*Achoo!* Ahh, phew. Anyway, hello and welcome back! I know it's been a couple weeks since an update and I apologize for that. I could lie and try to curry pity by saying I've been busy at work or something but in the end I am solely to blame. I got a little lazy and didn't feel like spending my time writing. I have returned valiantly though and hope you can forgive me for my unwillingness to not be lame. Before we begin I'd like to share with you a word of warning. It takes a lot of adaptability to be in a relationship. You have to be willing to cut back on some things. For me that meant playing video games and D&D less often. Don't get me wrong, I still play them regularly, but I've had to stop doing it so often. And personally it's worth it. But don't let your significant other take complete control over your life. Remember that you are your own person and it isn't right for anyone to try to take that away from you. Be firm on what you aren't willing to give up but make sure those demands are reasonable. Enjoy the story.
Chapter Five Part Two:
In Bloom
Dipper sat staring at the clock. It was already 8 o'clock and the party had been in full swing for hours before it even officially began. He and Mabel had already greeted their old friends. Grenda and Candy had arrived early so they could talk and catch up without interruption, Wendy made it there with her entourage, and Gideon had even made an appearance, though he rushed off before it could get too awkward. Dipper's stomach was starting to tie into knots. Pacifica hadn't made it to the party, which was both a relief and a disappointment. On one hand if Pacifica wasn't around that meant Mabel couldn't try any of her horrible plans but on the other hand that meant Pacifica probably wasn't coming. That thought made Dipper feel strange. He had never invited a girl to a party before. Sure there were birthday parties in elementary school where he and Mabel had handed out invitations to everyone in their class but that was different. He didn't exactly know how to handle the odd sense of rejection so he had decided to just sit for a while and watch the party go by.
A few minutes went by before Dipper realized he was being irrational. If Pacifica wasn't going to show up that at least confirmed one thing for him. She hadn't changed and wouldn't change. So armed with the knowledge that Mabel could do no harm to him, at least at the moment, he decided to go chat with the teenagers. Of which he now technically was. When he approached the group of them he noticed Robbie had shown up without Tambry and was totally devoid of his signature jacket.
"Hey, Robbie, where's your jacket? And also Tambry, I guess?" Dipper inquired.
"Oh, hey there dork. Tams couldn't make it. Something with her parents. My jacket's with her." Robbie said looking way down at the comparably diminutive kid talking to him.
"Why does she have it? I don't think I've seen you without it in, well ever." Dipper said confusedly.
"Listen, Dork. In the unlikely chance you get a girlfriend you'll learn, first they steal your heart then they steal your jacket… Man, that was profound." Robbie said, taking out a notepad and scribbling down his 'words of wisdom.'
Dipper quirked an eyebrow in question but decided to let the subject die. "So what are you doing here? Doesn't really seem like your scene."
Robbie let out a short laugh, "It's a lame party for babies, but I kind of owe it to you guys to at least show up."
Dipper was more confused than ever. Was Robbie actually being genuine? "Well, thanks. I'm sure Mabel's happy to see you here."
Robbie started to walk away but turned one last time to mention, "Oh, right, speaking of Mabel." Robbie stopped and fished a box out of his pocket, "This is for her, from me and Tams."
Dipper held the box in his hands. It was addressed to his sister. He went to open it up but Robbie grabbed his wrist before he could.
Robbie spat out, "It's for Christmas, loser. Just put it under the tree or whatever."
Dipper sighed, Robbie was still Robbie no matter how nice. "Right. Okay. Got it."
"Good." Robbie said as he turned to join back with the rest of the group, currently wrapping Thompson in tinsel.
Dipper bounced around the party a few more times talking with friends and acquaintances from all corners of Gravity Falls. He spent a few minutes in particular chatting with McGucket who, though still a crazy old man, had seemed to mellow out over the last few months.
Eventually the clock struck Nine and Stan burst through the backdoor. "Alright everyone, fire's going!" He shouted, ushering all the party goers outside.
The backyard had a huge blazing bonfire surrounded with chairs and benches. It was still bitterly cold outside, but the fire was hot enough that most people didn't care. Blankets were provided for any who needed them and there was cup after cup of hot chocolate handed out to everyone. Dipper looked around at all the guests. Mabel and her friends were all sat on a bench sharing a large blanket, Wendy and the other teens were throwing bits of refuse and litter into the fire, Soos and Melody were standing by the backdoor laughing with one another, and the rest of the guests were all dispersed amongst themselves enjoying the pleasant heat of the fire. He spotted Ford crouched down with his head under a tarp and decided to check in.
"Hey, Uncle Ford, what are you working on, you and Stan have been back here all night."
Ford's head jerked in surprise and came out from under the tarp. "Dipper! Ah, yes, we have been rather removed from the festivity, I suppose. We were just cutting wood for the fire! Yes, that sounds reasonable." Ford said completely calmly though without conviction.
Dipper furrowed his brows, "Uhh… right. Well, when is the firewood," Dipper said with air quotes, "going to be ready?"
Ford cleared his throat, "Ahem, it should be ready within the hour."
Dipper sighed. He at least knew now that something was going to happen, though whatever that something was was still a mystery. Ford stuck his head back under the tarp and shooed Dipper away with a wave of his hand.
Dipper whiled away the next hour choosing to sit near enough to Mabel's group to enjoy their conversation but not so near as to get roped into it. When Ten o'clock finally rolled around Stan and Ford stood at the top of a platform and called for everyone's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Stan began, "The party is almost over, but before I kick you all off the property please turn your attention to my brother here."
Ford cleared his throat and started shouting as well, "Yes, Stanley and I decided to put something special together since this will be our first Christmas as a family in more than forty years! So if you would, please stare at the sky!"
Everyone looked to the sky as Ford pulled a remote from his jacket pocket and flipped a switch. With a series of loud pops fireworks shot into the sky in a highly amazing and equally highly dangerous and illegal display. Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland had arrived on the scene immediately and quickly laid a blanket out so they could lay down and watch the show.
Dipper looked around at all the people at the party gathered in their little groups, hugging against the cold and watching the fireworks. He had to admit he felt kind of lonely at that moment. And that is when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He spun around, mouth falling agape as he discovered Pacifica standing behind him in a strapless purple dress. She folder her arms across herself and shivered softly as she finally greeted him.
"Sorry I'm late. Wasn't this supposed to be an indoor p-party?" she said through chattering teeth.
Dipper was at a loss for words. He didn't expect to see Pacifica at all, but here she was.
"Pacifica! Ahh, I mean. Hey, what brings you here?" Dipper said nervously, unsure how to respond.
She looked at him in disbelief. "You invited me here you d-dork. What were your uncles thinking having an outdoor fireworks display in the middle of freezing winter?"
Dipper saw her rubbing her shoulders. The fire had died down significantly since the party was nearly over and all of the blankets had been claimed by the others. He spent several seconds unsure of what to do but slapped his forehead when he realized how stupid he was being. He quickly took off his jacket and offered it over to her, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Here, sorry we're out of blankets." He said, cursing himself for not thinking doing so sooner.
She took the jacket graciously and put it on, soaking in the body heat.
"Thanks." She said, sitting down on the bench behind them.
Dipper was surprised to hear her express her gratitude and stood nervously by the bench wondering if he was supposed to sit next to her or not. She quickly solved his issues though.
"What, are you going to just stand there or are you going to sit down? You're the one who invited me here after all, show some courtesy."
Dipper hesitated for a moment but quickly sat down, placing his hands on his knees. He was glad it was so cold outside, because he was supremely embarrassed at the moment. He knew how awkward he could be and how awkward he was being. And then the thought struck him that if Pacifica was here that meant Mabel could be plotting something. When he checked though Mabel was still wrapped in a blanket with Grenda and Candy watching the show, so he took a deep breath and calmed himself.
The fireworks went on for half an hour, lighting up the sky with various colors and designs. Dipper enjoyed watching them but every now and then he stopped to look at Pacifica. She was staring at the sky with a beaming smile on her face. Her cheeks and nose were red and her eyes were wide in awe. She had never looked so happy since Dipper had known her. He stared at her unknowingly for several moments before she broke her gaze with the sky and looked over at him.
She was surprised at first but said, "Is there something wrong?"
Dipper laughed nervously, "No, nothing, not at all, just a little cold out here."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you want your jacket back?" She asked almost disappointed.
"No no, you need it more than I do. You're the one who came in a dress."
"Well you're the one who didn't tell me we'd be outside." She said elbowing him.
"Hey, if you were here on time we could've spent plenty of time inside." He said elbowing her back.
The two laughed at their bantering and sighed contently. Now it was Pacifica's turn to look at him while he watched the sky. He was just as she remembered him. Dorky and awkward. Someone entirely unlike any of the upper crust jerks she had to deal with on a regular basis. She noticed him shaking slightly and took a deep breath deciding to risk making things even more awkward between them. Pacifica tapped his arm and offered to share the jacket. He took it quickly without hesitation and the two sat side by side enjoying the rest of the display.
It was only after the fireworks had finished that Dipper realized where exactly he was. He had been sitting next to Pacifica like that for what felt like ages and had only just realized how it probably looked to the others. He shrugged his half of the jacket off and put it back around Pacifica as everyone at the party stood to leave. He looked at her nervously, waiting for her reaction.
Pacifica stood up and offered her hand to help Dipper do the same. He took her hand and stood quickly, letting it go the moment he was fully to his feet. He tapped the ground a few times with his shoe as silence filled the air. In only a few minutes the entire yard was free of visitors and it was only the two of them left by the embers.
Pacifica started first, "So, how long will you be back in town for?" She asked.
"Mabel and I are heading back home two weeks after new years."
She smiled at him and continued, "Good! Then we'll all have plenty of time to catch up. What're you doing for New Years?"
Dipper sighed, "Probably sitting around watching Ducktective. Couldn't imagine what else I'd be doing."
They laughed and started walking towards the front of the building.
"My family doesn't celebrate New Years on the actual day of it, we save that all for the next week when all my father's closest business partners come down." She said, sadly.
"Oh! You should come spend it with us then!" Dipper blurted out, hardly thinking.
She was surprised to hear him offer something like that so freely, but was happy to hear it nonetheless.
"I'd be glad to. It will be indoors won't it?" She said warily.
He laughed, "Yeah, of course. We may be crazy but we aren't insane."
They laughed together again. Dipper walked her out to the lot where a limo was waiting. They said their goodbyes and parted ways. Dipper sat there for several minutes before the realization dawned on him.
She stole his jacket.
From inside the Shack Mabel, Candy, and Grenda were all watching Dipper and Pacifica covertly through the windows. The three laughed every time Dipper's awkward boyishness showed and cooed whenever the pair laughed or smiled at one another. Candy leaned over to Mabel and asked, "So how did you do it, Mabel?"
Grenda turned as well, "Yeah, Mabel, you matchmaking queen. What gives?"
Mabel looked at the two knowingly and said, in the most proud voice imaginable, "It's quite simple my ladies. I, the great and powerful Mabel, did absolutely nothing."
The two girls gasped at the thought of Dipper doing this all on his own. They all decided to leave the pair to their privacy and adjourn to the living room.
Pacifica was unsure, and Dipper even moreso. They both enjoyed one another's company and the banter between them was light hearted and well meant. Dipper had been afraid Pacifica might not have changed but the fact that she had shown up at all, especially at the end of the party when others would simply give up and wait till the next one, had shown him differently. Pacifica, conversely, was afraid that he wouldn't give her the benefit of the doubt. That he would write her off as someone who simply couldn't change. She was afraid he'd be upset with her at showing up late, especially at the end of the party, but he had welcomed her with only slight hesitation, and even that was better than what she had imagined. As Pacifica stared out the window of the limo and Dipper stared out the window of his room the two came to a simultaneous conclusion. For whatever reason, despite the lack of sense it made, despite the idea that it was unlikely to ever work out, despite previous pain and sorrow, and despite their past. They liked each other.
Ahh, doesn't it give you the warm fuzzies inside? I hope this is a satisfying way to establish their feelings for one another. I know it took far too long to get this chapter out, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. The story will take a small break as I work to get out a one shot Dipcifica story based in an AU. I won't say which one so as to keep the suspense but what I will say is that I am so incredibly grateful for everyone who has read and enjoyed my story thus far. Thank you so much.
