She swung her arms to the summer sunset sky, "How many stars do you think are out there?"

"I dunno. Lots of em. There are stars just nearby yet dim, There are stars far yet bright," I could feel my cheeks were heating up. Why was this happening? Shit. Just hope she didn't notice. "Dipper, you got red on you." Yep, She noticed! I grabbed my cap and turned it downwards and against Mabel's vision to hide my blushing cheeks. "Uh…. No I don't!" I stammered, which was a green light of nervousness. "Yes you do! Don't tell me what you're gonna say was a pick-up line!" She playfully shook me, which was bad. "I wasn't! I was about to explain the science of stars!" She raised her eyebrow, "Dipper, I saw that notebook of yours, and lemme just say, its a little cheesy and sciencey." Dammit, my pick-up notebook. I threw my arms up, surrendering to my twin."Fine, you win…"

She removed my cap, wore it and smiled while her eyes twinkled with the light, "Now, repeat it." I took a deep breath, looked away from Mabel to look at the sunset sky and finally had the courage to do it. "There are stars that are just nearby yet dim, There are stars that are bright yet far away….." I can't help it but look at Mabel in the eye. "But you, are bright as the sun." She felt flattered, but…. "Aw Dipper, you rapscallion! Now, we need to practice on your confidence."

"Pfft. No I don't."

"Uh, Yeah you do. You stammered and looked away from me. We need to shake off that nervousness so you can get Wendy for real."

"I already moved on, Mabel. There's nothing you can do to change her mind."

She shove my cap to my head, forcing me to wear it. "Then, who will you go for? My friends? Pacifica? C'mon! Spill your beans!" She sounded excited. She does want to know, but I don't want to tell her yet. So, I wanted to stall her, keep myself silent for a week or two, but Mabel says she's staying on the roof until I told her.

To be honest, I thought she was bluffing, until the next day. I went outside for fresh air, that's when I saw Mabel about to fall. She passed out and rolled down to the roof. I ran as quick as I can to catch her. When I caught her, I quickly rested her in the bedroom by smashing through the door. I rested her in her bed, then she opened her eyes. "Dipper, Tell me….. please…." She sneezed and shivered. I placed my hand on her forehead to feel its searing hot. I tucked her in her bedsheets and grabbed some hot chicken soup. She finally slept in peace. I placed the bowl of soup at her bedside table, grabbed my chair and sat right beside her. She looked cute to be honest. Tucked in her sheets, sleeping like an angel. I brushed off a strand of hair away from her face to the back. Now, I feel worried for her. She might pull it off again as soon she wakes up and I'm not there to stop her. I know I must answer the question, but who? There's no one else but her….

It couldn't be her. She's your twin! She couldn't possibly agree my answer to her. She wouldn't believe me. I tried to think of other girls in my past but none were thought of. Could it be really? Am I in love with her? My heart was racing as soon as I took her to her bed, I spent my whole free day to take care for her, I always know her as a sister, she's the only girl I can talk to back at home, I always protected her from harm many times and she returned only one favor for me. No one liked her cheerful personality back at home except for me and our parents, She always has my back, She never leaves my side when it comes to thunderstorms….. It could be…. I'm in love with her.

I can't help myself, going near to her. My hand was on her waist and my lips were on hers. I could taste the strawberry lip gloss and her sweet fruity scent. I finally had control over myself when I noticed my hand was about to go under the bedsheets. Not now, Not now…. Until the Time's right. She was still sleeping. Even as I parted lips, She's still sleeping. The next day, she didn't attempt that stunt again and she didn't remember the kiss. I didn't told her about the kiss ever since. It was a secret from her, that she won't know.

A/N: (As of April 4, 2015, 12:20 AM Philippine Standard) The next chapter for "The Conduit" will be released next week. While waiting, Check out my other fanfic, Sweet Lips. (Or basically ANY fanfic)