A/N: Still don't own anything Gravity Falls related.
Thanks for continuing to show interest in this story! We're almost done!
Man, the previous weddings Mabel had gone to had nothing on this one. Why's that you ask? Why, because it was Dipper and Pacifica's wedding! Woot woot!
Mabel was so super pumped about this day finally arriving. Never mind that she had started imagining this day almost 7 years ago when the pair had started dating. And it was finally here! Mabel was going to have a sister-in-law! Eeeeeeeeeeee!
Of course she had known about Dipper proposing to Pacifica, she had helped him pick out the perfect engagement ring and how to say the proposal just right. And when the Dipper had asked her to be his Maid of Honor, she was just over the top excited to say yes!
But man, being the Maid of Honor was hard. Helping arrange for catering, getting out the invitations, figuring seating arrangements, coordinating with the florist, it was all just so much! Not to say Dipper and Pacifica weren't a help. Pacifica had an excellent eye for quality, and Dipper was able to easily crunch numbers and figure out the most cost efficient choices.
Yes, "cost efficient". When the Northwests had heard that their daughter was going to actually marry "that silly commoner" she'd been dating for almost a decade, they had succinctly disowned her from the family. Pacifica was unhappy, not because she had just lost her wealth, but because she had lost her chance at reforming the Northwest name. Still, she had taken a bit of pride that her family name would end with her. Mabel had to admit, "Pacifica Pines" had a good ring to it.
And so, there she stood, beside her bro-bro, waiting for the ceremony to start. They were holding both the ceremony and reception at the Mystery Shack, as Grunkle Ford had convinced Grunkle Stan to let them use the space for free. (Mabel doubted it took much convincing.) In front of them were their guests, who just happened to be most of the town. The wedding couple had become something of the town sweethearts over time, and everyone had come to celebrate them. (Grunkle Stan had said the more people who showed up, the more presents they'd get.)
Soon enough, Mabel heard the processional music start to play, straightening herself up, she saw Pacifica making her way down the aisle. Casting a glance towards her brother, she saw he had eyes only for the blonde coming his way. She had to fight back a tear. Good for you Dip. You deserve this happiness.
oOoOo
'Ting Ting Ting'
People looked up from their conversations to see Mabel standing, having rapped a spoon against her champagne flute. As all eyes turned to her, she had to admit, she felt nervous. She hadn't just been chosen as Dipper's Maid of Honor, but Pacifica's as well. That meant the sole speech was up to her.
Clearing her throat, she smiled. "Thank you all for coming out here today for the wedding of one of the greatest nerds we know to our local princess!" That got some laughter from the crowd, Dipper rolling his eyes and Pacifica giggling a bit herself. "When my brother and I had first come here 10 years ago, I never knew we would be finding a place that we'd come to consider as our second home. And I definitely didn't know I'd be meeting my future sister-in-law! But, in a summer of mini golf and epic parties, friendship was formed. And as the years passed, that friendship only grew, and for these two, deepened and strengthened, until it blossomed into something new. I'm proud to call Dipper my brother, and now Pacifica, my sister. May your love only continue to shine, blessing all those you encounter." Mabel turned to the crowd. "Everyone, to the Pines!"
"The Pines!" The response rang throughout the woods, as did the cheers afterwards. The married couple were both blushing, but judging by the smiles they wore, the attention didn't bother them in the least.
oOoOo
And so the reception continued on. Dances were had, food eaten, and stories shared. As another song played, Dipper and Pacifica again sharing the dance floor, Mabel was enjoying watching them from the side, leaning against a tree. Hearing the crunching of pine needles, she felt someone settle next to her. Looking, she saw the familiar red hair of her best friend.
"Hey there stranger. Penny for your thoughts?"
Mabel smirked. "I don't know, didn't you just finish a Masters Degree? I'm not sure you'd have a penny to spare."
"Laugh it up Pines, I know you just got your BFA yourself. Hopefully you won't have to test out the stereotype of a 'starving artist'."
"Heh, yeah, I know, I know." Mabel took a moment to compose her thoughts before she continued. "You remember when we had that talk a few years ago? At Grenda and Marius' wedding?"
"About you and Dipper growing apart?"
Mabel nodded. "We've been able to stay close through all these years. But now, I just don't know. He already has plans to pursue a Masters Degree himself, something regarding theoretical quantum physics. Real smart guy stuff. And now he's married to Pacifica, and they're both just so happy. But me? I just don't know where I'm supposed to go next."
Wendy was silent for a few moments. Mabel was worried she had said the wrong thing, and was about to excuse herself, until the young woman spoke up. "Well, what do you want to do?"
"I don't know. I've tried to come up with plans, but they all just don't seem possible, and I have no clue what the best next step would be, and-"
"Mm-mm, that's not what I asked." Wendy turned to face Mabel. "What do you want to do? In your gut, what is it saying you should do?"
Mabel blushed at both the proximity and abruptness of the question. Taking a few breaths, she considered it. "I... I think I want to travel. I did just study art for four years, I'd love to see art from around the world. And not just places like the Louvre. I mean like ancient cave paintings, and street art in San Francisco, and the architecture of Jerusalem!"
Wendy gave a smile at the heartfelt response. "Then go for it girl! Trust me, time spent traveling is never time wasted!"
"Heh, yeah, I know." Mabel didn't know what else to say, and started to fuss with the hem of her dress. "I think I need a moment to think, if that's okay?"
Wendy waved her off. "Of course, don't let me stop you."
At that, Mabel walked off into the woods a bit of a ways, the sound of the celebration dimming behind her. After a bit, she found a log and took a seat. She began to absentmindedly nibble a lock of hair as she thought aloud. "What do I really want to do?... I want to kiss someone. I just really want a good kiss."
The thing is, Mabel had a good idea of who that someone would be. It wasn't much of a guess for her heart. Wendy had been there for her for years. In times of joy and tears, she had been there for Mabel. The last two years had been especially good. Mabel had been surprised her Junior year to see the eldest Corduroy walking her campus, only to discover Wendy had started there for a MFA. If anything, their relationship had grown only stronger with proximity.
And now, the future was staring her straight in the face. And it was so full of uncertainty. Mabel hated uncertainty! "Ughhhh, why can't this be easier! Why can't I just go up and kiss her!?" She slapped a hand over her mouth, surprised at her own out loud confession. Did she really want to kiss Wendy that badly?
Mabel thought back to her interactions with the redhead. Thought of Wendy's calm in times of crisis. The pride she took in a job well done. The easy smile in times of relaxation. The twinkle her eyes got when she had an idea she knew would be both bad yet fun.
And then she remembered a conversation she had with Dipper when he mentioned his intention to propose to Pacifica. "It's not just about whether or not you love someone, Mabel. It's about whether or not you can imagine everyday of the rest of your life without them. If you can't, then you need to let them know."
Making up her mind, Mabel went back to the reception. Scanning the crowd, she saw Wendy chatting up Grunkle Stan, the two probably reminiscing on their shared time at the Shack. Walking over, Mabel noticed the music had started to slow down.
As she closed the distance, she saw Wendy turn to her. Mustering her courage, Mabel swallowed down her fear. "Wendy, can I have this dance?"
Wendy and Stan shared a curious look, before Wendy handed the old man her drink, flashing Mabel a smile. "Sure thing, lead the way."
Mabel did just that, the pair settling onto the dance floor. Mabel couldn't help but remember the first dance they had shared. They were in identical positions, Mabel resting her hands on Wendy's shoulders, Wendy's hands on her hips. They swayed to the music, all while Mabel tried to work up her courage. C'mon, you've been able to take the initiative so many times before, why is now any different?
"Hey, you doing okay?"
Mabel had to blink a few times to remember where she was. Looking into Wendy's eyes, she worked out her next words. "Do you think you would ever hate me?"
Wendy's eyebrows shot up at that. "Where did that come from? How could I ever hate you?"
"I just... want to make sure. Before I do something risky."
"Oh? You can tell me, I like risk. Hey, maybe I can help."
I sure hope you can. Acting before her nerves got the better of her, Mabel leaned in, and kissed Wendy.
It wasn't an overly passionate kiss, but neither was it chaste. A simple kiss right on her lips. As Mabel pulled back, she could feel her blush run from her cheeks to her ears and down her neck, making her feel like a beacon.
Looking up, she saw Wendy's stunned expression, a blush of her own forming on her features. Before Mabel could take back what she did, she felt Wendy pull her forward, their lips locking again.
This kiss last quite a bit longer. As they parted, they leaned their heads together. Mabel heard Wendy take a deep breath before she spoke. "It took you long enough."
She was surprised to hear that. "You wanted me to kiss you?"
Wendy looked at her with unabashed affection. "For a couple years now."
"But why? Why me?"
"You're kind, compassionate, driven, and love life. What isn't there to love about you?"
Mabel felt some tears form at the corner of her eyes, and leaned in to kiss Wendy again. She wasn't worried about these tears. She knew they were happy ones.
At long last, she had found her romance.
