The Shack was unusually quiet that evening. I was sprawled on the couch, a dull headache pulsing through my temples. Last night’s impromptu blind karaoke session with Mabel had left me sleep-deprived, and I had decided to skip Wendy’s party in favour of a lazy night in.
Mabel and Pacifica, on the other hand, had eagerly headed out hours ago. I tried to convince myself I wasn’t worried about them, but as the clock neared 2 a.m., I was still awake, listening for their return.
Finally, I heard the unmistakable sound of giggles and stumbling footsteps as the front door creaked open. I sat up, watching as Mabel and Pacifica stumbled into the living room, their faces flushed, and their movements unsteady.
“Hey, Dipper!” Mabel exclaimed, her voice a little too loud for the quiet room. “Look who’s back!”
Pacifica giggled, trying to steady herself, but she tripped over nothing. I shot up from the couch, catching her before she hit the floor.
“Whoa, easy there,” I said, holding her up.
Pacifica blinked at me, her eyes bright and unfocused. “Thanks, Dip,” she said, her voice soft. Suddenly, she threw her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. “I love you, you know that?”
My heart skipped a beat at her words. I knew it was just the alcohol talking, but still. “Uh, sure,” I replied awkwardly, patting her back.
She pulled away, pouting at me, and she looked undeniably adorable, but I pushed to thought to the back of my head as she spoke, "Do you not love me too?"
My face flushed again. "Uhm. Yeah."
"Say it then!" Mabel chimed in, her face riddled with mischeif.
"Fine. I love you too, Paz."
Mabel started giggling uncontrollably, leaning against the wall for support. “Dipper, you gotta put her to bed.”
I sighed, knowing there was no arguing with Mabel in this state. “Alright, come on. Let’s get you both upstairs.”
With some effort, I managed to guide them up the stairs, Pacifica’s weight leaning heavily on me. We stopped outside the room Mabel and Pacifica shared, but Mabel suddenly had other ideas.
“Pacifica should sleep in Dipper’s room tonight,” Mabel declared, her voice full of mischief.
I felt my face heat up. “What? No, that’s not a good idea.”
But Pacifica laughed, clearly amused. “Great idea, Mabel!”
Before I could protest further, they both started making noise, and I realized it was probably best to separate them before they woke up the whole house.
“Fine,” I grumbled, “but just for tonight.”
I helped Pacifica to my room, feeling the warmth of her body as she leaned against me. Once inside, I carefully placed her on the bed, intending to sleep on the floor next to her.
As I settled down, Pacifica started whining. “No, I wanna sleep with you.”
I blushed harder, her words making my mind race with possibilities. “Uh, okay,” I said reluctantly, climbing into bed beside her.
We lay facing each other, and Pacifica’s siren eyes were open, a soft smile on her lips. Despite the awkwardness, I couldn’t help but smile too.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
“You’re pretty,” she mumbled, her voice slurred. “Pretty boy…pretty Mason.”
Her words caught me off guard, and I felt a flush spread across my cheeks. “Thanks,” I whispered, unable to stop grinning.
Pacifica snuggled closer, wrapping her arms around me. “Good night, pretty Mason.”
“Good night, Paz,” I replied softly.
Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, she surprised me by pressing a gentle kiss on my cheek. My heart skipped again, and I felt her grip tighten as she fell into a peaceful slumber.
Her soft snores filled the room, and despite the chaos of the night, I felt a sense of calm. I lay there, watching her sleep, wondering what the morning would bring when the alcohol had worn off and the reality of our proximity set in. But for now, I let myself enjoy the moment, knowing that, if only for tonight, I wasn’t alone.
Although, I couldn’t deny how pretty she was when she was asleep. Not just pretty. Gorgeous. Stunning. A timeless beauty. I wanted her so bad, but I knew we couldn't be more than friends.
Her hand moved to a spot on my inner thigh, sending hot shivers through my body as she was dangerously close to touching something she really shouldn't.
Great. Another night of no sleep.
