I had never felt so uncomfortable in my own skin- it felt like I was literally walking in Dipper's body rather than just the clothes we had switched. (Exactly how and when we switched clothes is an awkward story for another time.)

I was sitting in a booth waiting for Pacifica when I heard my phone buzz.

Dipper: is she there yet???

I rolled my eyes and slipped my phone back in my pocket. Knowing Dipper, he was probably spying on me from the window beside me. I glanced outside and heaved a relieved sigh when I didn't see him.

I heard a bell chime as the diner's front door swung open. Pacifica walked in, looking a round the room. Her eyes lit up when she noticed me.

"Hey, Dipper!" she greeted as she slid into the booth across from me. She was wearing a sleeveless lake foam green dress, matching heels, and a white purse.

"Hey, Paz," I said while forcing what I hoped to come across to her as a welcoming smile. It felt weird using the pet name Dipper gave her, it put a funny taste in my mouth.

This is when I finally replied to Dipper's message.

She's here.

Send.

Before I could attempt making conversation, Lazy Susan had appeared with her notepad and pen ready to take our order.

"What can I get you two this evening?"

I nodded toward Pacifica. "You can order first."

"Oh, okay. I'll have a diet Pitt-Cola and-" she skimmed through the menu and turned back to Susan "- the Greek salad with low fat dressing."

Lazy Susan nodded and scribbled down on her notepad, then glanced at me.

"I'll just have a vanilla shake and fries."

When Lazy Susan disappeared to the kitchen to  place our orders, Pacifica turned back to me.

"So what's been up with you?" she asked curiously, resting her pointed chin on her clasped fingers.

"Ah, nothing much," I said, "just got back from a fishing trip with Mabel and-" I almost said Dipper "-Ty," I finished followed by a loud gulp. It wasn't exactly a lie. . . besides the fact that I was literally masquerading as Dipper.

"Catch anything?" Pacifica pressed.

An image of Dipper telling us to help the Gobblewonker back into the lake crossed my mind.

"I guess you could say that, but we ended up throwing it back," I said with a shrug. Wow, I was surprisingly good at this lying thing.

"What about your week?" I asked.

Pacifica's ocean-blue eyes trailed up to the ceiling in thought.

"Nothing much, my parents are still nagging me about getting a job though," she said with a look of disgust at the thought of working.

Lazy Susan set our food down on the table. "Enjoy!" she said cheerfully, then left to take the next customer's order.

I popped a fry in my mouth followed by a long  sip of my shake. I hadn't realized how hungry I'd been, now I wished that I'd ordered a full meal.

"Speaking of my parents," Pacifica said while twirling a lock of blonde hair with her manicured finger. "They can't wait for you to meet them tonight!"

I choked.

She what?!

That was it. Dipper was dead. This was not what I signed up for. Did Dipper know about this? I might be a little smooth with the ladies, but the NorthWests? That was a big freaking NOPE.

Pacifica laughed, "are you okay? Don't let the nerves get to you, it's just my parents."

I was not okay. This was not okay.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said in a hoarse voice. "I just need to send a quick text, I forgot something."

To Dipper: I HAVE TO MEET HER FREAKING PARENTS???

Dipper: plz! I'm begging you!!

I sighed before replying.

To Dipper: I'm telling her the truth, this isn't worth it. I'm sorry.

"Look, Pacifica. . ." I said wearily, "I gotta be honest with you. . . I-"

That's when I saw Dipper, wearing my hoodie and hiding behind a menu at a booth behind Pacifica. He lowered his menu slightly, his mouth open and his eyes widened in deep fear.

I sunk a little lower in my seat and bowed my head as I mumbled, "-I. . . I'm not. . ."

I took a deep breath. It was no or never, I had to make my choice.

"I'm not ready to meet your parents," I finished.

Pacifica looked sympathetic. She reached out to me and gripped my hands. My heart thudded and skipped in a funny way, like a limping butterfly or something.

"It's totally fine, Dipper," she said with a smile.
"We can wait a while longer if you're not ready. It's not a big deal."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and glanced back at Dipper. He grinned at me and shot me a gratifying thumbs up.

"Thanks, Paz."

                         .  .  .  .  .  .  .

After we finished eating we stepped outside and sat on a bench under a street light. It was almost pitch black if it hadn't been for the moon or the traffic.

Pacifica rested her head on my shoulder, which sent an uncomfortable shiver up my spine. It felt more like a paralyzing, electric shock. I guess that's how you'd describe Pacifica NorthWest. Even her icy blue eyes were electrifying.

Her ring tone went off. She checked her phone and heaved a saddened sigh.

"It's my parents, I have to head home now."

Pacifica stood up. I suddenly felt the cold night air nipping at my skin without the warmth of her resting on my shoulder. I shivered and stood up next to her.

"I'll walk you home," I offered.

Pacifica smiled but shook her head.

"You better not. If you walk me home then my parents will probably see you and want to talk to you, " she pointed out.

I nodded slowly and shoved my hands in my pockets. I watched as she waved goodbye and began to walk home.

"Wait," I stuttered.

Pacifica stopped and turned back.

My heart did the funny skipping thing again as I quickly took off my sweater and handed it to her.

"Take this, it's freezing out here," I said it like more of a demand than an offer, but still in a friendly way.

Pacifica giggled and pulled it on over her dress, then untucked her hair from the back of the neck. The blue in the sweater looked amazing on her. It matched her eyes.

Now I was even colder in my plain white undershirt, but it's not like I was regretting giving her my sweater. I think it made her happy. I hope it made her happy.

"Thanks," she breathed. Her breath came out in a short cloud-like puff in the freezing air. She began leaning closer. I hadn't realized how close we had been standing. And how was she still shorter than me when she was wearing heels? Was I just really tall? I didn't feel tall. Compared to her I felt just about as big as a pebble.

Pacifica was leaning closer, her eyes fluttering closed. Was she wanting a kiss? Or I guess the real question was, did I want to kiss?

My heartbeat filled my ears at the thought.

Dipper would kill me.

But then again I technically was supposed to be Dipper right now. . . That's what Dipper wanted me to do.

I kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and I wrapped mine shakily around her waist.

When she pulled away she laughed again and hugged me tightly. The warmth filled my arms, then my stomach, then it spread to my toes.
When she pulled away the warmth was replaced by disappointment.

"Your hair smells like peaches," I mumbled.

"What?" Pacifica laughed.

CRAP.

I thought I said that in my head.

"Nothing," I said with a nervous smile.

Pacifica smiled back and said, "Goodnight, Dipper."

I felt sick when I remembered that I was Dipper right now. None of this is real, I thought. I was disgusted at myself for actually enjoying this.

"See you later," I said with a dorky wave and watched as the sound of her heels clicking against the pavement slowly faded into the night.

Crap.

A/n:
DUUUDE this chapter was so much fun to write!

*rubs hands together devilishly*
Here's where things are gonna get FUN!!

Am I doing good with developing Ty's personality? I wanna know what you guys think down in the comments below!

Hope you have a good weekend, bye!

~Cath