*Rises from the ground in the puff of smoke*I LLLLLLLIIIIIVVVVVVEEEEE! Hi guys, so sorry it's been so long since I've updated this past semester has been CHAOS! Word from the experienced, never, ever, EVER take 18 hours, perform in two plays, four student films, and maintain a serious relationship at the same time. You will drive yourself mad! But the Christmas break is here, and I have returned, so here's a new chapter.

Chapter 25:

Pacifica stared up at the ceiling, chewing nervously on her hair. Though she tried not to, she was worried to death about what this would mean for her. She knew it wouldn't be long before her parents knew she was in Japan. As her stomach tied itself in knots she curled into a tiny ball, hugging herself and rocking back and forth. Tears threatened to fall, but she held them back.

A small knock came at her bedroom door.

"Come in," she answered.

The door opened and Pacifica felt a small brush against her cheek. She turned to look up at Dipper, and he just let his lips brush from her cheek to kiss the tip of her nose.

"How's my princess?"

"How do you think?"

"Fair enough," Dipper pulled her into his lap and began to weave tiny strands of her hair into small braids.

"So here's the plan," he explained. "Since your parents will be coming to Japan soon…"

Pacifica shuddered.

"…you and I are going to go back to Gravity Falls."

"Really?" Pacifica sniffed. "That's the best you can come up with?"

"Well, we figured you'd rather hang out with Mabel and Wendy than just being lonely in Maryland."

"You guys aren't going to me?" Pacifica's voice quavered as she asked.

"I will be, but Stan and Ford are going to sat here and finish out the investigation."

"I'd be with you in Maryland, then," Pacifica hooped him on the nose. "Not lonely."

"True."

"So…we can go to Maryland instead?"

"I kinda already told Mabel we're going there."

"UGH!"

"Hey," Dipper caressed her cheek. "It might do you some good to be around the old crew. They all miss you, y'know. And a little familiarity can't hurt with all the drama you've gone through these past months."

"I think I prefer the drama to my 'familiar.'"

"What are you so scared of?"

"That someone will spot me there and tell my parents."

"You're parents aren't exactly the most liked people of Gravity Falls anymore, I think you'll be okay."

Pacifica began chewing on her hair again. Dipper gently pulled the strand from her mouth and planted a kiss upon it. "If this doesn't work out we'll go to Maryland."

Pacifica sighed, "Okay."

"Poor girl," Ford sighed as he finished purchasing the plane tickets for Pacifica and Dipper.

"Yeah, and I thought our family growing up was crap."

"Hm," Ford drummed his fingers on the table. He looked to the stair case leading to the bedrooms. Standing up he walked downstairs.

"Hey, where ya going?" Stan asked as he followed his brother. They went downstairs and peaked into Pacifica's room to find Dipper and Pacifica laying on her bed, video chatting with Mabel, Wendy, Stan, Melody, and Abuelita.

"So, where are Grunkle Stan and Fordsy?" Mabel asked.

Ford chuckled at the nickname. He'd told Mabel multiple times to not call him that, but of course she didn't listen.

"We're right here," Ford answered as he and Stan walked into the room. "We were just coming down to check on you kids."

"DON'T MOVE FROM THAT SPOT!" Mabel ordered as she disappeared off screen. "Wendy, get in the middle."

"I think they'll figure it out without me front and center."

"OBEY THE GLITTERY MASTER OF SURPRISES!"

"Okay, dude, sheesh," Wendy stood up, exposing her small baby bump, and moved to sit where Mabel had once been.

"Alright I'm in position."

"SOOS, RELEASE THE NOISE MAKERS!"

Soos popped open a series of noise makers that shoot confetti into the air, balloons and more confetti rained down from the ceiling, probably Mabel's doing.

"Now for some remix music," Soos added as he pressed a button and dubstep music began playing as strobe lights filled the room. All of the lights, balloons, and confetti was blue.

"Whoa, Wendy, does this mean-" Dipper began before Wendy cut him off.

"Yeah, dude, I'm having a boy, bros!"

"Congratulations!" everyone cheered as Wendy smiled.

"I even started on making him sweater onesies!" Mabel shoved her knitting into the screen to prove her point. Wendy frustratedly pushed the yarn out of the way.

"So, do you have a name picked out yet?" Dipper asked.

"Sure do," Wendy answered as Mabel giggled happily behind her hand.

"Well, what is it?" Stan asked. "You can't just say that and then not tell us what it is!"

"Well, what's the fun if I don't make you squirm a bit?" Wendy asked as everyone chuckled. "It's Lucas."

"A good, solid name," Ford nodded.

Wendy smiled and nodded before continuing. "Lucas Stanley Corduroy."

Pacifica, Dipper, and Ford gasped as they all turned to Stan, who had tears in his eyes. "You really mean it?"

"Yeah, man!" Wendy nodded. "Listen, dude, you've been awesome to me throughout all these years. Better than my old man even, especially since I've gotten pregnant. You've always taken care of me, even if you acted like I was a pain in the butt, which I probably was. It only makes sense that I'd name my little guy after you."

Stan wiped his face on the bcd of his sleeve. "I'm honored, Wendy, I really am."

"No sweat man, you deserve it."

Dipper checked his watch. He was still waiting for the time change. Yeah, waiting excitedly for a time change. That's what happens when you're stuck on a plane for 22 hours. The were only 12 hours into it, but Pacifica had fallen asleep, her head pillowed in his lap. Dipper was entertaining himself by watching a cartoon on his screen. It was something about a ladybug superhero with a black cat sidekick. Kind of childish, but very well done and a lot of fun.

Pacifica shifted slightly in his lap. He smiled down at her and ran his fingers through her hair. She was so cute when she was asleep. Every now and then she would hum in her sleep, or crinkle up her nose as she moved. Dipper sighed as he watched her. He drew her closer to him. He could get used to this. Watching her sleep and holding her close as she slept. Talking to her everyday. Going on investigations together. Comforting her. Letting her comfort him. Just being with her. Forever.

Wait a minute…was he talking about marriage?

He jumped slightly at the thought. He looked down at her. Yes, he could see himself spending the rest of his life with her. But then again he could imagine spending his life with someone else, couldn't he? Everyone had several different option for soul mates right? Because there was no way there could only one person for everyone. That margin of possible error was just too…

…actually, no, he couldn't imagine being with anyone else. He stared down at Pacifica. No, even with the other girls he'd had crushes on, while he'd really liked them, he couldn't imagine how life would work out with them. But with Pacifica…it was easy. Really easy actually. In fact the thought of them together just felt…right.

He wasn't ready now, though. No, no, no! Not even close. And he was sure she wasn't either. It hadn't been that long. Besides, living your whole life with your two great uncles wasn't an ideal way to spend a marriage…

…he definitely had to plan some things out before going there, but still.

Pacifica Elise Pines. That had a nice ring to it.