Apprentice {Gravity Falls}

Son

Requested by: Trombone_Writer

"Thanks Dad!" Dipper responded. He didn't realize his mistake at first.

"Uhh... Dipper?"

"Hm?" He glanced up. "...Oh man! I'm so sorry Grunkle Ford! I didn't mean to-" he began to ramble, but was stopped by Ford.

"It's alright, my boy!" The elder exclaimed. He couldn't help but give a slight smile, "You think of me as your dad?"

"Uhhh..." Dipper began to sweat, "Um... maybe a little bit." He wiped his palms on his jeans, "It's just... I mean, you've kinda been a better parent than my actual parents. N-not to say they're bad parents or anything! B-but I think they care about Mabel a little more than me. They wanted an only child, and I kinda ruined that," he gave a sad chuckle.

Ford nodded sadly. He knew how awful Stan felt when Ford was favored by their dad all those years ago. He hated to see Dipper go through the same thing with his own parents.

"Again, they're not bad parents!!" He waved his hands to emphasize his point, "Though... sometimes I daydream about... nevermind it's stupid," he gave an awkward chuckle.

This piqued Ford's interest, "Daydream about what?"

"You... adopting me..." Dipper's face went red and he looked away, "I know it's stupid... but... you're so... supportive of me and you like having me around. You'll listen to what I'm talking about, even if you're not really interested," he admitted. "It's nice..."

After a brief paused, Dipper spoke up, "It's getting kinda late... I should go to bed. Again, I'm really sorry Grunkle Ford!"

As Ford watched Dipper head upstairs, he was caught up in his own thoughts. He was honored the boy thought that highly of him, and at the same time, a little disappointed in Dipper's parents. He didn't deserve to feel left out of his own family. Ford would adopt the boy if he could, but this was impossible as Dipper already had two parents at home who had custody over him.

Ford glanced at his laptop. Maybe he couldn't adopt Dipper per se, but maybe he could do the next best thing...

*   *   *

"-Dipper. I go by Dipper," the boy explained to the social worker. "What's going on? My parents didn't like... die or anything right?"

"Of course not," she stated, "But we have some questions for you if you'd be open to answering."

Dipper paused, "Wait... Grunkle Stan and Ford aren't in trouble are they??"

"No kid, your great uncles aren't in trouble at all. We just have some questions for you, that's all!"

Dipper sighed, "Um... okay..."

The social worker asked Dipper some questions and Dipper, although a bit reluctant, answered.

"How long have you been living here for?"

"Since around late November, early December..."

"Why do you live with your great uncles?"

"Uhh... I just, wasn't doing very well at home," Dipper admitted, "It's not that my parents are bad or anything!! But... there was a lot of bullying at school and my sister used to be a little bit controlling of me. Grunkle Ford offered me an apprenticeship and although I didn't accept at first, with everything going on it was decided it would be better for me."

"So your Stanford's apprentice? Is it working out better here than at home?"

Dipper nodded, "Oh yeah, definitely!" He exclaimed, "I wasn't getting enough stimulus from school, but it's so much better here! Besides, everything we do is hands on, so it's not like I'm cooped up in a stuffy classroom!"

"That's good to hear!" She smiled, "Now Stanford, does he take care of you? Provide you with food, shelter, etc.?"

"Yeah? Of course he does!" Dipper exclaimed, confused, "Why wouldn't he?" He continued before the social worker could, "I know he's my great uncle, but he's also a father figure to me. He's really supportive of me and stuff."

The social worker beamed, "That's all I need to ask you," she glanced towards Ford, "Everything seems good, Stanford. The order should go through!"

Ford smiled, "Excellent!"

Dipper cocked his head, "Excellent? What is? Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

Ford smirked, "I guess I can't hide it any longer... Mason, I'm getting legal guardianship over you."

Dipper's eyes widened, "W-what? Wait so... so you're adopting me?"

Ford sighed, "Not exactly, my boy. Legally, I can't adopt you because your parents still have custody. But, I will be able to make some decisions for you. For instance, let's say theoretically you needed surgery. Usually you would need your parents permission, but now I'll also be able to give permission if needed."

"And my parents said this was okay?"

The social worker nodded, "They gave their consent. In fact, everything worked out really well considering you've been under the care of your great uncle for so long."

"That's... that's amazing..." Dipper commented, stunned.

"The order should go through on Monday," the social worker explained, "I'll be leaving now. You guys take care,"

As she left, Ford glanced at Dipper. Surprisingly, he seemed a bit down.

"Are you alright?"

Dipper nodded, "Yeah! I'm honored you want legal guardianship of me... but... I still wish I could be your son..."

Ford wrapped Dipper in a hug, "Mason, you already are my son."