"I have always been a believer that no dog is too old to learn new tricks." Mason said as he set up his laptop in the longue.

"What's that about dogs?" Stan asked as he watched him.

"Have you heard the saying, 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks'?" Mason asked, looking at him.

Stan nodded. "Yeah, I have, Heard it a lot, actually."

"Well, I don't believe it. No man or woman is too old to learn something new. And, in your case, you're not too old to learn about etiquette, chivalry and how to be a gentleman." Mason opened the laptop and turned on the screen, revealing a video set to play. "So, I am going to show you the videos that I was shown when I was younger. By the time we're done, you'll be a perfect gentleman."

He turned to him. "Please pay attention and, if needed, ask me to turn it back. There is a lot of talking involved, so please take a seat in that chair." He pointed to a chair in front of the laptop.

Stan walked over and sat down. "Let's get this started."

Mason nodded and turned it on and a well-dressed man came on the screen. "Welcome to 'Gentleman 101'. I am your teacher, Jason Hyles. Our first lesson is on chivalry." He turned to the side and an image appeared on the screen behind him of a man opening a door for a woman.

"Now, in this day and age, many people have mistaken chivalry for misogyny and predatory intent." Mr. Hyles said, turning to them again. "This is due to many misogynists' trying to take advantage of the trust shown to a gentleman to try to get away with perverted acts. For example, misogynists and perverts have come under the impression that taking someone out to dinner and paying for the meal that they invited them to puts their guest in their debt and they must repay it by way of showing far more affection than they are comfortable with or by owing them a favor. Men have opened doors for women only to then touch their butt as 'payment' for being 'chivalrous'."

He visibly shuddered, then went on. "This is not chivalry. This is simply manipulation. However, because it has happened so often, women are on guard. Therefore, when opening a door for someone, you put your other hand behind your back until they have fully passed through and then you don't put your arm any lower than their waist if you are out together or, if you don't know them at all, keep at least three feet back from them if you cannot walk alongside. In situations where there are two doors leading into somewhere, you more ahead of them as they walk and open the other door, keeping your hand behind your back. This shows them that you can be trusted not to, as they say, 'cop a feel'."

A door was wheeled into view and a woman walked up to it. Mr. Hyles opened the door for her, keeping his hand clasped behind his back, and she smiled at him as she passed through, with him waiting a bit before following her through. "Like so." He said as the door was wheeled away. "When you do things for people, male or female, you must keep in mind that they owe you nothing for it. A smile is payment enough, and trying to take more than is freely given can quickly turn the night sour."

A table was wheeled on-screen and two chairs were put with it. "Now, we have discussed opening doors, let's talk about chairs."

The same woman came over. "This is Naomi, my teaching assistant and my beautiful wife." He smiled fondly at her. "She will be helping me in these lessons." He walked over and pulled out the chair and Naomi took a seat, smiling up at him. "When dining, always pull out her chair for her. Keep your hands on the chair and gently slide the chair back in, with one hand on top and the other on the back of the chair. When you do this, do not touch her, unless you are married, and even then you only touch the shoulders."

Stan nodded, taking notes on a notepad he'd been given.

-

Stan honestly hadn't expected them to be so invested in his budding love life. He was shown video after video about manners and chivalry and how to be a gentleman and then, once that was finally over, Gideon, Pacifica and Wendy got asked to help them with teaching him how to dance.

Now, Stan was no stranger to dancing. He used to dance a lot in his youth! But, he was pretty sure that he couldn't be as, uh, active as he used to be with his old knees. "You know, you really don't have to do so much." Stan said as they waited for their dance partners.

"Of course we do, we're helping family." Mason assured him. "Nothing would make mother happier than to be able to attend your wedding, Great-Uncle."

He chuckled. "Well, I can think of a few things, but thanks."

Mason sighed and sat down in a chair next to his. "I know that you're afraid of me."

"What?" Stan looked at him. "Where is this coming from?"

"I walk around with a gun, I threaten people, I'm dangerous and I manipulate people for my own goals. It frightens you, and you question my motives behind everything I do. But..." he looked at him, "I assure you, I have no ulterior motives behind helping you find love, Great-Uncle Stanford." He smiled at him. "I care for you, as dearly as I care for mother, father and Mabel. If anyone were to threaten your life, I would make them pay an expensive price for it."

"And Gideon?" Stan looked at him. "I know all about your little...arrangement, that you're studying him with Mabel's help. You find him fascinating, his powers, the fact he stands up to you even when you wave that gun around, and you find every chance you can to be near him. What's your endgame there? How long will that go on?"

Mason sighed. "I found out something strange about this place. Gideon is helping me understand it." He chuckled. "Though, I won't deny that I find him...fascinating." He stood up. "I enjoy his company, which is a bonus, and as long as I give him what he wants, a chance to impress my family and be with Mabel, he'll play along. He'll answer any question I have, and give me information that will further my research."

Stan looked at his hands. "...Some research...is better left alone, kid. When I first came here, I was...just like you. Eager to learn, to find new things, to...revolutionize the world with my research." He clenched his fists. "But...I put my trust in the wrong person, got way too deep, and ended up hurt."

"Do you think Gideon can be trusted?" Mason turned to him.

"He's a good kid, just...has a rough life. His dad exploits him and his powers and that's why I don't like the Tent of Telepathy. But, there's a lot in this place, those woods, that could put you two in danger. Your research could land you where mine did - struggling to survive as a tourist attraction, my mind no longer quite what it was. I lost my brother because of that research."

"The accident?" Mason frowned.

"It...wasn't an accident." Stan said grimly. "My brother...was murdered. And it was my fault. That's why I gave up my research, gave up science. And you should take that as a cautionary tale."

Mason looked at him, then smiled and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I will keep your words in mind, uncle. But...I don't intend to stop. I'll just be careful about it, alright?"

Stan sighed. "...That's all I ask."

He supposed it was too much to expect him to actually stop on his suggestion.

"Hey, uncle, about that research..." Mason started.

"They're here!" Mabel said, coming in with Gideon, Pacifica and Wendy.

"Alright, let's get this party started." Wendy said, grinning. "Dance lessons, should be fun!"

Stan got up. "Alright, let's do this."

-

Six fingers. As long as Mason had known Stan, he had had five. But, if he had the sixth surgically removed to detach himself from this research, then that would make sense. He sighed and clicked the mouse on his laptop, bringing up an old newspaper article.

[STAN PINES DEAD] was emblazoned on the headline of the front page. An uncle he'd never met, because of an accident. An uncle that Stanford Pines had started to use the nickname of, so he could live on in him.

No. Not an accident. It was murder.

An uncle that had been murdered as a result of Stanford Pines' research. He looked over at Journal 3 sitting on his bookshelf and then put the laptop aside so he could pull it out, turning pages until he found a certain page.

"'Do not summon at all costs'." He moved his hand of the bloodstains on the page. "Oh, uncle...what did you get involved with?" He looked at the triangle with one eye above the message. "What is that thing?" He moved his hand over the name on the entry. "'Bill Cipher'..."

He had a feeling that he couldn't just ask his uncle about it. It would likely bring up too many terrible memories. But, he had a strong suspicion that his uncle Stanford was the mysterious author.

'I'll just have to be more careful than him.' He thought, closing the book and putting it away. 'There has to be a way to control this 'Bill Cipher', so I should look into that before I consider summoning him.'

He got up and went to open the door of his room, going to where his library would be. He had outlined the spots for his bookshelves, table and chair. He sighed and walked over to sit at the window, looking out at Mabel and Gideon talking outside.

Stan would be distracted from what Mason was doing by his budding love life. Mason would be able to work unhindered.

'Someone in this town killed my uncle.' He thought, clenching his fist and reaching into his vest to pull out his gun. 'And I'm not resting until I find out who it is and take them down. This just got personal.'

His uncle may be willing to just put it behind him and mourn, but Mason didn't forgive so easily.

'Anyone that threatens my family...' he turned away from the window, aiming his gun at a target he'd set up, 'will pay a very expensive price.' He scowled and pulled the trigger, hitting the target in the dead-center.

He pulled the gun up and blew the smoke away,

'And they won't have a choice in the matter.' He grinned.

-

Gideon looked up at the attic window. "What was that?"

"Just Mason practicing with his gun." Mabel said, shrugging. "Nothing to worry about. Though, I think he should set up his targets outside, to avoid property damage."

Gideon sighed. 'I hate that thing.' He thought, frowning.

-

Stan looked up at the sound of a gunshot and sighed, running his hands over his face. "Who in their right mind would give a twelve-year-old a gun, anyway?" He mumbled, getting up and heading upstairs. He stopped at the landing and saw Mason putting his gun away. "Everything, uh...okay?"

"Yeah, just practicing." Mason assured him. "Hey, is there a firing range around here?"

"Yeah, I'll take you there tomorrow." Stan nodded.

"Thanks." Mason grinned, then turned to him. "So, are you feeling confident about asking Miss Susan out on a date?"

Stan chuckled. "I, uh...I dunno. Maybe. Think you'd be okay with supervising, like you do for Mabel?"

"Sure." Mason smiled.

Stan nodded, then cleared his throat. "Uhm, how about we move these targets out back?"

Mason chuckled. "Maybe it'd be better for me to just wait to practice at the range."

Stan smiled. "Alright. Then, we'll go tomorrow. As for me, uh...I actually don't have her number to ask her out, and asking her out at her workplace is...uhm...tacky."

Mason hummed thoughtfully. "I'll see if Gideon has her number. I'd bet money that he has everyone's number." He grinned and walked over to the door. "Don't worry, uncle, we'll have you a date arranged by tomorrow. Does this Saturday sound like a good time?"

Stan nodded. "Yeah, that works. Thanks, kid."

"Happy to help." Mason smiled and headed down the stairs.

-

As Stan had requested, Mason and Mabel agreed to supervise the date. Pacifica and Gideon we once again called to be their dates and they sat a table nearby the one that Stan and Susan had reserved.

Well, Mason reserved it, but it was under their name. They had arrived ahead of the adults so they could see as they entered. As they approached the door, arms linked, Stan moved his arm out from hers and opened the door for her, then offered his arm again as they went in to talk to the host. Then they were shown to their table and Stan pulled out her chair for her when they arrived before gently pushing it in and then taking his own chair across from her.

'Eye contact.' Mason thought as he sipped at his water. 'Remember the lessons on finding topics of discussion. Ask about her hobbies, her interests, show that you have interest in her.'

"Looks like it's going well so far." Mabel said, smiling at them as they seemed to be having a good discussion. Then the waiter approached and they stopped to order.

Mason had given Stan money for this, so he wouldn't have to worry about that. Though he did gripe and groan about "handouts" for a bit, he eventually accepted his help. They ordered food and then the waiter went away again.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Pacifica asked.

"We'll find out later." Mason assured her. "Let's just watch from a distance for now."

Gideon nodded. "He's been studying well, let's leave 'im to his own devices fer now an' enjoy the night." He smiled at Mabel.

Mabel smiled back at him, then looked at the waiter as he came by to see if they needed their drinks refilled.

-

This date was actually going surprisingly well, Stan thought. They'd managed to keep up a steady conversation with various ongoing topics. But, he was running out of things to talk about and she was running out of cats to tell him about.

"You know, that nephew of yours is actually very sweet." Susan said, smiling fondly. "He left a really big tip when he came to Greasy's the other day, and said that I should give him a call if I want him to help me find someone to look at my eye."

"O-Oh, right, your eye. Yeah, uhm...if you decide to do that, I'd be happy to drive you there, give you some support. You're gonna be hopped up on painkillers after that procedure, so it wouldn't be safe to drive home." Stan said, feeling guilty. "I didn't realize it was still hurting."

"Eh, it doesn't really hurt so much anymore, it just doesn't quite work. My eyelid doesn't open on its own." Susan shrugged. "I'll let you know if I take him up on his offer. I've lived so long with it like this, the thought of seeing someone for it never even crossed my mind." She admitted.

"Yeah, I've got some aches I should probably see a professional about." Stan nodded. "But, I just live with 'em, because money doesn't grow on trees."

"I hear that." Susan nodded. "So, how do you really feel about having such wealthy relatives? I would probably be feeling jealous, if it were me." She glanced away.

Stan chuckled. "I don't really feel jealous, but it does get a bit awkward when I have to do things like making sure that my house looks a lot better than it was a week ago. I'm happy they're here, even if preparing for it really cut into my funds. I wouldn't change a thing if I had the chance, though. They're good kids, even if Mason can be a bit...heh, much."

"Have you ever thought of having kids?" Susan asked.

"Oh, you know, I've thought about it. Haven't really found a gal that stayed, though." He sighed and picked up his glass. "I just haven't had much luck in love."

"Well, maybe your luck has turned around." She smiled. "I've never had much luck in love, either."

"Yeah?" Stan chuckled. "Maybe we were both so unlucky before because we needed to find each other."

"That is so dreamy." She blushed and sipped at her drink. "So, Stanny - can I call you Stanny?"

"Uhm...actually, I'd prefer if you didn't." He said, glancing away. "I'm not against pet-names, that just sounds a lot like, uhm...well, I used to have a twin, Stanley, and...he's not around anymore."

"Ohh, and it sounds like-well, I'll find some other pet-name for you, Stan." She smiled. "And you can think of one for me, too! Just, uh, not 'Susie-poo'."

Stan laughed. "Is there a story with that?"

"High-school ex cheated on me and then his new girlfriend kept making 'poo' jokes at my expense." She shrugged.

"Yikes, that's rough. My high school was terrible, too. I once tried to flirt with a girl at a high school dance and she dumped punch on me." Stan cringed.

"No way, what'd you say?" She asked.

"Oh, uh...it was...a nerd joke, you wouldn't appreciate it." He blushed.

"Try me." She leaned in a bit.

"Okay, then." He cleared his throat. "'You're sweeter than 3.14.'"

"Sweeter than 'pi'?" She laughed. "That is actually really charming!"

"Well, she didn't think so." Stan chuckled. "After she dumped punch on me, my brother walked up and dumped punch on himself in solidarity. It made the night less terrible."

"Well, as a 'pi'-lover myself, I think that joke was pretty acute." She grinned.

"Yeah?" He chuckled. "Well, uh, you and a calculator have one thing in common: you give me the answers I've been looking for."

"Oh, that is so sweet." She took his hand in hers. "You know, in school I was always told to find X when doing math, but I'm glad I found U this time."

Stan chuckled. "Who knew that you were into this stuff?"

"I know, I don't look like the type, huh? A small-town gal like me probably doesn't look like she can rub two brain cells together, but I actually got really good grades in school!" Susan smiled.

"Well, I'm glad that I got up the courage to come out with you tonight. I've been out of the dating game so long, been burned so much, I almost missed out on this." Stan smiled.

"Maybe we can have another date sometime?" She smiled. "Do you have a cell-phone?"

"Not yet, but I'm startin' to realize I should get with the times." He chuckled. "But, once I get one, I'll let you know what it is."

"That'll be great!" She smiled. "Oh, and you should come over and meet my cats sometime! They're all very friendly."

"Sure, sounds great. You know, I actually have a pet goat, you've probably seen him running around. A guy visiting the giftshop just dropped him off one day and said I could keep him." He chuckled. "He's a sweet kid."

"I should say hi next time I see him. What's his name?" She asked.

"Gompers." He chuckled. "I'll introduce you next time you visit the shop."

She smiled. "That's a cute name."

He smiled.

-

They talked until they ran out of food and then Stan paid for them, making sue to leave a good tip, before he offered Susan his arm. "Well, shall we finish off the night, or continue on to something else?"

"I'd love to spend more time with you, but I have to open the diner in the morning." She admitted. "And those kids have to sleep." She looked over at the kids that were getting up from their own table. "Little sweethearts, all of them."

Stan chuckled. "Then, let's take all of us back home and to bed. Thank you for coming out with me tonight."

"Oh, it's been a pleasure." She assured him as they left together.

-

"Well, this night was a resounding success. Good work, everyone." Mason said as they rode in the limo back to their respective homes.

"We should work together for the next big event for Grunkle Stan!" Mabel said eagerly.

"Oh? What and when is that?" Pacifica asked.

"June 15th is Grunkle Stan's birthday!" Mabel said excitedly. "And I'm going to throw him a biiig party!"

"I'll do everything I can to make it a resounding success." Mason grinned.

"Me too!" Gideon nodded.

"Well, I do want to be part of his family." Pacifica shrugged. "I suppose I'll help as well."

Mabel beamed.