wintercrazed | Pen Pals and Doggie Disguises

Pen Pals and Doggie Disguises

[Scott’s first year of school had proven to be pretty darn exciting! He’d learned so many new things and made so many new friends! Some weren't even from his school, thanks to a cross-country pen pal project! He’d really won the good-luck lottery with that one. Scott had somehow been paired up with 7th grader in California! That was fairly interesting in itself, and his handwriting was good- but all it took was one mention of music for them to really hit it off. Do you listen to Babba? Have you heard of THIS band? I really love this song, and here’s a 3 page essay explaining why…

They kept up correspondence even after the project had ended. Their discussions immediately expanded into other things; good books, musicals and plays, their favorite television shows, their best subjects in school, what they wanted to grow up to be, etcetera and onward. They even started talking about their families (with a bit of careful wording on Scott’s side). He knew that it was a true friendship when they finally crossed the greatest of pen pal barriers- Sending. Each other. Photos!

But their messages started to grow a bit sparse as summer drew ever nearer. The last letter he got from Dipper mentioned that he would be staying with his great uncle (grunkle) in Oregon for the next few months. Scott’s response came a few weeks later, a hastily-written note in cursive.]

Dear Dipper Pines,

Good news! My family and I will be travelling on a grand road trip through this country’s 50 states! We’ll be heading your way
in a few days, and I’ve talked the others into letting me visit for a while! I’ll be seeing you soon! (The anticipation!)

Signed,
Scott Leadready II

[It feels like ages for them to finally get there, and it's not just because of the 10 hour drive! While Leonard and his mother entertain themselves with the grand tour of the Mystery Shack, Scott excuses himself to go find his new pal. Dipper wasn't kidding about the place, it's just as much of a run-down tourist trap as he described! He cautiously peers into the gift shop and knocks on the wooden door frame.]

Y'ello? Anybody home? Is there a Dipper Pines here?

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[There's a short pause as footsteps can be heard from inside as someone makes their way over to the front door, the doorknob jiggling a bit before the door finally swings open. Standing there is just the boy Scott was looking for, who stands just a hair or two taller than himself. He looks exactly as he did in the pictures he sent, (one might wonder if he changes his clothes that often) complete with his red shirt, shorts, vest and trademark hat.

He glances down with a broad smile growing on his face when he spots Scott standing there on the doorstep.]

Scott? Is that you?

[Of course it is but hey, in Gravity Falls you can't really be too careful.]

[~~Well heck, Scott's not one to judge. He's been wearing the same outfit for a year.~~ He grins wide at the sound of his voice, and if that tail wasn't been tucked it would surely be wagging.]

You bet it is! C'mere ya big lug!

[He doesn't wait for Dipper to come to him, though. He runs up and lifts Dipper off his feet in a big hug. He quickly sets him back down and starts shaking his hand.]

Good to finally meet you, Dipper! Say, is that a new hat? How's Gravity Falls been, how's your sister? Wait, how are you? Oh, darn it! I should've brought a gift!

[Dipper finds himself literally swept off his feet by Scott so fast that he can't really find a chance to respond, reaching up to hold his hat on his head with his free hand while his other is being jovially shaken.]

Aha, n-no it's fine! It's good to meet you too!

[He chuckles, glancing up as he tries to remember all of the questions Scott just prattled off to him.]

Let's see... yes this is a new hat, Gravity Falls is great, Mabel has a pet pig now and I'm ok! Though my Great-Uncle didn't waste any time putting me to work..

[Dipper jerks a thumb over his shoulder toward the currently unmanned cash register.]

But uh, come in and look around and stuff! It's been pretty slow around here today so I'm really glad to see you.

Is he that guy in the fez? I think he's giving the rest of my family the grand tour right now. He seems very... savvy!

[Yeah, that's the word. Scott lets himself inside, and is immediately drawn to some of the weirder stuff in the shop. The Olmec head, the taxidermy bear with a unicorn horn... He picks up the jar of eyeballs off the counter and carefully turns it around in his hands.]

Well, I'm glad to be here! I never woulda thought I'd be able to visit, much less so soon! [sighh] Though we're only gonna be here a few days... But! That's all the more reason to enjoy the time we have!

Yep, that's him alright. And uuuh....savvy's....definitely one way to put it.

[The most respectful term he's sure Stan has ever been referred by, no doubt.

Dipper walks around the counter while Scott looks around, moving to sit back down behind the cash register. He's fairly certain the eyeballs in that jar are plastic, though he'd be lying if he said it didn't feel like those things followed you sometimes.]

Do you guys know if you're going to be staying anywhere particular while you're here? Cause... we've got a spare room in the Shack if you think your parents would let you stay with me and Mabel.

[Scott gasps and nearly drops the jar. He sets it back and goes back to jabbering a mile a minute.]

Really!? Oh, you think that I could? I mean, we were just planning on staying in another RV park, but I don't think they'd mind having a little extra elbow room tonight! It shouldn't be a problem, but I might as well ask, just to be sure-!

[And zoom, he's running out the door in a blue blur. He comes back an instant later, now carrying a purple bunny backpack. He leans against the counter and pants.]

They- said.. yes..! Hooo... Yes! I can.. stay.. to..night!

[He takes a second to catch his breath again and straighten the beanie on his head.]

It's all good with the other Leadreadies! I asked your grunkle too, he said yes, as long as I pay rent. Not.. sure if he was joking or not, but I brought my spending money just in case!

[Dipper waves a hand dismissively, propping an elbow up on the counter before resting his chin in his hand.]

Don't worry, you won't have to pay anything. I'll just tell Grunkle Stan I'll collect before you leave.

[And the man wonders why Dipper doesn't have more friends. After that he hops down from his seat and makes his way back over to Scott, gesturing for him to follow.]

C'mon, I'll show you where your room is.

O-oh, good! Well, maybe I'll pick up a souvenir or two before I have to go..

[He slings his pack over his shoulder and follows right behind.]

Lead the way!

[Hopefully Dipper can find Scott something he'll like that won't fall apart as soon as he gets back in his RV.

He leads him through the gift shop and down a hallway that almost seems abandoned with a door that's partially hidden behind some torn wallpaper. Dipper smiles weakly as he walks over and carefully opens the door, poking his head inside.]

It's uh...a lot nicer than it looks, I promise. This room just hasn't been used in a while.

[At least they got rid of that carpet that was in there. He's pretty sure he does not want to try to explain to Scott why he and his penpal spontaneously swapped bodies.]

But otherwise, make yourself at home!

...I can see that. [He swipes his finger through an inch of dust on the end table. Not to mention the clusters of cobwebs in the corners. Does that calendar say 1982?]

But- no offense meant! I really do appreciate having somewhere to stay. Besides, it's got an awful lot of rustic charm!

[He sets his things down on the couch and wanders around the room.]

Why isn't it used? It seems perfectly fine to me! Just in need of a feather duster and some varnish, that's all...

Edited 2013-11-18 03:33 (UTC)

...Well uuuhh..

[Body swapping carpets aren't exactly things you want open to the general public, are they? At least, that's why Dipper reckons the room had been hidden for so long.]

Oh you know, it's kinda just....here. I guess Grunkle Stan hasn't found a use for it yet. Me and Mabel were gonna turn it into a spare bedroom, but we decided to just stay where we are upstairs instead.

[Dipper shrugs a little as he pushes his hands into his pockets, leaning against the doorframe as he watches Scott peruse the room.]

Would you like to see our room?

Oh, sure!

[Boy, it sure seems like things are happening fast! He skips over to walk by Dipper's side. He takes in the rest of the Shack as they walk, attention turning to each new oddity they pass. His doggie senses are a little overloaded from the new sights, scents and sounds of the place.]

So what have you been up to, aside from helping your uncle? I haven't heard a thing since school ended!

Well...

[The easiest thing to say would be to just tell him the truth right off, about the journal and all the weird things that went on in Gravity Falls. And yet....well for one, he isn't entirely sure that Scott would believe any of that, and Dipper isn't about to jeopardize the one friendship that actually has been working out for quite some time. In fact, the reason he hadn't been writing any letters was because of all the things happening in Gravity Falls. He didn't want to lie, but he couldn't tell the truth either.

So, as he makes his way up the stairs, he decides to go the middle-of-the-road route.]

It's just been super busy around here, you know how it is, right? Grunkle Stan's shack is actually pretty popular with tourists and stuff, aheh..

But you know, otherwise it's kindof just been one thing after the other, you know? Met some new people, got Mabel's pig....that sort of thing.

Kinda surprised that it is, actually.. At least it hasn't been boring!

Say, can I meet her pig? That's not something you see as a pet too often!
[And having a fellow animal to talk to when no one is looking could prove helpful..]

Edited 2013-11-20 03:21 (UTC)

Yeah, I guesso! Waddles should be up in our room, probably sleeping or something.

[Bit of an unusual request, but considering Scott's a city person like he is he's not surprised he's curious. Heck, he'd never met anyone with a pet pig before either.

He continues to lead Scott up the stairs until they come to the twins' room, and upon entering Waddles can be seen lying on the bed next to Mabel's pillow. He lifts his head slightly with a soft oink as he hears someone come in, his ears perking as he spots Dipper.]

Hey Waddles! Someone wants to meet you.

[Scott follows him in, waving cautiously at Waddles. He knows his little get-up can be a little freaky for other pets to see, so he tries to act as non-threatening as possible.]

Waddles, huh? Cute name!

[A little more than freaky, one would assume. As soon as Scott steps into the room Waddles sits up, his ears perking further as he sniffs the air. No doubt that he smells a dog here....but that's not a dog, is it?

Or is it?

Quickly the pig hops down from the bed, sniffing the air again without ever taking his eyes off Scott. This little pig is actually no stranger to weird happenings, but he's not trusting this strange dog for a second.
Especially considering the fact he's actually walking around, TALKING to Dipper. Who even does that? Nobody who's up to any good, that's for sure.

Before Dipper can react, Waddles suddenly charges at Scott, letting out a sharp squeal as he leaps from the floor at him in an attempt to tackle him to the ground and get him away from Dipper, if at all possible.]

Waddles!?!

[Could that have gone worse? Probably not.

As soon as Waddles started coming toward him, Scott stepped back, holding his hands up defensively and pleading for mercy with his eyes. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for that tackle, and is knocked onto his back. His glasses are knocked askew and his hat falls off, allowing his long ears to flop to the sides of his head.]

Ah! No, wait-!

[He tries to push Waddles off and scramble for his things, but he is one heavy pig! His attempts deteriorate into frantic flailing and screaming, until he finally squirms out from underneath. He snatches his hat and stumbles away from Waddles and Dipper until his back hits the wall.

He struggles to tuck his ears back and affix the fake glasses over his golden eyes. All he can do is stare back at Dipper and Waddles in terror.]

I'm-! I, uh... I can explain!

[In the chaos, Dipper finally manages to grab Waddles in his arms and heft him from the floor, quickly ushering the pig out the door before slamming it shut behind him.

It's only then that he can turn around and actually get a good look at Scott, his eyes widening when he finally sees those ears of his, and finally really starts to notice that he really doesn't look like a boy at all...

All he can do is stand there and stare, trying to catch his breath.

If Scott wants to try to explain, this pause might be a good time to do it.]

[He takes that silence as approval, but he’s extremely hesitant about continuing. At least he manages to stop shaking enough to finally get his hat back on.]

R-right, ok. I should just.. uh, start from the top, then. [Deep breath, Scotty boy.] I... am not a little boy. I’m a dog!

[He chokes on a sob, suddenly getting very emotional. The chance that someone would catch on to his secret was always a distant possibility, but now that it’s here, he’s struck by the fear of what’s going to happen next. He knows one thing for sure: He’s totally blown it with his new best friend.]

I’m just a dirty, mangy mutt! My name isn’t even Scott, it’s Spot! Here, see for yourself! [He reaches down the back of his shirt to undo his dog collar and toss it to Dipper. By this point he’s broken down to the point of crying, and his gestures have only become more dramatic and theatrical.]

But what choice did I have!? Is it so wrong to want to be something more out of life, huh?! To get an education? Why should humans get to experience the fullness of life while I have to stay home and play fetch? Oh, fate is a cruel-hearted tyrant!

I didn’t mean to lie to you… honest! It’s just- no one’s ever found me out before, I didn’t think this would happen!

[Oh no. Not only has he been revealed as a liar, but it also just dawned on his where he is. A tourist attraction! A popular one! And what could be weirder than a talking dog!? He falls to his knees and begs.]

Oh, please don’t sell me out to your grunkle’s roadside freakshow! I don’t do well with cages! I’ll do anything!

[Ok, so maybe he’s jumping to conclusions, but he’s emotional, he’s scared, and Leonard isn’t here to cover for him or make this better somehow.]

[Honestly, Dipper really doesn't know how to respond to all of this. Granted, it's quite a lot to have to take in all at once. While Scott rushes to explain himself, Dipper jumps a little and catches his collar as it's tossed to him. He turns it over in his hands as he listens, examining the shimmering tag that's clearly engraved with the name Spot.

By the time he's gotten a good look at the collar Scott has fallen to his knees before him, begging for Dipper's mercy. It's really hard to watch him fall apart like this, even though this is quite a thing to have kept hidden.
Though there's a reason Dipper isn't exactly freaking out about being in the company of a talking dog.]

W-wait, I'm not going to do that!

[Dipper sighs heavily, leaning against the door as he slides down it to a sitting position on the rug. He glances down at the collar in his hands again before holding it back out to Scott.]

It....it's ok, really.

You're uh..... not the only one who's been keeping secrets...

[Ok, if Scott is really a dog then he's sure that showing him the journal wouldn't hurt anything. Honestly, his secret isn't nearly as dramatic as Scott's was. Then again, he never expected to learn that the person he had been sending letters to for the past half a year was actually someone's pet.

[Scott scoots forward to take back his collar. He wipes his eyes and sniffles before clipping it back on.]

R-really?

[That's not the reaction he was expecting at all. In fact, Dipper seems almost.. guilty?]

Wait, then... What are you hiding?

[He nods a little before cautiously reaching into his vest with a hard swallow. After a somewhat hesitant pause he pulls a journal out and turns it around before opening it and resting it on his knees so Scott can see.]

This is a journal that documents different....mythical creatures, anomalies, myths come to life.....all sorts of things that exist. Here in Gravity Falls. The whole time Mabel and I have been here we've been running into things straight from this book, and I haven't....told you about any of it. Gnomes, mermaids, mystical amulets, shrinking crystals, lake monsters, ghosts...

[He shakes his head a little.]

I can't even tell you all the things we've been through. That's....really why I'm not as surprised about....you as I should be, I guess.

I just didn't....think you'd believe any of it.

[Scott leans in to get a closer look at the pages, setting aside his prior freak out in lieu of taking in Dipper's explanation. He puts his hand to his muzzle and considers it all for a moment.]

Y'know.. normally, I wouldn't! Magic and monsters? It sounds pretty far-fetched! ...Says.. the talking dog.

[He shakes his head.]

But that's kinda why I'm inclined to believe you! You're taking this whole thing shockingly well! So I can't be the weirdest thing you've seen, at least...

Besides, what've you got to gain from a lie like that? Aside from trying to one-up me in the 'Shocking Secrets' category!

[He's gotta be telling the truth, but really..? Gnomes and mermaids? He might have to see that for himself.]

[Dipper gives a little half smile at that, shrugging.]

Trust me, I don't think there's much out there that can top a talking dog.

[No matter what he's seen, that's still coming to him as quite a shock. He can't help but ask, though.]

S-so does that mean I should call you Spot now? ...or is Scott still ok?

[To tell or not to tell? ...Naw, probably better to save that "all animals can talk" thing for later. One revelation at a time, or he's at risk of breaking the poor kid's brain.]

Ach, no! As long as I'm dressed for the part, call me Scott. Dog or not, I'm still the same fella you've been in correspondence with all these months! Really, this species thing doesn't change anything!

...As long as you don't tell anyone.

[Dipper shakes his head dismissively with a small smile.]

Scott it is, then. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone. ...try to keep uh...my journal and what I told you a secret too, if you can. Not a lot of people believe what I do tell them, but I wouldn't want too many people knowing about my journal either.

[He nods.]

You've got it! Scout's honor!

[He tilts his head, looking at the journal again.] Say, you wouldn't mind if I gave it a quick look-see, would you? I'm just a little curious...

Edited 2013-11-23 06:14 (UTC)

Hm? Oh, sure. Go ahead.

[Dipper lifts the book and hands it over to Scott. After all the revelations they've both had today, he trusts that Scott will keep what he reads in the journal to himself. At the risk of causing any more confusion, who wouldn't?]

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Pen Pals and Doggie Disguises

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