This chapter actually focuses more on Pacifica and Mabel's friendship, but there are still a few sweet Dipcifica moments.
Thank you to dbzgwuk, Batwizard15, Smiles1998, ImALazyProcrastinator, NickStriker, and BakuganNerd52 for your reviews on the last chapter.
The following day a half hour before closing time the three teenagers stood at the register that had been assigned to Pacifica for the entirety of the summer. The two girls laughed while Dipper sat on the stool next to his girlfriend's designated spot.
"Well, you had a wonderful last day," Pacifica commented on Mabel's story of her final day of junior year.
Mabel beamed as she remembered the moment she and the guy who was to be her boyfriend smooched.
Mabel's smile fell. "Then his dad got a job in Texas, so Adam's whole family is moving this summer," the brunette lamented. "Just after we had our first real kiss too."
"Well, I mean, you could still be together," said Pacifica. She put her arm around Dipper nearly pulling him off of the stool. "We are."
Mabel shook her head. The blonde could see the pool of sadness in the other girl's hazel eyes.
"No, he wanted to end our relationship before he left," Mabel said. She leaned her elbow on the counter. "He wanted me to find someone better."
Dipper muttered under his breath of how Adam was using that as an excuse to meet other girls in Houston, but a glare from both Pacifica and Mabel silenced his complaints. His sister rarely listened to him when it came to matters of the heart, so she wouldn't start now.
All three looked up when a well-dressed Soos shuffled to the entrance of the Mystery Shack. He threw his jacket over his arms.
"Sorry, dudes, I gotta cut out early tonight," Soos said. He then fumbled with the buttons, missing the hole each time. Mabel hopped down to assist her friend. "Can you three shut the place down tonight?"
"No problemo," Mabel replied.
"Thanks, Hambone, I'm meetin' Melody's parents tonight," Soos said with a laugh. "Big step." He said a quick farewell to the others then opened the door. Before closing the door behind him he repeated in a quieter voice, "Big step."
"Everything will go just smoothly," Mabel said, swiping her hand through the air. "Soos is a good guy. Melody's a good girl." Mabel put her hands on her hips. "Smooth sailing."
"Something's gonna go wrong," Dipper commented.
"Poor guy," added Pacifica.
"Have a little more faith, you two," Mabel said slightly leaning forward to stare both in the eyes. "They're very much in love." She pounded the side of her fist against her heart, slightly wincing in pain. "True love will prevail."
Just then Stan walked into the gift shop after another successful run of customers. He counted the cash then stuffed it in his pocket.
"Close the place up, we'll be goin' out to celebrate your return," Stan announced.
"Where are we going?" Mabel asked while hopping.
"This bar and grill place me and Sue go sometimes," Stan answered. He chuckled then added, "Saturday nights they have karaoke." The brunette lit up at the mention of one of her favorite activities. He nudged his niece in the side. "I know someone's gonna sing."
"Only if you two back me up," Mabel exclaimed.
She threw one arm around her great-uncle, and with the other reached for her brother. Dipper fell off the stool and scooted his back against the wall. Pacifica only laughed which made Dipper's cheeks burn red.
"Hey, Pacifica, you have a good voice too, right?" Mabel asked recalling that one time Pacifica sang at her party, the summer before they were friends.
"Of course, and you know I'm going to sing," the blonde replied with a smirk. She tossed her hair. "It would be a crime against humanity to not let the world hear this voice."
Dipper hummed at her comment. Over a year they had been together, and while he heard of her musical talent, he had yet to hear her sing.
"Then it's settled," Stan said. He flipped the sign from open to closed then headed to the back to inform the others in the household of their outing.
"I'll stock up the merchandise," Mabel called as she headed for the supply closet.
Dipper tossed Pacifica the broom then went to grab the mop. He filled the bucket with soapy water and returned to find his girlfriend moving the broom in any direction. The dust moved along with the bristles, never collecting.
"Pacifica, what are you doing?" Dipper asked.
The girl looked up to see the confused expression on her boyfriend's face. She followed his eyes to see the mess still surrounding her on the floor, unlike how her co-workers managed to form the dirt into a pile. She clenched her fist about the thin wooden pole. Again she struck the floorboards with the broom, watching the dust fly about her feet, but never piling up.
"Pacifica," Dipper said.
The bucket was placed down a little harder than necessary, a small wave splashed over the side leaving a tiny sudsy puddle in its wake. The brunet inched closer to the blonde. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words just wouldn't form. Not sure whether or not it was a blessing, Pacifica answered for him.
"Look, I never had to sweep my own house," she said. Before he could ask Pacifica continued,"I've never swept before. Soos or Bill usually do it. I tried to copy what they do, but I-I never learned how."
Dipper chuckled. He clamped his hand over his mouth when he realized his mistake. The scowl on his girlfriend's face did little to ease the shame.
"Oh, man, I'm such an idiot," Dipper scolded himself. With his hands over his face he backed against the wall.
Pacifica rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a drama queen, dork," she responded. "So your born rich girlfriend can't sweep and you laughed, don't beat yourself up over it."
Dipper stuck out his tongue. "I suppose you're right," he said. He moved closer. "Well, perhaps...perhaps I can teach you." He rubbed the back of his head.
Pacifica nodded.
Dipper accepted the broom from her. He displayed how the hands should be positioned to which Pacifica nodded her understanding. Dipper showed her how to move the broom in one direction, maneuvering all the dust into a single pile. He then handed the broom back over and encouraged her to try.
Pacifica followed Dipper's instructions and she smiled at how it worked. It took a few tries until she got the hang of how to maneuver the broomstick. With the new knowledge she swept the gift shop while Dipper followed behind with the mop.
The three finished the closing chores to give them enough time to dress for the evening. Dipper arrived downstairs first to see his grunkles, Susan, and Bill waiting. Pacifica emerged from her room wearing a green dress accompanied by a strand of pearls. She spun, allowing the skirt to flow and her loose hair to lightly tap Dipper in the face. Mabel was the last to join the group dressed out of her normal sweater in a pink haltertop dress.
The seven moved for the door. Mabel opted to ride with Stan and Susan. Dipper agreed as he knew Stan would tease him all the way to the restaurant, whereas in Ford's car, Ford would keep Bill from teasing at least until they arrived back home, and out of Pacifica's presence.
Of course forced silence didn't keep Bill from glancing back at Dipper from the rear-view mirror only to smirk at him. The third time Dipper kept his gaze away from the front seat and that mirror. Pacifica noticed the boy's change in behavior and put her hand atop of his. Dipper looked over at the girl and mirrored her smile, not caring if that former demon watched the whole scene.
The two cars pulled into the parking lot for the restaurant. A round of door slamming commenced then the seven headed for the inside of the building. As usual Saturday nights were busy. Some woman no one in the seven knew sung her heart out to a Britney Spears hit. The hostess gave Stan an estimate of twenty minutes until a table would be ready allowing the group to stand over in the corner.
Luck blessed them with only a fifteen minute wait before the hostess sat them at a booth not too far from the stage where karaoke had already began. Chuck-the man commonly known around town for his love of free pizza-sang a late seventies rock ballad. The crowd cheered at how close he sounded to the original artist.
"Brings back memories, huh?" Mabel said. She leaned against the back of her chair. "So will Love Patrol Alpha be making a comeback tonight?"
"Not happenin'," Stan stated.
"I never agreed to that name," Dipper said at the same time.
"I wouldn't mind hearing you all singing," Ford said earning him a glare from both Stan and Dipper. Bill chuckled to Ford's right. Ford continued, "As long as you avoid repeating the same mistake as last time."
"Don't be a spoil sport, Sixer, I can summon a whole hoard of zombies with a snap of my fingers," Bill jested.
Ford sent him a glare that dared him to even try.
Lazy Susan shook her head. "I should be used to this by now, but one of you always got a crazy story 'bout some monster or something." she said.
"You married into crazy, honey," Stan said.
Ford, Bill, and the twins simultaneously spoke their agreement on Stan's statement.
Susan chuckled then kissed Stan on the cheek.
The whole restaurant applauded when Chuck finished his song. The microphone was placed back into the stand and the singer bowed before the assembly before taking his seat.
Pacifica asked the waitress to bring one of the song books over to their table. Mabel scooted her chair close to Pacifica's and the two girls turned pages in the black binder. The brunette gushed with each song her desire to sing. As soon as her finger trailed down a few more songs her mind changed to the one printed beneath her fingertip.
"Maybe you should have a solo karaoke hour," Pacifica suggested.
"That would be fun, but everyone should be allowed to join in," Mabel countered.
"Go right ahead, I'm not singing," Dipper said and sipped his cola from a straw.
Mabel turned the page. She squealed at a particular pop hit from the 1980s that she instantly knew would be her song for the night.
"I want to sing, 'Hello,'" Bill said.
Stan groaned and Ford shook his head.
"What's wrong with that song?" Mabel asked. She herself had sang that song to the top of her lungs in the shower many nights before bed.
"You wore that song out in December," Stan replied.
"And January," Ford added. "You only want to sing it to annoy me."
With a mocking smile Bill clamped his hands together. "Oh, Sixer," he said in a sickeningly sweet voice. A smirk formed and he added, "Of course that's why." He then rubbed his face against Ford's. Ford pushed him off making the blond laugh harder.
"Will you girls be singing together?" Susan inquired.
Mabel and Pacifica looked at one another. For a second Mabel liked the older woman's idea, but something within her had different plans.
"I kinda want to have a rematch," Mabel said. Pacifica was taken back.
"Ooh, is that a challenge I smell?" Stan asked, rubbing his hands together.
"Stanley, don't," Susan chided. "These are kids."
Mabel pointed at the blonde. "You won last time, but this time I'll get more applause."
Pacifica narrowed her eyes, but her smile contained no malice. "Bring it, Pines, I'll succeed just like last time." A portion of her confidence drained knowing this time she wouldn't be able to bribe anyone, nor did she have as many mindless followers.
Mabel snatched the binder and stood it up so that no one at her table would know what she planned to sing. Once she wrote the title and artist on the card she rushed over to the coordinator. The man in charge of the activity grinned at the girl's enthusiasm and informed her that after the three others in front of her she would be called up to sing.
Pacifica searched for a song that would best suit her vocal range. After turning nine her parents forced her to train with a voice coach twice a week until she was nationally ranked among voice talent for her age group. After her voice changed with puberty she was required to take lessons three times a week to at the very least keep her rating of number four in the nation.
Her selection was not as likely to be as crowd pleasing at Mabel's, but it was once she was certain she could sing with no effort. Unlike last time she hoped that this go round she would have a fair chance to win. With her selection written on the card she submitted hers after Mabel.
"May the best singer win," Mabel said and extended her hand.
Pacifica stared for a few seconds. This time she accepted the other girl's hand. They shook and with smiles returned to their table where the dinner would soon arrive.
"Alright, everyone, it's Mabel Pines vs. Pacifica Northwest," Stan called. Those sitting nearby turned to see the older man standing with his hands over his head. He ripped the cap from his nephew's head causing Dipper to cry out in alarm. "Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. Who's gonna win?" He winked at Mabel who only shook her head at her great-uncle's behavior. "My money's on Mabel. Girl with lotta heart and lotta voice."
"I'll also bet on Mabel," Judy, a banker from town said. She tossed a few fives into the hat.
"I'll put ten on Pacifica," Sprott said from the table next to Stan. A ten dollar bill was slipped into the hat. "I hear she's been singin' for years."
"She's traditionally trained, so I'll go with her too," Steve said and inserted his money into the hat.
"Better go with the talent," Chuck said as he approached the table. He reached into his wallet and pulled a few loose dollars from inside. "All on Pacifica."
"All three dollars, wow," Stan said with a stoic voice.
"Honestly, Stanley," Susan said then facepalmed.
"What about you, boy?" Stan asked.
"Grunkle Stan, I'm not going to bet between my sister and my girlfriend," Dipper exclaimed.
"I agree, this is nonsense," Ford said.
"Mabel will win, definitely," Bill said. He threw a ten in Dipper's cap.
Mabel and Pacifica exchanged glances. They both wondered if at some point during their match Stan would run off with everyone's money until they either chased him down at the shack, or forgot.
Not long after the betting had ended the waitress arrived with the food. For the time being conversation diminished in lieu of the delicious meal prepared for them.
After not being around the twins for a while it baffled Pacifica that Mabel at times talked with her mouth full. She imagined how her mother would have reacted had she shown such blatant disregard for table manners.
At the thought of her mother she tensed remembering how both of her parents berated her when Stephanie Roland won third place in winter of 2015's national singing competition by a margin of a point. For the next three weeks she was forced to practice her vocal skills daily for two hours time.
Before she finished eating Mabel was called to sing. She dropped her fork then downed the remainder of her water. Dipper handed her a napkin to wipe away ketchup from the corner of her mouth. With confidence in her smile Mabel made her way to the small stage.
The microphone was pulled from the stand. It screeched for a second until Mabel moved further in allowing the sound to flow normally.
"Hello, Gravity Falls! Mabel Pines is back!" the girl called.
From her table her family cheered. Several others who had encountered the Pines twins in the past few years also applauded her introduction.
The music for the eighties pop song began. The brunette danced in synchrony for the fast paced melody. Susan gasped at the memory of how she used to sing along with that tune in her car.
Mabel sang: I come home, in the morning light. My mother says when you gonna live your life right? Oh, Mother dear, we're not the fortunate ones. And girls, they want to have fun. Oh girls just want to have fun.
The crowd clapped along with the beat. Mabel jumped, rocked, and twirled as she sang the following verse. Stan wore a proud smile. Even Pacifica found herself cheering her friend on. If she lost it wouldn't matter knowing she came second to someone with such charisma and talent.
Mabel continued: That's all they really want. Is some fun! When the working day is done. Girls-they want to have fun. Oh, girls just want to have fun.
Mabel held out the microphone for those engaged in her song to sing along all while she rocked to the beat. She brought the instrument back to her lips to finish off that round of the refrain.
The song suited Mabel, no one in the audience could disagree.
She swung the microphone which alarmed the karaoke coordinator. The mic fell from Mabel's hand, but she caught it before it hit the ground. The coordinator let out a heavy breath and sank into his chair with his hand over his chest.
Mabel finished her song which followed with a room full of applause, cheers, and whistles. Mabel bowed and blew kisses to those who cheered her performance. Those who bet on Pacifica suddenly felt concern for their financial blunder.
Bill jumped on top of his chair to clap and yell for Mabel's performance. Ford pulled him down before security made their way over to the table. From the floor the blond screamed and applauded his friend. Pacifica clapped, happy for her friend's success, but her own confidence taking a dive. What a foolish move it was to compete against a natural performer.
Mabel hurried over to the table and hopped in her seat. She was greeted by praises from her family and friends. She fist bumped her brother.
Hazel eyes met with crystal blue ones.
"You sing well," said Pacifica.
"You're up next," Mabel said and clapped the girl on the arm.
Pacifica heard her name over the sound system.
The blonde stepped on the floor. She looked up at Mabel and said, "Look, there's something I need to tell you."
Mabel tilted her head to the side.
"Pacifica Northwest to the stage," the coordinator called a second time.
"Can it wait?" Mabel asked.
Pacifica shook her head. "It's...it's about last time."
"Last time?" Mabel questioned. It dawned on her that Pacifica referred to their competition for the party crown nearly four years ago.
"Is there a Pacifica Northwest in the house?" called the voice into the microphone.
"I just wanted to-" Pacifica began.
"Last call for Pacifica Northwest," the coordinator called.
"Go sing, whatever it is can wait," said Mabel. She stood on her chair and pointed to her friend. "She's right here, everyone! Come on, let's all welcome her to the stage."
Everyone at the table applauded for Pacifica. Soon the rest of the restaurant joined in.
With her nose to the ceiling Pacifica paraded up to the front. She held out her hand for the coordinator to drop the microphone into her open palm. Her fingers clamped around the instrument and she brought it to her lips.
Those who had bet on her stood awaiting the first note.
The music began. Pacifica took a deep breath just like she had been taught her first day of voice lessons. She smiled into the audience.
Performing was a part of her life. Anything a well-rounded young lady needed to know Pacifica was taught. She was trained to excel and her parents expected nothing less of perfection from their daughter. Her voice had wowed millions, and she wasn't going to let a slight status change to interfere with facts. Yes her parents paid for it, but she still had worked for her talents.
Pacifica began: Midnight. Not a sound from the pavement. Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone. In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet, and the wind begins to moan.
Dipper stared in silence at the sight of his girlfriend singing. During the last karaoke competition he had been plotting with his clones to win Wendy's heart and never heard her performance. She had mentioned she sang a few solos for her school choir competitions, but never had his ears been blessed with the sweetness of her voice.
She sang on: Memory. All alone in the moonlight. I can smile at the old days. I was beautiful then. I remember the time I knew what happiness was. Let the memory live again.
Pacifica seemed to have a distant look in her eyes. Listening to the lyrics both twins couldn't help but wonder if she did imagine her old life when she was given anything her heart desired. Anything, but love that is. Dipper shook away those thoughts-she was better off in the Mystery Shack, surrounded by people who cared for her. Sure her financial status took a dip, but it was worth what she gained.
Mabel wondered if she simply yearned for earlier years as she once had. With senior year approaching their childhood moved to a close. Mabel swallowed to keep herself from gasping at how this could be her final summer.
In she did miss something from her old life it was the ignorance of the bubble she had been locked in. The illusion of well everyone outside her family viewed and treated her was brutally slaughtered when reality set in after her family name no longer held its glorious title. How harsh reality could be when someone was raised to believe they were above it all.
However, she was happy with Dipper's family. If the Pines boy decided to make her a permanent part of his life she wouldn't refuse him. She could never deny the person who taught her how to love and be loved.
At last she reached the final verse and let her voice crescendo with the instrumental accompaniment.
Touch me! It's so easy to leave me. All alone with a memory of my days in the sun. If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is. Look, a new day has begun.
The music lowered as did the microphone. Without waiting for the song to end Pacifica placed the mic into its stand and bowed before the audience. The accompaniment ceased and for a few seconds the crowd stayed silent. At once more than half of the spectators applauded the performance. Pacifica thanked them all with a smile before returning to her table.
She looked up to see Dipper staring wide-eyed.
"How come you never sang for me?" he asked.
Pacifica shrugged. "You never asked me to."
The boy chuckled. "I suppose not, but I will from now on."
That comment earned a laugh from everyone at the table.
Due to the glares from those who put money on the competition, the coordinator was forced to ask by applause who performed better. Mabel won by a landslide. Pacifica shut her eyes, having already accepted defeat. Dipper put his hand atop of hers.
Those who lost money blamed the man in charge for cheating, while others sneered at the back of Pacifica's head. Judy and Bill were paid their share of the winnings, but most of the cash found itself snug in Stan's pocket.
Pacifica turned to the other girl. "Congratulations, winner," she said.
"It-it was just the song," Mabel cried, waving her hands in front of her. "Your voice is amazing. They just like my song better."
"They liked your performance better," Pacifica explained.
"That's not true," Mabel argued.
"It is, you're an amazing entertainer," said the blonde. "You can make the dullest thing enjoyable." Her smile fell. "That's what I tried to tell you before." A blonde strand was pushed out of her face. "I-I cheated that time before." She looked down at her lap. "I'm ashamed of it now, but I won with a bribe." She folded her hands. "So you won back then too."
Mabel blew a raspberry and waved her hand. "That's ancient history," said the brunette. "We've come a long way since then."
"Yes we have," Dipper said and put his arm around Pacifica. She lightly blushed and nodded in agreement.
Those who had bet on Pacifica grumbled under their breaths as they made their way back to their tables short a few dollars. All the while Stan counted his loot, and for a moment considered making his niece sing for the customers over the summer.
The songs used in this fanfiction are "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, and "Memory" from the musical Cats.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Alloshonen, your request will be in the next chapter.