Chapter 3 – Sleep

A/N: Hey everyone! I've watched the new episode and it was really awesome!

Anyway, I can't believe how positive feedback this story is getting. Thanks. You guys are the best! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Gravity Falls.

Enjoy!

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Dipper's dreams were filled with darkness. He was standing in the middle of a dark place, but the dim light coming from the moon allowed him to see around him. He could tell he was somewhere in the forest and there was none else with him. It was all too quiet.

"Hello?" he called out somewhat shaken. His voice echoed in the dark, but got no reply. "Is anyone there?" he asked again and suddenly an odd sound reached his ears. He looked behind him and saw something moving in the trees. It was fast and he couldn't see what it was. Panicked thoughts raced through his mind as it got closer to him and suddenly he really didn't want to know.

He quickly bolted to the opposite direction away from it and he didn't dare to look back. He wasn't sure where he was going but it didn't matter. He just needed to find a way out. The noise got closer. No, he couldn't stop. He can't let it get him.

A sound like fireworks going off somewhere suddenly reached his ears before everything around him exploded, and he screamed.

Dipper's eyes snapped open and he found himself back in his bedroom. For a moment he felt relieved to be there before his face flushed hot and he suddenly felt sick all over. Fumbling to untangle himself from his blanket, he turned his head to the side of his bed and threw up on the floor. He whimpered miserably from the pain, feeling completely drained.

Grunkle Stan, who fell asleep on the chair, was sleeping soundly oblivious to the discomfort he was in. Dipper managed to stand on his legs and wobbled downstairs towards the bathroom as another wave of nausea overtook him. He then knelt in front of the toilet and threw up again, tears of pain rolling down his cheeks as he emptied his stomach. His chest clutched and he struggled to breath.

Soon enough, he heard heavy footsteps sounding his way and someone coming in. "Kid?"

Dipper looked back to see his uncle looking back at him with concern. "Grunkle Stan…" he said relieved.

The older man quickly rushed to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You okay?" he asked.

"I don't feel so good…" Dipper groaned, clutching his stomach tightly.

Stan placed his hand in between his shoulder blades, tenderly rubbing circles in his back. Dipper then took a few deep shuddering breaths as the heaves subsided.

"Has it passed?"

"Yeah," Dipper said, scrubbing the tears from his cheeks. He felt his Stan's large hand brush against his forehead and then frowned in concern.

"Kid, you're burning up. We need to take you back to your room." Stan stated firmly.

"I made a mess in the attic. Sorry. I can clean it up." He said weakly.

"No, I'll go clean it up. Wait here until I get back, okay?" With that said, he got up and made his way out of the bathroom.

Dipper must have dozed off for a while because the next he knew he was being carried bridal style by his great uncle to his bedroom. He honestly felt worse than before and vomiting left him with a burning throat and a throbbing headache. What's wrong with me? He had gotten a fever before and so did Mabel, but it never felt anything like this. And why does he feel so numb?

Stan meanwhile put him back in bed as gently as possible. He then fetched the wet cloth he brought earlier and used it whip the sweat off his forehead. It's true he wasn't used to stuff like this, but he knew he needed to ease the kid's fever before it gets worse.

"I'm sorry," Dipper said suddenly.

Stan blinked in surprise. "For what?"

"F-For keeping you up and troubling you so much." He replied ashamed.

Stan sighed. "Look kid, it's not your fault. You couldn't help it. I know how sickness works, Dipper and I'm more worried about your health than getting enough sleep." He said and ruffled his hair playfully. Besides, if anyone should be blamed for this, it's me. He thought guiltily. The kid must have gotten a fever from being in the rain for so long.

"Now c'mon, you need to drink." He said as he helped him sit up and brought the glass of water close to his mouth. Dipper nodded and gulped down the water, so much that he had to pull away. "Hey, slow down. You don't wanna get sick again." He stated. Dipper nodded and did as he told.

"Better?"

"Yeah, thanks." He mumbled faintly, his eyes beginning to close.

"Good, rest now kid." He told him softly. And get better soon, okay?

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A/N: And done! Thanks for reading this and please drop a review. I would appreciate any feedback.