Chapter 7

" Do people prefer, " Dale said" or " Said Dale" I've always wondered. " - Author

The sound of swirling water rippled through the scorching hot air. The humidity in the air would make anyone complain. But ignoring this, two figures stood, facing each other, roughly seven feet apart.

" I knew it. You're here! " Screamed out, Dipper, gasping for air between each word. Dale could only stare at Dipper, his mind racing with thoughts. Until he finally responded. " You know it's rude to shout at someone randomly. But what do you want? "

" This book. You know something about it, don't you? Please tell me about it. "

Dipper pleaded, as he quickly pulled out the journal, tightly holding it, before flipping the front cover towards Dale, whose eyes drifted down at the book, staring at the silhouette of six fingers on the book.

" Huh? I don't know anything about that stupid book you have. I'm simply checking out the whirlpools in the lake. They appear this time of year. I like coming to them. It's the only good thing this shitty town has to offer." Responded Dale, hoping to discourage Dipper but instead of discouraging Dipper like he wanted. Dipper's eyes unexpectedly widened as he spoke.

" I thought you said in the gift shop that you recently moved in. "

Dale's face instantly twitched, before he grinned slightly and spoke." Oh did I? But leave me alone kid, I got a job to do. "

" Does the job have something to do with the journal- "

" No. My job has nothing to do with your stupid journal. " Said Dale cutting off Dipper in an annoyed tone, while scratching the back of his head, as he turned his away from Dipper, staring out into the forest. He stared strangely into the forest, before Dipper spoke regaining his attention.

" Even if you don't tell me what this journal is. You clearly are lying about stuff. Which makes me think you do know something about it, and even if it is not today or tomorrow I will find a way to get you to tell me what this journal is. "

" Tsk, alright persistent bastard, whatever you say, just leave me alone. "

As soon as Dale said this, Dipper let out a sigh and spun around, before slowly and almost reluctantly walking into the forest. His shoulders were rounded forward, as he stared at the ground watching the grass underneath his feet sway with each step. He was deep in thought as he walked between two large trees, disappearing into the forest.

Dale watched as Dipper disappeared before he shook his head and spoke while glancing to his left. " Alright, it's your turn. What do you want? You can come out now. "

Right when, Dale said this. A figure walked out from a tree with his fists tightly balled and a furious look on his face.

" If you do anything...to hurt my family, whether it be physically or mentally. If you even dare think about manipulating or harming them. I'll personally murder you. "

Said Grunkle Stan, his gray eyebrows arching in fury. He quickly approached Dale, with hurried steps, while Dale spoke. " Trust me, I have no intention of harming them. "

" Really? Then why were you following us? Earlier, when we were heading to the lake. I know that was you. "

" I wasn't. You woke me up with that dumb conversation you were with the other three. Obviously, I'm going to look for the voice. But you surprised me. From what I heard around town. You're a grumpy selfish old man. And yet, you seem to have a soft spot for your family. But, it is quite ironic for you to tell me about manipulating them. " As soon as Dale said this, Grunkle Stan stopped, with a shocked look on his face.

" What do you mean? "

" I'm talking about the kid. You're tricking him aren't you? Telling him that dumb journal actually means anything? " Said Dale while shrugging his shoulders. As soon as Dale said this, a wave of relief swept across Stan's body. When Stan heard what Dale said, his mind instantly went to his secret basement under the mystery shack, even though it would be impossible, for some reason, he thought, Dale knew about it.

" I know. That kid is stuck on that dumb thing. But, my warning stands. If you do anything, I will make you regret it. "

" Don't worry as long as you stay out of my way, we won't have any problems. "

Grunkle Stan, let out a loud scoff, while he spun around and followed the same path Dipper walked through, hoping to catch up to him. But unbeknownst to Grunkle Stan, even though he preached about Dale manipulating Dipper, he himself was tricked by Dale.

Dale knew he couldn't get close with Dipper or anyone related to the mystery shack. Not because he didn't want to, it's because, he knew, he would accidentally change the timeline. When Dipper caught him in a lie earlier, it was instantly decided in Dale's mind, that getting close to the main cast of Gravity Falls would be impossible. He couldn't keep lying, eventually, it would unravel, and completely ruin the timeline.

Dale watched as Stan left, before a slightly sad grin appeared on his face. And he looked into the sky and mumbled to himself, trying to reinsure his mind "I only have one chance. Don't fuck it up. "...