Mystery Shack.

Bill's not giving him a say on when he leaves anyway. Either he's healed to the point Bill approves of or he's stuck at Bill's cabin. It's not like he minds staying with Bill. He actually likes it. It's just his family must be worried sick and Bill doesn't have a phone.

Dipper's hand hits something. He pulls out his cell phone. He totally forgot he brought this. He actually has bars too. On the downside after unlocking it he discovered it was at 1% battery. Hopefully that'll be enough to call his family and say he's ok.

"Bill, I found my phone. I'm going to call my family so they know I'm ok."
Bill poked his head out of the kitchen.
"Be sure to mention they're not invited to my house."
"It's not like I'm going to give them directions. I'd prefer to be allowed to keep coming here thank you."

Bill nodded then disappeared back into the kitchen. Dipper looked back to see the bars had decreased. He'll just have to work with it. With memorized movements he dials Mabel's phone. She always has hers so she's his best bet at getting an answer. He puts the phone to his ear as it rings.

"Hello? Mabel?"
"Dipper?!"
Mabel practically yelled into the phone before shooting rapid fire questions.
"Are you ok? Where are you? Where have you been? Are you coming home soon? Are you in trouble?"
"I'm perfectly fine. Well my leg is bad but-"
"Oh my god! Who hurt you? Dipper where are you?"
"I can't tell you that and I'm not allowed to come home-"

The phone cut off mid-sentence as the battery gave out. Well, shit. That was not a good note to leave on. He could have probably worded that better. Dipper looked through his backpack and found a charger. He guesses he could ask Bill if he had an outlet.

"Bill, do you have an outlet I could charge my phone with?"
"I don't have electricity remember?"
"Right."
"Come here it's dinner time."

Dipper put the phone and charger back in his bag and got off the sofa. He made his way to the kitchen. Bill had made BLTs for them to eat. Dipper's didn't have the B and instead had extra L and T. Being a deer meant he's a vegetarian. Dipper sat at the table and he and Bill ate dinner.

"You're very attentive at getting me fed."
"I'm protecting my garden. I saw you eyeing the leaves on my tomato plants."
Dipper flushed with embarrassment.
"Sorry."
"If you need greenery to snack on there's plenty of leaves and ivy, just don't eat my garden."
"Ok. Fair enough."
"How'd your call go?"
"My phone died at a bad time and it made things sound really bad. I think I made things worse."
"At least you tried."
"Yeah."
"what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, it's just everything hangs in a delicate balance and I really don't want to disrupt that balance."
"Everything will be alright pine tree. If they want me to stop seeing you they've got a fight ahead of them."
"You'd fight a sphinx and a gargoyle?"
"For you, babe, I'd do anything."
Dipper cracked a smile.
"You're silly."
"I mean it though. If you need anything just ask."
"Next you're going to start telling me you love me."
"Only you~"

Dipper and Bill continue to eat and flirt. After Dinner they sit on the sofa on the porch and watch the sun set behind the trees and count the stars as they come out. Dipper leans his head on Bill's shoulder and Bill puts his arm around him.

Dipper is happy. He's happy with Bill. He likes being here. Bill's riffle is leaning against the wall within arm's reach and Dipper doesn't even care. He knows it only there for self-defense if a monster or animal come out of the forest and attacks.

He's just so comfortable. It's criminal to feel so safe in Bill's arms. A deer fell for a hunter and the predator fell for his prey. Imagine that. Well, that's Dipper's life now. He wouldn't have it any other way. Dipper closed his eyes and just relaxed. He's home.

"Dipper? Hello? Dipper talk to me!"

It doesn't matter what Mabel says the line is dead. He's not allowed to leave? Leave where? Is someone holding him captive? Why can't he say where he is? Oh Dipper must be in big trouble. Mabel hopes it's not that hunter who shot the wolf.

Dipper said his leg is hurt too. Oh dear, oh gosh, she has to tell Stan and Ford right now. Mabel all but flings herself off her bed and bolts down the stairs at an unsafe speed. She skids into the living room in front of Stan and Ford.

"Mabel, are you al-"
"Dipper just called me!"
The Grunkles were now on the alert.
"What did he say? Where is he?"
"I don't know where he is. He said he couldn't tell me and he's not allowed to leave."
"That's not good. Anything else?"
"He said his leg is hurt too but that's all I got before the connection was cut."
"Do you think he's being held captive somewhere?"
Stan asked.
"I'm going out again. You two stay here."

Ford then went out again. He didn't come back until dark. He found a new lead to investigate tomorrow in a part of the forest they hadn't looked in yet. The next day Ford left to look. After finding out about there being a hunter Mabel wasn't permitted to go with him.

Frustrated Mabel paced on the porch, waiting for hours. She thinks they should investigate around the wolf some more but Ford said it was too dangerous. After many more hours she was fed up with doing nothing and grabbed her grappling hook from inside then left to investigate her lead.

After a thorough investigation of the area she found some hoof prints they'd missed the first time around. Deer hoof prints. There were boot prints with them. Filled with a new sense of determination Mabel followed them.

It was a bit of a walk but they lead to a clearing. She hid behind some plants she could peak out of unseen. There was a cabin in the clearing. It didn't look abandoned and look on the porch, it was Dipper. He was on the sofa and his leg was bandaged up so he couldn't just run.

Before she could do anything the cabin door opened and a blond man a couple years older than Dipper came out holding drinks. There was a gun on his back. He's a hunter. Oh no, Dipper's been trapped by a hunter! This is bad.

The man handed Dipper a drink then set the gun against the cabin and sat down next to Dipper. The gun was within quick access reach. Dipper was successfully trapped. So all Dipper did was sip his drink quietly and keep his eyes on the man. Mabel retreated as quietly as she could then ran home at full speed.

She finally skidded to a halt in front of the Mystery Shack around sunset. Stan and Ford were talking urgently on the porch but stopped when Mabel arrived out of breath. Ford bounded over and pulled her into a hug.

"Mabel, you're ok!"
"Don't run off like that pumpkin. We were so worried when we couldn't find you."
"I'm not important right now. I found Dipper!"
Mabel said pushing Ford off.
"What? Where? Is he ok? Tell us everything."
"I went back to where we saw the wolf and found some deer prints so I followed them. They led to a cabin in a big clearing. Dipper was on the porch. This guy with a gun then came out of the cabin. I think he's a hunter. He's trapped Dipper there."
"We need to rescue him but it would be a bad idea to do it in the dark. Is Dipper in immediate danger?"
"No, I don't… I don't think so. It looked like he's being treated ok but he can't leave. Maybe he's like a pet or something."
Ford nodded.
"Then we'll wait until morning. That'll give us time to strategize. If we go in with a plan, we'll have a better chance of succeeding."

Mabel nodded. The next day they made some plans and got some gear. They ate a good breakfast before they left. It looked like rain but that didn't stop them. It was just Ford and Mabel. Stan's not stealthy and would give away their position in the forest. Mabel led the way.

At the edge of the clearing they spied from behind bushes. The hunter was chilling on the sofa with no gun visible. His guard was down. This was perfect. Ford would go in and keep him Busy then Mabel could sneak in and get Dipper.

Ford jumped into the clearing and was immediately noticed by the hunter. The guy was on his feet in a flash, pulling a hunting rifle from a hiding spot and aiming it at Ford. He stepped off the porch, keeping careful aim. Ford snarled.

"Get out of here kitty cat. Unless you fancy being shot."

The hunter's voice was calm and cool but was laced with danger. Ford didn't back down and they had a small stand off before the cabin door opened. A rather wet Dipper stepped on to the porch looking confused and worried.

"Bill, what's going on?"
"Get back inside right now!"
Dipper took a step back before recognizing Ford.
"Wait"
"I said now pine tree."
"No, don't shoot! That's my great uncle."
Bill didn't lower his gun but didn't shoot either. Ford let out a growl, his claws digging into the ground.
"Dipper we're here to rescue you. You won't be forced to stay here any longer."
Bill laughed.
"You're going to have to pry him from my cold dead hands kitty cat."
"Bill be nice."

Dipper said. He walked further out of the cabin and off the porch. Mabel burst from the bushes and ran to her brother. Bill followed her with his eye but didn't take his gun off Ford. Mabel hugged Dipper. Dipper hugged back.

"Dipper are you alright?"
"I'm fine Mabel."
"Let's go home."
Mabel tried to pull Dipper but he wouldn't budge.
"Dipper?"
"I can't Mabel."
"Because that guy is keeping you here?"
"No because, well, this."
Dipper turned to show off his nasty leg injury.
"I can barely make it around Bill's property. What makes you think I can make it to the shack?"
"Grunkle Ford can carry you."
"No thanks. I'd rather stay with Bill."
"You're just saying that because he's right there."
"No, I'm saying that because I mean it. It's nice out here."
"He's a hunter!"
"Yeah but he's also kinda my boyfriend so…"

The collective "what" from Ford and Mabel was so loud it disturbed some birds in a nearby tree. They looked from Dipper's red face to Bill who now wore a shit eating grin like he just won the biggest prize. Dipper pawed the ground nervously with his hoof.

"Will you please put the gun down now, Bill?"
"Hells no. Now they really want to kill me."
Dipper walked over and wrapped his arms around Bill.
"Not if I'm in the way."
Bill smiled then glanced up at the dark clouds.
"Get inside pine tree. The storms about to hit."

As if on que a large clap of thunder hit and Dipper jumped. Bill lowed the gun and slung it on his back by the shoulder strap so he could cradle Dipper. Ford and Mabel didn't move, they just watched carefully. If Bill hurts Dipper he's in for it but all the hunter did was shush Dipper gently.

"Come on kid. I'm going to get wet if we stay out here."
Dipper murmured something.
"What was that pine tree?"
"Can my uncle and sister come in too?"
"Kid."
"Please, just until the rain stops."
"It hasn't star-"
A big raindrop hit Bill's face and he sighed in annoyance.
"Fine. For you. But I'm not going to like it. Now go on and get inside."
Dipper pried himself off Bill and ran inside. Bill watched him until he was inside then turned to Ford and Mabel.
"You heard the kid. I guess we're talking about this like civilized people so get inside."
"We're not going in there."
"It's either wait the storm out in the wolf's den or walk home in one hell of a storm. Either way is fine by me. Just hurry it up before you get too wet."

Bill then turned on his heel and walked inside as the rain got harder. Mabel looked at Ford then went for the door. Not willing to leave her alone Ford followed. They closed the door behind them and walked past taxidermy animals and polished skulls until they found Dipper and Bill in the living room.

"How long does it take for a deer to dry after a shower?"
"Well I normally have a hair dryer so…"
Bill looked up at the newcomers.
"Oh so you did decide to join us in the wolf's den."
"Is that what you're calling your house now?"
Dipper teased.
"Oh hush."
The rain was already hammering hard against the windows.
"So, Bill was it, you're dating my nephew?"
"It's Bill Cipher and yes."
Thunder boomed and, though Mabel was right there, Dipper latched onto Bill instead. Bill scratched behind his floofy deer ears soothingly.
"It's alright pine tree."

"How long?"
Bill looked at Ford who had settled on the floor watching him closely.
"A year."
"He never mentioned you."
"How would you react to pine tree coming up to you and saying he started dating this hunter he met in the woods?"
"Point made."
"How'd you trick him into liking you?"
Mabel asked. Dipper let out an annoyed sigh, still clinging to Bill.
"He didn't trick me, Mabe- Ahh!"

A loud crack of thunder hit and Dipper's collapsed on the carpet, pulling Bill with him. Bill landed on his butt but shook it off quickly so he could hold Dipper who was clinging to him for dear life with his head buried in Bill's shirt.