Ces: are ya'll here to murder me?
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Chapter 81 "New Boundaries"
Dipper packs his things and took the one-inched thick stack of papers from his professor under his armpit in haste. He doesn't know what's his facial expression is but whatever it is, it must be horrifying since the professor seems shaken by his actions today.
After finally fixing his bag, he faced his professor and formally bows his head. "Thank you for allowing me to skip your classes for a week, professor." He sternly stated.
"Ah--- it's alright. But, Mr. Pines," the professor leans against the table, eyeing him carefully. "Please do look after yourself. You'll overwork if you keep this up." He slowly said.
The faculty knows why Dipper Pines is like this. On why he's agitated, stressed, and most of all, worried. Why the tear marks on his face are still visible no matter how many time he cleans himself up. The news of Illusimate's second heir's accident is a whiplash to all. Especially when finally he is slowly getting famous through his looks and family name.
Dipper stares back at him, not smiling or showing any acknowledgment at all. He's just blank. He nods.
"Yes, professor." He answered, with that he left with a last bow and ran out from the room and ahead to his car.
No one can understand what I'm going through. Dipper thought repeatedly, like chanting. He arrives to his car that is under the green leaves of a tree, with the right amount of shade. He hates the sunny weather today, it was as if mocking him despite everything that is happening, the world is still spinning and moving on.
With his loathing to everything that is happening right now, he didn't even noticed a certain black haired basketball player leaning against the body of the tree and his eyes gnawing on the sight of the depressed man.
Dipper pulls out his keys and unlocks the car, still noticing Jake.
He was about to get in until finally Jake breaks his silence.
"Pines." His voice light and almost a creepy whisper.
The voice sends shivers down to Dipper's spine. He whips his head to face Jake's bored look, it offended Dipper for some odd reason. He glowers to the basketball player.
"What do you want." It wasn't a question but a demand.
Jake steps closer to him, close within his arm reach. He shrugs. "If, hypothetically, I told you that I kind of knew that you are Oren West and the rumours of the both of you dating, what will you do?" He paused, assessing Dipper's reaction. "All hypothetical, of course." He followed.
Dipper was dumbfounded and surprisingly, he wasn't surprised that this seemingly calm yet has a menacing air around him when necessary basketball player in front of him knew that he is Oren West and that he is dating Illusimate's second heir.
He grips tight at his keys. "If you knew, then you knew, I don't really care." He says, as a final reply and tucks himself inside the driver's seat.
He slams the door close and locks every door just in case the tall man do any funny business.
Jake leans near the window, staring down to Dipper who is very bothered to his stare. He sweat drops and pushed a button to slide down the window, he scowled at him.
"Leave me alone like you always have, Jake. I don't have time for you." He said.
Jake smirked. "I am flattered that you give time for me, Pines. However, I just want to say that you need to calm down." His smirk fading real quick then he tilts his head, "your sister is worried about you." He suddenly stated.
Dipper felt something inside snapped inside him. Without even thinking, he shouted at him. "Shut up! We're not even friends then you go telling me these bullshit!?" He jammed the key in and started the car without a haste. He gave him his glare for this week. "Don't fucking befriend me, you fucking bullied me last year and even manipulated me. I won't play around your palm anymore, asshole." He taunted.
Jake steps away from the car, frowning and silent of the fact that he wanted to apologize of his actions back then. He clenched his jaw, looking away with a frustrated glare.
They both didn't say anything else to each other. It was for the best. Dipper clicked his tongue then drives away from Jake, from the tree, from the university, from that horrible place that he still needs to endure for two more years.
Before pulling up the window close again, he heard a distant chirping of a bird. His mood went sour more.
*=*
Mabel watched her mother fretted over the phone on her ear, speaking frantically. Her tone mixed with worry and the overwhelming news of the fact her son is Oren West and is dating Bill Cipher, the said second heir of Illusimate Co. She munched on her granola bar, tapping her finger on top of the smooth marble top of their island kitchen.
"Are you sure you'll be fine with going alone? ---- I, of course, obviously, I'm still not used to this, okay--- Yes, Mabel is here, would you like--- Oh. Okay. Alright. Just be careful, okay? Message us when you touchdown, okay? I love you, swee--- okay, okay! Have a safe flight!" With that, Ariel ended the call with a worried etched on every crook of her face.
Mabel bites the inside of her cheek, looking at her bar. "So, what happened?" She slowly asked.
Her mother sighed heavily as she makes her way to Mabel and gave her the phone, "thank you, princess." She smiles, tired. "He's already at the airport. We cut off when the plane started boarding." She reported with a puff.
Mabel chuckled, finishing off her bar. "He'll be fine. He's been doing this ever since he left home for college." She stated, feeling the gnawing feeling on her stomach.
She was mourning about something when suddenly a warm hand landed on top of her shoulder. It shook her to the extent she almost pushed Ariel away from her, but she didn't, thankfully. She turned to her, eyes widen, surprise than expecting.
"Mom?"
"We're both worried." Ariel smiled. "But as you said, he'll be fine." With that she squeezed her shoulder and took shelter on the living room, continuing her vacuuming.
Mabel groaned as her forehead felt the cold marble top, even that small contact sent shivers down her spine.
"That was a lie though..." She muttered.
*=*
Wynn almost went on a fit when she heard about Bill's accident through the television that she requested last month. It was to keep her updated to anything related happening to Illusimate. She was so fucking thankful that she did and was allowed.
She swallowed down her saliva with a few pills down her throat dryly. The hard but quick to melt shells of the pills scratched her throat, it somewhat sends relief on her.
Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. You'll alert the nurses if they found your heart beating irregularly. She forced herself to breath properly, despite her lungs burning due to her sudden hacking earlier.
Her body straightened up, even shaking like an earthquake, she managed to keep herself from collapsing mentally and physically. She breathes in. 1. 2. 3. 4. Her mind racing with so many questions but for her sake, she abruptly stopped them. She exhales. 5. 6. 7. 8. She opens her eyes and sees the room a bit more clearer.
Wynn smiles at herself, then finally let herself think.
It said that he got caught on an accident between a truck and a car... In an intersecting roads. He was in the middle road while the truck on the right road, and the other at the left. The truck was driving fast and lost his break, as the car drove past the traffic lights. The truck driver noticed this and turned to his left, where Bill is patiently waiting for the traffic light to go green. Due to the sudden turn, the container slid from the wet road and fell, the other car meeting with its fate to the container. The truck still managed to dodge Bill's car but crashed his front window, sending the glasses in front of Bill. The glasses are the ones who blinded him.
She repeatedly thought of what the dozen reporters said and also the news reports from the internet. It has become quite a news since it is just earlier that Bill finally resurfaced as working under Mantino. So most people thought it might be some coincidence or someone tried to kill him, after all, Illusimate is one of the money-making company.
Then, it hit her like a bullet.
"Someone did tried to kill him." She whispered, feeling her phone vibrate. Her lips turning into one of her deepest scowl. "Father did this." She revealed, like it was a matter of fact.
She took her phone to reveal Dipper's message.
From: Dipper Pines
Good day, Wynn. I hope you are doing well, of course, I'll skip the boring greetings. We both know who did this and also Bill. I'm on my way to New York and will be staying with him for a week. I know, I broke our deal on not seeing him while he's there but I just have to see him.
I actually have a favor to ask you.
She reads the favor with a pointed gaze. She should be mad, or disgusted, but the favor sent shivers down her body, a great shiver, that's for sure.
Her lips turn into a huge smile.
He's crazier than little brother.
*=*
Evening came when Dipper stepped outside New York's airport, he couldn't remember how many times he had gone to this place just for a quick drink since he knows a bar here that makes a pretty great Irish Stout. Although, if he wants an Irish Stout he could just go to Scotland. But it'll be too much goading.
His duffle bag on his hand and his bomber jacket tight around him like it was still December. His breath comes out faded white and disappears quickly as he saw sight of the exhausted looking but beautiful Cassandra by the gate.
Dipper almost wanted to collapse on her arms as she presented them with a welcoming smile. He smiled back, shaking.
"How is he, Ms. Cassandra?" He asked first thing.
Cassandra lays a hand on his arm, squeezing a comforting warmth. "Awake. He's been waiting for you. But I can't assure that he would like it that you're here, Dipper." She informed.
Dipper expected that. After all, he broke his deal, their promise. He clenched his jaw. He didn't say anything else but he lets himself be tugged by Cassandra on her car, in which Tweedledum and Tweedledee are waiting for them.
He at least gave them a small smile and a half bow as he enters the car and they drive onto the night, heading straight to the hospital that Bill is admitted.
He let himself lean against the leather seat and sigh involuntarily on the air. He felt stuffy since earlier and now, he can literally feel the fear on his stomach now. He saw how Bill gets mad, it's terrifying and cold. But now, he will be the receiving end of Bill's reasonable emotion, is putting him on the edge.
He grips on his pants. But I just want to see if he's alright. I want to be there for him. I couldn't handle leaving him out of this, alone, probably completely blind now. I don't want him to alone. He closed his eyes to bite back the tears.
Cassandra watches him closely throughout the ride. She chooses her words carefully. Not wanting to make the other man burst into a mad fit or in tears. Then, she sighed silently.
When she told Bill that Dipper will be visiting for a week, it was visible to his face that he didn't like the idea. When she asked why he doesn't like it, the answer she only got is that it'll cause publicity. But she knows that it's more than that.
Her chest clenched at the sight of her son in a hospital bed, very similar to Wynn's state but he's alive, speaking properly with his mighty tone, and in his color. The only difference is that Wynn doesn't have bandages covering her eyes. She misses truly Bill's golden eyes, it reminds her of her eyes, and the spark of James' childishness.
Without even noticing it, they pulled into a stop in front of the expensive looking hospital. Tweedledee opens the door for them, Cassandra steps out first followed by Dipper, his duffle bag with him.
Dipper stares in pain at the sight. He never liked hospitals and he never will.
"Let's go, Bill's waiting." Cassandra ushered him inside with her soft voice but demanding air around her.
Dipper followed with a worried expression.
Of course, Cassandra noticed this.
"You'll be fine, Dipper." She stated, once they are inside the elevator and headed to the 5th floor. They stand side by side, while Dipper stares out at the transparent glass behind him.
New York is really beautiful... He thought, his mood getting better by the breathtaking sight. He shook his head at Cassandra's words, "I know I'm going to be fine. I'm just worried that he'll get mad at me." He replied.
Cassandra shrugs, her pale shoulders thin and small cuts visible. If you ask if why she has those, she'll just answer with a retort. "Well, you two did have a deal. But, I don't think my son will get angry at you for such a thing." She smiles at him over her shoulder.
"You're very confident of that, Ms. Cassandra." Dipper frowns.
"When he got out from the car, all bloody and still bleeding, he told me real quick that I shouldn't call you because you'll get worried." She sighs. "But I still did once I saw the reporters and phones shooting the scene. I had to tell you before you hear it from other people. Bill was, of course, furious, but not for long... After he got checked up and went straight for surgery... He's like a different man." She whispered as the elevator dings and stopped.
Dipper stares at Cassandra, confused. "What do you mean?" He asks.
They both left the elevator and went ahead on the hall, the hallway with eggshell white and the type of fancy hospital walls and decorations that you will see in movies. Cassandra took the lead, "the doctors told us that his eyesight might be gone, but they aren't sure of that. The shards of glass got inside of his eyes, but they managed to get it off successfully. Now, the matter if he's completely blind or not, we will have to wait." She stopped walking, and faced a white door.
Dipper suddenly felt a whiplash of anxiety on his body. But he didn't complained or said anything, he wants to hear more. So he waited for her.
Cassandra takes a deep breath, as if composing her. "Bill is... just highly fidgety ever since and I'm worried, like any mother should. We both know who's behind this and I'm doing research behind him." She sighed shakily then faced Dipper, her face twisted into a worried expression. "I called you so you know and that you can be here for him. He can't handle this alone despite all of his acclaims. Just be there for him, okay?" She requested.
Dipper nodded as he hold both of her shaky and cold hands, he squeezed them both, smiling softly.
"I won't let you down, I promise."
Cassandra nodded, a small smile playing on her thin lips. "Thank you, Dipper." She said.
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It happened way too fast. He wasn't breaking the road rules like he usually do to meet up to his reputation. He was just waiting for the red turn to green, so he can go home, clean up, then call the love of his life. However, he never expected for things to happen like this.
Although, he should have.
Bill Cipher and his cousin Reynold are so close in finally finalizing things for the soon to be trial.
He just have to get into a freaking accident that Mantino planned for him. He should have expected this bullshittery from Mantino.
Bill couldn't even move half os his face thanks to the bandage around his head. It covers his forehead, eyes, until the bridge of his nose. It's damn itchy, he thought. He lifts his hand and tried to scratch the area that's itchy but to no avail. The bandages are thick and not comfortable at all.
What's even more uncomfortable is that all he can see is darkness.
He's not even mad that he's probably blind right now, he's just weird ass annoyed that he needs to wait. Although, if he ever gets blind, it'll be awesome since it says that the other senses will heighten up like some kind of superhero ability.
However, now that he thinks about it. That might be a theory just for movies and not applicable for reality.
Welp. I'll think of something. He thought with a dry laugh but cuts abruptly when the door creaks open and a sudden intake of breath.
Bill caught something like a whiff of cinnamon and aftershave. Maybe even peanut butter but he's just probably hungry. He never liked hospital food, too stale and less love.
His heart jumped on his throat as his pulse quicken when he heard the voice that he's been pining since he left for New York.
"Hi, love."
*=*
Dipper couldn't even contain himself from running from the door and literally jumping to Bill's side as he wrapped his arms around the body he is so missed and yearned for. He buries his head on the crook of Bill's neck, taking in the scent of the hospital and Bill's natural scent of jasmine.
His smile breaks into a huge smile, his breathing heavy but delighted. He can feel now the water works going now.
"Pine Tree." Bill answered, his voice at awe.
He noticed that he has no idea how to move his arms right now, probably due to shock or the fact it literally struck at him right now that he can't see Dipper.
Dipper whimpered at the very familiar nickname. Despite all of the ridiculous and cringe worthy nicknames or endearments that Bill called him, he will always love the first nickname that he made when they first met. He released the injured man and carefully grabbed Bill's cheeks to face him, he bites his lips, heart wrenching in happiness and in pain.
"Oh, Bill," he leans to place a kiss on his forehead then placed his forehead against the other's, "I'm so thankful that you're alive." He whispers.
Bill tugs a smile on his lips. He can now finally move his arms, they went on Dipper's hands, holding them like a lifeline. He released a long breath out.
"A little accident won't murder me, Pine Tree." He replies. Why does he feel his eyes watering despite closed and wrapped up tight shut? "I have a life goal to live until I'm 130 years old." He jokes.
That successfully released a tight laugh from Dipper. It wasn't the laugh that Bill wanted but still, it's a laugh from the love of his life.
"But that doesn't mean it's okay for you to come here!" With that Bill took this chance to pinch Dipper's hands, the latter yelped and even jumped a half foot apart from him.
Dipper whines and caters to his pinched recently hands. He expected this but it still hurts that Bill wasn't that excited or happy that he's here. He pouted, looking sheepishly at the white bandages that's supposed to be his eyes.
"I can't just stay there and wait for news, idiot. And you know that!" He reasoned.
Bill turns his head to face ahead, away from Dipper's way. He can't see him but he can be sure damn well know where his presence is. Woah. Are my senses picking up a lot now? He amazingly thought with awe. But quickly disperse the idea, he's supposed to be mad at Dipper right now!
Dipper looks down, as if ashamed, but in reality, he just really can't cope up to the idea that he can't see Bill's eyes. He thought that he can handle it. But apparently, he couldn't handle it and it hurts him inside how selfish he can be right now of the fact that he's thinking of his pains than Bill's.
He gritted his teeth, angry at himself.
"I talked to my professors. They allowed me, even the president! They let me go for one week in exchange I do take home activities and they will be done and perfected by Monday next week." He forced his tongue to move, he can't let Bill think something is wrong with him. "So, it's fine, I'm fine. It's just for a week, I just want to be here for you, please." However, looks like his life wants to laugh at him.
Bill turns his head to Dipper's area. Just as he suspected, he can sense his presence the most without a hitch. He frowns. "Is something wrong, Pine Tree?" He asked.
"Nothing is wrong." Dipper answered, too fast.
He blinks. Crap.
"There is something wrong, huh." Bill croons.
Dipper panics. "So-So-Sorry---"
Bill, all of a sudden, raised his arms, an invitation for a hug. He tilts his head, smirking a bit too much.
"Shut up, Pine Tree." He stated, "come here, dumbass." He demanded with so much softness and kindness. "I'm still mad but I don't blame you for it." He murmurs.
Dipper felt his insides melt and quickly wrapped his around Bill's torso, he felt some bandages inside his hospital suit too but he didn't care. He let his focus stay on his warmth, and the touch he's been craving for weeks.
And Bill did so too. He didn't think of what might happen later on or tomorrow or the next day. He didn't let his mind wander on why is Dipper afraid? He let himself go and swallow all these emotions down, he let himself embrace this man that he yearns.
It's pathetic that they can't manage to stay away for such a short period of time. It makes him feel angry but somewhat thankful that he isn't the only one feeling this way.
"I missed you." He whispered unknowingly.
Dipper took a mental note of the word 'missed', he smiled. "I missed you too."
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Ces: votes and comments are appreciated! im back w my pace! expect more updates now!
Words: 3821