Chapter 5 – Concern

A/N: Hey everyone! I think this story will reach its end in chapter seven so there are only two chapters left. Here's chapter five and I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Gravity Falls.

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Over the last hour, Dipper had tried to fall asleep again but something was keeping from doing so despite how tired he was.

He sighed, rolling over to the side of his bed and staring at the empty bed next to him.

Wendy and Soos were both on a day off and he didn't want to bother them by calling and it was too early for Mabel to be back home from her sleepover yet, but he was starting to really miss having them around.

Coughing slightly, Dipper sat up and tried to stand on his legs only to flinch in pain. He looked at his bandaged arm and frowned. Feeling a light nudge on his leg, he looked down to see Waddles staring at him curiously.

"I hate being sick," Dipper sighed, leaning down to give him a light pat on the head before standing up again. Maybe some orange juice would help him feel better.

He snatched his blanket from bed and wrapped it around his body before making his way downstairs. Walking down the creaky old stairs became a lot harder than it used to be since his legs felt like rubber right now.

After what seemed like forever, he finally reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the kitchen. He opened the fridge and snagged out a carton of orange juice. He then walked over to the cupboard and reached for a glass. Just when he was about to turn away another bout of dizziness struck him and the room moved sharply with him.

Dipper dropped the glass to grab the kitchen table in order to keep himself from falling over. It shattered on the floor and glass shards exploded everywhere. Whimpering weakly, he clutched his stomach as it twisted violently again. What is wrong with me? He thought with a wince.

"What's going on here?"

Dipper slowly looked up to see his uncle standing in the doorway.

"Kid, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay in bed." Stan asked sternly. It was then he noticed that his nephew was starting to take a more sick-like appearance. His skin was pale and he had dark bags under his eyes that weren't there before. All in all he looked really tired.

"I just wanted something to drink," he answered hoarsely, holding the carton out to him.

Stan frowned and walked over to where he was avoiding the glass shards on the floor. "Well, you could have just told me you wanted some juice."

Dipper looked down ashamed. "I know I just didn't want bother you." He said, feeling guilty for troubling his uncle so much. "I should clean this up."

Stan rolled his eyes and shook his head. "No, I'll clean it up." He then lifted the boy up into his arms and set him away from the glass. "Now go back to bed. I'll get your juice for you." He told him gently.

Dipper nodded slowly and walked out of the kitchen, his head hung in exhaustion. Whatever he had caught it was draining all his energy. He soon reached the attic room and flung himself on his bed waiting for Stan.

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Meanwhile, as he began filling the glass, Stan thought back to his sick great-nephew upstairs. If he was being honest with himself and he was at the moment, he was actually alarmed about how sick Dipper was and it didn't help knowing that it's his fault that the kid was like this. He then came to a decision. If Dipper's fever spiked up or his stomach rebelled any further he would take him to the doctor. That was the reasonable thing to do right?

Moments later, Grunkle Stan came back with a glass of orange juice. Dipper took it gratefully and sipped it down, the cold liquid was a relief to his dry throat at the moment.

"Thanks," he said and handed his uncle the glass.

"Next time you need something just call me okay?" He replied and then noticed the glum look on Dipper's face. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just wish I'd get over this stupid fever already. I'm tired of being stuck here." He said weakly with a sad look on his face.

Stan frowned and sat on the edge of the bed next to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Look kid, I know it's not fun being up here, but this is for you own good. Everything will go back to the way it was once you get better. I promise." He said with a reassuring smile.

Dipper seemed to consider what he said for a moment and nodded. "Okay," he said, hoping his uncle was right.

"Well, I'll be in the gift shop so call for me if you need anything, okay kid?" Stan was about to leave the room when he noticed that Dipper was still frowning making him stop in his tracks.

Maybe he's feeling lonely with everyone away. Grunkle Stan then rubbed his chin thoughtfully and sighed. "You know what? Forget that. How about you and I take a break from all this." He said and pulled some cards from his suit. "Wanna play?" he asked grinning.

Dipper looked up to him in surprise. "R-Really?"

"Yup! But don't think this means I'll take it easy on you." They both chuckled and then engaged in a game of cards.

Dipper suddenly didn't feel all that bad.

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A/N: Thanks for reading and please leave a review!