Chapter Text
When Melody came back home to you from her trip to Gravity Falls, she couldn’t stop gushing about how beautiful the small town was— and about her new boyfriend, who she clearly thought the world of. You were genuinely happy for her, and she even introduced you to Soos via one of their many video chats.
Still, you couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment when she announced she was moving there.
You’d known Melody since she was a teenager, back when you worked closely with her parents. Over the years, she’d become like a little sister to you. So when she invited you to move with her— calling you her “little piece of home,” you didn’t have the heart to say no.
And truthfully, your own life had gone quiet. It was all stale routine. So maybe a change of scenery was exactly what you needed. And that’s exactly what you got working with her and Soos at the Mystery Shack.
Over the year, you’d heard a lot about the two old men and their grand niece and nephew. Soos always had a new story about them to tell, and you’d listen eagerly.
Through him, you learned that Stan and Ford were their names, and they were coming home to spend the summer with family.
Dipper, Mabel, and her pet pig Waddles, arrived a few days before their uncles. You and Melody picked them up at the bus stop, and the first thing Mabel did when she stepped off the bus was run into Melodys arms, which made you smile— reminiscent of the many times Melody used to do the same with you when she was younger. Dipper followed, with a curt nod and a polite wave.
Melody introduced you. “She’s been my friend for a long time, and she moved here with me! She works with us at the Shack now!”
You offered a friendly smile and extended your hand. “I’ve heard a lot of amazing things about you two.”
Mabel grabbed your hand with both of hers, shaking it so enthusiastically you nearly lost your balance. “Any friend of Melody’s is a friend of mine!” Mabel declared, looping her arm through Melody’s and shooting you an enthusiastic pair of finger guns. “Two BFFs for the price of one!”
You giggled, covering your mouth with your hand, then offered to take her bags. She had definitely packed heavy, so the three of you each ended up carrying one of her suitcases. With one hand still free, you turned to Dipper. “Need a hand?”
“Nope! I’ve got it!” he insisted, slinging his duffel bag over his shoulder with exaggerated effort in a clear show of strength.
Mabel snorted and elbowed Melody. “He’s been working out,” she whispered, just loud enough for Dipper to hear.
“Have not!” He shot back, voice cracking mid protest.
“Nothing to be ashamed of, bro-bro,” Mabel said, casually tossing her bags into the open trunk of your car. Dipper rolled his eyes but followed suit, and the twins climbed into the back seat.
They were adorable.
You spent the next couple of days reliably hanging out with Mabel and Melody. The teen brought a burst of energy to the place, adding a spark to the daily grind. Honestly, working at the Shack had become one of the best jobs you’d ever had. Soos was a fantastic boss— enthusiastic, kind, and utterly devoted to his role as Mister Mystery. Your days were already full of laughs and fun, and Mabel only amplified that.
You couldn’t help but wonder if she was always this excitable, or if the buzz in her step had more to do with the fact that her Grunkles were finally returning from their year at sea— set to arrive in just a few hours.
You’d be lying if you said you weren’t nervous. The kids had accepted you easily enough, but… they were kids. Adults were harder to read, so you could only hope Soos had put in a good word for you. After feeling so at home there for so long, the last thing you wanted was to be seen as an outsider.
You were sweeping the gift shop between tours when the rumble of a truck engine caught your attention. Curious, you peered out the window just in time to startle as Mabel came bursting through the door, chanting: “They’re here!”
Everyone sprang into motion, heading outside to welcome the returning older twins. You followed close behind, nerves bubbling in your chest.
“Hey hey!!” called one of the men as he stepped out of the truck. You recognized him immediately from the old photo labeled Founder of the Mystery Shack— this had to be Stan.
Soos got to him first, scooping him up into a bone-crushing hug with impressive enthusiasm.
“Woah, alright there, killer,” Stan laughed, giving Soos a hearty pat on the back.
“I’ve missed you so much! I gotta tell you about the Shack. It’s doing amazing! Being Mister Mystery has changed my life, dude. I can’t even begin to describe—”
“Woah, woah, hey,” Stan interrupted, still grinning as he clapped Soos on the shoulder. “Let me hug my kids before the business report, huh?”
Soos laughed and stepped aside with a sheepish apology, and Stan dropped to one knee, opening his arms wide as Mabel launched into him. “You’re getting too big, kid,” he teased, pulling back just enough to look her in the face. “Cut it out, will ya?
She giggled and waved a hand. “Thanks for noticing my growth spurt!”
Stan’s gaze shifted to Dipper, who stood patiently with his hands in his pockets.
“Hey there, slugger,” Stan greeted, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Whoa— have you been working out?”
Dipper didn’t say anything, but the proud spark in his eyes said it all. Stan chuckled and straightened up just as Ford rounded the truck to join the reunion.
“Grunkle Ford!” Dipper called, nearly as excited as Mabel had been. Ford pulled him into a one-armed hug with a broad grin.
“Boy, you sure shot up, didn’t you?” he remarked, patting Dipper on the shoulder.
Mabel wriggled her way under Ford’s other arm, jabbing her brother in the chest. “I’m still taller!” She teased. Dipper laughed, nudging her back playfully.
Then, as if choreographed, both Stan and Ford looked up at you at the exact same time, curious.
You offered a small, tentative wave. “Hi.”
Thankfully Melody jumped in.
She wrapped an arm around yours, introducing you brightly. “She’s an old friend— moved here with me from back home. Total lifesaver.” She nudged Stan with her elbow. “And she’s a beast at selling merch.”
You could’ve sworn you saw actual dollar signs flicker in Stan’s eyes.
“Well, she’s alright in my book, then,” he said, turning to Soos and slinging an arm around his shoulders. “Speaking of which, how ‘bout that rundown?”
With that, he steered Soos toward the Shack like he’d never left.
That left you with Melody, the kids, and Ford— who stepped forward and extended a six-fingered hand for you to shake.
“Pleasure to meet you,” he said warmly.
You returned his smile, genuinely touched by his kindness. “You as well! I hear you’re a scientist,” you said as you shook his hand. “I’d love to hear more about your research— whenever you have the time, of course.”
His eyes lit up with interest. “I’d be delighted.”
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small book. “I’ve recorded all my findings from our time at sea in this journal.”
Dipper perked up immediately. “Can I see?!”
Ford chuckled and handed it to him. “Of course. Why don’t the three of us go sit down and talk?”
Ford led you and Dipper to a picnic table near the tree line, gesturing animatedly as he launched into stories of the adventures he and his brother had during their time at sea. His hands moved with every detail, drawing vivid pictures in the air as he spoke.
“Mermaids!” Dipper suddenly exclaimed, pointing to a page in the journal.
“Ah, yes!” Ford said with a nod. “I had the pleasure of speaking with their prince, very kind young man—”
“Oh, Mermando,” Dipper cut in, recognizing the name instantly.
Ford paused, tilting his head. “You know him?”
Dipper waved a hand dismissively, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “It was a whole thing.”
Ford rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“He helped prevent an aquatic civil war.”
“Meh,” Dipper shrugged, flipping the page. “He was Mabel’s boyfriend for, like… a day.”
“Huh,” Ford muttered, scratching his head with a bemused look.
You watched them with quiet fascination, eyes bouncing between their expressions. Every now and then, you’d chime in with a question, your voice bright with curiosity. Ford always responded with more than just an answer— he gave you insight, context, and a spark of wonder that made you feel like you were catching a glimpse through his eyes.
You were so caught up in Ford’s storytelling that you didn’t hear the sound of heavy footsteps until they were nearly beside you.
“Soos sent me to grab ya,” Stan said, jerking a thumb toward the Shack. “Got a tour coming through, toots.”
“Oh!” You stood quickly. “Thanks.”
You offered a wave to Ford and Dipper before falling into step beside Stan. “It’s incredible, everything you and your brother have seen,” you said, clasping your hands behind your back as you walked.
Stan shrugged, hands tucked in his pockets.
“Eh. The novelty wears off after a few days.”
You laughed. “Just a few days?”
He smirked, glancing at you from the corner of his eye. “Trust me— when you’ve seen it all, it gets harder to see it all.”
You furrowed your brow at the vague answer, but let it slide.
“So, what about you?” he asked as the two of you stopped by the Shack’s back door. “What brought you out here?”
“Pretty much what Melody said,” you replied. “There isn’t much waiting for me back home, so… this is home now.”
Stan nodded like he understood that better than most. “Well,” he said, holding the door open for you, “welcome home.”
You flashed him a sweet smile as you passed him into the Shack, a little surprised when he trailed behind you all the way to the gift shop. Still, you couldn’t blame him. You were technically a stranger in his domain— of course he’d want to keep an eye on you. Especially when it came to something he’d built from the ground up.
Even so, your skin prickled with anticipation. Melody wasn’t wrong, you were good at making sales, but you hadn’t expected to be performing for the founder himself.
He quirked a brow at the sound of tourists scrambling around outside. “Lemme see what ya got,” he said, nodding toward the door just as it creaked open and a family of four shuffled in. He gave you a little nudge forward with a jerk of his chin.
You shot him a side-eye, then forced on your best customer-service smile, the kind you were 85% sure looked slightly unhinged.
The family approached hesitantly, the mom clutching her purse like was her third baby. The dad looked intrigued, while the two kids were already fixated on a poorly taxidermied squirrel/turtle wearing sunglasses.
Your voice slipped into a sugary-sweet tone like second nature. “Welcome to the Mystery Shack! Home of the bizarre, the unexplained, and…” you gestured to a featured display “…whatever that is. Can I interest you fine folks in a couple of t-shirts? Or maybe…” you held up a simple coffee mug, “a cup that screams when you pour hot liquid into it?”
The mom blinked. “Does it really scream?”
You leaned in, dropping your voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Probably.”
One of the kids gasped and grabbed the mug like it was the only thing to ever exist. “I’ve always wanted a screaming cup, Mommy!”
Behind you, Stan raised a brow.
The dad squinted at the display.
“So… is this stuff real?”
“Oh, absolutely,” you said without missing a beat. “We catch all the anomalies ourselves. We’re licensed professionals.” You waved a hand around, “Legally, I can’t even talk about it.”
That earned a surprised laugh from the mom.
“We’ll take two mugs and four t-shirts.”
“Excellent choices,” you said, ringing them up. “Just so you know, no refunds. Your purchases are now magically bound to you. So… y’know. Enjoy!”
The mom slipped a dollar into the tip jar you had set on the counter next to you before tucking her wallet away, chatting and laughing with her family as they left.
You turned back to Stan, arms outstretched like you’d just pulled off a magic trick. He stared at you for a beat, then scratched his stubble with a thoughtful “Huh.”
You lifted a brow. “What?”
He shrugged, the corner of his mouth tugging into a half-smirk. “Nothin’.”
You were invited to stay for dinner, something you’d done plenty of times before with Soos and Melody, but tonight felt different. The kitchen buzzed with energy, every member of the Pines family contributing to the joyful chaos. You found yourself seated right between Stan and Ford, as if the universe had conspired to place you there… like it knew what was coming.
Suddenly, Mabel clapped her hands together, drawing the room to a hush.
“Alright, family and friends!” she declared. “I need your help with a very important project I’ve decided to take on— for the good of mankind!”
“She’s putting together a dating show,” Dipper cut in flatly, earning a jab to the arm from his sister.
“Ugh! Dipper!” Mabel groaned. “You ruined my reveal!”
“Dating show?” Melody laughed, raising an eyebrow. “That actually sounds kind of fun.”
“It will be fun!” Mabel said, undeterred. “It’s for my tv production class, and I need your help!” She pointed at Melody and Soos. “You two are going to be contestants! I know you’re already dating, but just pretend you’re not! It’ll be so romantic!”
Then she spun to you, finger extended.
You paused mid-chew.
“And you, Y/N!”
Your fork hovered in the air.
She pivoted, now pointing between Stan and Ford. “You’ll get to choose between these two silver foxes!”
You sputtered, scrambling for your water to wash down your bite. Stan leaned back in his chair, eyes wide, while Ford adjusted his glasses with a startled blink.
“Oh, don’t look so shocked,” Mabel said breezily, waving a hand. “It’s just for the show! I promise,” she placed a hand dramatically over her heart, “I’m not trying to set anybody up with anybody.”
Only Melody caught the crossed fingers of her other hand behind her back, and she hid her snort behind her palm.
As long as Melody knew you, you’d been single. She never asked about your love life, because it wasn’t any of her business. But she knew that either of the Grunkles would be lucky to have you. Soos spoke highly of you to the Pine’s when you first moved, so they already knew of you.
Maybe this little project wouldn’t be such a bad way to get to know them, one-on-one.
“It’s perfect that you’re here, Y/N,” Mabel went on, eyes glittering. “There are slim pickings when it comes to eligible bachelorettes in Gravity Falls. Plus, since you don’t know these two all that well yet, that makes everything way more…” she wiggled her fingers theatrically, “authentic.”
“Heh…” you rubbed your arm nervously, “I mean… if it’ll help you with your project,” you chanced a glance between Stan and Ford, “I’m game.”
Mabel beamed and turned to her uncles, who were looking at each other.
Stan was the first to break, sighing as he casually threw an arm over the back of your chair with an amused, crooked grin. “Sure hope you’re a cheap date,” he said with a wink.
Mabel bounced with excitement as she went over the game rules, laying out a piece of paper and grabbing a fistful of colored pencils to map everything out.
“Everyone gets three dates,” she declared, scribbling a colorful mess of lines and circles. She jabbed the end of her pencil at her uncles. “And we’re keeping it PG-13, fellas.”
Stan snorted, grinning. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Your face went red.
“Charming, Stanley,” Ford muttered dryly.
“What?” Stan gave a smug little shrug, tapping your shoulder with the back of his hand. “She knows I’m kidding.”
You chuckled, a little nervous.
You didn’t expect him to be so flirtatious.
“Anyway!” Mabel powered on, clapping her hands. “Whoever’s on their date takes the camera with them. Try to get as much footage as you can.” Then she winked. “And don’t be afraid to really go for it. The more romantic and cheesy, the better!”
You nodded along, trying to stay focused. Ford was clearly invested, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. Stan, meanwhile, stayed leaned back in his chair, looking way too comfortable with his arm still casually draped along the back of yours.
Before long, Mabel wrapped up the “dating show” meeting, and since you had work the next morning, you took that as your cue to head home. You gathered your plate, offered a warm smile and a wave, and made your way to the door with Melody at your side.
“I think this’ll be good for you,” she said as you walked together down the porch steps.
“Good for me?” you laughed. “You mean… dating?”
She gave a small shrug, offering a sheepish smile
You let out a sigh. “I’m a little nervous, honestly. It’s been a while since I’ve even thought about going on a date.”
“That’s exactly why this is perfect,” Melody said, ever the optimist. “Just try to enjoy it.” She stopped with you at your car and squeezed your shoulder. “Let those two weird old men spoil you a little.”
You smiled, exhaling a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. “Yeah… yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Back inside, the Grunkles were doing dishes shoulder to shoulder, water sloshing as they washed.
“She’s gonna pick me,” Stan said smugly, nudging his brother with an elbow.
Ford raised a brow. “Oh? And what makes you so confident?”
“Please.” Stan gestured grandly to himself. “Lady killer.” Then pointed at his twin. “Poindexter.”
Ford snorted and flicked a few drops of dishwater at him in response.
“Hey!” Stan barked out a laugh, already gearing up to launch a full splash war before Mabel darted in between them.
“Boys! Boys…” she said, holding up her hands. “Settle down.”
“He started it,” Stan muttered.
“Absolutely not,” Ford countered, shaking his head with a smirk.
“I have an idea,” Mabel said brightly, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “Let’s settle this with a bet.”
The twins exchanged glances before looking back at her.
“Whoever loses Y/N’s favor,” she said dramatically, “has to declare, on camera, that the other bachelor is the hunkiest Grunkle to ever live.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “And yes, it’ll be featured in the final cut.”
Stan and Ford stared at each other for a beat, twin grins slowly forming.
“Deal.”