Summary: It’s a long way until next summer. Until then, Dipper and Mabel share their daily antics and life problems with their lifelong friends and attentive great-uncles through an endless string of e-mails. Distance makes the heart grow fonder after all, and there’s no place Dipper and Mabel love more than Gravity Falls.

Note: It’s been almost a week since the finale, and that feeling of emptiness hasn’t quite left (neither have the tears). Gravity Falls is a fantastic show, and though I’m sad to see it end, I’m happy it went out on a high note. Until next summer <3

Next Chapter: Two

To: Grunkle Stan (StantheMan)

From: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

Subject: PIG PROBLEM!

Mom and Dad aren’t letting me keep Waddles! I knew it would end like this! I tried to show them how cute and loveable he is but it’s not working! Why isn’t it working? I mean, if you can end up loving Waddles, then my parents definitely can. Help me before they send him to the pound! Or the farm! Help meeeeee!

Much love,

Mabel

“Mooom! Daaad! You can’t do this to me!”

Dipper flinched at the sounds of his sister’s sobbing. Setting his book aside, he crossed the living room and peered into the kitchen, where his parents were having yet another round with his persistent twin. The girl clung to Waddles tightly and the pig looked around curiously, still getting used to his new surroundings.

“Mabel, sweetheart, we’ve been over this,” their mother said in exasperation. “This is a small house and we live in the city. It’s no place for a pig.”

“He’s really no different than a dog,” reasoned Mabel. “He just needs food and love and to be walked.”

“I can’t believe Stanford let you keep the pig in the first place,” Mr. Pines muttered. “What was he thinking?”

Dipper exchanged a brief, quick glance with his sister. Of course their parents didn’t know that it was Stanley who let Waddles stay with Mabel, as it was him they had lived with for most of the summer. Mabel had wrote them a letter a few weeks ago explaining that they now had two great-uncles looking after them. When they came home they quickly realized that their parents didn’t believe a word of any of their adventures of Gravity Falls, believing them to be a work of Mabel’s imagination.

It was best to leave it that way, in Dipper’s opinion. Their entire summer in Gravity Falls was something you needed to see in order to believe. If they kept their parents in the dark, then there was a definite chance they would get to go back.

He doubted that that would be the case if they knew about Bill Cipher and the almost-end-of-the-world.

“Come on,” he spoke up. “Waddles really is a great pig. He’s probably the cleanest pig there is.”

Mrs. Pines crossed her arms, a dubious expression on her face. “Even if that’s true, what are we supposed to feed him? What kind of vet bills exist for taking care of a pig? What did Stanford say when he sent him here with you?”

“Uh…nothing much,” said Dipper, figuring his parents wouldn’t appreciate what Stan really said.

“This isn’t the woods, where there’s lots of space for Waddles to run around,” said Mr. Pines. “I don’t think he’ll be happy here. Ashes refuses to come out from under the bed, she’s so scared.”

“She’ll get to know Waddles and they’ll be best friends,” insisted Mabel.

“Honey, I’m afraid the answer is no,” said Mrs. Pines firmly. “We’ll contact Stanford and if he can’t take care of Waddles, we’ll make sure he goes to a nice home.”

Face crumpling, Mabel sobbed, “It’s not fair!”

“Mabel-” Mr. Pines tried, but the girl raced into her room and slammed the door shut. He sighed heavily and looked at Dipper. “I’ve never seen your sister so distraught before.”

“She loves him,” said Dipper, eyes pleading. “It’s going to make her extremely upset if she has to give him away. Why can’t we keep him?”

“It’s just not practical.”

Dipper glanced at the tiled floor, expression thoughtful. “You know…not everything has to be practical. I know it’ll work out in the end. Just because it isn’t going to be easy or normal doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a shot anyway. The unknown is scary, but if we didn’t venture forwards we wouldn’t get anywhere in life.”

He turned on his heel and strode off to comfort his sister, leaving his parents to stare after him with wide eyes.

To: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

From: Grunkle Stan (StantheMan)

Subject: re: PIG PROBLEM!

Aw, I’m sorry, pumpkin. I’m sure your parents will come around, when they realize how much you love him. You’ve got your brother on your side, I’m sure he’ll help you convince them. I’ll try to call later, have a word with your parents, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to. Ford and I have already set sail, and the reception is spotty.

If your parents are dead set on their decision, send Waddles back to Gravity Falls. Soos will look after him for you until next summer. Then you have 365 days to pester your parents until they give in!

By the way, I’ve never said I love Waddles. Don’t go putting words in my mouth!

Talk to you soon, kiddo!

“Well, that’s not so bad, then,” spoke Dipper, having finished reading Stan’s e-mail over his sister’s shoulder. “If Mom and Dad really don’t cave, then Waddles can go back to the Mystery Shack, and we’ll have a whole year to bug them.”

Mabel rested her chin against the top of the desk, expression miserable. “But it’s not the same! He’ll be hours away and I won’t be able to snuggle with him!”

Before Dipper could try to cheer his sister up there was a knock on their bedroom door and it eased open a second later. Mr. and Mrs. Pines stepped inside and stood before their children. Eyes fearful, Mabel wrapped her arms around Waddles. “Are you taking him to the farm?!”

“No!” soothed Mrs. Pines, kneeling next to her daughter and setting a hand on her shoulder. “Honey…we’ve been thinking…and we’ve decided to let you keep Waddles.”

“Really?” she squealed hopefully.

“Yeah. We see how much you love him, and I suppose if Stanford could make it work, then there really is no reason why we shouldn’t try. But if Waddles becomes a problem or if he’s too expensive to take care of, he’ll have to go back to Gravity Falls.”

“He won’t be a problem or too expensive!” said Mabel gleefully, hugging her mother happily. “You’ll love Waddles, I promise! Thanks so much!”

“Oh, it’s not us you should be thanking,” said Mr. Pines, reaching out to idly rub Waddles’ head. “It’s your brother.”

Dipper stared in surprise. “Me?”

“Yes. Your little speech last night gave us something to think about. It was very…mature of you.”

“You both did some growing up this summer,” said Mrs. Pines, touching Dipper’s cheek affectionately. “Stanford must have taught you a lot.”

“He did,” the twins said together, beaming at each other, Waddles cuddled between them.

He and Stan both.

To: Grunkle Stan (StantheMan)

From: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

Subject: WE WON!

Joyful news! Mom and Dad let me keep Waddles! Apparently Dipper said some smart stuff that impressed them. I just have to make sure Waddles is the perfect pig, which totally won’t be an issue. The only problem is going to be the vet costs…we didn’t really get him any shots or anything in Gravity Falls. Do pigs need shots? Guess I’ll have to find out.

How’s the sailing going? Have you found the kraken yet? Dipper’s gonna set up a video chat later, if you’re up for it.

Thank you, for letting me keep Waddles in the first place. I can’t imagine life without him now.

Dipper and I really, really miss you and Grunkle Ford.

Much love,

Mabel

P.S: Oh, and you do so love Waddles! Stop pretending!

To: Mabel Pines (ShootingStarRainbowUnicorn)

From: Grunkle Stan (StantheMan)

Subject: re: WE WON!

Of course they let you keep him. If you managed to convince me to let you have a pig for a pet, I had no doubts you’d be able to convince your parents. I’m not surprised your brother helped win them over. Ford used to be able to win his arguments by confusing our folks with some smart mumbo jumbo. Guess having brainiacs for brothers is worth something, huh?

We’ve had a smooth ride so far and it’s very boring. I wish there was a kraken or two to fight! I’ll let you and your brother know the second we see any weird sea monster. Maybe I’ll even get a picture for your scrapbook.

‘course we’re up for a video chat. Our phone service is shoddy but Ford’s suited up this high-speed Internet adapter thingy. The wireless is great out here in the middle of nowhere! Shoot us a call whenever you’re free.

Waddles and you were made for each other, so I guess I didn’t stand a chance. You’d have gotten together anyway, I’m sure of it. And hey, he helped me regain my memories, so I guess I owe him one.

We miss you kids too. But hey, it’s not the stone ages. We’ve got a million and one ways to communicate. Next summer will be here before you know it, sweetie.

Talk to you tonight, kiddo.

P.S: And just because I owe Waddles one does not mean I love him!