This was a spur of the moment thing. I couldn't get pinesinthewoods 'Home is Where the Weird Is' out of my head and just needed to get all my feelings out somehow. I can't draw worth crap, at least not within a decent time frame, so I decided to finally delve into writing something for this fandom. For some reason I've never had the urge to write for Gravity Falls even though every show ever has always made me want to do just that. Maybe its because canon is so perfect and what isn't there fans already draw which imo is so much better than reading a whole story. It's a snapshot moment and idk but the fans are all super awesome artists.

ANYWAY, this story is written under the assumption that you've read pinesinthewoods story because most everything in that story I consider to have happened in this one. The scenes I write for this story take place around the scenes in HIWTWI. Because of this I'll mention at the beginning of each chapter if my chapter occurs before/after something in HIWTWI. There will be slight discrepancies such as when/how Pacifica acquires the llama sweater, but nothing major.

If it isn't obvious, this chapter takes place just after the move in scene in HIWTWI. This is my first attempt at these characters, so please be kind. I suppose that's another reason I've never written for this show, I'm afraid I'll massacre these characters' personalities. I hope you enjoy!

Pacifica wakes with a start. She jolts up in bed and looks wildly about her. For a second her surroundings only cause her heart to race faster with the unfamiliarity, then realization sinks in. Oh, right. She remembers. Last night, she came to the Pines for help – to move in. And they let her. This…this is the twins' room. Slowly she comes down from her panic, but in the end she scarcely feels better. As kind as they were to allow her to stay after all she has done she can't help but hate her situation. This place, it is so beneath her it isn't even funny. The accommodations are surely subpar at best, like a motel, and not even the ones with a pool. Still, she knows she has to try. She can't toss their good will to the wayside like some cheap perfume. So with a sigh she sits up and tosses the covers off.

Her hand shoots to her arm and she scratches. She grimaces. Chafed. The blankets were some rough kind of fabric and it did not sit well with her skin. Oh well. She hops from the bed and readies herself for the day. She picks her favorite outfit from her bag and dresses, plucks her makeup from a side pocket and applies it as best she can, and only then does she allow herself to head for the door. Just because she is reduced to relying on others doesn't mean she can let herself slip. Appearance is everything. She is halfway to the door when it hits her. She stops and blinks, turning around to look at both the beds. The twins aren't there. She frowns. They must have let her sleep. Huh. How very…kind. She can see Dipper allowing her this, maybe, if the whim struck him, but from her experience with Mabel she completely expected to be rolled out in a heap on the floor and urged to go, go, GO. She lets out a breath of laughter at the thought. Not so though it seems. Both twins let her be. But then…where could they possibly be right now?

She wanders out to the hallway and down the stairs. She takes small, tentative steps, surveying her surroundings intently. She doesn't know what she expects – to be assaulted by some terrible monster? – but she is apprehensive as she keeps her eyes open for the twins. While she would never admit it, she quite needs them and their knowledge of this place to work her way around and go about establishing some sort of routine. Like breakfast…how does that work here? Surely there are no servants who prepare it every morning for her consumption. So what? Is she to do it herself? The very idea is mortifying, but one which is fears she might have to come to terms with now that she has no other options.

She comes to the first room downstairs and peeks her head through the door. Kitchen. She commits it to memory. No Mabel or Dipper though. She retracts from the room and goes into the next one – the living room it looks like. She recoils at the sight of a giant dinosaur head by the armchair, but quickly moves on. She notes the tv screen flickering and surveys the room over again to see if she missed someone. But no. Despite the television blaring in the background there are no twins. Not even Stan. Although she can't say she's too upset about that, not after he gave off such an angry vibe last night when she arrived. Regardless of Dipper's reassurance that it was for her and not at her, she is still nervous about their uncle.

She slinks along into the gift shop. It is one area she knows very well because even she has wandered down to the shop even if only to make fun of how poorly put together and pathetic the whole scene was. She looks to her left and then to her right. As she turns her head the vending machine suddenly comes to life. It pops open, the whole device shifting, and Pacifica's jaw drops. Her eyes widen, especially when out steps a person.

Ford steps out from the vending machine. At first he doesn't notice her. He came out for a very specific purpose and that is to grab a bite. Then he slip soundlessly back into the basement, unnoticed. The only way to the kitchen though is in her direction and with a bit of a start he sees her tiny form standing in the doorway. "Oh, hello there." Ford waves.

Pacifica stares in awe. "You…you came from behind the vending machine." Her voice is but a breath. A grin stretches clear across her face.

Ford grimaces. "Uh, well, yes." A nervous laugh ekes out. "Usually no one's around to see it though." He rubs at the back of his neck.

Pacifica's gaze shifts from him to the wide open space leading to who knows where. "So is it like a secret lair?" As big as her mansion is, they never had anything like revolving bookcases or hidden doors. As much as she would have wanted to, her parents thought the very notion ludicrous. Any guests who so much as suggested it were immediately belittled and so she continued on pretending she thought the very same. The perfect puppet.

Ford shifts uncomfortably. "No, no, just my place of residence. Just another room to sleep in."

Pacifica looks unimpressed. "Yeah, right." She crosses her arms.

Ford's gaze jumps all around the room. He struggles to find some way to distract the child, this unknown child. Who knows how much she knows or is supposed to know. He can't be like he is with Dipper and Mabel. "So, are you one of Mabel's little friends?"

Pacifica frowns. "Yeah, sort of." She shrugs. "I guess." The spark of intrigue is sapped dry.

Perfect. "Then why don't you go play with her? I mean, that is why you're here. So, go on then." He tries to usher her away.

Pacifica side glances. "I don't really feel like it." She mumbles. She twiddles her fingers.

Ford raises a brow. "Then why on earth are you here?" Why come to a place if you aren't going to play with your friend? He's pretty sure that concept hasn't changed since he went missing through the portal.

"I, uh, I mean…Mr. Pines said I could stay here. For a little while I mean."

"What?" Ford clenches his fists and a fire lights in his eyes.

Pacifica shrinks back at the look in his eyes. She trembles slightly. Great, now she's made both of their uncles mad. Only this time there is no one to cool this one's temper, unlike how Mabel did for Stan.

Ford grinds his teeth. He turns hard right, storming outside. "STAN."

Pacifica lets out a breath as he leaves. Still, she is very anxious. Maybe he isn't mad at her, but he definitely is at his brother. And it's all her fault. Oh gosh. She nibbles on her nails, a habit she swore she broke long ago. Her gaze bounces around the room. What should she do? What should she do? An idea lights in her head and she cuts back through the living room and out the back door. Maybe she's wrong and maybe they are all in another part of the house, but she has to try.

She furiously scans the area. There! "Dipper!" She scrambles down the porch and toward him.

Dipper lays stretched out on his stomach beneath a tree. He has the journal set in front of him and is scribbling in one of the end pages. "But why fruit?" He murmurs to himself. He lifts the pen and chews on the tail. "Why?"

"Dipper!"

Dipper fleetingly glances up from the journal. He returns his gaze to it immediately upon registering 'Pacifica'. "Oh, hey Pacifica." Then he does a double take, noticing how frantic she is. "Is…something wrong?" He raises a brow. She isn't one to lose composure.

Pacifica presses her lips together. She averts her eyes. When she speaks, her voice is but a breath. "I messed up." She ducks her head.

Dipper raises brow. "Messed up?" He snorts. "I'm sure it's fine." He waves a hand in dismissal.

"No, really. I think I made your uncle mad. Really mad." She presses her knuckles to her lips.

Dipper frowns and his brows furrow at the amount of distress Pacifica is displaying. He sighs and pushes himself to his knees. "Pacifica, it's different here. Trust me, no one is going to get mad at you for anything. Really." He offers her a smile. "Grunkle Stan especially. I mean, you could break all his precious merchandise and as long as you didn't mean to he wouldn't really be mad."

Pacifica is not pacified. "No, no, not that one. The other uncle."

Dipper blinks. "Oh, you mean Great Uncle Ford. Pssh, nah." He waves a hand. "As long as you don't insult his work or his hair you'll be fine."

"It's not at me." Her voice trembles. "He was mad at Mr. Pines."

Dipper's eyes snap open. He slams the book closed and shoves it into his coat as he leaps to his feet. It's not that his uncles ever do anything physical to each other, but their shout outs can be brutal. And he doesn't know where Mabel is right now. The last thing he knows is that she had volunteered to help Stan out with the tours. And he can't let her get dragged into that, to be hurt by their carelessness.

Pacifica blinks and he is gone. He rockets past her and around the corner of the house, leaving her in the dust. She just stands there, staring blankly at the space he once occupied. That was a major shift in reaction, that's for sure. So Stan won't hurt them or her but apparently he is all on board going at his own brother? She wonders why that is. And if it's true then why the heck did the new one come to live with Stan for any amount of time? Did someone die? The thought makes her shudder. This family…it just doesn't make sense.

Ford stomps toward his brother. "Who do you think you are?" He glares mercilessly at Stan. "Inviting people to stay in my home without telling me?"

Stan groans and rolls his eyes. Great, he must have ran into Pacifica. This should be the part where he apologizes and explains everything, but he is so fed up with everything his brother has brought back with him that the thought is only a nudge at the back of his mind, one his bitterness quickly squashes. He turns to face his brother, the disdain written clearly across his face. "Since when do I need your permission to do things? Last I checked it's still summer and that means I'm still Stanford so this is my house."

Ford's mouth gapes slightly as Stan throws his words back in his face and twists them terribly. He quickly recovers and sets his expression in a glower. "That's not what I said and you know it!" He shoves his finger in Stan's face. "I graciously let you stay in this house so you could spend a little more time with the kids."

Stan barks out a laugh. "Graciously? More like you did it to cover your own ass. That way you can screw around in the basement without any responsibility to your own flesh and blood and no guilt on top of that. No, let Stan do it because even thought I don't trust him with anything I'm trusting him with actual human lives. You know how screwed up that is?"

"Are you implying I don't care about the kids?" Ford's hands tense as he holds them up at his chest, looking as if he is an inch from closing them around Stan's throat and choking him. "You're infuriating! I care just as much as you!"

"You liar." Stan clenches his fists. "Have you even spoke to Mabelsince that first time? Huh? What's her favorite things to do? What's her pig's name? Or her favorite tv show?"

Ford seethes. "That has nothing to do with how much I care! You-"

Dipper bolts into the room. "G-G-Great Uncle Ford!" He waves his arms as he zips up to his uncle. His breathing is uneven and it takes him a minute to compose himself. "I…I want to-"

Ford shoves his hand in the boy's face. "Not now Dipper." His words are sharp. "I'm busy."

"But…" He bites his lip. At least Mabel isn't here. She hasn't seen whatever venom they've been spitting at one another. Still, she's bound to come back. So he has to-he has to-

"Gruuunkle Staaan!" Mabel's sing song voice echoes throughout the room a moment before she steps through the door. "I found the thing just…like…you…asked." The cheer slowly slips from her tone as she sees her uncles and feels the tension and fury rolling off them in waves. And her brother, his position speaks of great apprehension. It can only mean one thing. Her brows knit together and her grin falls into a frown.

Dipper is frozen. He isn't sure what to do or say. Everyone is just kind of suspended in animation, all because of Mabel. It is too much like the time with the portal, when her tears made him, Stan, and even Soos freeze.

Stan clears his throat and moves away from Ford without another word. He puts on a big smile for his niece. "Good job, sweetie!" He sweeps toward her. "You found the perfect ones." He ruffles her hair. He tries to position himself so that she can't even see Ford or how angry he knows his brother must look. He can feel Ford's glare burning his back.

Mabel looks with wide eyes up at Stan. Her lip puffs out. "You two were fighting again." Her voice is tiny and tearful. She clasps her hands at her chest. "Weren't you?"

Stan averts his eyes and his too bright grin falters. No matter how much of a con he is, he can never hide the truth from Mabel, not after hiding things nearly tore them apart. "Yeah, sweetie." He sighs. "A bit."

Mabel sniffs. "Can't you just say you're sorry?"

Stan smiles painfully. "It's not that simple." He claps his hands together, causing mood whiplash. "But hey, how's about you and me go play pin the pig on the goat?" He scoops her into his arms.

Mabel giggles. "But Grunkle Stan," She smiles and shatters the dismal atmosphere. "Don't you have to give tours?" She slips the objects she collected into her pockets.

"Nah," Stan shrugs the idea off. "A day off won't kill me."

"Yay." Mabel throws her arms around his neck and nuzzles him. Anything to pretend that there was never a fight at all.

Stan grins from ear to ear at her as he heads further into the house to find Waddles for whatever it is they ultimately choose to do.

Ford shakes his head as he looks after the pair. "He treats her like china."

Dipper feels a surge of anger at the words Ford so carelessly says. Idol or not, he can't help but snap, "Better than treating her as if her feelings don't matter." He clenches his fists and scowls indignantly up at Ford.

Ford is more than a little surprised by Dipper's cutting remark. He feels stupid for it, but he had almost thought himself exempt to any kind of negative emotion from the kid. Then again, it is his sister. He sighs. "Dipper, look," He presses his fingers to his temple. "I didn't mean to-"

Dipper is in no mood to listen. "Great Uncle Ford," He crosses his arms. "Did you even bother asking why Grunkle Stan invited her to live here?"

Ford frowns. "I don't see why that's-"

"Her parents kicked her out."

Ford's face pales. Oh God. So that's it. That's why Stan was so quick to bite back. Even if the argument quickly devolved into petty jabs at each other, it was rooted in that one terrible truth. "But…why?"

Dipper sneers, but not at Ford. "Because they are terrible people. That's why. They have always been terrible to Pacifica, but she only now stood up to them. And because she did they kicked her out, disowned her."

Ford grimaces. He is jolted back to a time so long ago it might as well be another life entirely. In a way he supposes it is. To when their father threw Stan out on the streets and broke up their family, the first in many cracks between himself and Stan.

Dipper knows what Ford must be thinking about, the pained expression on his face makes it clear enough. He feels a bit bad, but he knows this is what needed to be done. A little guilt might help Ford think when it comes to the people around him, rather than just thinking when it comes to the problems hidden within the basement. "So, you should probably go and apologize to Grunkle Stan for being, well, y'know."

Ford might have laughed out loud at the suggestion if his heart wasn't in his stomach. Instead all he can do is smile painfully and say, "It's not that simple Dipper." He pats Dipper on the head before he walks off in the opposite direction as Stan. When he rounds the corner he is once more face to face with the little girl who started it all. Now though, he doesn't just see one of Mabel's crazy friends. In fact, he has serious doubts she is in any shape or form a friend. He sees a girl with nowhere to go and the closest thing to safety being this dangerous old shack.

Pacifica takes a few steps back upon seeing him. She ducks her head and bites her lip as she tentatively peers up at him. She didn't hear much, but she did hear his exchange with Dipper. And that wasn't enough to inspire confidence.

Ford chews on his lip as he looks about himself. "Ah, um, Pacifica was it?"

Pacifica starts at the sound of her name. It's silly really, but it has nothing to do with him and his apparent anger issues. It is the simple fact he is an adult and all adults who ever had dominion over her used her name as a preface to an order. She nods meekly.

Ford notices how she flinches at the sound of her name and makes a mental note. In all likelihood he probably won't even talk to her again, but just in case. "I, um, sorry. About reacting like that." He rubs his neck.

Pacifica shakes her head. His continued nervousness eases the weight off her shoulders slowly but surely. People who lack confidence or at least an air of it don't have it in them to do what her parents did. And this man, their other uncle, he seems to care about each word spoken, as if her feelings matter. It gives her the courage to speak, even if only softly. "It's alright."

Silence creeps in on them after that and it only makes Ford more uncomfortable. "Uh," He digs around in his pockets. He isn't searching for anything in particular, but when his hand closes around a pen he chooses it. "Hey, have this." He extends his hand.

Pacifica blinks down at the offering. She looks from him to the pen and back again. Weird. But whatever. She takes it and holds it close to her face. "Uh, thanks."

Upon her acceptance it is like a light turns on for Ford. He comes to life. "It's a pen, but it shoots lasers if you hit the button." He leans forward to get a better look. "See? There." He points to a tiny button close to the tip. "Sooo, probably don't actually try to write with it." He half laughs. "It might burn a hole through the paper."

Pacifica giggles. "Ok." A smile comes to her face and her eyes brighten.

Ford smiles back. Being able to coax her out of her frightened state gives him great satisfaction. "Well, I'm off." He salutes and almost reaches over and ruffles her hair out of habit, but he catches himself. Instead he holds his hand out, offering a handshake. "It was…nice, to meet you."

Pacifica notices his hand and more precisely the extra finger attached, but she doesn't breathe a word of the strange sight. She keeps her thoughts to herself, knowing it is what she would want and what he would give if there was some anomaly about her. She simply takes his hand and gives a small shake. "Yeah, nice to meet you, uh, other Mr. Pines."

Ford chuckles. "Just call me Ford."

Pacifica gives a shy smile. "Oh, alright Ford." The name feels strange on her lips, but she is sure she'll get used to it soon enough. After all, this is her temporary home. While she doesn't want to impose, she won't deny that she could be here a while, as long as they let her.

"Later." Ford retracts his hand and waves as he takes his leave. He disappears around the corner, taking the long route back to the vending machine. He has completely forgotten his hunger, set on making up lost time caused by this incident. After all, he must protect this family. Because no matter what Stan says, he does care. It's just in a different way.

Pacifica watches him go. She might have looked on into the emptiness – she does that a lot it seems – but movement catches her eye.

"Hey," It is Dipper. He comes to a stop before her. He leans forward slightly, trying to fully see her face and gauge her emotions. It isn't that she is royalty and to be treated more delicately than the common folk – them – but she is in a rather fragile state right now. Anyone being kicked out by the only family they've ever known would be pretty upset. "Are you alright?" He finds himself holding his breath despite himself.

Pacifica smiles. She immediately perks up at the very sight of him. She feels lighter, relieved that she is with someone who completely understands her. "Yeah. Your uncle, he's weird," Like the rest of you. "But he, he's pretty nice too." Her smile widens as she rolls the pen between her fingers.

Dipper looks curiously at the item in her grip. "Oh, what's that?" Did Ford give that to her? If so he is a bit worried at what it could do. His gifts always do something. Usually something dangerous.

Pacifica shrugs. "A pen I guess. Ford gave it to me. Says it shoots lasers." She giggles. "But I don't know about that. Sounds ridiculous." As ridiculous as it sounds though, she can't deny it sounds equally awesome. Just another weird thing about this family.

Dipper frowns. "Yeah, uh, just be careful with it. Alright?"

"Sure, sure." She slips it into her coat pocket. She dims noticeably in the next instant. She remembers the hunger gnawing at her and is reminded yet again of how helpless she is in this situation. Still, her pride won't help her now. So she asks, "Uh, hey, Dipper." She hates how pathetic she sounds. When he looks fully at her she continues, "I don't really…y'know, know where the food is."

"Oh." Surprise passes over Dipper's face. "Yeah, yeah of course. I'll show you around." He nods. "This way." He motions her in his direction.

Pacifica smiles to herself as she follows after him. Maybe she'll have this all figured out before she knows it. Either way, it sure is nice to have people who are willing to at least pretend they care.

I really loved writing this and am so excited to keep going. We'll see how far this feels fest gets me. I already have a bunch written for future scenes because initially I started this only meaning to hop around to different moments at random points during Pacifica's stay. I later decided I wanted to be more chronological about it and so this is my first scene. Please review!