Headcanon time! Between Society Of The Blind Eye and NMM/NWHS Dipper would visit McGucket, and bring food and water. They'd discuss what McGucket was remembering and Dipper would help comfort him through any particularly upsetting or traumatic ones. Initially, it was so Dipper could get more knowledge about who the author was but it ended up just being because he cared about McGucket. They became friends, in a weird sort of way. McGucket even began showing Dipper different types of wiring and mechanical macguffins.
After NWHS, McGucket refuses to speak with any townsfolk, and just hisses/runs off like a scared animal. However, Dipper didn't stop bringing him food and water, or making sure he was okay. Eventually, McGucket realised Dipper wasn't going to hurt him, and that things were, shockingly, okay. Ford asked Dipper about Fiddleford, and Dipper explained that he was still in town. When Ford asked to visit with Dipper, he refused. Ford was initially going to be angry or upset, until Dipper explained.
"Working with you traumatised him, Great Uncle Ford... I don't entirely know what happened between you two but you broke his heart, his trust and ruined his life. I don't think he's ready to see you, yet."
Dipper and McGucket friendship for the win!
