Sixteenth Summer - A Dipcifica Story

Chapter Five: Missed You

Present Day

"Dipper Pines. It's been a while."

The words slipped out before Pacifica could even process what was going on. She was smiling at him; she couldn't help it. He had changed so much at the age of sixteen. His face was narrower and he wore a darker blue version of his old hat. Instead of the vest, he had a t-shirt and jeans on. Other than that, nothing else had changed. His hair was still messy, and his eyes were as worried as ever.

"Pacifica," Dipper said again, blinking. "Hey, uh, it's been awhile-I mean yeah, it has."

Pacifica's head tilted. "Fancy seeing you here." Her brow furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Dipper's shock faded into sadness. "It's Grunkle Stan."

"What? He's not dead is he?"

"No," Dipper shook his head. "He's in a coma."

A shiver traveled down Pacifica's spine at the word. "That's just like my boss Alesha. She's in a coma too, but no one knows why."

Dipper blinked. "Your boss? So that was the person who was in a coma too, huh?" Suddenly his eyes widened. "Wait, you work at the grocery store?"

Pacifica stiffened as her face turned red. "Oh shut up. That's what got your attention?"

Dipper looked on, confused. "Why, there's nothing wrong with-"

Pacifica fumed. "Stuff it, dork-face."

Now it was Dipper's turn to be mad. He glared at Pacifica, opening his mouth to insult her before someone else interrupted. All of a sudden, in a deep announcer's voice...

"Here's MABEL!"

Mabel charged into Pacifica and tackled her with a hug. Pacifica pulled away, recoiling in the embarrassment. This was not how she wanted attention; with hugs and friendship. At least, not what her parents wanted. It did feel good though.

"You...seem happy," Pacifica finally said, patting Mabel's back. Mabel let her go, staring at the ground.

"Well, yes," she said, "and no. I get to see all my old friends here, so that makes me happy!"

"Of course," Pacifica muttered.

"But Grunkle Stan's in a weird coma, and that...that scares me and makes me sad." Mabel glanced around nervously before turning back to Dipper and Pacifica. "You know, that blue light kinda reminds me of-"

"Bill," Dipper said, his voice quiet. "Yeah Mabel, I agree."

Pacifica rolled her eyes. "But wasn't he, like, yellow?"

Dipper huffed in annoyance. "Look, whenever Bill made deals with people, his hand would glow with blue fire. That same blue is surrounding Grunkle Stan right now." His eyes grew wide. "If Bill is back...he can't be."

The three stood in silence, a deep fear settling in. Pacifica remembered Weirdmaggedon all too well. She had lost her parents for the majority of it, but when it was all over, their whole family lost everything. That's why Pacifica was working. That's why she hated herself and her family. Because really, it hadn't been all Bill Cipher's fault.

Her family had been falling apart even before him.

Pacifica was so lost in thought she didn't notice Grunkle Ford standing beside them, talking to the twins. "We better get back to the Mystery Shack. Soos and Wendy are meeting us there."

Pacifica noticed how the color drained from Dipper's face. "Wendy's there? Um." He looked at Mabel, who shrugged. Finally, he sighed. "Okay."

The three started walking away. Pacifica watched, hugging herself. She didn't want to go see Alesha; Alesha's family was already there and she didn't want to intrude. And to be honest, she didn't care that much. But she also didn't want to go home. Maybe she'd wander the streets of Gravity Falls, or maybe the woods. As long as Dipper didn't notice that she was unwanted, had nothing, and was scared. He'd probably just make fun of her or something.

But he did turn around just before the sliding hospital doors. He stared at Pacifica, who stared back. She wanted to say sorry for insulting him, but from the look on his face, he didn't want to talk to her.

Suddenly Mabel spun around, eyes shining. "Wait, Pacifica, want to come to the Mystery Shack?"

Pacifica immediately tried to look bored. "Yeah, sure, why not."

"YAY!" Mabel bounced around, taking Pacifica's hand and leading her to the vehicle. Dipper followed them into the truck, hands in his pockets. His head was down, and his hat was hiding his eyes.

Pacifica's gaze softened. "I'm really sorry Dipper. For calling you a dork-face and all."

To her surprise, Dipper chuckled, lifting his head. "Nah, it's fine. I'm just glad your here."

Pacifica's breathing grew shaky. "Oh, yeah. Same here."

Dipper smiled. "I missed you, Pacifica. I'm glad you're back."

Pacifica didn't know what to say, so she smiled back as the truck started up. "I'm glad you're here too."

~

Sorry for the cheesy romance, but it's too late now that I've begun! If you want more Dipcifica, be sure to vote, comment, or follow for more! Thanks for checking this story out and happy reading!