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Usually, waking up to Bill’s morning practice was something Dipper loved to do on his days off. The melodies he played were almost always dreamy and quiet, unless Bill wanted to be an asshole and would sing at the top of his lungs. However, today all Dipper wanted was to wake up curled around his lover, not empty sheets. But, as always, Bill was already up and dressed well before the morning light hit Dipper’s eyes.
He continued to listen carefully to Bill’s singing from the living room. Bill was unusually quiet this morning as if he didn’t want Dipper to hear him. From their bedroom, Dipper could just hear that there was a whisper of lyrics above the keys. As he lied still on his back, he wondered if he should stay in bed for a while longer and enjoy listening to Bill play. It’ll be a long time before he’d get the luxury to again. Ultimately, Dipper decided to get up and follow the music. Entering the living room, he found Bill hunched over the piano, and he was finally able to make out the lyrics.
“What’ll I do when you’re far away and I am blue?” Bill looked drained. His eyes were a dulled yellow instead of sparkling gold with dark rings underneath them like he had slept at all last night. His blond hair that he took pride in having styled perfectly was disheveled with locking going every which way. His voice, smooth as caramel, even with it’s slightly bitter edge But, His hands still moved with a certain grace that only years of practice can achieve. “What’ll I do when I am wondering who is kissing you?What’ll I do…?”
Dipper walked over to the other, wrapping his arms around his neck, and resting his chin in top of his head. “Good morning." He said, quietly.
Bill placed his hands over his lover's, and smiled dejectedly at the keys. "I made some joe if you want any." Dipper nodded, but didn’t move. Instead, he buried his face in Bill's hair and stayed silent. "Pine tree, is it selfish to ask you to smile for me today?”
Dipper thought for a moment. Despite how shitty he felt, today was a big day for Bill He worked so hard for so long to have this moment, to be discovered. It was about to pay off. The least Dipper could do was smile for him.
“Okay.” He said, pressing his lips against the top of Bill’s head.
Bill turned on his bench to face him. “Thank you.”
Dipper’s smile was small and weak, but it was the best he could manage at the moment. He gazed into his lover’s eyes, seeing them flicker through so many different emotion. Bill was always so decisive, and to see him so conflicted made Dipper feel like he had a boulder sitting inside his chest.
Dipper cupped his face, and leaned down to press a soft kiss onto Bill’s lips. He wanted to remember the feeling of having Bill in his arms, his lips on his. When they parted, Dipper rested his forehead against Bill’s. “I’m so proud of you.” He whispered, “I’m so happy that you’ll finally get to live your dream.”
“Even if it means that I have to move to Chicago?” Dipper tensed before he quickly forces himself to relax. The corners of his lip quivered, but still were held up turned.
“Even if it means you have to move to Chicago.”
Bill stared up him for a second before moving to stand from his bench. He gently closed the piano, and led Dipper into the small kitchenette. “Let’s just pretend for a bit that I’m not going anywhere, that I’m still performing that lousy speakeasy, and we’re still working just to keep the roof over our heads.”
Dipper could help but remember Bill saying something similar on their one-year anniversary. Deep in the forest surrounding Gravity Falls, in a clearing they had discovered, Bill pulled him up off the blanket where they where having dinner, he wrapped his arms around him, and said,
Let’s pretend for a bit that I’m an A-list celebrity whose whole world is at the palms of their hands, and I could give you anything you ever wanted on a silver platter.
It all seemed so far away now.
Both of them were silent as Dipper fixed breakfast. Bill sat at the table, sipping his coffee tentatively, staring at Dipper as he scurried around the kitchenette. The morning light spilled in from the open window. The chirping birds and sizzling bacon was the only sound. It wasn’t until food was on the table that Bill spoke.
“Do you remember how we met?” Dipper nearly choked on his pancake as Bill threw his head back laughing. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“That night was horrible.”
“Aw, come on, It wasn’t that bad.”
“It was my first night and I had already fucked up.”
“Now that I think about it, I don’t think you ever paid my for my dry cleaning—”
“That stain could’ve been dealt with regular soap and elbow grease.”
“Or that expensive wine—”
“Technically, I wasn’t the one who dropped it.”
“Or the repairs for my piano.”
“Bill!” Dipper’s flushed pink as he threw his napkin at the jerk.
The blond grinned broadly as Dipper’s mood lifted. In fact, the whole room seemed to glow brighter now. Man, was he going to miss moments like this.
“You’re right, Pine Tree, it was that creepy old guy you tripped that broke it.” Bill chuckled. “Man, I would have paid top dollar to see the owner lose his head like that again.”
“Not that you made it any better.” Dipper got up to pour some more joe. “If I remember correctly, which I do, you had made sure that everyone knew that it was my fault that you wouldn’t be playing until the piano was fixed.” He turned to glare over his mug at Bill while leaning against the counter. “I had to worked five times as hard to keep customers from filing complaints against me. Even the staff hated me.”
“Come now, it wasn’t that bad—”
“They kept switching my orders around, and gave me more hours than anybody else.”
“But, you made more dough that way.” Bill pushed away from the table, and walked over to his pouting lover, leaning in close. ”And, hey, you got to spend more time with me at work.”
“That was the worst part about it.” Now, it was Bill’s turn to pout while Dipper smirked.
“You wound me, Pine Tree.” Bill said dramatically, wrapping his arms around Dipper.
“Good. You deserve it for months of torment.”
Bill pulled back a little to look at him. “Now, you’re over exaggerating. It wasn’t that long, only for about three weeks before I decided to take you under my wing.”
“Oh, like that makes it any—”
The sound of the clock chiming cut through the air like a knife, putting an end to their lighthearted mood.
Bill’s smile dropped, and he tightened his hold on Dipper like he was about to disappear in that instant. The too loud chiming continued, echoing in the small apartment. Dipper closed his eyes, and rested his forehead against Bill’s. Even when the chiming finally stopped, they still stood there for a while longer, taking comfort in each other.
“Let’s get your bags into car…” Dipper whispered. He untangled himself from Bill, and made his way into the living room. “You have everything?”
Bill nodded.
***
The drive to the bus stop was tense as neither were sure what to say. The bus stop itself was deserted as it almost always was with nothing but the breeze rustling the branches to break the silence. The sky was still a soft pink with the early morning’s sun, and only just dotted with the occasional clouds. Everything seemed so peaceful. It didn’t reflect the heartache that the couple felt sitting on the old wooden bench. Dipper was actually kind of annoyed at the calmness of it all.
The silence that they sat in began it weight heavily on Dipper. There was a million things he could say, but very little of what he felt he should say. He looked over at Bill who was leaning forward on his cane with his hands folded neatly under his chin. He looked solemn even when slouching.
“Hey, Dipper…” Bill said softly. “Do you think that I might be making a mistake?”
Dipper turned Bill’s head by his chin, forcing the other to look at him. He stared straight into his eyes, and with a sharp tone said, “Don’t you ever doubt your decision. You deserve everything that’s coming to you. I’m not going to let you give up your dream.”
Bill took Dipper’s hand from his chin, intertwining it with his own. “It’s not that I don’t want to go. It’s leaving you behind is what’s killing me.” He pulled the other into his arms, holding him as if he intended to never let go. “I’m about to have everything I ever wanted, but the one person who would I want to share it all with will be hundreds of miles aways from me.”
Dipper laid his head on Bill’s shoulder, sighing heavily. “I’m sorry…” The apology was so quiet that Bill wouldn’t have heard it if it wasn’t said so close to his ear.
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Bill raked his hand through the brunette’s hair before groaning, “I should just push you on to the bus and kidnap you.”
“You know, you can’t do that.” Dipper said with a small smile.
“You’re right, I can’t start doing illegal activities until I at least have one award.”
“Bill.”
“A guy can dream, can’t he?” The blond chuckled. “I wish you didn’t have to stay in this hick town. We could’ve been sitting here with stars in our eyes and two gold rings on our fingers.”
“That would have raised a few brows.”
“Nah, I’d get us a pair that aren’t too flashy. Nobody would’ve noticed. Just our little secret.”
Dipper loved the idea of being sneaking around after shows. Stolen moments in dressing rooms, ditching glamorous parties early for some privacy. It all sounded so thrilling and romantic. And, the small fear of getting caught together added that a touch of adrenaline that rivaled most romance novels. But, it was already difficult enough to hide a relationship in a small town. Being under constant limelight, it would near impossible. Bill would be destroyed if anyone knew about them. However, even if their relationship wasn’t a problem, he still couldn’t have gone with him.
Too much is tying him to Gravity Falls. His sister, Mabel, and him need to help pay Grunkle Stan’s debts. Lord knows that the man won’t be able to do it himself. He would have already end up on the streets if it weren’t for him and Mabel.
“You know, I’ll come back for you, right?” Bill asked, “Once I’m rich and famous, I’ll be able to take care of you. You’ll never have to work ever again.”
Dipper pulled back to smirk at the man.“I hope so or I’ll kick you ass if I hear you got some doll hanging off your arm.”
“Aw, have a little faith in me, Pine Tree! No doll could ever compete with you. Although, I can’t promise that I won’t look.” Bill laughed as Dipper smacked him upside the head. When his laughter died back down, He smiled warmly at his lover. His eyes shimmering in the pale sunlight as he looked at Dipper with contentment. “I love you so much.”
Dipper returned his smile with just a much love. “I love you, too.” They leaned into each other, and their lips met in a soft kiss. Dipper tried to pour all his love into it, all the memories, and the fire that Bill had set in him when they first met. Gripping his hair, his eyes burned with unshed tears. They pulled apart when they finally heard the obnoxious engine of the bus making its way down the road.
They untangled themselves from each other, and collected Bill’s things as the bus slowed to a stop. The driver helped load some of the heavier trunks on the compartment, then boarded back on to give them privacy for last goodbyes. Dipper wanted to kiss Bill again, but he couldn’t when the driver can see them. Instead, Bill pulled him back into a tight hug.
“I’ll miss you, Pine Tree.” He whispered into his ear.
“I’ll miss you, too.” Dipper repeated. “Write to me when you get the chance.”
“Of course.” Bill then pulled back, and with a killer smile said, “We’ll see each other again, I promise!”
“I’ll hold you to that.” They hesitated for just a split second, but Bill took the first step back. He boarded the bus, and Dipper watched the doors close behind him. Through the windows, He could see Bill had sat in the very back.
The bus jerked forward ,and the wheels turned. Bill look out to Dipper with a hopeful smile, and Dipper chuckled, knowing what he wanted. Once the bus began to move a bit faster, he jogged next to it by Bill’s window. The faster the bus moved, the faster he jogged. Bill’s smile widen in elation and waved through the window as he watched Dipper who was now running. Soon, the bus was too fast for him to keep up, but he still waved wildly until it was no longer in sight.
With Bill unable to see him, Dipper finally cried.
***
It was getting late when Dipper came home after a long day at work. He was exhausted, but he couldn’t sleep just yet. Not that he could even if he wanted to. Insomnia was a bitch like that. He made himself a pot of joe, and trudging his way back into the living room, collapsing onto the couch. He reached over the arm of the couch to the radio that was placed on the corner table, and tuned into a nationwide broadcast. Bill was going to be interviewed, and give a live performance tonight in a grand venue. Dipper loved his live shows rather than his records, his personality shined through his off-the-cuff banter during his songs.
As he waited for Bill’s segment to come one, his eyes drifted over to the piano out of habit. Dipper still made a point to kept it well-tuned and polished, though it’s currently being used a mantle. On top of it were a few old photos of the two of them when they were living together, and pinned above it were newspaper clipping, articles depicting Bill’s rapid success. The crowds loved him, and who could blame them? Bill had a very addictive personality. With his charm, good-looks and talent, it was only a matter of time before he reached the top of the charts. Now, his shows were almost always sold out, and his music was braking records. Dipper couldn’t have been more proud. Along with of that was a small stack of opened letters. All from Bill ever since he left.
It had been three years since he first left Gravity Falls, and in the beginning they had exchanged letters regularly. However, as Bill’s career took off, his letters became few and far between. Sometimes, he worries that Bill may have forgotten him and his promise. Even now that he hasn’t sent one in a long while, but Dipper doesn’t want to lose faith in him.
Dipper closed his eyes as Bill was finally introduced to the audience. He was really paying much attention to what the host was asking or Bill’s answers, he just listening to the sound of his love’s voice.
“—Alright, let’s wrap this up! Now, Mr. Cipher, I hear you got a new song for us tonight. Is that true?” Asked the host in a peppy voice.
“Yes, I’ve been working on this one for a long while now, and I’m excited to be sharing it tonight.”
“Ooh! Can you tell us if this anything particularly special about it?”
“Actually, yes. I had someone very special in mind while I was writing this song.” Dipper choked on his joe, and coughed up a storm. The crowd teemed with excitement.
“Are they here tonight? Will you be serenading to her?”
“I’m afraid not. We parted ways when I left my home town, but I hope they’re listening at home.” Dipper could hear the insecurity in Bill’s voice. He was always very good at hiding his true emotions behind his stellar smile, could have fooled anyone except for Dipper.
“Well, let’s not keep them waiting!”
“Alright, this one’s for you, Pine Tree!” the crowd quickly quieted down as the band began to play. The music was slow and smooth, and sounded different from the songs that Bill had started producing in his rise to fame. Then, Bill began to sing.
“We’ll meet again. Don’t know where, don’t know when. But, I know we'll meet again some sunny day.” The emotion in his voice was palpable, one would have thought they’ve walked in on a private concert between lovers. It made heat rise in Dipper’s cheeks. “Keep smiling through just like you always do 'till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away!”
Dipper rose from the couch, and moved to sit on the bench of Bill’s old piano. “So will you please say hello to the folks that I know? Tell them I won't be long! They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go, I was singing this song!”
Bill lead the crowd into singing along with him during the second bridge, and Dipper sang softly to himself. God, he loved Bill so much. His eyes watered. Bill was still holding on to what they had, he hadn’t forgotten him. This song was Bill’s way of reminding Dipper that he always kept his promises. As the song was slowly coming to an end, Dipper picked up one of the frames that held an older photo, one that Mabel took. In the photo, Bill in his was wearing a plain black suit that the speakeasy required him to wear as he was attempting to teach Dipper a scale on his piano. Neither were looking at the camera, too caught up in each other’s company. It was his favorite. He held it close to his chest as he sang with Bill the last line of the song.
“But, I know we'll meet again some sunny day!”