[Bothering Dipper so much with his neuroses is one of Ken's least favorite things. He doesn't want to tie him to any promises, but this, he thinks -- this he can get away with, right? He'd rather annoy Dipper a little with unnecessary amounts of checking on him than lose him and regret not paying more attention. He nods against his shoulder.]

He's going to come back. People don't go away in this world. He'll get locked away for a while, but he'll always come back. Just like Crane. But we beat him this time. No matter what he threatens you with, I'll protect you.