Chapter Text
Pacifica sat in a comfy lounge chair on the ocean view deck at a quarter to six in the morning enjoying the mild warm salty breeze. The sunrise in Bora Bora was just minutes away. It had not crested the horizon yet. Nevertheless, from behind the southern Pacific ocean, its light radiated up into the atmosphere. It reflected off the lower clouds, now transfigured a golden band of rose pink fluffy clouds dipped in gold. As the clouds reached further away from the horizon they changed to a rogue or taffy pink mixed along with a heather and mauve purple and in the backdrop behind Pacifica a deep gray purple. The sunlight was starting to show through the stilted straw-covered bungalows amidst the sea of palms and sand that crested the shore on one side. The winding wooden docks snaked between the bungalows and loop back to the sandy shoreline obscured mostly by verdant palms as the tropical sunlight began to glow through the palm fronds.
The birds were becoming very active as they made out a short staccato of calls from either the palms or over the spanning seashore. From the shrill insisting chirps of the Pacific Swallow to the strange and foreign sounds of the White Tern as it made quick low repetitive noises. She could see Black-winged Petrels as they swooped over the waters. They reminded her of seagulls but with a black border around their wings and body.
The sun was starting to break the horizon as the first insipient rays of golden light reached her fair skin. Dipper had told Pacifica that the seasons were the opposite from home in the southern hemisphere. So January for them in the pacific northwest was mid-summer. Pacifica had already known from jet-setting across the world on numerous occasions. What she was curious was as to why Dipper knew this.
Pacifica looked over at him. A smile covered her face. He had fallen asleep again. Dipper had been dedicated enough to rise with her to watch the sunrise but was probably exhausted after last night she thought with a soft blush. She would have said their honeymoon had been everything she could have dreamed for, but even in her lofty and most ambitious dreams, she had never been so happy...so content. She wove her fingers through his as his hand lay on the lounge chair. He stirred now rubbing his eyes with his free hand before looking over at his wife. By now they needed no words to convey their deep love for one another. Her eyes said more than her words ever could as she stared into the deep chestnut brown pools of his as his soft brown hair was made even curlier by the salty tropical humidity. It cascaded down his handsome facial features and stubbled chin. He looked back at her with a soft smile that was replaced with a strong gaze that radiated confidence and un-sequestered love.
Pacifica mouthed 'I love you' as Dipper smiled and said, "I love you too babe." He squeezed her hand. She smiled and looked back at the sunrise taking in the beauty of the morning and this moment of bliss. She reflected on the wedding and the joys she had encapsulated in precious memories. Some of the memories her magic sapphire engagement ring had recorded after it glowed and held the memory within for later viewing. The radiant cut stone setting looked like a large sapphire. Any time she wished to recall these precious memories she could rub the side of the ring a few times and it would show the memories within the flat face of the large open-faced flat-topped cut of the gemstone. It was like a mini-viewing screen.
The wedding had been a blur of memories she was still trying to process. The most precious ones she drew readily to the surface of her mind. She remembered dancing with her father. She had not expected him to be so tender. She would have been lying if she had said it was not something she deeply desired in some remote hidden part of her mind she kept secret and buried deep. However, she had long since given that dream up as a child. So imagine her surprise when he showed his soft side at the wedding. Maybe age really had started to rearrange his priorities. Preston had paid more attention to her over the last year and a half than over her entire lifespan that she could remember consciously.
Ford had paid for their entire honeymoon for two whole weeks. She had been so shocked when she and Dipper had opened the letter he had drawn from his sharp-looking suit-jacket after the toasts. She had flat out refused at first but Stanley had said, "Awe c'mon blondie I thought you were supposed to be the financial corporate tycoon of the family. Surely you of all people can see it's a good deal," He said with a rouge grin. The grin somewhat reminded her of Dipper when he was being playful or entertainingly whimsical. Stanley continued as he leaned close so that only Dipper and Pacifica could hear at the table as Ford strained to hear despite being a few steps away. "Besides old sixer here's getting sentimental in his old age, give this one to him." Stanford folded his arms across his chest as his brows furrowed in objection. "I heard that Stanley," he said with a disapproving tone. Pacifica with her cunning business savvy could tell he only half meant being upset.
Dipper had gotten up and hugged Ford. Pacifica watched as Stanford clasped his hands around Dippers back in a fatherly embrace. "I'm proud of you Dipper. I know you'll be a good man for Pacifica." He leaned back coughing to clear the emotion from his voice. "Besides you're already a better man than me or Stanley." Stanley rolled his eyes. "Speak for yourself sixer." Stanley turned to Pacifica. His face looked uncharacteristically conflicted as he gathered his thoughts nervously. He pulled a letter from his jacket as well though it looked far older and the paper was still in its original mailing envelope postmarked from decades ago. Stanley said, "Here. Open it when you get in the limo on the way to the airport. It's something for the both of you." Stanley gave a rare genuine smile at Pacifica. "You're part of the family now blondie. Welcome to the Pine's life."
As the music started to pick up and the slow dance couples moved off the floor it had been Mabel's time to shine. She danced like a madwoman twirling on the dance floor at speeds that made Pacifica slightly nauseous just to watch. She was in the zone, her hands raised as she moved her body in rhythm with the beat. Somehow Mabel had managed to turn down two guys as well, one at a time as they approached her of course. Or rather wouldn't leave her alone. Each time she pointed to Gideon who looked like a bouncer as his broad shoulders looked almost comical in the suit jacket. She grinned as she watched the boys' eyes go wide.
Dipper and Pacifica got up again to cut the cake and take photos. By the time they finally were seated, her feet were aching. Meanwhile, Mabel shared stories. This was the first Dipper had been informed of what was called 'the sibling roast'.
Mabel started her story by telling how they had both sneaked out after bed to watch a ghost movie mom and dad were watching. She said, "Naturally we were mortified after watching it. Dipper had panicked and just like in the movie he drew runes on the door to keep the ghosts out of our room, in peanut butter mind you. Neither of us slept right for a week." Everyone roared with laughter. Meanwhile, Dipper sunk lower in his seat.
Next Mabel shared the visceral event of how Dipper had learned NOT to use a razor. She said, "I had been in the bathroom brushing my teeth because Dipper always took forever in the shower and I couldn't wait any longer. Then I heard him gasp behind the frosted shower glass. After no response, I asked, 'Dipper, what's wrong??' He said in an alarmingly high-pitched tone, 'Get mom!' Later that day I found out he had managed to shave his own eyebrows off." At this point, she broke down into fits of giggles while Dipper blushed two shades darker. Stanley banged the table in amusement as he roared with laughter.
Finally, Mabel remembering how to breathe again said, "But I have saved the best for last. When we had our annual Christmas pageant Dipper was dressed up as a very very cute little lamb. It was complete with a tail. Now, this was before I remember very well, as Dipper and I were only seven years old. However this in no way detracts from the magic of the picture."
To Dipper's deep chagrin, she began digging out the photo from her bag and passing copies of it around. She started passing them around at other tables first making the head table wait in suspense. Slowly Dipper leaned over the table and began banging his head on it. As the photo eventually reached the head table in the wake of many smirks, snickers, and awe's Pacifica snatched it up quickly in case Dipper had second thoughts about letting her see it. By now though he had resigned himself to his fate. Best to get it over with. Her face melted as her lower lip quivered. "Dipper...you were so cute!"
The photo showed a seven-year-old Dipper in his lamby costume full-on bawling, tears running down his red cheeks. That was from the first year he had done the lamby-lamb costume. He had been nervous. Stage fright was an inadequate approximation of the crushing weight of that moment in his memory he had told her later. Pacifica kissed him on the cheek and he softened up. She leaned in close to Dipper's ear and whispered, "You make a really cute little lamb Dipper." He smirked as a chuckle escaped his lips.
Mabel now spoke up again. "Now that we all know how cute seven-year-old Dipper is we can move on." She smiled in good nature. Her smile wilted as a more serious expression of introspection took its place. She began to search for the right words. "Pacifica," she started softly. Her hand shook just slightly on the microphone. "Dipper is not only the most loyal man that I have ever met but also the most compassionate. With that passion comes a sword to defend it. There will be some days where you will fight, but every day he will fight for you. His bravery is dauntless in the face of reckoning when he stands between you and that which comes against you. In that place, he knows no fear. Pacifica..." she said choking up with emotion. Pacifica's eyes had now started to mist at that point. "You are now his family. You are part of my family now too. We will never stop fighting for you because we love you." By now Dipper was pushing Mabel's shoulders to stand closer to Pacifica. Everyone was just about crying, or there already.
Mabel reached around and embraced Pacifica as they both cried. Dipper offered them both tissues as they blindly grasped at them. He kissed both girls softly on the cheek and said, "How could a man ask for more family than this?" Dipper smiled at them as they both hugged him and breathed in deeply and shakily with joy and a release. He whispered to them that they were his girls and that he loved them both more than words could fashion.
Pacifica now smiled softly remembering the memory the ring had captured. She and Dipper had opened the letter later that evening in the limo. Her feet were killing her by then and she was just glad to be off her high heels. She and Dipper opened the ancient envelope and found a smaller envelope was taped to the back of the first one. The older one turned out to be the deed to the mystery shack. Pacifica looked confused. Dipper pulled out the enclosed letter that was taped on the back along with another document that looked like a title to a car. The letter was easily identifiable as being written by Stanley as the handwriting was rough and the word spacing and margins were shoddy at best. None the less the letter was easy to read.
To the bride and groom Dipper and Pacifica,
Sixer told me I had to write something...I told him he is going to pay for this. I'm not one for speeches or words. Well, here it goes. Ford and I ain't gettin' any younger at this point. Someday we won't be here to make sure you two knuckleheads don't get into any trouble. Especially the Dipstick. Do an old man a favor Pacifica and, keep an eye on poindexter's protégé. Knowing Ford and how the two are so much alike he'll probably burn his eyebrows off with acid or something(funny story, ask me about it next holiday). Dipper is brave just like Ford, but sometimes he's an idiot just like Ford. For the smartest man, I know Ford can be clueless sometimes. I won't always be around to keep Dipper and Mabel safe. Pacifica, you're different. You keep a level head and don't get dragged into all the nerdy science stuff like these two. Just keep an eye on him, two eyes when he's elbows deep into weirdness or science-related mysteries. All that being said he has never failed to protect Mabel and her honor. I know he will watch over yours. Attached to this letter is the deed to the mystery shack and the title for the Stan of War 2. A new deed will have to be written to make it valid mind you. This new deed must also be registered at the sub-registrar's office. That's what Ford told me anyway. Same with the title to the boat. The two of you can sign your names on the title, but it still needs to be taken to the DMV and registered. Now don't get your hopes up though. Us two old-timers ain't going nowhere yet. We still got plenty of spunk.
Pacifica looked up and smiled into the sunrise recalling reading the letter in the limo. She couldn't believe she missed the old codger. Dipper had joined her kneeling next to her chair, just watching her smile. Dipper smiled as he placed a hand on Pacifica's waist. His hand was warm and the relative morning cool made her shiver. Pacifica smirked having an idea. She put on a regal tone and pointed her nose upward in a pretense of haughty indifference. "Mr. Pines my feet are cold. Perhaps there is something you could do about that." Out of the corner of her eye, she observed Dipper's eyes. They glinted with mischief seeing the slightest hint of a smirk cracking down the side of her taut lips. Dipper slid down behind her in the chair as she had left him space when she sat up with her hands on her waist while displaying a pretense of snootiness. Dipper now behind her in the lounge chair wove his fingers through hers on her waist as he moved them over her abdomen drawing her into his chest as he leaned back into the chair. "Will that do to your satisfaction Milady?" Dipper asked.
Pacifica trying hard not to laugh said, "I think you've rather outdone yourself in that category," she said slyly. Dipper blushed but Pacifica had decided to nuzzle her head on his shoulder where she could hear his heartbeat. Dipper rested his chin on her head nuzzling his new bride closer as his thumbs softly stroked her stomach. Pacifica took in the twinkling stars fading in the rising sun as the skyline changed from purples and pinks to golden yellows and oranges. When was the last time she had ever been this happy? She could not recall. It terrified her to think how close she had come to missing out on this, her life here with Dipper. The corporate world was harsh and cruel, but she drew her strength from Dipper like a well of surety. Her roots drew deep from that well. The trials and fires of life could burn her deep but while she remained in him she could face the trails and droughts unflinching and resolute. His love was a bastion and bulwark, an island of refuge in the tempest of life as it raged around her. His love grounded her as he had eyes for no one else but her.
Pacifica reflected on how their second choice of honeymoon location had been the Liku Liku Lagoon resort in Fiji. She smirked remembering Dipper's first idea of a honeymoon location. He had wanted to go to Glowworm cave in Waitomo, New Zealand. Pacifica had told him she would never go in a cave with worms of her own volition. Furthermore, if he did he would be sleeping on the couch.
Pacifica instead talked about all the attractions available on the Four Seasons in Bora Bora. There was swimming with dolphins, underwater Scubajet excursions to explore the coral reef. Dipper smiled. "Mabel would love the dolphins. She doesn't like visiting them in the zoo either. She believes they should be free just like she freed Mermando." Pacifica smiled. Mabel had filled her in on her love interests. Personally, Pacifica found the fact that Mermando had gills more than offsetting. Mabel was unique like that. Pacifica in many ways though admired her passion and tenacity to reach out and gamble everything to make new friendships. Her courage in that area was something Pacifica had grown to respect and admire.
Pacifica reflected on Dipper's blunder he had made while they were packing. Pacifica had been helping Dipper pick out sharp-looking outfits so he would look nice while they mingled at the resort with other high-class members of international society. Dipper was compulsively folding his clothes in perfect geometric folds when the idea about Mermando and the Dolphins had struck. "I bet Mabel would love the dolphins! Do you think we should invite her?! Pacifica rolled her eyes. She loved the dork, but despite his enthusiasm and good intentions Dipper could be clueless sometimes. "Absolutely not," she said raising an arched eyebrow.
Then Dipper blushed realizing what he had forgotten. Dipper rubbed a hand on the back of his neck sheepishly in embarrassment. "It's just seeing all the pictures I guess I got excited," Pacifica smirked as she took a step closer to Dipper who had resumed folding his clothes into his suitcase. Her eyes flashed at his enticingly. "Don't worry I have 'exciting' ideas of my own," she said seductively emphasizing the word. She turned on her waist accentuating the curves of her body as she turned away from him. Dipper who had been placing his clothes from the bed into the suitcase was now missing the suitcase entirely as he dropped them onto the floor while his gaze was transfigured on her smirking face and her body.
Pacifica smirked at the pleasant memory of the week before the wedding as she came back to the present. She stood out of the chair and stretched near the bed after checking her phone had charged. She then felt Dipper's arms snake around her as she faced away from him and smiled. Dipper toyed with the softly curled hair beneath the volumes of natural golden blonde hair. The tender hair was at the base of her neck. He had kissed her there a few evenings ago and discovered it was a sensitive spot for her making her gasp out. Since then he had found great joy in watching her face and body shudder as he kissed the nape of her neck or toyed with the short curly hairs that hung low over her tender skin. She shuddered involuntarily. Smirking now Dipper said, "I like when you let me kiss you there," he said with a smile. He chuckled with gruff amusement. She turned him around and pushed him onto the bed. As Dipper had been so close to the bed he lost his footing and fell on the bed. Now smirking Pacifica knelt down on his lap straddling his hips with hers asserting her dominance, not with her strength but with her air of authority. She leaned over him close to his face. "I'll get what I want out of you Mason Pines," she whispered in a curt breathy tone in his ear as her hair fell over her shoulder and into his face softly. The morning sunlight shone through her blonde hair transfiguring it into golden sunlight. His hands gripped her hips tightly sending a shiver of pleasure up her spine. "I love it when your forceful," he said his hands massaging her sides. She tried to maintain her assertive dignity. He leaned up and whispered next to her ear. "You know I like it when you talk to me like that," he said as he leaned back and gave her a rouge grin.
Pacifica melted under those brown chestnut pools that she looked down into as his eyes looked up into hers with purpose. She pulled his face up into hers as she began to kiss him deeply and desperately with an insatiable hunger. Her fingers wove through his wavey brown locks. His hands began to move upward as he crossed them over her back pulling her into a deep hug. The rest of the morning was a bit of a euphoric blur after that in her memory. Eventually, at some point, they decided to get ready for the day. By the time breakfast came around they were both very hungry. They had to slip into something presentable though before they went out in public. Dipper had been waiting his turn for the shower till she pulled him into the shower, pajamas and all. For a hot stud, he could be a total clueless dork sometimes. He was her dork now she thought joyfully as the mirrors in the bathroom fogged over.
Later as they reached the mainland and the dining hall they found a table and the waiter took their orders. He returned to the kitchen and brought out the coffees. Dipper thanked the man while Pacifica politely nodded at him as he bowed slightly in a polite fashion before backing away to the kitchen. Pacifica sipped her coffee and reveled in the bold undertones of the Sumatran dark roast coffee letting her delicate palate discern the rich dark flavors locked within the bold coffee. Dipper watched her with amusement. "You must have needed caffeine this morning," he said with a wide toothy smile. Pacifica smiled back. "I blame you for keeping me up," she said her deep oceanic blue eyes darting across at his over the brim of her enameled white coffee cup. Dipper reached across the table and brushed an insurgent strand of golden blonde hair back over her ear affectionately. "I can live with that," he said softly his eyes conveying the depth of his love. "So can I, my love," she said as she smiled back and stood up in her chair and kissed his lips with a soft smack. "So can I," she said again more softly as she sat back down on her chair.