#altforbilldipping

"But, I have a job at the mystery shack."

Grunkle Stan grunted. "Yeah, if that counts. You're a teenager now. "Don't you want your own money?"

Dipper reluctantly closed his book. "Yeah, I guess?"

"Well, then you need to work for a living, my boy. It will teach you some responsibility and you will earn your own money. And, and you'll soon learn one can never have enough money."

"It is summer, you know."

"A summer job then. Just get out of this bedroom. Mabel at least is out there visiting her friends."

Grunkle Stan then closed the bedroom door behind him. Or a better word would be was that he slammed the door.

---

So, that was the current reason that Dipper was hunched over and sweating as a barista. And, he was still working there five months later.

A bit lost in thought, he heard the bell of the entrance ring. Another customer had arrived. And, Dipper recognized him at once.

He still wore the same necklace with a gleaming gold pyramid hanging on it. Dipper was curious about it, but of course, he couldn't just ask any personal questions about it. He was just an employee.

"Another cup of espresso," his customer said.

It was his standard order and nothing had changed. But then, Dipper didn't expect it to. He seemed to have a steady personality.

Dipper nodded. "Okay, but may I suggest our Christmas peppermint?"

The man's eyes widened was staring at him For some unknown reason, Dipper could feel himself blushing.

"Eh? Is it good?"

"Our peppermint is seasonal so it's only here for a limited time," Dispper said in his corporate tone.

"Is it...good?"

"Well, it has sugar and foam and tastes like peppermint. It's very popular."

---

Bill wasn't a fan of light sugary coffee but it almost seemed...personal. Maybe the barista wanted him to try this treat.

He was still looking at him.

"All right. Maybe I will try it," Bill said surprising himself the most.

"Perfect," Dipper pressed some keypads on his register.

"Now, may I suggest a Christmas donut as well? It looks just like a wreath."

Bill shrugged. "Why not?"

He didn't indulge in dessert often, so why not?

"So, do you have a coffee addiction?" Dipper asked. "I see you every week."

"Something like that," Bill replied cryptically.

A pause. Bill began to drum his fingers on the counter.

"Or, maybe I just really like my barista."

Bill knew that was a bit bold to say, but all he could do was watch for his reaction.

"So, would you consider becoming friends? Maybe we could hang out together?"

Dipper began chewing his lower lips. He was visibly agitated.

"Why? I just work here. I'm just a barista," he said matter-of-factly

"All friendships start somewhere and it all starts with being friendly." Bill intoned.

No. Bill just wouldn't be brushed off.

---

There a hit of savagery in his voice. Or, perhaps Dipper just imagined it.

Dipper shrugged. "Well, you are my best customer."

How was he supposed to react? He couldn't get fired now when Grunkle Stan had gotten a lot more tolerable. Also, Dipper sort of enjoyed his job.

"So when do you want to meet?" his persistent customer asked.

Dipper noticed upon closer inspection that his eyes were gold. A bit odd, but they were nice rich color.

"Um, maybe Sunday. I don't have work. Are you free, Mr...?"

He leaned in close to him. "Bill. Please call me Bill Cipher."

Dipper stopped seeing Bill for the next few days which was perhaps for the best. Maybe Bill was frequenting another coffee shop. Or, maybe he had simply gotten cold feet.

Yet, Dipper showed up on Sunday afternoon and ordered a maple latte. If Bill didn't show up, he would drink his coffee alone.

Then, Dipper heard the telltale

As it turned out, Bill arrived in a gold shirt at that. He seemed vaguely professional. Maybe Dipper was the business. He watched him arrive at his table.

"Oh, you ordered already."

"Yup." Dipper held up his coffee. "I got the new maple latte. I love sugar," Dipper said.

Bill shook his head. "I don't. I love bitterness." He smiled darkly. "Espresso is such...a complex flavor."

And, a cup of espresso is exactly what he ordered.

As Bill slid into his seat in the booth, Dipper could feel his knee brush against his own. These booths were too tiny but they were designed for closeness.

Or, perhaps, for dates.

That thought alone gave Dipper muddled feelings.

What was he even doing here?

---

Bill took a sip of the delicious espresso. He noticed Dipper watching him. He liked it.

"But, I suppose that sometimes we all need sweetness." Bill muttered a bit to himself,

A notion to hold Dipper's hand entered Bill's mind, but he restrained himself. Maybe it was too soon...

Once again, Dipper was staring at him. His eyes seemed to be attracted to the necklace glinting on his neck.

"Now, may I ask what is that necklace about? It looks fancy."

"This?" Bill glanced down and eyed it. "This is my actual form. It also fuels my magic."

Dipper actually started to laugh and Bill actually joined him.

Dipper rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right!"

"You don't believe me?"

Dipper vigorously shook his head with a smile eating up his lips.

"Well, all the same, it's very precious."

"Oh, I bet."

Dipper's smile was also very precious. Bill wanted to see more of it.

He liked being around him. It was even better in this shop with the heavenly scent of coffee wafting through the air.

Bill was already addicted to coffee, and he was rapidly becoming addicted to Dipper.

He wondered if they were actually dating by now. Bill wondered what Dipper thought. He always wanted to know what he thought, and he always would.

Dipper's mind was so much like own. He was always thinking. He always wanted to know more. And, he could always Bill's keep his attention. Keep his senses alert. And, talking to him was extremely comforting. Delectable even.