Chapter Text
Commencing Operation Blueblood
Initiating Phase 3a, Subphase 5c, Section 17, Step 12 ½d
Routine check no 318: Pat your coat to check if the box is still in your pocket
Like a robot, Dipper Pines slowly, as casually as he could, lifted his hand to feel for the familiar lump in his blue coat. Phew, Dipper thought to himself.
“Dude, just chill, okay? I know what you’re planning to do, but it’s Christmas, alright?”
Dipper merely nodded. While maintaining a calm demeanour, he was having butterflies in his stomach.
The plan wasn't going well as he expected. It did not help that the whole town had come over for the Christmas Party at the Shack. Soos really spared no expense for the party. There was a long table with the best kinds of food imaginable: roasted lamb, roasted turkey, fried chicken, other kinds of meat except for pork (Soos took care not to offend Mabel), sausage rolls, a mountain of mashed potatoes, and steaming bowls of mushroom soup, chowder or tomato soup. Accompanying the main course were two tables of delectable desserts – from various kinds of donuts, Christmas log cakes, cream tarts, fruit pies and various kinds of drinks, including a never-ending flow of all flavours of Pitt Cola. Not just the ordinary ones like apple and strawberry, but also unusual flavours like bacon, sweet corn, grass, pumpkin, spinach, mayonnaise, curry, blue cheese, peanut butter, chocolate, pickle, sardine, pepper, dirt, butter, coffee etc.
The room, decorated with mistletoe, garlands and holly, was full of people, eating, drinking, dancing or exchanging greetings with one another. Near the Christmas tree at the centre of the room was Pacifica deep in conversation with Mabel and her husband. Soos was outside looking after the children (more of playing with them), while Melody took over the DJ stand, playing out festive music was festive.
When Dipper first arrived at the Shack, he noticed that the guests were looking at him. He was about 15 minutes late, as he had to stop over at Mabel’s to retrieve her camera. A brief awkward silence followed until they cheered and clapped.
Confused at first, Dipper was warmly greeted by Soos, who gave him a bone-crushing hug.
“Welcome, welcome! Ho ho ho! A very Merry Christmas to you! Don’t worry, dawg, I have a seat for you. Mabel told me you will be a little late.”
“Thanks, Soos.” He adjusted his glasses and looked at Soos. “Nice Santa Claus costume! Wait, why were all the people clapping and cheering?”
“Oh, eh, you see...”
“Soos, let me take over from here.” Wendy swooped in. Directing Dipper to a seat beside her, while grabbing a cup of Pitt Cola, she whispered, “Don’t worry, they don’t know. They were just very happy to see you. After all, you are the town’s hero who saved each of their lives once.”
“Surely you haven't told anyone else of the plan?”
“My lips are sealed.” Wendy made the zip gesture.
Nodding dumbly, and less suspicious, Dipper began to process the steps of the operation. He knew Pacifica would only come another 10 minutes later; she had to finish wrapping the gifts for the children at the party. But first off, he had to hand over the camera to Mabel.
Now, after some minutes of shaking hands with a few people, giving a warm hug to Pacifica and tucking in some mashed potatoes, he was at Phase 3a of the Operation. It’s just a few steps more, Dipper told himself. Should I fast forward a little more, or wait for the right music?
“Dipper, if you’re waiting for the right moment, this is it.”
“I know.”
“Like, right now.”
“Give me some time to prepare myself, okay?” Dipper hissed back, through gritted teeth.
“Take my advice. If you don’t want to screw this up, don’t get yourself in the way again, okay?”
The tall redhead got up and left, but not before giving Dipper a sharp nudge to his ribs.
For a second, Dipper was having second thoughts about the proposal. All of his friends and family were gathered for this momentous occasion. Including his parents, who made the time to come over and were now mingling with the townsfolk. Dipper realised he was not ready to do it in front of everyone. The atmosphere was right, the time was appropriate and this would be the perfect Christmas gift for Pacifica.
He chose the Shack, because it was where he had made many good memories, including the best ones, with the people he loved and who loved him back. In the end, he had figured this to be the right place. The best one.
Considering the various options in his head, he decided to wait a little longer, and get some fresh air in the meantime. Taking a can of Pitt Cola, he made his way outside, but not before giving a quick glance at Pacifica, now laughing merrily at a joke Mabel said. Pacifica took a sideways glance at him and smiled. Her smile, as always, was radiant and beautiful like the moon in the sky. Dipper weakly smiled back, before making his exit. Outside, Grunkle Ford was sitting on the rather battered sofa, casually sipping from his can of Pitt Cola. He was watching over the children, who were now in an intense snowball battle. Dipper barely had time to enjoy the night air, before he was pelted with snowballs.
“Got you, Uncle Dipper!”
“Hahaha, ouch.” He got up quickly, adjusting his glasses and dusted off the snow while ensuring the box was still with him. “You messed with the wrong uncle! I was once a baseball player back in high school!” Quickly shaping a snowball, he threw one at his niece, but missed and hit Soos instead, who was building a snowman with his son.
“Damn it, hambone! This is not cool, dude! Well, this is war!”
After a spirited, furious exchange of snowballs, Dipper found himself being crushed by the snow again. Admitting defeat, he got up and lumbered over to Ford, who looked amused by the whole thing.
“Ex-pitcher got defeated by a couple of children, hmm?”
“Out of practice for many years. Plus Soos was with them. How are you and Stan?”
Ford sighed. Taking another long draught of Pitt Cola, he said, “Everything’s fine. Though you know, as old men, we could now only reminisce about our adventuring days and our last few days with Shermie. Now we are past our prime. Stan needs some help in walking, and I even struggle to even climb the stairs these days. I have heard many wild tales of your adventures and discoveries, but I missed Pacifica being in the picture.”
“You know she has been very busy since she took over her father’s business.”
“You haven’t been spending much time with her, eh? Speaking of which, how’s Operation Blueblood going?”
Dipper spitted out his drink in shock. Besides Wendy, he was sure no one else knew his plans. And he trusted her to be tight-lipped. “How did you-”
“Relax, Dipper. It’s a very simple deduction. I don’t even need to use my mind-reading device for that. You have been very jittery ever since you first came here, especially when Pacifica came. Additionally, I noticed the unusual rectangular lump in your coat.” Instinctively, Dipper patted his coat. “You also have been doing that many times, as though it was something valuable. Also, I noticed that the present you placed at the tree for Pacifica was a decoy, and you have something very special prepared for her. Additionally, I have good contacts with the jewellery store in this town.”
“You didn’t tell anyone about this?”
“I know this is meant to be a surprise, Dipper, so I did not reveal my deductions to anyone. Not even Stan. Butterflies in your stomach, eh?”
“Well yeah. I know what to do, but I’m not sure if I have the strength to do it.”
“Lovely children, aren’t they?” asked Ford. The children were making a snowman resembling Soos. “Did you and Pacifica ever discuss having children?”
“Yeah… A few times. We are probably going for just one. Can’t imagine having to raise more than that. We were already very busy with our own careers.”
“The more children, the merrier. Don’t use your career as an excuse not to have more. Aren’t you already a stay-at-home researcher? If you really want to settle down and start a family with her, be prepared to sacrifice part of your time and your career. I partly regretted not having children myself. I mean, I still have Stan, I have my nieces and nephews, and my beloved grandniece and nephews. But now I kind of wish to have children and grandchildren myself. I was wrong back then, in my youthful days. It has been a joy adventuring with you guys over the many summers we had.
“I have seen you two grew up from just awkward teens to… well, still awkward, but adults now. You two have gone through many trials and tribulations. Yet you two remained together. Your bond has never been stronger. And you’ve been delaying your proposal for years. You kept worrying about choosing the right time and letting opportunities slip by. Don’t delay this any longer than you should. Just do it, alright? I got your back. I want to see you get married and have your first child before either Stan or I go. Time is fickle. We don’t have much time left. I don’t want you to have any regrets either.”
For the first time since arriving at the party, Dipper took out the velvet box.
“That's a pretty handsome one. Can I see the gem?”
Dipper hesitated. The children and Soos were still around. He did not wish to spoil the fun. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw someone in the trees. He blinked, but the shadow was gone.
“Something’s wrong, Dipper?”
“Maybe you will see it later.” Dipper slipped the box back into his coat.
“Remember, don’t put this off for too long. Mabel already got married much earlier than you and had her kids. What about you?” Giving Dipper a pat on the back, Ford got up and left.
Ford’s got a point though, he thought. It would be better to just discard the many steps and wing it. Time to accelerate the plan.
“Hey Soos, I’m going back in. Don’t let the kids outside for too long! I think there’s a storm coming. It’s getting dark!”
“Will join you, dude! Come kids, time to go back in!”
There were some groans of disappointment, but Soos managed to usher them back into the Shack. Dipper closed the door after them, unaware of someone spying on him.
“Did you see the box?”
“Now it’s the critical step of the operation. You know what we were paid to do.”
Initiating Protocol Disco Girl
Find Pacifica and have a dance.
Back in the warm Shack, the music changed into a gentle waltz. The Christmas dance had begun. Gently easing himself into the crowd, Dipper tried to find his girlfriend. Not looking around carefully, he accidentally bumped into someone.
“Ouch, hey, watch where you are- Oh hey Dipper!”
“Sorry, didn’t see you. Decided to come and enjoy the festivities?”
“I’ve always been here waiting for you. By the way, take care of the box.”
Dipper patted his coat. It was gone. Briefly panicking, he turned to Stan, who was holding the box.
“Hey, I did not pickpocket it! You bumped into me, and it fell out. Be careful, okay? Do what you need to do, and fast. She’s there, by the way.”
Looking at where Stan was pointing, he spotted Pacifica dancing along with Mabel. It didn't matter how stunning her long blonde hair was falling down her shoulders. It didn't matter how her eyes of ocean blue sparked, how graceful her movements were, or how elegant her lake foam green dress hugged her body at the right places. It was something else that made him want to be in her presence, it wasn't her appearance, he knew it deeply. It was a quality that Dipper himself was yet to be able to define, despite being with her for many years. She was calling him – everything about her was calling his name in a whisper.
“Hey, don’t just stare at her. I noticed you haven’t spoken a word to her ever since you two came here.”
“Thanks, Grunkle Stan.”
Pacifica must have noticed him looking at her, because once the music ended, she turned and beamed at him. Before he could stop himself, he touched her hand and dragged her closer to the middle of the room. As another waltz began playing, this time a slow one, he slowly put his other hand around her waist and started to move through the crowd.
“It’s been a long time since we had a proper dance, didn’t we?”
“It’s wonderful. This music is good, I played this before.”
“You do? Really?”
“Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat major. Gentle, soothing, and romantic.”
If Dipper didn’t know better, he could have sworn she was part Siren, with the way she was glowing. They swayed slowly, around the Christmas tree. It had really been a long time since he had felt this close to her. He realised how much his body and soul desired that intimate closeness with Pacifica. Why had nothing else felt like that for him, ever?
“It’s such a wonderful time, isn’t it?”
Dipper didn’t answer. He was too transfixed by her presence. Inhaling the familiar scent of strawberries and champagne, he took note of every small detail of the person he felt the most at peace with. Even though he'd done it a thousand times before, he wanted to remember it, for often before he would be surrounded by things that wouldn't feel like this, feel like her, at all. Her eyeliner, her eye shadow, her mascara and her lipstick all were perfect for her. She looked perfect indeed, even with her flaws. Pacifica blushed as she felt the intensity of Dipper's gaze.
Did she also feel the pressure? Was she also moved by the intensity of this strange moment?
“Dipper? Earth to Dipper?”
As the music slowly rose to the climax, Dipper began to prepare himself.
“Pacifica, I have something very important to tell you. You know how much I crave and love you, don't you?”
He was dimly aware of the many eyes steadily looking at him, at the dancing couple. But he didn't care, the perfect moment was on the horizon. He focused on Pacifica, who was smiling slightly.
“What is it that you wanted to say?” asked Paz, as she guided Dipper in a slow, moving circle.
“I- erm.” Dipper nervously moved his hand into his coat pocket, readying for that moment.
Just then, there was a loud BANG! All the lights went out, and darkness began to envelop the Shack. The music stopped, and silence spread outwards in cold ripples. Dipper instinctively grabbed Pacifica closer to him but felt someone dragging her away from him.
“Dipper, help!”
“I’m holding you, Paz!”
Then he heard a rustling behind him, and something hit him hard. He could not help but slacken his grip, as he fell forward into the darkness…
“Ugh…”
Dipper stirred. He found himself lying face down on the cold, hard wooden floor of the Shack. Every part of him ached, particularly the spot where he was punched at.
There were some mutterings and hurried footsteps. Blinking twice, it seemed the lights were restored. Dipper groaned once more and tried to flip himself with little success.
“Melody, check the others. I’ll take care of my brother.”
He heard footsteps approaching, and soon he felt his sister’s soft hands (also full of glitter) lifting him up. Mabel turned him over, and he steadily got up.
“You okay? Dipper? Do you need help?”
“Thanks, Mabel.” He shrugged her off. “Wait, what happened?”
The once-tidy ballroom was in a mess. The decorations were scattered all around the floor, and the tables were overturned. The food and drinks were spilling all over, with the glasses and bowls in pieces. The tree and the presents, however, were all intact.
It seemed he wasn’t the only person who was knocked out. Others were still lying around or struggling to get themselves up.
As he scanned the room, however, he noticed she wasn’t anywhere.
“Pacifica? Where is she? And Mabel, are you okay? Were you knocked out as well?”
Mabel hesitated. Looking away, she said, “I’m fine, Dip. I was all right. Kevin fell into me though. As Kev and I got up, the lights were back on. We were checking on the kids and the others. So far, I haven’t managed to find her.”
Taking a deep breath, he asked, “What happened to the lights?”
It was Soos who answered. “Some dude went to sabotage the Shack’s circuit breaker. Don’t worry dawg, I managed to reconnect with Mr Pines Two’s dynamo.”
“But has anyone seen Pacifica?”
That question was answered by a CRASH! Fiddleford McGucket came in through one of the wooden walls, riding a mechanised wheelchair.
“Hey, Dipper! Sorry for crashing into the party!”
There were some groans and laughter at the pun. Soos muttered to Melody, “This is like, the fifth time this week the wooden wall got knocked down.”
“I'll get the vacuum cleaner.”
Ever since recuperating from that explosion resulting from a failed experiment, McGucket had transformed into a part-cyborg, with reconstructed breathing equipment for his damaged lungs and heart, one special eye that allowed him to have a 360 view of his surroundings, and an extendable robotic arm. His legs were missing, but with Ford’s help, created a wheelchair equipped with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to help him move around. Stan once remarked gruffly, “Why can’t I have something like that? Why do I only have a walking stick?”
“Whoa-ho-ho, what's up, McGucket?”
“Scobbity-doo! I think I saw your girlfriend! Two dudes that looked like you were speeding off into town in a Mystery Cart!”
“The paper clones?”
“I supposed they must be.”
“Dangit, what do they want to do with her?”
“I don’t know, man.” Wendy came up to him.
“Hey, dawg, I got the GPS tracker for all my carts. Maybe you would catch up with them fast. Here you go, dude.”
“Thanks, Soos.”
Wendy and Dipper went to the entrance, where Dipper’s bike was parked.
“You sure you don’t need our help?”
“Nah, I’m fine on my own.”
“The box is still in there, right?”
In his panic for Pacifica, he failed to check his pockets To his relief, however, the box was still there.
“Thanks, Wendy!”
“No problem. Good luck! We got you!”
Dipper jumped on his bike and sped off. It was a Triban RC520. A cheap one, but good for all seasons, especially for winter biking. It had served him well for plenty of his adventures. His parents bought it for his 18th birthday and proved to be very durable.
Zooming along the snowy, deserted road, he pedalled furiously, trying to close the gap between him and the clones. On the GPS, they seemed to be on their way to the Skull Fracture bike joint. Arriving in town, Dipper swerved right, and a left, past the McGucket Monument, which replaced the former Northwest Monument long ago.
It was late into the night. As most of the townsfolk were at the party, there were very few people and cars on the darkened streets. Down the road, Dipper could spot the Cart in the distance with a huge brown sack at the back. Reaching a junction, however, a car suddenly zoomed past right in front of him from his left, forcing him to brake.
Taking a breath, he cursed himself for wasting a few precious seconds. “Damn it, I lost them again.” Checking the GPS again, he saw they were driving away from the Pier, past the station.
Turning into one of the many alleys, Dipper cycled through the maze of narrow streets. Having lived here for some time, and thanks to Ford’s maps, he easily navigated through the shifting alleyways, while speeding past the fairy clubs, nymph parlours and Plaidypi dens hiding behind the human businesses of day. For the season, they closed early, though a few nymphs still milled about sharing a few drinks. He expected to exit the maze after turning left, but to his dismay, he came across a party of fairies blocking his way out and was forced to screech to a halt.
“Danggit!” Dipper muttered. He rang the bicycle bell, and all the fairies looked up to him.
“Guys, do yall mind? I’m after someone here. ”
Fortunately for Dipper, the fairies were cooperative and quickly made way for him. Dipper made his way out, and the Cart was again within sight. Zooming past the police station, Greasy’s Diner and the Gossiper’s Office, he managed to catch up to the Cart.
“He’s catching up! We weren’t paid enough for this.”
“I swear this cart has a turbo function… Ah, this should be it!”
With a burst of a thin streak of flame from the buggy’s motor, the golf cart propelled forward, giving more distance between the bike and the cart.
“Turn right, Quattro! We are nearly late for the rendezvous!”
“I swear the gnomes must pay double for what we are going through.”
Gnomes? Dipper wondered. What do they want with her?
The Cart rattled its way out of town and up the steep hill to the cliffs, with the huge sack at the back dangerously bumping along. Dipper tried to speed up, but his thighs were on fire. Halfway upwards, he was struggling to catch up and eventually decided to stop to catch his breath.
“Damn it, this bike is not suited for mountainous terrain.” He abandoned his bike, and began to run up to the clifftops, hoping he would make it in time...
“You promised us two bags of gold coins for this operation!”
“Sorry, but we only have silver. We spent most of the gold for our part.”
“Let me out!”
“Give us some unicorn hair, then.”
“All right, but I only have a strand or two. Take it, or leave it.”
“Help!”
“Bah, all right. And be quiet!” Tracey gave the sack a thump.
“He’s coming! We better go! Good luck!”
As the paper clones sped off, the new leader of the gnomes, Jeff II, rallied the others.
“All right, gnomes of the forest! This next part is the critical step of the operation. Remember, guys, teamwork! Like we practised. Like what-”
Jeff II was cut off as he was hit by a stone. The gnomes, shocked, turned around to see a sweaty, weary, but determined, Dipper marching up the hill, with a sling in his hand.
“Oi, Jeff II! What are you doing with my girlfriend? Let go of her!”
He went up to Jeff II, and plucked him up from the ground by his shirt, drawing him to eye level.
The gnome chuckled nervously. “Oh! Haha! Um, you know, this is all really just a big misunderstanding. You see, your girlfriend's not in danger. She's just marrying all one thousand of us and becoming our gnome queen for all eternity! Isn't that right, honey?”
“Screw you, butt-face!”
“You’re really like your father, aren’t you? Trying to lure and kidnap girls to be your queen. You’re pathetic!”
“You dare insult me, the leader of the gnomes?” The gnome sank its razor-sharp teeth into Dipper’s finger, forcing him to drop the gnome on the snowy ground.
“Ouch! Let my girlfriend go, or else!”
“Or else what? We got you outnumbered five hundred to one. If you want her back, you have to get through us!”
“You can’t marry her!”
“Why not?”
“Because… because…” He could feel the many eyes looking at him, and the sack, for the moment, went still. Dipper spluttered, “Because I'm going to marry her! And I have the ring right here!”
Taking out the box, he pushed Jeff aside and rushed over to the sack. Some of the gnomes try to get in his way, but Dipper, determined to rescue his girlfriend, knocked them over. Untying the knot with his trembling hands, Pacifica stumbled out of the bag. With tears streaming down his face, Dipper immediately embraced her. She was shaking but still undoubtedly strong. He felt the girl he once had fallen for in his arms, and he thought he would never let go of her, ever.
“Oh thank goodness. Pacifica, are you okay?”
“Never been better.” Pacifica returned the embrace, gently rubbing her hand on his back. She was never the kind of person who admitted to her weaknesses, but in that moment and time, Dipper wished that she was.
For a long time, they pressed against each other, locked in their embrace. Until they were interrupted by Jeff, who coughed and asked, “So, are you going to marry her, or do I?”
“Well…” He helped Pacifica up, while he got on one knee and prepared himself.
He can’t believe he was about to do this. Taking a deep breath, Dipper began, “Paz, I love you… There are no words on Earth that can describe my love for you. You’re the only one whom I’ve ever loved. I mean, I love Mabel, I love my parents, I love my Grunkles, I love my friends, but you, on the other hand… I felt a special bond with you. It’s such a surreal experience, being with you for like over ten years. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you by my side. I know it sounds cliche, but we have, like, around 60 more years together, and I thought, I would never want to spend those years without you. So-”
He stopped, as he opened the ring box. The box was empty.
“Wait, no. This wasn’t supposed to happen!” He looked at the gnomes and at Jeff. Storming over, he shouted, “You! You stole my ring, did you? So you can make her queen instead of me, huh?”
“Dipper, wait! Actually…” Dipper spun around, and his eyes widened in shock. Pacifica was holding the identical velvet box, but with his ring inside.
“What… h-how? What?” he stammered. “You gotta be kidding me!"
“What do you think?” she said, laughing. “Didn't think I would know that you were trying to propose to me for the last few years now, Dip, did you?"
“It was supposed to be a secret!”
The two laughed. The gnomes (and the bushes) sighed in frustration.
“Wait, why did you just do all of this? What’s the-”
Pacifica steadily got down on one knee, and said, “Well, Dipper, will you-”
“Hold on! Wait! Wait! Shouldn’t I be the one proposing?”
“Well, wouldn’t it come down to the same thing? And besides, you bought this ring!”
“That was for you!”
“That was for us .”
Dipper paused for a moment, pondering over Pacifica’s words.
“All right, I’ll let you do it. If you let me do it first.”
“Screw it. I have the ring here. I might as well do it first.”
“Can yall two stop arguing and just get along with it? I didn’t get hanged upside down or knocked over just for this bickering!”
“Well, Dip, will you marry me?”
“Only if you marry me, too.”
Lifting Pacifica into his arms, for the first time since the party, since she came back home, Dipper kissed her. Their kiss was gentle and passionate, with a rhythm that Dipper only had encountered at that duet guitar concert both attended together before he went for college. He barely felt himself, only when Pacifica ran her hands through his hair was when he realise he existed outside of this moment. He was so preoccupied feeling her warmth, her pounding heartbeat, her silky blonde hair, that he was barely aware of the others emerging from the trees, cheering and clapping, or Mabel’s clicking camera, or the Grunkles crying over themselves, or his parents beaming proudly.
After several long moments, they broke apart. Both of them turned to see their beloved crooked little town down below, lit by the warm orange hue of the rising sun. A tacky town in the Pacific Northwest, it was even more beautiful in the snow.
“The view up here is gorgeous.”
“As always. That's why I arranged it to be here.”
“Arranged what?”
“I'll explain to you later. Once we're on the ground.”
Clasping their hands together, they leaned on each other's shoulders. It felt full, everything felt at its highest. It was a new dawn, a new day, a new phase in life. And their future looked bright.
“And that, my kids, is how your mother tried to propose to me, instead of me trying to propose to her,” Dipper said, as he closed the Pine Tree Journal. He ran his hand over the tattered leather cover, with the ring on his ring finger.
“I told you, Dip. If you don't want to mess up, you shouldn't have gotten yourself in the way.”
“Well, if you haven't told anyone about my plans-”
“What, I didn't! My lips were sealed!”
“Wait, wait, if Aunt Wendy didn't tell anyone about Dad's plans, then how did she know?” the girl asked.
It was Christmas, many years after. The extended Pines family were all gathered around the cosy, crackling fireplace, each of them sipping from their cups of hot cocoa while listening to Dipper's account of the whole fiasco.
It was Melody who answered. “First off, while your Aunt Wendy is a tight-lipped person, the jeweller was not. I was great friends with the people at the store, who also told Ford. I was the one who actually tipped off Pacifica.”
Clicking his fingers, he pointed to Ford, and asked, “Operation Blueblood. How did you get the name? I swear I never even told Wendy the name.”
Mabel piped up, “You scribbled it down at the back of your invoice. That receipt when you purchased the ring. You don’t think I sometimes try looking into your trash for rough papers for my artwork, don’t you?”
“In fact, that was how we were also able to guess when or how you wanted to propose. You kept scribbling bits and pieces of the operation and carelessly tossing them aside. Even without Wendy to tell us, we are able to piece together. She only helped confirm some facts. You should take care of your trash more carefully, Dipper.” Ford took another sip of the hot cocoa.
“Yeah, that’s how I can still find out what Daddy plans to buy for us for Christ-” The girl was interrupted by her brother, who quickly put his hand over her mouth. Out of Dipper’s children, the boy had inherited his mother’s blonde hair.
“Hey, stop doing that!”
Ignoring his sister, the boy asked his mother, “So, Mum, what was exactly your plan to counter Dad’s plans?”
“The kidnapping and almost everything was orchestrated. When I returned in time for Christmas, I immediately put my plans into execution. Grunkle Ford helped a lot. The paper clones were paid to kidnap me and distract Dipper, for him to chase around town, giving others enough time to assemble up there. The cliffs have a great view of the town, where we shared many memories together. I will bring yall up there next time. Melody, Soos and Ford also timed the blackout. If Dipper was aware of the time, it was actually midnight. Stan also actually stole the ring, when Dipper bumped into him. Stan then gave Dipper a decoy, and in his nervousness, he never bothered to check if the ring was in the box. He overlooked that one crucial step.”
“So, wait, Mum, did you do all of that as a prank? Or for you to be the one who proposes to dad instead of the other way round?”
“A bit of both. I did all of that just to teach your dad a lesson not to get himself in the way. And not come up with some elaborate scheme just to propose to me. You know I prefer simplicity, don’t you?”
“Well, it's a special occasion for someone special, of course, I have to do something special!”
All of them laughed merrily, as Pacifica affectionately tweaked her husband's nose. “Nita, you must be fortunate your father had a great sense of humour. Otherwise, we wouldn't get married, and none of you would have existed.”
“I would have wanted to marry you anyway!”
In the distance, the town clock chimed eleven o'clock.
“Good gracious! It's time. Quick, bring in your sister and your cousins from outside. It's time for your presents!”
“Yay!”
As he waited for the children to assemble, Dipper took Pacifica by her hand and both went over to the window. It was another cold Oregon winter. Standing by the window, Dipper and Pacifica Pines observed the huge flakes steadily falling from the black icy sky. The street outside was illuminated with various Christmas decorations. The Mayor briskly strolled down the avenue and waved at the children. Both listened to the carolers in the distance faintly singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas". It was a joyful tune, fit for the occasion.