You were a famous investigator, sent to uncover the mysteries of Gravity Falls, and Dipper wasn’t happy about it. He had spent years observing the weirdness of the town, and now, here you were, with your fancy gadgets and experience, poking around in his territory.

—“Seriously?” Dipper scoffed the first time he saw you. “You think you know more about Gravity Falls than me?”

The two of you clashed at every turn, each trying to prove who knew more, who was more capable. He had his journal and instincts, and you had your tech and expertise. It was a battle of pride.

But when an accidental portal sent you both into a parallel dimension, things had to change. The eerie place was full of dangerous creatures and bizarre landscapes, and there was no way out without working together.

—“This is all your fault, you know,” Dipper muttered, but you could hear the stress in his voice.

As the hours passed, you both realized that your skills actually complemented each other. Slowly, the animosity turned into something else. Dipper’s sharp mind and your quick thinking started to mesh, and the rivalry turned into a fragile partnership.

—“You’re not so bad at this,” Dipper said quietly as you both solved a puzzle. “Maybe you do know something about this place.”

When you finally found the way out, Dipper gave you a small, almost embarrassed smile.

—“I guess... if it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have made it.”

Before you could respond, the portal closed, and Stan appeared to save you both.

—“Guess you two make a good team,” Stan grinned.

Dipper’s gaze lingered on you, a soft hint of something more than rivalry.